Barens

I actually like Hali, and I actually think that Accorsie would have taken him before Kiwi, IMO. He may not have the size/speed that Kiwi has, but he's got a great motor and work ethic, and something about his playing style reminds me a bit of Strahan. Plus, KC's defense hasn't been much in a long time, but KC has taken steps to improve that defense over the years, and I think Hali is going to benefit from some of the above players you mentioned. McCargo, I know a lot of people don't like this pick, but, the guy is going to get plenty of opportunities to play in Buffalo, and while he most likely won't become a superstar, I think he can become a nice player for the Bills.

Getting back to the subject, I happen to disagree with some of your selections, and the Leinart pick is bold since he probably couldn't be in a better situation. I actually like McCargo, Hill and Hali, and I think they are all going to be productive players for their respective teams. If I had to predict a few busts, I'd start with Jay Cutler. I just haven't seen much that much from him that would convince me he's the real deal. I think that in 3 years, Mario Williams is going to have to overcome a lot to be considered worthy of the 1st pick. Haloti Ngata Ernie Simms Marcedes Lewis Mathias Kiwanuka-Sorry guys...Hound, I know your especially high on Kiwi, but I was never too high on him to begin with, and he's going to have a fight getting some playing time. I was never sold on his playing style, and he's going to have to make a lot of improvements to make it in the NFL, IMO. Of course, it would be a pleasure to be wrong.

Good to have you here Bomb.

http://story.scout.com/a.z?s=112&p=2&c=523563 TROUBLED YOUTH? Here’s a look at college prospects with a history of off-field issues or attitude problems that could affect their stock in the NFL draft. USC OT Winston Justice: Pleaded no contest to solicitation of prostitution, suspended for an entire season in 2004 for exhibiting a replica firearm and received three years of probation. Florida State DT Brodrick Bunkley: Pleaded no contest to stealing a video game, received probation. Georgia OG Max Jean-Gilles: Questions about conditioning, dedication. http://nfldraft.scout.com/2/525377.html Earlier last month we spoke about an insecure attitude by Winston Justice which was being labeled as a "humble personality". We have learned that has changed. Several franchises were completely turned off by what they called "complete immaturity" on behalf of Justice. Source have labeled him as a "blamer" who does not take personal responsibility. Factor in off-the-field issues which includes an arrest for solicitation and at least two teams in the middle of round one have said they will not select Justice even if he is available. Looks like Justice is the perfect prospect for your organization.

http://nfl.com/draft/story/9428093 Looking back more important than looking forward By Pat Kirwan NFL.com Senior Analyst (May 9, 2006) -- The NFL draft has been over less than a month, and we are already hearing about the top 100 prospects for next year. By the time next April comes around, the list will change drastically, and at this point, it really doesn't mean a lot. What may have more meaning is a look back at a draft from the past, to see what we can learn from it. There are some valuable lessons waiting if we care to open our eyes to some history rather than some fortune telling. When I was with the New York Jets, our owner, Leon Hess, stopped by my office about a week before the draft and asked me two questions. Firstly, what was the length of the contract I intended to structure with our first-round selection? And secondly, how many players actually played out that length of a contract in years past? To answer his questions, I went back and looked at the recent history of the first round, and it really reinforced a lesson that I continue to study to this day. The risk/reward of the first round is much more volatile than most draft observers care to remember. William Green is one of several players who haven't quite panned out. Giving a grade out to teams for how they drafted on the last weekend of April is close to absurd at this point. It is meaningless, and there's no reason to praise some teams and criticize others. I prefer to go back and look at the draft from four years ago to see how teams and players have done. A first-round player with four years under his belt can be evaluated. Today, a quick look back at the first round of the 2002 draft will tell us more than an editorial on the 2006 draft. The 2002 first round averaged contracts close to $1.5 million a year in value, and the average contract length was just about six years per player. Interestingly, my owner would not have liked the answer to his second question with this class. Joey Harrington (No. 3 overall) is on his way out in Detroit. Mike Williams (No. 4) was shown the door in Buffalo. Wendell Bryant (No. 12) is out of football. William Green (No. 16) can't break into the starting lineup in Cleveland. Philip Buchanon (No. 17) has been traded from Oakland to Houston. Ashley Lelie (No. 19) wants out in Denver, and the Broncos have traded for Javon Walker, who went a pick later in the same draft. Napoleon Harris (No. 23) has been traded from Oakland to Minnesota and no longer starts. Marc Columbo (No. 29) didn't play football in 2005 and his career is over. Robert Thomas (No. 31) is already on his third team and is described as a player who could add some depth. And finally, Pat Ramsey was traded from the Redskins to the Jets, because he was no longer in the Redskins' plans. Sure there are some great players from the class of 2002 like Julius Peppers, Roy Williams, John Henderson, Levi Jones, Dwight Freeney, Albert Haynesworth, Jeremy Shockey and Lito Sheppard, but if nothing else, that just points out how volatile the draft can be. It is safe to say, as we look back four years, that close to half of the players have failed, are failing, or are playing more like late-round picks than elite players. I wasn't surprised by the look back, but as one head coach said to me when I went over my quick scan of the 2002 first round, "That information isn't going to help me sleep any better." Back when this draft was completed, people said it was a strong draft for receivers, quarterbacks and cornerbacks. I wonder what those people think today? 1. David Carr -- Has yet to live up to the first pick, but did go to an expansion team. (B) 2. Julius Peppers -- A Pro Bowl player. (A+) 3. Joey Harrington -- On his way out in Detroit and will be a backup in '06. (D) 4. Mike Williams -- Short, uninspired career in Buffalo; trying to rebound in Jacksonville. (F) 5. Quentin Jammer -- A full-time starter, but just six career interceptions. (B-) 6. Ryan Sims -- In four years, he has generated 60 tackles and five sacks. © 7. Bryant McKinnie -- 55 starts and a good player. (B) 8. Roy Williams -- Ronnie Lott told me Roy was his favorite player to watch on Sundays. (A) 9. John Henderson -- A 16-game star every season with over 200 tackles. (A+) 10. Levi Jones -- One of the best offensive tackles in football. (A) 11. Dwight Freeney -- An All-Pro pass rusher with double-digit sacks every year. (A+) 12. Wendell Bryant -- Out of football; had a suspension for substance abuse. (F) 13. Donte Stallworth -- A good receiver with 195 receptions and 23 touchdowns. (B) 14. Jeremy Shockey -- When healthy, an excellent player; hasn't played all 16 games yet. (A) 15. Albert Haynesworth -- Had his best year in '05, but had half the production of Henderson with 103 tackles and 7½ sacks. (A-) 16. William Green -- A backup running back in Cleveland with nine touchdowns in four years. (D) 17. Philip Buchanon -- Traded from Oakland to Houston; 11 picks in four years. (B) 18. T.J. Duckett -- A backup runner in Atlanta, and the Falcons drafted a first-day back in '06. (B-) 19. Ashley Lelie -- Wants to be traded or treated better; 23 career starts and 42 receptions per year is just average. (B) 20. Javon Walker -- Was on his way to being an elite receiver when injured; traded to Denver. (A) 21. Daniel Graham -- No 16-game seasons, 99 receptions; Pats took another tight end in the '06 draft. (B) 22. Bryan Thomas -- A backup who started due to injury; 6½ career sacks. (C-) 23. Napoleon Harris -- Traded from Oakland to Minnesota, now a backup. (D) 24. Ed Reed -- All-Pro safety and finally coming out of the shadow of Ray Lewis. (A+) 25. Charles Grant -- A good starter, but only 30 sacks. (B+) 26. Lito Sheppard -- Developed into an All-Pro corner. (A) 27. Mike Rumph -- Five starts in the last two years; 49ers traded for Sammie Davis at his position. (C+) 28. Jerramy Stevens -- Career finally got on track in 2005. (B) 29. Marc Colombo -- Out of football for medical reasons. (F) 30. Kendall Simmons -- Very good guard for the Steelers; missed '04 for medical reasons. (A-) 31. Robert Thomas -- On his third team in four years, considered a backup. (D-) 32. Patrick Ramsey -- Traded to the Jets for roster depth. (C-) You can make your own decisions about a draft class that can actually be graded. Select Team49ersBearsBengalsBillsBroncosBrownsBuccaneersCardinalsChargersChiefsColtsCow oysDolphinsEaglesFalconsGiantsJaguarsJetsLionsPackersPanthersPatriotsRaidersRams avensRedskinsSaintsSeahawksSteelersTexansTitansVikings • Kirwan: Some personnel adjustments after minicamp • Carucci: Look for big splash from '06 receiver class • Carucci: Cooking up some tasty draft leftovers • Cheeks: Draft seems to yield more questions • Kirwan: The post-draft scramble

Honestly, who cares?

I completely agree, except the only thing that is puzzling is why Arrington will be playing the SAM. From what we've all seen, or at least from my point of view, Emmons clearly plays better over the tight end, and one of his biggest strengths I think is jamming the tight end, and getting him off his route. But Emmons just doesn't seem suited to play the WILL, and even though he's able to play that position in a pinch, they're not lacking depth anymore.

I didn't mind adding another DE in the slightest, I just wasn't so high on Kiwi. If our pick had been Tamba Hali or if we had found another DE in the 3rd or fourth round, I wouldn't have minded. But I may have critiqued Kiwi too harshly, considering the knee and shoulder injury he played through this season. But when the Giants PR team uses that as a crutch, sometimes it just sounds like the same old song that we hear almost annually. But I could have expected too much from him when he did not play that well against Boise State, and then went on to have a less than stellar Senior Bowl week.

I wouldn't set the bar too high yet for Seawright until we actually see him in action. I don't think we'll actually hear Coughlin and Accorsie say anything negative about our DT's, but, you also have to take what they say with a grain of salt.

I can't imagine going into camp that Kiwi's automatically going to get the nod over Tuck. That's oviously something that has to be earned.

Charles Woodson? OHHH...Tom Brady.

Our fans were divided. There were plenty of Dayne fans, and there were plenty who just didn't think he was worth that pick, and thought he wouldn't be able to play to his size in the NFL.

Actually, there were plenty of Giants fans who voiced there displeasure over picking Ron Dayne, but I can't remember a soul who wanted Shaun Alexander pre-draft, or complained about not not getting him soon thereafter.

What's going to make some of these picks a little maddening, is when we start hearing about the players who we passed on who are succeeding on other teams...whether it's DeAngelo Williams, Kelly Jennings, John Mcargo, Nick Mangold, Santanio Holmes, Chad Jackson, D'Quell Jackson, Demeco Ryans, Rocky McIntosh, Joseph Addai, Thomas Howard, Jimmy Williams, or Winston Justice. Kiwi is most likely going to be brought along slowly, and when or if one of these other prospects has some success, where going to hear about it.

Everyone has their opinion, and your definitely entitled to yours, and I'm sure plenty of people agree with you(including the Patriots), but what Moss brings to the table is something this team has lacked for a very long time. And besides being 5'8, having the best vertical jump of all the WR's in the draft puts to rest any type of fear I have about his size. And Hines Ward, that's a very generous 6'0 he's given.

There's no way of telling who the better prospect is going to be, but like I said, I think Moss is a better fit for our offense. And Moss is supposed to have one of the best vertical leaps for WR's in this draft. And like I mentioned, there's a pretty big difference between having Kyle Wright and Chris Leak as your starting QB's. And one other major point as to why the Giants may have supposedly ranked Moss ahead of Jackson, Jackson's yards per catch last year was 10.2, while Moss' was an amazing 16.6. Jackson's 40 time might be better than Moss', but IMO, Moss' football speed is much more evident on the field. The list of average to smallish WR's in the league Steve Smith Lee Evans Roscoe Parrish Santana Moss Dieon Branch Troy Brown Tim Dwight Laveranues Coles Ike Hilliard Terry Glenn David Patten Antwaan Randle El Hines Ward Mark Clayton Derrick Mason Az-Zahir Hakim Marvin Harrison Reggie Wayne Brandon Stokley Torry Holt Kevin Curtis Bobby Engram Darell Jackson Not a bad list.

http://nfldraft.scout.com/2/489663.html Shrine Game: East Practice By: Brent Foshee TFY Draft Preview Date: Jan 16, 2006 "Alabama safety Charlie Peprah was the class of the defensive backs. Peprah displayed an explosive break on the ball and showed great speed in all directions. Pittsburgh defensive back Josh Lay showed a nice recovery but was a half step slow in reacting to the routes. Army defensive back Dhyan Tarver had difficulty in transition and was badly beaten by double moves several times. Dion Byrum, from Ohio, also had difficulty staying in his backpedal and appeared to be more of a side shuffler." http://nfldraft.scout.com/2/490079.html Tuesday' Shrine Practice: East By: Brent Foshee TFY Draft Preview Date: Jan 17, 2006 "Charlie Peprah remains the best defensive back on the East squad. Peprah not only is impressing as a safety during scrimmage but he is getting beat less in man coverage drills than most of the cornerbacks in attendance. Dion Byrum showed good closing speed today and though he is susceptible to double moves he does have the speed to stay with the receiver down the field. Nate Salley, though physically impressive, is not using his size properly and does not make a play on the ball when it’s in the air. Louisville defensive back Gerrick McPhearson is fundamentally sound and fast. McPhearson also does a nice job of getting his hands on the ball before the receiver can control it. "

Moss also didn't have Chris Leak throwing him the ball. Either way, I don't expect Moss to live up to the expectations of WR's like Steve Smith or Santana Moss, but, I think he can play a much more key role in our offense than Jackson could have. I don't know about anyone else, but I'm looking forward to a nice rotation between Burress, Toomer, Carter and Moss. And as much as people like to bitch about Carter, having him and Moss on the field at the same time is going to give defenses major headaches. And how is it that historically, bigger receivers have been better?

He did mention selecting Moss with the 32nd pick and taking a DT in the 2nd round. I would have been happier with that stategy as well, but it is what is.

You start out on the Giants Message Board, then make your way up to Sportswrath, and then when you get to BBI, you should be well on your way. Just kidding...never hurts to be an ex-pro, play in college, or even coach a high school football team. You could also offer your services for free if that ever gets your foot in the door.

I actually think that the Redskins did fairly well for the picks they had in this draft. They doubled up in 2 areas in which they are in most need, and in addition to McIntosh, I think if Kevin Simon gets a clean bill of health, he's going to be a real steal for them.

I remember you mentioning you were high on him before the draft. I caught 1 game in 04 and 3 games last year. It may not be enough to offer that kind of criticism, but, hopefully I'm dead wrong. It's tough because I also remember him as one of the top rated DE last year and this year, and when I watched him, he just didn't meet those expectations. And then the Senior Bowl didn't help my opinion, and I know the Giants brass mentioned he was injured, but anything that they tell you at this point you just have totake with a grain of salt. Obviously, the Giants are really high on him, so we'll see.

I gotta be honest, I didn't like the pick, and I still don't. And before I get beat up for saying that, let me just say that I thought the rest of the draft went very well. I didn't even think it was such a bad idea nabbing another DE, and I get the feeling Accorsie was very high on Tamba Hali as well, but obviously, he was gone. I watched a few BC games, and Kiwi was obviously the main attraction on BC's defense. But from what I saw, he wasn't nearly as impressive as he was touted by the announcers. He was usually a second too slow off the ball, he catches his blocks, and if he gets blocked low, he often gets stopped in his tracks. Plus, he plays a little too high for my taste, and with his height, I truly hope that's something he can improve. And from there, having an awful Senior Bowl doesn't increase my confidence. I don't mean to sound like such a pessimist, but just because the Giants are doing some outstanding PR backing up the pick, still doesn't mean that I'm sold.

3 of my personal favorites I like to see, but don't expect, LeKevin SMith(obviously you've heard my opinion there), Tommy Jackson, or Brian Iwuh, LB Colorado. I certainly wouldn't mind Elsinger either.

My guess...Marcus Hudson CB/S NC State. Not exactly who I want, but I get the feeling that Tom Coughlin had his eye on a few DB's from the Senior Bowl, and Hudson was noted to be one of them.