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Giants GM Reese Not Feeling Added Pressure Heading Into Draft

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Despite recent comments made by co-owner John Mara, Giants general manager Jerry Reese says he's not feeling any additional pressure heading into the draft next week.

Last week, Mara said: "Every draft is important, but I would say this one more so than usual. ... Because we're picking so high, and because we're coming off of 3 1/2 losing years, it's time to pick it up. We spent all this money in free agency, and we got better. But we're still not there, and we need some impact players."

MORE: Palladino: It's High Time For Giants To Draft A Linebacker In First Round

The comments were interpreted by some as a declaration that Reese enters the season on the hot seat. But speaking to reporters at his predraft news conference Thursday, the general manager insisted those remarks are not changing how he approaches the draft, which begins April 28 in Chicago.

"All the drafts are important for me," he said. "I understand why John would say something like that, but all the drafts are very important to me. When you say something like that, I think it's taken out of context a little bit.

"The pressure's always there. Nobody puts more pressure on me than me."

Reese also said he is open to both trading up from the 10th spot in the first round or moving back.

"In the draft, you never know what's going to happen," he said. "You just try to prepare yourself for everything. Could be a lot of movement, could be not much more movement."

On a topic that was not draft related, Reese said the team's doctors are pleased with the progress wide receiver Victor Cruz is making.

Cruz hasn't played in a game since tearing his patellar tendon in October 2014. A calf injury kept him out all of last season.

Reese said the Giants expect Cruz to be a "full go" for training camp, but the GM is keeping his expectations in check.

"What we get from Victor will be a bonus," Reese said. "We're hoping it will be a great bonus."

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