Barens

Might be wishful thinking, but if Jackson is the first WR taken in the draft, would there be any chance of Santonio Holmes falling to the #25 spot.

Good article though.

http://nfldraft.scout.com/2/503259.html

The New Action Jackson

By TFY Draft Preview

Date: Feb 27, 2006

It was at this time last year that Florida based agent David Canter brought wide receiver Troy Williamson to work out at the NFL Combine.

In early 2005, the committee that puts a grade on where underclassmen should be selected in the draft gave Williamson a second-round grade. Even so, Canter encouraged Williamson to leave the University of South Carolina early. Williamson not only showed up at the Combine ready to go, he ran faster than anyone could have expected...a 4.32 in the 40-yard dash and the rest is history. Williamson wound up being selected by the Minnesota Vikings with the seventh pick overall in the first round.

Which brings us to another receiver, University of Florida's Chad Jackson.

What's interesting in his case was Jackson declared for the draft even before the committee sent him the letter which would give him the grade....a fourth-round pick.

When Canter spoke to various teams in the league, he didn't exactly get ringing endorsement of his client.

"They actually said, 'you mean the (Dallas) Baker kid'."

Still, that didn't deter Jackson or Canter and Jackson has continued to train for the Combine.

Whether it was Jackson's trainer who Canter said felt Jackson is "TO (Terrell Owens) with speed" or just a great belief that Jackson was a great talent, Canter felt Jackson was ready for the next level of competition. And much like with Williamson last year, the opportunity was there for the taking. Other than Ohio State wide receiver Santonio Holmes, many around the league felt before the Combine that he was the only sure-fire first round pick at the position.

That was then, this is now.

Jackson caused a major stir inside the media room at the Combine on Sunday when he ran an official time of 4.32 which is coincidentally the same time Williamson ran last year. What's interesting is Jackson actually slipped a little on his best run of the two according to Canter.

Canter confirmed that Jackson only dropped one ball in pass catch drills and he anticipates Jackson won't run at his pro day next month. Canter is so confident that Jackson's 40-time was so good that he's moved in to the upper half of the draft.

"He won't be there when the Miami Dolphins pick (No.16 overall)."

If Canter's right, Jackson will be his second straight mover up draft boards at the wide receiver position.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2344557

Giants release LB Green after two lackluster yearsBy Len Pasquarelli

ESPN.com

Six-year veteran Barrett Green, who at one time was believed to be a key component in the rebuilding of the New York Giants' linebackers corps, was released Saturday after two disappointing seasons.

Green

The move was not unexpected, as Green appeared in only 11 games with the Giants because of knee injuries, and because the former Detroit Lions starter had fallen out of favor with head coach Tom Coughlin and his staff. In terminating Green's contract, which makes him a free agent, the Giants will save approximately $1.1 million in 2006 salary cap charges. Green was scheduled to have a base salary of $2.475 million for 2006.

Green, 28, was signed by the Giants as an unrestricted free agent in 2004, netting a five-year deal worth $13.75 million. The Giants also signed outside linebacker Carlos Emmons that same spring, and the two were projected as being starters in a refashioned defensive backline.

But the versatile Green, who has played both the strongside and weakside spots during his career, suffered through a series of knee problems. He appeared in just 10 games in 2004 and played in only one contest in 2005, when he often feuded with Coughlin. He was one of several linebackers whose injuries in '05 forced the Giants to scramble for available bodies late in the season.

It is expected that New York will address its linebacker needs in the draft and could also make a move in the free agent market to strength the position with a veteran presence. The team will try to rebuild the position around standout middle linebacker Antonio Pierce, who missed the final month of the season with an injury.

A onetime West Virginia University star, Green will have to demonstrate to potential suitors that he is recovered from the injuries that have stalled his career. If he is healthy, Green certainly is a starting caliber linebacker.

In six seasons, Green has appeared in 65 games and has 283 tackles, five sacks and 13 passes defensed. He spent the first four seasons of his career with the Lions, who chose him in the second round in 2000.

The Giants also announced the retirement of safety Brent Alexander and released eight-year veteran offensive lineman Jason Whittle, who played in 14 games as a backup last season. Whittle, 30, began his career with the Giants in 1998, signed with Tampa Bay as a free agent in 2003, then was reacquired by the Giants in a 2004 trade. He has appeared in 109 games, with 40 starts, in his career.

Alexander, a starter last season, led the Giants with four interceptions and finished seventh on the team with 61 tackles. He came into the league as an undrafted free agent in 1994 with the Arizona Cardinals and also played with Carolina and Pittsburgh before signing with the Giants as a free agent in 2004.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com. Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

Not really. If anyone watched Maryland (as I did) when those two were together, alot of the times Jackson out shinned Merriman. Thats not taking anything away from Merriman, but thats far from out of hand. Jackson is a very good player and I believe a bit underrated at this point.

 

As Money said, Jackson and Ryans are very similar players and they are both very much like Antonio Pierce.

And I'm not taking anything away from Jackson, but they are just different breeds. Jackson may have had a couple of college games where he was the better player on the field, but Merriman certainly had the better year. Either way, they are much different breeds, and IMO, Merriman's physicality is what ultimitely separates them as NFL prospects.

I happen to like Jackson more than Ryans, and I would hope that if both players were available at #25, that we take Jackson.

Many people think Jackson was the best player on the Maryland defense in 2004 (with Shawne Merriman #2)

Jon Vilma was lucky, he only really had DJ Williams, Karlos Dansby and Teddy Lehman as possible 1st round LBs. Even then many people had Vilma ranked in the late 1st/early 2nd area.

D'Qwell Jackson has AJ Hawk, Bobby Carpenter, Manny Lawson (as a 3-4 OLB), Chad Greenway, Demeco Ryans, Thomas Howard, Ernie Sims and Abdul Hodge as possible 1st round picks. Plus he has a very good and deep groups at RB, OT, CB and S

Alright, Jackson may end up being a solid pick, but your getting a little out of hand here. The best player on the Maryland defense in 2004?

For the sake of argument, if Jackson were in the 2004 draft, I think it's fair to say he wouldn't get drafted before Vilma, Williams, and Dansby. Kind of a silly comparison. As far as this year, I like Jackson, but I also think Carpenter and Hodge are solid players who would contribute sooner rather than later. I'm also a fan of Keith Ellison(Oregon State) and Omar Gaither(Tennessee) as late first day picks or early second day picks.

1. Thomas Howard OLB UTEP 6'3 240 Projected 40 time: 4.47

 

Strengths:

Amazing athlete with rare speed for the position...Has fluid hips and does a tremendous job when dropping into coverage...Has a great burst and closes fast...Terrific in space and makes plays sideline-to-sideline...Big hitter who will light people up...Changes direction well...Is an excellent pass rusher on the blitz...Very productive...Team leader and hard worker with top intangibles.

 

Weaknesses:

Gets by on his athleticism and lacks great instincts, which are essential for a linebacker...Can do a better job as a tackler...Struggles when taking on bigger blockers...Needs to hit the weights and get stronger...Doesn't react on the field as quickly as you'd like...Still developing and is not yet a finished product.

Notes:

Began his career with the Miners as a walk-on safety...Father was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in 1977 cousin was a member of the musical group En Vogue...A true workout warrior whose measurables are off the charts.

2. Jonathan Joesph 5'11 187 Projected 40 time: 4.35

 

Strengths:

Has excellent timed and recovery speed...Has pretty good size...Productive and led the team in interceptions in '05...Reliable tackler who will support the run...Has fluid hips and good feet...Looks very natural in coverage with the ability to play man-to-man...Still has a lot of upside and could really develop at the next level.

 

Weaknesses:

Does not have a lot of experience...Still raw and needs to work on refining his technique and mastering the nuances of the game...Somewhat of a risky pick in that you are largely basing his selection on potential...Durability might be a concern after missed almost the entire 2004 season with a broken foot.

 

Notes:

Played at Coffeyville (KS) Junior College after high school...Missed all but two games of his first season with the Gamecocks so 2005 was essentially his only year against major competition...A good player already who hasn't yet begun to reach his full potential...Was overshadowed by Ko Simpson but could see his stock soar once teams go back and look at the tape and see him in workouts.

3. Greg Blue S Georgia 6'2 214 Projected 40 time: 4.42

 

Strengths:

Good athlete...Has excellent size and a solid frame...Is very fast with good recovery speed and a burst...Lives for the big hit and will lay people out...Has excellent range in coverage...Hips are fluid...Has quick feet...Outstanding in run support...Versatile and could project to either free or strong safety...Is very strong and physical...An intimidator...Still improving and has some upside and potential.

 

Weaknesses:

Only intercepted two passes throughout his career with both coming as a senior...Focuses too much on making the big hit and fails to wrap up...Is too aggressive at times...Will take bad angles to the ball...Is not as good in coverage as he should be considering his measurables...Might be a bit of a workout warrior.

 

Notes:

In terms of computer numbers he has everything you look for...A bit of an oddity in that he has the physical tools of a centerfielder / coverage guy but plays more like an in-the-box safety...Continues the tradition of Sean Jones & Thomas Davis.

4. Kyle Williams DT LSU 6'2 295 Projected 40 time: 5.22

 

Strengths:

Relentless and has a motor that never stops...An excellent athlete with good quickness...Moves well and makes plays all over the field...Gets good penetration into the backfield...Smart and technically sound...Tough with a nasty demeanor on the field...Durable with a lot of experience...Team leader with top intangibles.

 

Weaknesses:

Lacks ideal size in terms of both height and bulk...Has short arms...Does not shed blocks well...Lacks elite speed...Struggles with and can get engulfed by massive offensive linemen...Pass rush repertoire is limited...Gets too hyped up...Might need to be in a one-gap scheme to maximize his ability...Has a limited upside.

 

Notes:

Has always been overshadowed by Marcus Spears and Claude Wroten but this guy is a heck of a player in his own right...Similar in many ways to Chris Hovan...May never be a star at the next level but could play for a long time...Does most of his damage not with physical tools but hard work and determination.

5. Jeremy Bloom WR/KR Colorado 5'9 175 Projected 40 time: 4.25

 

Pros

Fiery player with sure hands and good speed. Runs routes well, plays smart. Great punt return threat.

 

Cons

Did not play in 2005, and has been involved in a continous conflict regarding him not being eligible to play football. May become a skier instead, as he is on the Olympic ski team.

6. Cooper Wallace TE Auburn 6'4 263 Projectd 40 time: 4.80

 

Strengths:

Has a big solid frame...Works hard and gets the most out of his ability...Has good, reliable hands...Adjusts to poorly thrown passes well...Does a real good job as a blocker...Has a lot of experience and possesses good intangibles.

 

Weaknesses:

Lacks elite timed speed and a burst...Won't stretch the field and is not a deep threat...A bit hulking and is not very athletic...Is not a great route runner...Upside is limited and he may never be more than a backup at the next level.

 

Notes:

Solid but unspectacular player who does everything well but doesn't stand out in any one area...A meat and potatoes type of player who isn't flashy but has a solid all-around game and can play a role for some team.

7. D.J. Shockley QB Georgia 6'1 206 Projected 40 time: 4.65

 

Strengths:

Outstanding natural athlete...Has a great arm with a quick release...Can be a weapon running the ball...Still has a lot of upside and has not yet been able to really show what he can do...A coaches son who understands the game...Smart and makes good decisions on the field...Was very effective as a starter his senior year...Hard worker...A leader and field general who will sacrifice for his team.

 

Weaknesses:

Still very raw and inexperienced having only started 11 games at the college level...Does not have the height you look for...Needs to be more patient in the pocket and takes off running prematurely...Does not read defenses as well as you'd like...Durability is a concern as he has missed some time with injuries.

Notes:

Highly touted recruit who had to sit behind David Greene for almost his entire career before finally getting a shot to start in 2005...An interesting developmental player with potential who could really blossom once given an opportunity to shine.

Well thats my mock draft, comments are welcome

Some picks I really like, and others I'm not so crazy about. The only glimpse I've seen of Thomas Haward was during the Senior Bowl, and I just don't know if I'm comfortable spending our first round pick on him. If we pick a LB early on, I'd think the Giants would want someone who's not so rough around the edges.

Greg Blue, I just get the feeling he might not even go on the first day, or possibly not even at all, a la James Butler. I just don't see a lot of instinct in his overall game, and there will be plenty of safeties to go before him.

I like Cooper Wallace and Kyle Williams, they would make solid late round picks IMO.

Jonathon Joseph, I haven't ever seen him play.

I think Law started out the season slow and he made quite a few mental errors, but as the season went on, he got stronger and played better. Can't expect much more of a player coming off a serious injury. Unfortunetely, the Jets didn't follow the same plan.

I wholeheartedly agree that adding playmakers on defense is needed and will make us a championship caliber team. However we currently have 1 starting grade Left Tackle on the roster. I'm sorry but I can't count Whitfield as anything more than a fill-in. I don't see Diehl or McKenzie ever playing the left side. If the guy we want on defense is there in the first round then go with him, but I think an eventual starting left tackle prospect needs to be taken on day 1.

I think I just have more confidence in Whitfield than you at this point. To me, he's certainly more than adequate as a backup. I think if we draft an OT this year, then we might not have room for Whitfield, and that can be a debatable proposition. I don't think cutting Petitgout is going to happen this year, and I don't think the team would carry more than 4 OT's on the team(if we're including Deihl). Whitfield struggled at times coming in for Petitgout, but other times, he nuetralized some of the younger DE's in the league like Jarrod Allen and Trent Cole.

New England went that route last year, and when they lost Matt Light for most of the season, they certainly suffered a blow starting a rookie at left tackle. Although they could be better off because of it this year, it's a tough situation to be in, especially with Luke Petitgout.

Bottom line for me, either way we go, I'd be fine with. It's a tough decision, and I'm glad I'm not the one who has to make it.

You don't have a single offensive lineman in your mock. This is a Tackle laden draft. We need to come away with something. Attracting quality Left Tackles on the open market is pretty rare. If you're lucky enough to land one you end up paying a huge price. I don't like the thought of going that route and to expect the Giants, who typically are not big spenders on big names, to follow this option is unrealistic. The past three years we've all said the same thing ... we need to think about finding a replacement for Petitgout. Well if it's not going to come through free agency, it needs to come through the draft. I don't expect to draft a kid this year who will come in and supplant Petitgout immediately but it sure would be nice to find a guy who could be his backup and learn the pro game. Look no further than last years Dallas team to see how disruptive the loss of a starting left tackle can be. I tend to think we've been gambling with our depth at the position for the past several years. We simply have to come away from this years draft with a possible replacement.

 

All in all it's a well versed plan Money. Thanks for putting the time into it.

It's really going to depend on how they do in free agency. If the Giants are able to sign a few players on the defensive side of the ball, then I could see an offensive tackle in the plans for the draft. But right now, I would like to see us get younger and faster on defense, and maybe even using all of our first day picks on the defensive side of the ball. I don't see OT as a priority, especially with the McKenzie signing last year. We're certainly better off on the offensive line than we've been in about 15 years IMO.

Surprised I haven't seen any "where's the Cliff's Notes version" jokes yet. Frankly, there's still time.

Ok, I'll be the first...if I wanted a novel, I'd dig up some of my old school books. Just kidding, good work.

My definition of a spectacular catch and your definition are clearly different. Amani Toomer's grab against the Chiefs and his TD against the Hawks IMO were spectacular grabs. Ditto the one hand grab by plax against the Niners. When a ball hits your hands that you do not have to extend for(as Currency points out as he re-watched the play today)there is nothing spectacular about it.

The ball was thrown very well, I agree. He just couldn't come up with the big play. But to me, it wasn't the easiest pass to catch. Either way, it was considered a dropped ball, which once again, has plagued most of our WR and TE corp all of last season.

I just think that signing Carter, if we can at a reasonable price, for a year, is a low risk, high reward move.

dude I was there live, he did not dive he dropped a catchable ball right in his bread basket. He also dropped a ball put right on his hands in the flat on a 3rd and 4 with about 25 yards of room in front of him. That pass he dropped was a play designed for him, Aaron Glenn has just come into the game and the Giants tried to take advantage of Carters speed, he got behind Glenn, the ball was thrown so only Carter could get it and falling down he dropped the pass, it hit him in the chest. Had it been off his hands maybe saying he dove for it was true, but that ball hit his numbers and initially many in attendance thought he had it.

That long ball did not hit him in the bread basket. If he had caught it, it would have been a spectacular catch. Believe it or not, seeing it on TV is just as effective, if not more, than seeing it live. Either way, I thought it was a tough catch, and like I mentioned earlier, he's not the only Giants receiver to drop a few passes last year, but at least Carter stretches the field. And as of right now, we don't have anyone who runs the end-around as effectively as Carter.

Yes that was the Dallas game and their was nothing spectacular about it, the ball hit him square in the numbers and he dropped it. The Giants tried to go to him often that day and he dropped3

I think he dropped 2, but he also caught 2 for 48 yards. We also wouldn't have scored without 2 of those receptions. And that long ball didn't hit right in the numbers, he dove for it, almost making a spectacular catch, and couldn't come up with it. That's the way it goes.

Funny someone mentions a Shockey drop, although they decreased greatly in 05, I was watching NFL Network replay of the Giants/Hawks game yesterday and Shockey played great. There was one crucial drop though that might have put the game away or at the very least given taken the Hawks out of the running game. After Brent Alexanders INT at the Hawks 25, Shockey dropped a crucial 3rd down pass inside the 5 and the Giants had to settle for a FG, extending their lead to 13-7. On the next drive the Hawks scored and made the score 14-13. I wonder had the Giants been up 17-7 if the game would have taken on a different role?

That game was odd because the TD the refs gave Shockey in the first half I thought for sure was an incompletion. But near the end of the game, the catch Shockey made that was reviewed and ended up being an incomplete pass(I believe it was in overtime), should have been a catch IMO. But that's the way it goes.

I think people really got on Tim Carter after, I think it was the Dallas home game. Eli threw one way down the field for Carter, and he just missed making a spectacular grab. And because he couldn't pull it off, I think many Giant fans put him deeper in their dog house because of it.

How? If you can't catch the ball, it doesn't matter. Carter is not great shakes. I wouldn't mind seeing him go somewhere else.

Sometimes, Plax and Shockey can't catch the ball either, and they're starting.

You asked how, and I thought I gave a good explanation. He might come pretty cheap, and if we can sign him to a 1 year deal, it could be beneficial to Carter and the Giants. Plenty of motivation for Carter, and the Giants bringing him back to compete either for a starting spot, or the #3 spot, would be a motivating factor for our WR's.

Yeah, that's usually how it works, but at least we can't say we didn't give him a chance. He just couldn't stay on the field and when he was on the field he was average... which isn't to say he was bad, but he wasn't that "Oh shit it's third down watch out for that guy" player.

Carter only had 10 catches, but 9 out of 10 of those catches went for first downs. Plus, hasn't anyone noticed that Carter is the only player we've had success running the end-around with? He may have dropped a couple of balls last year, but who hasn't?

And granted, his first 3 years in the league, he had trouble staying on the field, but last year, he played in 15 games before taking a vicious hit from Ryan Clark against Washington, which pretty much ended his season. The point is, even though his statistics don't show it, his speed is a valuable commodity to this offense.

Anyone get the feeling if we lose Tim Carter, he's going to have a breakout year somewhere else?