If the Draft was today....

[HOUND]

LB DeMeco Ryans, Alabama

 

I'd be happy with this pick. Ryans has faced top flight competition in the SEC. He's got what coaches call a tremendous "football IQ". He diagnosis plays quickly and reacts well. There are some concerns about his 40 time from the combine but just about every scouting report you read on the guy suggests he plays faster than he times. For what it's worth, his 40 was still better than Greenway or Carpenter's. He's an ideal fit for the oustide in a 4-3. If you were to compare him to any current players, Lofa Tatupu or even our own Antonio Pierce would come to mind.

 

I simply don't see how some of my previous favorites, Ernie Sims or Broderick Bunkley will be available at 25. In fact, I doubt either falls to 20. I'm praying the Eagles don't get either one of 'em. I think two of the highly rated safeties, Donte Whitner and Jason Allen, would be interesting choices for us but they too may be gone by the time we pick. With the Bengals drafting before us, and the likelihood that they won't have the choice of Defensive Tackle they want, I think they go secondary, specifically safety. That takes away at least one of those guys. Frankly I'll be surprised if Whitner is still on the board when Cincy picks so that makes Allen the choice. However if the Bengals nabbed Whitner we'd have an interesting choice between Allen and Ryans but I'd still prefer DeMeco. He's got a high motor, great work ethic and a high character guy. Whitner would be a nice catch too.

[Firstnten]

LB DeMeco Ryans, Alabama

 

I'd be happy with this pick. Ryans has faced top flight competition in the SEC. He's got what coaches call a tremendous "football IQ". He diagnosis plays quickly and reacts well. There are some concerns about his 40 time from the combine but just about every scouting report you read on the guy suggests he plays faster than he times. For what it's worth, his 40 was still better than Greenway or Carpenter's. He's an ideal fit for the oustide in a 4-3. If you were to compare him to any current players, Lofa Tatupu or even our own Antonio Pierce would come to mind.

 

I simply don't see how some of my previous favorites, Ernie Sims or Broderick Bunkley will be available at 25. In fact, I doubt either falls to 20. I'm praying the Eagles don't get either one of 'em. I think two of the highly rated safeties, Donte Whitner and Jason Allen, would be interesting choices for us but they too may be gone by the time we pick. With the Bengals drafting before us, and the likelihood that they won't have the choice of Defensive Tackle they want, I think they go secondary, specifically safety. That takes away at least one of those guys. Frankly I'll be surprised if Whitner is still on the board when Cincy picks so that makes Allen the choice. However if the Bengals nabbed Whitner we'd have an interesting choice between Allen and Ryans but I'd still prefer DeMeco. He's got a high motor, great work ethic and a high character guy. Whitner would be a nice catch too.

I agree

[Barens]

LB DeMeco Ryans, Alabama

 

I'd be happy with this pick. Ryans has faced top flight competition in the SEC. He's got what coaches call a tremendous "football IQ". He diagnosis plays quickly and reacts well. There are some concerns about his 40 time from the combine but just about every scouting report you read on the guy suggests he plays faster than he times. For what it's worth, his 40 was still better than Greenway or Carpenter's. He's an ideal fit for the oustide in a 4-3. If you were to compare him to any current players, Lofa Tatupu or even our own Antonio Pierce would come to mind.

 

I simply don't see how some of my previous favorites, Ernie Sims or Broderick Bunkley will be available at 25. In fact, I doubt either falls to 20. I'm praying the Eagles don't get either one of 'em. I think two of the highly rated safeties, Donte Whitner and Jason Allen, would be interesting choices for us but they too may be gone by the time we pick. With the Bengals drafting before us, and the likelihood that they won't have the choice of Defensive Tackle they want, I think they go secondary, specifically safety. That takes away at least one of those guys. Frankly I'll be surprised if Whitner is still on the board when Cincy picks so that makes Allen the choice. However if the Bengals nabbed Whitner we'd have an interesting choice between Allen and Ryans but I'd still prefer DeMeco. He's got a high motor, great work ethic and a high character guy. Whitner would be a nice catch too.

 

Whitner would be a heck of a pick if he fell that far. It's tough to tell what Cincy's going to do, and from what I've read, they could also be looking for an offensive tackle. I like Ryans, but, if we select a LB, D'quell Jackson is starting to grow on me, and I'm not sure why he's not considered a better prospect. He could play the weakside, in addition to being great insurance in case Pierce went down again in the middle.

 

I wouldn't totally discount the other 2 Florida state defenders either, Kameron Wimbley or Antonio Cromartie.

 

I can't see the Giants going after Jason Allen in the first round...he's stillconsidered a tweener, and he's not exactly the biggest hitter we'd find. His speed is more impressive than anticipated, but IMO, I just think a first round grade is too high for him.

[Guest Lockhart]

Ernie would look at his name and pick him without thinking...........just as he usually does:

 

 

Danieal Manning

S | (5'10", 202, 4.47) | ABILENE CHRISTIAN

 

Scouts Grade: 65

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Strengths: Is a versatile prospect. Has experience at DC, DS and RS. Shows adequate size and top-end speed. Is aggressive in run support and takes good angles. Does a good job of wrapping up in space. Is a fluid athlete. Shows the ability to get out of his pedal quickly. Matches up well vs. bigger WR's one-on-one. Shows adequate range in deep zone coverage and can get better in that facet if his recognition skills improve. He has good ball skills and is a natural playmaker. He shows explosiveness as a return man and when returning interceptions.

 

Weaknesses: Comes from the small-school level of competition. Is unpolished in coverage. Must improve his recognition skills, footwork and awareness. He will get turned around in coverage at times. Lacks ideal size as a DS and also lacks ideal hip-fluidity as a man-to-man cover corner. Will have trouble getting off of blocks. Needs to improve his hands when fighting through traffic.

 

Overall: Manning was a three-year starter at Abilene Christian before electing to leave school early for the NFL. He finished his freshman season in 2003 with 56 total tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, one sack and six interceptions. As a sophomore in 2004, he recorded 54 tackles, five TFL and two INT's. As a junior in 2005, Manning recorded 49 tackles, two TFL, one sack and three INT's. He also returned 19 punts for 243 yards and a touchdown, and 13 kickoffs for 349 yards and a touchdown. Manning is a small-school prospect with intriguing versatility. He answered some questions about his potential to match up against better competition with his solid showing at this year's East-West Shrine game. While he lack elite physical tools, Manning shows the ability to contribute as a sub-package DC and/or DS in the NFL, while also flashing some upside as a return specialist. In our opinion, Manning is worth taking a chance on in the fourth round of the 2006 draft.

[CharlesShowMeTheWay]

As of right now I think either Ryans or Cromartie are the best picks for us @ 25.

[Guest Lockhart]

As of right now I think either Ryans or Cromartie are the best picks for us @ 25.

 

It's so hard to say at 25 as you have no idea who will still be on the board, and who the Giants even like. A lot of what the Gian's will do, depends on that of the clubs selecting before them.

[CharlesShowMeTheWay]

It's so hard to say at 25 as you have no idea who will still be on the board, and who the Giants even like. A lot of what the Gian's will do, depends on that of the clubs selecting before them.

 

Yes obviously. This is assuming they are still there.

[Guest Floyd The Barber]

i like this idea...LB in the 1st...followed by 6 more

[Guest Lockhart]

i like this idea...LB in the 1st...followed by 6 more

 

 

........5 more, the Giants traded their 6th round in 2006 for Whittle last year...........then they let him get away on Ernie's screw up this off season.

[HOUND]

Whitner would be a heck of a pick if he fell that far. It's tough to tell what Cincy's going to do, and from what I've read, they could also be looking for an offensive tackle. I like Ryans, but, if we select a LB, D'quell Jackson is starting to grow on me, and I'm not sure why he's not considered a better prospect. He could play the weakside, in addition to being great insurance in case Pierce went down again in the middle.

 

I wouldn't totally discount the other 2 Florida state defenders either, Kameron Wimbley or Antonio Cromartie.

 

I can't see the Giants going after Jason Allen in the first round...he's stillconsidered a tweener, and he's not exactly the biggest hitter we'd find. His speed is more impressive than anticipated, but IMO, I just think a first round grade is too high for him.

 

I like D'quell too but he's one of these guys who because of draft positioning isn't really an option for us. Taking him at 25 is too soon. And I really don't think it's plausible to think he'll be there in the second. I don't like Jackson ahead of Ryans. I'm really sold on D'Meco. Ya gotta love guys who have his work ethic and motor. The NFL is full of guys with sick amounts of talent. But there's also a large contingent that competes at a high level thanks to grit, determination and smarts. Ryans is the latter. Which isn't to say that he's not talented but having a good head on your shoulders is a real plus these days too and the Giants tend to be weighing character heavier than they have in years.

[lemmiwinks]

i like this idea...LB in the 1st...followed by 6 more

 

This might help you out

 

1 - 25

2 - 56

3 - 87

4 - 124

5 - 158

6 - To Tampa Bay for Jason Whittle

7 - 232

[parlintm]

I like this has to be the pick if we don't sign Arrington. We would be EXTREMELY thin at LB and I read recently that Torbor has yet to fully recover from his Hammy injury. It also gives us the opportunity to go ahead and replace Emmons next year. I think Ryans might be the safest pick of the Sims/Howard/Greenway/Carpenter group.

 

If we do sign Arringtion, I still think that we need a LB and drafting one of Ryans ability would be a good move. Signing Arrington does allow us to explore other options though, namely DT. The problem is, I dont think that there will be any 1st round grade DT's available when we pick. Our other options include getting Chad Jackson or Santonio Holmes (both highly doubtful) or getting Cromartie.

[HOUND]

Yeah ... forget about Defensive Tackle in round 1 unless we trade up. There isn't a quality candidate available at the 25 spot.

 

Personally, I'd rather Ryans over Cromartie, regardless of Arrington. Methinks we have greater depth at corner even if Will Pete is done. Arrington can play both strong or weak side, although he whined like a baby when asked to play SAM in Washington. I just think a nucleus of Pierce and Ryans at LB is a formidable pair. At corner you have to assume that DeLoatch will benefit from playing experience last season. If you take Madison, Webster, DeLoatch and Walker, that's enough depth for my comfort level that I don't feel the need to go after Cromartie.

 

IMHO Howard should not be an option. He's not first round material. While I think Carpenter can be a contributor there will definitely be other prospects I like better when we select so if we go Bobby at 25 I'll be disappointed.

[CharlesShowMeTheWay]

Yeah ... forget about Defensive Tackle in round 1 unless we trade up. There isn't a quality candidate available at the 25 spot.

 

Personally, I'd rather Ryans over Cromartie, regardless of Arrington. Methinks we have greater depth at corner even if Will Pete is done. Arrington can play both strong or weak side, although he whined like a baby when asked to play SAM in Washington. I just think a nucleus of Pierce and Ryans at LB is a formidable pair. At corner you have to assume that DeLoatch will benefit from playing experience last season. If you take Madison, Webster, DeLoatch and Walker, that's enough depth for my comfort level that I don't feel the need to go after Cromartie.

 

IMHO Howard should not be an option. He's not first round material. While I think Carpenter can be a contributor there will definitely be other prospects I like better when we select so if we go Bobby at 25 I'll be disappointed.

 

You're kidding me right?

[HOUND]

You're kidding me right?

 

What's ridiculous about that?

 

DeLoatch was a small school prospect. He's got great physical tools but has never played at the level of competition he faced. Maybe you don't recall this but Osi didn't exactly dominate the competition in his rookie year either. It takes the small school guys a little while longer to adjust. I'll admit I was horribly frustrated by DeLoatch at times last year but to give up on him this early would be a big mistake. What's so out of line to assume that DeLoatch improves this year? Besides, there's no guarantee he's even the starter.

[Frank_Grimes]

Hound I didn't know you were allowed to like players that aren't in the ACC.... I think someone has taken over your computer

[HOUND]

Hound I didn't know you were allowed to like players that aren't in the ACC.... I think someone has taken over your computer

 

C'mon, I'm hardly an ACC groupie. If anything, as far as football is concerned, I lean towards the SEC.

 

Of course if you're running the draft we likely end up with some guy from the Mountain West. Or is it the Big Sky?

[Frank_Grimes]

C'mon, I'm hardly an ACC groupie. If anything, as far as football is concerned, I lean towards the SEC.

 

Of course if you're running the draft we likely end up with some guy from the Mountain West. Or is it the Big Sky?

 

:brooding: Nobody likes the mountain west. nobody.

[HOUND]

:brooding: Nobody likes the mountain west. nobody.

 

Yo Hank/Frank, which one of the guys in your avatar is you?

 

I know a guy who looks just like the dude in the middle wearing the skullcap with the serious look on his face.

[Frank_Grimes]

Yo Hank/Frank, which one of the guys in your avatar is you?

 

I know a guy who looks just like the dude in the middle wearing the skullcap with the serious look on his face.

 

I'm just out of frame. I think you can see the top of my head with the headband on.

[parlintm]

Personally, I'd rather Ryans over Cromartie, regardless of Arrington. Methinks we have greater depth at corner even if Will Pete is done. Arrington can play both strong or weak side, although he whined like a baby when asked to play SAM in Washington. I just think a nucleus of Pierce and Ryans at LB is a formidable pair. At corner you have to assume that DeLoatch will benefit from playing experience last season. If you take Madison, Webster, DeLoatch and Walker, that's enough depth for my comfort level that I don't feel the need to go after Cromartie.

 

If we land Arrington, then we dont have the need that we currently do at LB.

Starters - LA, Pierce, Emmons Backups - Torbor, Blackburn, Moore

 

That group is solid and drafting Ryans would most likely put him on the bench for most of the year. Given that LB would no longer be a huge need, we would have to go after BPA. Given the quality of the linebackers in this draft, Id imagine that BPA would come from that position. The only non-LB that comes to mind as BPA at 25 is Cromartie. If its true that he would likely be a top 5 pick if he stays in school another year, he just might be too talented to pass up. Even though hes coming back from his knee injury he posted phenomenal numbers at the combine, indicating that hes going to make a full recovery. Since we're not plugging a hole with this pick, we have to go BPA and that might just be Cromartie.

 

If we don't get Arrington, I think our decision is made for us and we go LB in round 1. If we get Arrington and choose to go w/ a position other than LB in the 1st, there are plenty of LB's that we can target in later rounds. EA even says he likes to target LB's in the mid rounds.

 

Some of the mid-round prospects I like are:

Jon Alston, AJ Nicholson and Brandon Johnson

[HOUND]

If we land Arrington, then we dont have the need that we currently do at LB.

Starters - LA, Pierce, Emmons Backups - Torbor, Blackburn, Moore

 

That group is solid and drafting Ryans would most likely put him on the bench for most of the year. Given that LB would no longer be a huge need, we would have to go after BPA. Given the quality of the linebackers in this draft, Id imagine that BPA would come from that position. The only non-LB that comes to mind as BPA at 25 is Cromartie. If its true that he would likely be a top 5 pick if he stays in school another year, he just might be too talented to pass up. Even though hes coming back from his knee injury he posted phenomenal numbers at the combine, indicating that hes going to make a full recovery. Since we're not plugging a hole with this pick, we have to go BPA and that might just be Cromartie.

 

If we don't get Arrington, I think our decision is made for us and we go LB in round 1. If we get Arrington and choose to go w/ a position other than LB in the 1st, there are plenty of LB's that we can target in later rounds. EA even says he likes to target LB's in the mid rounds.

 

Some of the mid-round prospects I like are:

Jon Alston, AJ Nicholson and Brandon Johnson

 

Fair enough. Although theres also the chance that the Best Available could be an Offensive lineman.

 

Nicholson scares me a bit due to his off the field issues. He was also pretty slow at the Combine. He is a good tackler though. I wouldn't want to spend a first day pick on him.

 

Alston is a bit small to play linebacker at the NFL level. I really think he'll be converted to safety, much the same way Michael Boulware was. He's got a nice skill set and excels in coverage but I think his size will prevent him from playing OLB in the NFL.

[HOUND]

I'm changing my stance on DB Jason Allen. He ran great at the combine but I heard a rumor that his hip injury is potentially degenerative. Upon further thought, it's not worth the risk at our spot to take that gamble. I applaud the kid for the obvious hard work he's put into his rehab. I wouldn't even have a problem selecting him in later rounds but given this tidbit of info, I don't like the thought of gambling on him.

[Money]

Geez, Hound ... you couldn't have saved this until after the Giants made their pick in the mock draft...

 

[Money]

Alston can definitely play LB in the NFL. He's the same size as Cato June and Derrick Brooks. Bigger than Barrett Green and Ian Gold...