A Quick Revision To My Offseason Plan

[Money]

3/12/06

 

Originally, I wanted to write a comprehensive offseason strategy, then make variations of that plan on the basis of free agent movement, impact of workouts on the draft, and other unpreditable circumstances. Unfortunately, the brutal combination of a rigorous academic schedule and social pressures inherent in student life, I have not had the time available to write anything that approaches the quality of my first offseason plan. Nonetheless, I have some available time on a rainy, boring Saturday night to submit a moderate revision. Please refer to my previous thread for information regarding the logic behind personnel decisions and information on new players.

 

Staying

 

Key

 

ERFA = Exclusive Rights Free Agent

RFA = Restricted Free Agent

UFA = Unrestricted Free Agent

 

Re-sign

 

- Damane Duckett (ERFA -- tremendous size and ability)

- Derrick Ward (ERFA -- decent back-up who is underrated, can return kicks, and contributes on special teams coverage units)

 

- Kenderick Allen (RFA -- similar to Duckett, has played well during spot-duty)

- Willie Ponder (RFA -- I say the Giants give him another chance, but I expect him to be among the final cuts)

- Visanthe Shiancoe (RFA -- excellent blocker, underutilized in the passing game)

- David Tyree (RFA -- needs no introduction)

- Frank Walker (RFA -- one last chance under then new Secondary Coach, Pete Guinta)

 

- Tim Hasselbeck (UFA -- decent back-up ... the Giants could do a lot worse than him)

- Chad Morton (UFA -- sure-handed with big-play capability and valuable versatility ... should have improved speed and flexibility in '06 because he will be almost two years removed from ACL surgery)

- Bob Whitfield (UFA -- veteran who filled in admirably at both LT and RT ... good insurance at the position .. guys like him are often difference in playoff teams and non-playoff teams)

 

Leaving :bye:

 

Release (Cap Impact)

 

- Brent Alexander (+ $840,000 -- too old and slow ... might retire)

- Barrett Green (+ $1.00 million -- Health problems and an inability to agree to a restructured contract led to release; Giants want to add a core player at the WLB position)

- Jason Whittle (+ 800,000 -- Seubert assumes the role of back-up OC)

 

Depart Via Free Agency

 

- Will Allen (UFA -- scarcity of capable free agent CB's will over-inflate his price)

- Terrell Buckley (UFA -- might be worth keeping...if it was 2001)

- Kendrick Clancy (UFA -- In a word, replaceable)

- Tim Carter (UFA -- probably best for he and the Giants to part ways, but there may be a small chance he returns)

- Mike Cloud (UFA -- depth at RB makes him the odd man out, although he probably will get invited to training camp)

- Jay Foreman (UFA -- Giants can do a lot better than him)

- Nick Greisen (UFA -- thanks but no thanks ... desire to start prices him out of the Giants range)

- Lewis Kelly (UFA -- depth at interior OL [Jason Whittle, Rich Seubert] leaves no room for him)

- Kevin Lewis (UFA -- probably returns to training camp, but again gets replaced by younger talent)

- Roman Phifer (UFA -- simply does not fit into future plans)

- Shaun Williams (UFA -- injuries, age, and cap relief all factor into this decision ... a no-brainer)

 

* It should be noted that I anticipate several of the aforementioned players to be invited to training camp (i.e. Cloud, Kelly, Lewis, possibly Foreman), but I do not expect any of them to make the final roster, which is why I listed them in this category.

 

New Additions: Free Agents

 

Name, Position, Age (as of 09/07/06)

 

- Sam Madison, CB, 32 -- Veteran corner with 4 Pro Bowls on his resume. Despite experiecing some decline, he can still play and he can mentor younger players. Short-term solution at a great price.

 

- LaVar Arrington, WLB, 28 -- Why not? (Alternatives: Julian Peterson, David Thornton)

 

- Jabar Gaffney, WR, 25 -- Profiled in previous thread. (Alternatives: Antonio Bryant, Corey Bradford)

 

- Quentin Harris, S, 29 -- Quality back-up and special teams performer who needs a change of scenary. Underrated player who has the ability to back-up both safety spots. Could lose a training camp battle to a mid to late-round safety prospect or either Jason Shivers or Jamaal Brimmer.

 

- Renaldo Hill, CB, 27 -- This move is predicated on Will Peterson's health. If Peterson is not healthy, then bringing in Hill (who was profiled in the previous thread) would be a wise decision. If Peterson is healthy, then scrath Hill from this list. (Alternatives: Kenny Wright, RW McQuarters)

 

- Tank Williams, SS, 26 -- Intimidator over the middle and force in run support ... something the Giants have been lacking from the safety position for a long time. Bringing in Tank effectively means moving Gibril Wilson to FS, a move which I endore only if it is preceeded by adding a superior SS. (Alternatives: Will Demps, Ryan Clark)

 

New Additions: Mock Draft

 

Round. Player, Position, College

 

1. Brodrick Bunkley, DT, Florida State

2. Daryn Colledge, OT/OG, Boise State

3. Will Blackmon, CB, Boston College

4. Clint Ingram, OLB, Oklahoma

 

Profiles for all these players are available at NFL Draft Countdown

 

Ideal 53-Man Roster

 

Quarterback (3) -- Eli Manning, Tim Hasselbeck, Jared Lorenzen/Josh Harris

 

Running Back (5) -- Tiki Barber, Brandon Jacobs, Derrick Ward, Chad Morton, Jim Finn (FB)

 

Wide Receiver (5) -- Plaxico Burress, Amani Toomer, Jabar Gaffney, Jamaar Taylor, David Tyree

 

Tight End (3) -- Jeremy Shockey, Visanthe Shiancoe, Sean Berton

 

Offensive Tackle (4) -- Luke Petitgout, Kareem McKenzie, Bob Whitfield, Daryn Colledge*

 

Offensive Guard (3) -- David Diehl, Chris Snee, Rich Seubert

 

Offensive Center (1) -- Shaun O'Hara

 

Defensive Tackle (5) -- William Joseph, Brodrick Bunkley*, Fred Robbins, Kenderick Allen, Damane Duckett

 

Defensive End (4) -- Michael Strahan, Osi Umenyiora, Justin Tuck, Eric Moore

 

Inside Linebacker (2) -- Antonio Pierce, Chase Blackburn

 

Outside Linebacker (4) -- LaVar Arrington, Carlos Emmons, Reggie Torbor, Clint Ingram*

 

Cornerback (6) -- Will Peterson/Renaldo Hill, Sam Madison, Corey Webster, Curtis Deloatch, Frank Walker, Will Blackmon*

 

Safety (4) -- Gibril Wilson, Tank Williams, James Butler, Quentin Harris

 

Specialists (3) -- Jay Feely, Jeff Feagles, Ryan Kuehl

 

*Denotes Rookie

 

Concluding Thoughts

 

Super Bowl, bitches.

 

Go Giants!

 

:worshippy:

 

© Money

[Barens]

Well done. I see you changed your stance as far as drafting an offensive tackle. I'm still not convinced that's the way we're going to go this year. I'm a big Bunckley fan as well, and I think there is a chance he could get taken before Ngata. Unfortunetely, I just can't see him falling into the 20's.

 

Do you really see Shiancoe as an excellent blocker? I wouldn't give him that much praise.

 

It looks like there may be a chance Rocky Bernard falls into our plans as well.

[lemmiwinks]

Well done. I see you changed your stance as far as drafting an offensive tackle. I'm still not convinced that's the way we're going to go this year. I'm a big Bunckley fan as well, and I think there is a chance he could get taken before Ngata. Unfortunetely, I just can't see him falling into the 20's.

 

Do you really see Shiancoe as an excellent blocker? I wouldn't give him that much praise.

 

It looks like there may be a chance Rocky Bernard falls into our plans as well.

 

Yeah Rocky would be great!! I really dont want him going to Philli....I can see the stupid commercials now ....His fat ass running up bleacher stairs like Rocky Balboa did in the movie

[Storm]

wait, the Eagles signed Shawn Barber, what LB position will he play for them?

 

 

and money, you think there is zero chance we resign Will Allen? I was thinking it might be possible now that we got Sam Madison for next to nothing...

 

and I find it strange that we are going after the bigger name free agents this year...just seems to get against what the giants have done as of recent years...

[Money]

Well done. I see you changed your stance as far as drafting an offensive tackle. I'm still not convinced that's the way we're going to go this year. I'm a big Bunckley fan as well, and I think there is a chance he could get taken before Ngata. Unfortunetely, I just can't see him falling into the 20's.

 

Do you really see Shiancoe as an excellent blocker? I wouldn't give him that much praise.

 

It looks like there may be a chance Rocky Bernard falls into our plans as well.

 

Shiancoe was a big reason behind the success of our running game, especially when Whitfield and Diehl had to play OT in emergency situations.

 

There is a decent chance that Bunkley is gone before 25. But I can dream, can't I.

 

Like I've said in previous topics, the only circumstances where I'd draft an OT is if that player won't have to back-up either OT position (he won't if Whitfield is here), and if he has the versatility to play guard (Colledge can), which essentially saves us a roster spot.

 

I have my doubts with Bernard. After the contracts that Kemoeatu and Warren got, I would not even think of giving this guy $40 million+...

[Money]

wait, the Eagles signed Shawn Barber, what LB position will he play for them?

and money, you think there is zero chance we resign Will Allen? I was thinking it might be possible now that we got Sam Madison for next to nothing...

 

and I find it strange that we are going after the bigger name free agents this year...just seems to get against what the giants have done as of recent years...

 

Barber will probably play WLB for them. Trotter and Jones are their other starters.

 

It's possible Will Allen comes back, especially if Peterson's health remains a major problem. But it seems like the Giants are more interested in allocating their funds towards a Arrington than Allen.

 

Aside from Arrington, the Giants haven't really been linked to any other big-name, big-price guys...

[xxi-xxv]

Morton is a 100% must, he is a gamechanger in terms of his ST abilities and a year removed from ACL should help. He is also surehanded and that in and of itself can change things.

 

I do not like taking DT in the first round. For some reason I think it takes them longer to develop. I look at WJ as an example and Dewayne Robertson as another. I think we can get a dependable DT in FA at a nice cost and draft a CB or LB in RD 1.

 

I think its imperative that Morton is re-signed. He gives options, can play both return spots(allows for another body to dress on game day) and he could be a useful 3rd down option as the coaching staff should start to look for spots(especially early season) to rest Tiki.

[Money]

Morton is a 100% must, he is a gamechanger in terms of his ST abilities and a year removed from ACL should help. He is also surehanded and that in and of itself can change things.

 

I do not like taking DT in the first round. For some reason I think it takes them longer to develop. I look at WJ as an example and Dewayne Robertson as another. I think we can get a dependable DT in FA at a nice cost and draft a CB or LB in RD 1.

 

I think its imperative that Morton is re-signed. He gives options, can play both return spots(allows for another body to dress on game day) and he could be a useful 3rd down option as the coaching staff should start to look for spots(especially early season) to rest Tiki.

 

I agree Morton should be resigned.

 

As for taking a DT first, some DTs can impact early on. Robertson started 16 games as a rookie and did very well his 2nd season. Mike Patterson played well for the Eagles last season. Cornelius Griffin was a big boost as a rookie back in 2000. It depends on the player.

 

Bunkley had 9 sacks this year, and he was 2nd in the nation in tackles behind the line of scrimmage. He's quick, fast, and athletic ... and he's extremely strong, as evidenced by his 44 reps. He's a similar player to Clancy, Glover, and Bernard ... but much more talented. He'd instantly upgrade our D, IMO...

[xxi-xxv]

I agree Morton should be resigned.

 

As for taking a DT first, some DTs can impact early on. Robertson started 16 games as a rookie and did very well his 2nd season. Mike Patterson played well for the Eagles last season. Cornelius Griffin was a big boost as a rookie back in 2000. It depends on the player.

 

Bunkley had 9 sacks this year, and he was 2nd in the nation in tackles behind the line of scrimmage. He's quick, fast, and athletic ... and he's extremely strong, as evidenced by his 44 reps. He's a similar player to Clancy, Glover, and Bernard ... but much more talented. He'd instantly upgrade our D, IMO...

 

 

If that is the route you want to take in terms of replacing Clancy then I cannot argue. Its just that if he falters or is simply not ready for the NFL(as some Dt's are not)we have to hope that Duckett and Allen can pick up any slack. I like those 2 in a nice rotation with Robbins, but on more consistent basis I am not sure. That is my only concern.

 

Griffin was a guy that as a Giant played better as a rotational DT as a rookie then he did as a starter in year 2 and 3. GUess its just that outside OSI our luck with DT and DE in the first few rounds has been spotty at best.

[Pizan]

I like it. The only thing I wouldnt be excited about is our back up QB situation, but I could live with it. I really like the Tank Williams signing and man I really hope we could land Bunkely especially if we sign Arrington. And if we do happen to sign Arrington and Bunkley werent available then I think that would leave the perfect opportunity to try and trade back for extra picks. But if I were to do one of these, it would look very similar to this one. I also agree that there are some DTs that adjust faster then others, I think Bunkely will be one that wont have to much trouble with the transition and could make an impact early on.

[Blue Jeans]

Bunkley will be gone. The Giants will probably take Gabe Watson- a big ass run stuffing D-Tackle from Michigan. He does have some problems but nothing that a few talks with Coughlin can't fix.

[Money]

Bunkley will be gone. The Giants will probably take Gabe Watson- a big ass run stuffing D-Tackle from Michigan. He does have some problems but nothing that a few talks with Coughlin can't fix.

 

If they are smart, they won't take Watson. Trust me, I know a thing or two about Big Gabe, and he isn't the answer...

[Blue Jeans]

If they are smart, they won't take Watson. Trust me, I know a thing or two about Big Gabe, and he isn't the answer...

 

Your old sig had a Michigan logo in it, so I'm guessing you follow them. Why do you think he's not the answer?

[osi724dasack]

Ryan Pickett has been contacted by the Giants

[Money]

Your old sig had a Michigan logo in it, so I'm guessing you follow them. Why do you think he's not the answer?

 

I go to U of M. Gabe Watson plays when he wants to play ... and he had no interest in showing up this year. He was benched on multiple occassions because he was either out of shape or giving poor effort. Then he shows up at the Senior Bowl, knowing that a good performance will make him some serious money, and he dominates. I'm not big on adding low effort players ... he's a boom or bust prospect, and his work ethic is a major question mark. As a result, there are a few DTs I would prefer instead of him...

[Money]

- Quentin Harris, S, 29 -- Quality back-up and special teams performer who needs a change of scenary. Underrated player who has the ability to back-up both safety spots. Could lose a training camp battle to a mid to late-round safety prospect or either Jason Shivers or Jamaal Brimmer.

 

Not to toot my own horn...

[relyoneli]

I go to U of M. Gabe Watson plays when he wants to play ... and he had no interest in showing up this year. He was benched on multiple occassions because he was either out of shape or giving poor effort. Then he shows up at the Senior Bowl, knowing that a good performance will make him some serious money, and he dominates. I'm not big on adding low effort players ... he's a boom or bust prospect, and his work ethic is a major question mark. As a result, there are a few DTs I would prefer instead of him...

Some would say we already have a Watson.....William Joseph.

[Firstnten]

3/12/06

 

© Money

 

 

I see seubert starting this year.

 

I don't argee with the bob whitefild thing I think he stays..

 

as crazy as this may sound to the rest of you. IMO we need to draft or pick up a young LT. Luke will be released next year. Mark it down.

 

the rest looks good IMO....

[HOUND]

Money ... I like the revised plan much better than the original. I really feel we have to come out of this draft with a Left Tackle prospect. I'd wet my shorts if we got Bunkley in the first round. He'll make an immediate impact. That guy is freakin huge and stronger than Paul Bunyan after a day trip to Barry Bonds spa. Unfortunately, I don't think there's any way he's still there when we're on the board. Although I wouldn't be opposed to trading up to get him. He's that good.

 

Glad to see you've incorporated Brimmer and Shivers into the safety mix. I'm still holding firm on my original prediction that one of those two will factor into the mix.

 

I don't think Arrington is the foregone conclusion that everybody is making him out to be. The Poston's have never been fun to negotiate with. Arrington has always a money guy. I just don't see Arrington and the Poston's making a nice match with our front office. I'd welcome Lavar but I damn sure don't want to break the bank for him. If we were going to pay big bucks for a LB then David Thornton should've been the guy.

[Money]

I see seubert starting this year.

 

I don't argee with the bob whitefild thing I think he stays..

 

as crazy as this may sound to the rest of you. IMO we need to draft or pick up a young LT. Luke will be released next year. Mark it down.

 

the rest looks good IMO....

 

If Whitfield doesn't stay, who is our back-up at OT?

 

Also, Daryn Colledge is included in my mock...

[Firstnten]

If Whitfield doesn't stay, who is our back-up at OT?

 

Also, Daryn Colledge is included in my mock...

i thought you had him down as leaving....

[Storm]

Barber will probably play WLB for them. Trotter and Jones are their other starters.

 

It's possible Will Allen comes back, especially if Peterson's health remains a major problem. But it seems like the Giants are more interested in allocating their funds towards a Arrington than Allen.

 

Aside from Arrington, the Giants haven't really been linked to any other big-name, big-price guys...

 

 

The Sam Madison's as opposed to the Barry Stokes...