Pizan

Hey no problem. I can understand how hard it would be to catch the college games with a big family like that. For me, as much as I love pro football I think I like watching college ball just a little bit more. Its a tough call though. And for the record I do hate Ohio St. so being so high on Carpenter is obviously hard for me seeing that im a Penn State fan.

I understand what you mean about going corner in round 1. Maybe Kelly Jennings is another guy you could inculde into your research. Well friendly bet says Hali is gone in the early 2nd (say with in first 10 picks) to a 4-3 team as a DE.

Money, I should be around. I have to make my pick anyway so I'll do my best to fill in for you.

First Martin I do agree with you and Im hoping LB is our first pick. People look at the depth at LB in this draft and think we can get away with something and thats not the case at all. I'll name a few that I have watched play and know a little about. The first is Ernie Sims OLB FSU. Now the chances of him being available come 25 are really slim. His stock has gone threw the roof since the combine and pro day workouts but I was high on him before that. I felt he was and still is the best choice for WLB if available. He fast, athletic, an excellent blitzer, very good durability, and most of all is a playmaker. There have been countless times that I can remember Sims making a big play for FSU. After him its really a toss up IMO. You'll see Chad Greenway, Demeco Ryans, Bobby Carpenter, Thomas Howard, Roger McIntosh, and possibly D'Qwell Jackson. Chad Greenway didnt have a great combine but helped his stock a little with a better proday. He was dropping fast on a lot of charts. I dont really look at those combine or proday numbers much because I watch a lot of college football and feel I do know a thing or two when it comes down to backers. Greenway is an excellent LB. At the end of the season he was the number 2 OLB going into the draft now he is lucky to be number 3. Greenway is excellent in coverage. He switches in and out with excellent hip movement, changes direction, and just flat out plays the pass like a DB. He is really a true football player and has made his share of big plays for the Hawkeyes. One reason he is dropping is because of his 40 time and bench numbers from the combine. Others from on the field are his troubles at shedding blocks and the way he has tackled at the collegian level. A lot of his tackles were ankle tackles. Some people might feel he wont be able to get away with that at the pro level because of the faster more stronger athletes. I think he'll be a fine pro backer. Demeco Ryans has top intangibles and is a physical player who played on one of the best defenses in all of college ball last season. He was their leader, their Antonio Pierce. He isnt the most flashy type of backer which is why he isnt getting the attention he deserves. Bobby Carpenter. Now before I get into Bobby a lot of people are going to question why is he on the list. He might be bring the most controversy and opinions will vary. IMO, Carpenter is the next best fit after Sims. Carpenter has excellent size and for a man of his size he moves very well. He is another one of those true football players. Now I'll admit when I first notice Bobby Carpenter it was on accident. I was primarily watching A.J. Hawk but this crazy ass number 52 was all over the place I couldnt help but notice him. Reasons I think Carpenter is the second best option behind Sims: 1. Carpenter has the versatility to play all 3 LB positions. 2. Carpenter is the BEST LB in the draft at pressuring the QB. He is the best on the blitz. 3. Bobby is also the toughest LB in this draft, with a mentality that will spread to our D like the plague. 4. Carpenter is a very aggressive player much Ernie Sims. We desperatly lack that attitude that these two guys bring to the field. 5. Bobby was very productive in college and has the experience to come in and start from day one. 6. Carpenter is very effective with run support and does a good job in coverage. 7. He is also a really good special teams player. Bottom line is I feel Carpenter fits our defense really well. Im sure I can sit here and list plenty more reasons but i dont have the time. Carpenter is being over looked as of right now because many feel he is just a 3-4 backer or a sam in the 4-3. Thats not true at all. Carpenter can play and perform well as the will in the 4-3. Others I mentioned are Thomas Howard (who personally I dont like), McIntosh, and Jackson. I like Jackson but he has played MLB in college and might need some time to adjust to WLB. He would also be a bit of a reach at 25. All three of those guys would be a reach at 25 though. Anyways I hope that helped. I ran short on time and tried to crunch as much as I could.

Nice post Hound. I agree with pretty much everything you said. I think Im a little higher on Jonathan Joseph then you are and I think Tamba is just a DE at the pro level. It would be a huge mistake if some team drafted him as a rush 3-4 WLB. He could do so much more in a 4-3 scheme as an every down DE. Again nice post, I think since it was so long most people will shy away from reading it and posting. But I rather see post like this then the short shits.

Bro, you are comparing a second round prospect to a 4th or 5th round prospect. Thats stupid. You're completly off on this second tier prospect thing. The nfl draft class is deep in LB talent but that doesnt mean you are going to find a NFL starting LB on the 2nd day. Im not sure if you are aware of this or not but we currently have ZERO starting calibur WLBs on roster. Hell its common sense. The higher you draft a prospect the better chances he will have of being a NFL calibur starter. I dont know how else to explain it. Now you didnt get why I said that about Whitner. If Whitner (a first round prospect, potentially top 20) slips that far it might mean a LB was selected to early. That would change things if that LB would happen to be available come 25 now wouldnt it? Just because Not according to NFLDraftcountdown.com

No we understand. I have no problem with drafting Cromartie in the first but we should take a LB somewhere on the first day. I would prefer some where within the first 2 rounds. We need a starter at WLB. Thats all you need to understand, but even with that said I dont care if its barely a drop off. . . its still a drop off to second day talent. Second day prospects are projects. period. I dont care what draft you're in or how deep the talent is we arent going to find a starting WLB on the second day. Hell I dont even like the pick. James Anderson is being lable as a guy who might never start, could only be a special teams player. I have no problem with Ingram in the 5th thats a steal in the 5th round, shit he's a better prospect then Anderson. But both are projects and will need time, more time then most 1st day prospects at backer. Honestly who knows though because he has Whitner going late in the 2nd round. Which to me and to many is insane. Youre talking about the 2nd best S in the draft going that late... forget about it. Ive also said before how I felt on Stovall. I'll briefly say it again. Im not high on him because he had one good season. His junior year he had only 21 catches, had 60 catches under Weis his senior year. Nice improvement but he is 6'4 with a great verticle. He plays on average 5'9 corners at the collegian level. IMO he did what was expected of him and thats it. If you seen the games the guy cant get seperation, that will be much harder in the pros vs bigger corners. Sure he made some nice catches, he is a big play threat, and he would make sure we have the tallest recievers in the league but we need a LB as well as more of a flanker for our wide recieving core.

Coyle He waited way to long to draft a LB. We need a starting WLB. 3 WRs? get outta here. 6th round pick? only if we didnt trade it to Tampa for Whittle.

Its not a problem. I was assuming Bush was going to be the pick as well, good twist to start the draft. Im staying with Mario Williams although if this were to really happen the Saints are definitely a lock to trade out.

I have to apologize for taking the time to the limit, my computer was acting crazy. Then I thought I was seeing things when Reggie Bush wasnt the first overall pick.

***NEW SELECTION*** With the 2nd overall selection the New Orleans Saints select DE Mario Williams. Explanation: In Last years draft I was the Saints and correctly selected Jamaal Brown OT. This years decision was much harder. It came down to 3 prospects, Mario Williams, D'Brickashaw Fergueson, and A.J. Hawk. Since there is a 'No Trade Clause' is this years mock I couldnt trade down which I do believe the Saints will do. Recently the Saints announced OT Jamaal Brown would make the switch to LT and that it would be "permanent". I had to take that into account when making my selection. Although If I were the Saints I would draft D'Brick, but since Im trying to predict what the Saints will do I couldnt make that pick. I do think the Saints will trade down and come away with LB A.J. Hawk but #2 might be a little too early for a backer in this years draft. Either way the Saints main objective should be improving and adding the BPA on the defensive side of the ball. Mario Williams is that player. With Charles Grant in the final year of his contract this selection makes more sense.

I'll try to keep things updated until he returns.

I disagree. There is not one person on this roster that means as much as Tiki, its not even close. We lose him we are screwed no matter who is trying to fill his shoes. I like Jacobs and Ward a lot but they arent ready to contribute like Tiki does and Eli isnt ready to take the full load. We lose Tiki, we are a easy lock for a top 10 pick next season.

I agree. Tiki has done it all for a back who wasnt supposed to be featured in the backfield. He has been carrying this team on his back for the last several years and he keeps getting better and better. There is no doubt about it we can not lose Tiki this season, he means way to much to our team.

Maybe its just me but I dont get excited at all when I read that qoute, there is nothing to it. NFL players will say that all the time coming off an injury, and Chase isnt the first player coming back from a serious neck injury. I personally think he is a very replaceable player, a decent special teams player who is getting more attention then he actually deserves. I think the coaching staff will take his neck injury into consideration when it comes down to camp cuts. Im not saying they'll cut him because of his injury but if another player is peforming as adequate as Blackburn there is a good chance Blackburn wont make the team.

The latest from KFFL.com Giants | Team still in negotiations with Arrington Tue, 4 Apr 2006 22:29:47 -0700 Jason LaCanfora, of the Washington Post, reports free agent LB LaVar Arrington (Redskins) continued to negotiate with the New York Giants Tuesday, April 4, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.

Grey Ruegamer 2006 Scouting Report - Scouts Inc. Grade: 64 | Key Alert: None Comment: He can move his feet well enough to keep his butt aimed at the quarterback in pass protection. He delivers a good aggressive blow however he is a little inconsistent in the placement of his hands. He can anchor fairly well in pass protection because of his bulk however he lacks ideal strength in his lower body. He plays with good intelligence and he adjusts well to what is happening in front of him. He has some difficulty with an explosive one gap penetrating type of defender and he may need help occasionally to handle the strong bull rush but he won't make many mental mistakes. He has had some injury problems that have interfered with his ability to improve his strength during the off season. Ruegamer's bio from NFL.com He started 11 games in 2004 and 2 in 2005 for the Green Bay Pakers. 16 out of a possible 76.

For the people that are about to respond on this thread please dont bash this post. These are RUMORS remember that before you post if you need me to define the term for you I will. He posted this for the sake of discussion. Dont hate, appreciate. Reported first on MVN Dan Benton is saying he has heard from 4 sources Arrington has signed. Its also been rumored that Adam Shefter has reported this as well. A few things I picked up. A few days ago Arrington's agent told The Palm Beach Post that Arrington will likely sign with the Dolphins, Giants, Jaguars, or Bengals. The agent said a deal could come at any time. "That's just the way this business goes," said Arrington's agent. "You never know when something will get done." With the recent signing of Adams you would think the Bengals have just fallen behind in the race for cutting the biggest check. Also in an interview on NFL.com in the media section on the right, Coughlin hinted around that the team still has work to be done defensively after commenting on Free Agency.

Link ESPN.com Bengals sign ex-Bill Adams to three-year deal ESPN.com news services Fortifying a position that represented one of their biggest needs, the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday signed unrestricted free-agent defensive tackle Sam Adams, who played the past three seasons with the Buffalo Bills, to a three-year contract. Financial details of the contract were disclosed, but sources told ESPN.com on Thursday that Adams can make about $4 million in 2006 if he reaches certain playing time and performance levels. "We're excited to have Sam join the Bengals," head coach Marvin Lewis said. "His abilities, both physically and mentally, will upgrade our defensive unit." A three-time Pro Bowl performer and the kind of "anchor" tackle who occupies blockers and allows the linebackers to flow to the football, Adams should represent a major addition for a Cincinnati defense that statistically ranked No. 20 against the rush in 2005. The Bengals have been looking for a wide-body tackle in free agency the last several years but were never able to sign one. Under Lewis, the Bengals have surprisingly struggled against the run, finishing 25th in 2003 and 26th in 2004 against the ground game. The presence of Adams, long regarded as one of the NFL's premier inside defenders, should certainly help address that shortcoming. Adams was the No. 24 player overall in the ESPN.com free-agent rankings. Adams, 32, will probably team with John Thornton in the starting lineup. That would leave veteran Bryan Robinson and promising youngster Shaun Smith in reserve and give the Bengals one of the deepest and best tackle rotations in the league. A key for the Bengals will be to maximize Adams' effectiveness by limiting the number of snaps he plays. That should not be a problem, given that Lewis was the defensive coordinator in Baltimore when Adams helped the Ravens win Super Bowl XXXV in 2000. The Bengals will be Adams' fifth team, as he previously played with Seattle (1994-99), Baltimore (2000-01), Oakland (2002) and Buffalo (2003-05). The former Texas A&M star has 375 tackles, 42 sacks, six forced fumbles, five recoveries, three interceptions and 32 pass deflections in 179 games. His abilities against the run aside, Adams has demonstrated the ability to compress the pocket from the inside during his career. As recently as 2004, he registered five sacks, but the Bengals will rely on him primarily to clog the middle. Information from ESPN.com senior writer Len Pasquarel

I havent seen it posted yet. Link to ESPN.com Giants sign ex-Packer Ruegamer: The Giants talked Grey Ruegamer into accepting a chance to be one of the team's top backup offensive linemen. He agreed to a one-year, $750,000 contract that included a $40,000 signing bonus. Ruegamer was being heavily pursued by several coaches who wanted him for his experience. The 29-year-old Ruegamer is a seven-year vet who can play guard or center and has played in Miami, New England and Green Bay. He's 6-4, 305 pounds. The Lions wanted him. The Packers wanted him back. In the end, Giants coach Tom Coughlin talked him into joining the Giants. -- John Clayton

Rod Marinelli, because he has been the NFLs best defensive line coach for about the past ten years. He has had plenty of success including a superbowl ring and has coached under some very good coaches. Mike McCarthy, because he had one of the worst offenses last season, no production out of anything.

Im right with ya on Ernie Sims. I really hope he's our pick but im starting to doubt he will even be around at #25. The one thing I kind of disagreed with was the comparing of D'Brick to Levi Jones. I think D'Brink will be a great player much better then Jones, but maybe this guy is high on Jones.

Thats a real good clarification of how June 1st works. I got the same impression while reading a few of the responses. I hope people actually do read this, it might help prevent some future problems when June 1st gets closer.

Proehl could catch on with Giants Friday, March 31, 2006 BY MIKE GARAFOLO Star-Ledger Staff The Panthers outdid the Giants last week by gobbling up receiver Keyshawn Johnson. Now, the Giants might be picking from Carolina's leftovers. The agent for Ricky Proehl, the Belle Mead native and former Hillsborough High star who has played for five teams in his 16-year NFL career, said yesterday he has had preliminary discussions with the Giants. Proehl, who had 25 catches for 441 yards and four touchdowns for Carolina last season, turned down a one-year deal from the Giants in 2002 and signed a three-year contract with the Panthers instead. Proehl, 38, who has missed only 14 regular-season games in his career, wanted to return to the Panthers but realized his days in Carolina were over when the team signed Johnson. "At this point, I'm just trying to identify the places where Ricky would want to play," said Alan Herman, Proehl's agent. "Obviously, coming from (New Jersey), the Giants were one of those places. "But we haven't had any serious talks with them at this point. We've just touched base." Herman expects Proehl to finalize his list of targets today or tomorrow, at which point the agent will begin contract discussions with interested teams. Meanwhile, the Giants are reportedly looking to add Grey Ruegamer, who has served as a reliable backup at center for the Patriots and Packers in his eight-year career. The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reported on its Web site Wednesday night that Ruegamer is weighing offers from the Lions and Giants. Ruegamer's agent, Frank Bauer, did not return a phone message left at his office yesterday. The Giants declined comment when asked about Ruegamer and Proehl. If signed, Ruegamer would serve as a backup to starting center Shaun O'Hara. The Giants had planned to keep C/G Jason Whittle even though they released him late last month. GM Ernie Accorsi said the team told the versatile Whittle they would re-sign him if the league extended the CBA and the salary cap was raised. But before the extension, a miscommunication resulted in Whittle's signing with the Vikings. "They thought that Jason was hanging around, waiting for them and I took it to mean that they would like to get him back but couldn't promise anything," Whittle's agent, Joe Linta, said recently. "So we moved on. There were no hard feelings on either side." The Giants waived receiver Harry Williams yesterday.

Governor Corzine Gives Green Light EAST RUTHERFORD -- The New York Giants and the New York Jets, the Tisch, Mara and Johnson families, New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine and the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority today jointly announced that the Governor has completed his review of the Memorandum of Understanding related to the development of a new football stadium for the Giants and Jets at the Meadowlands Sports Complex. Although the principal terms of the original Memorandum of Understanding remain unchanged, the parties have agreed to adjustments that relieve the State of predevelopment costs and grant the New Meadowlands Stadium developer certain additional opportunities to reap the economic benefits of its development. "Governor Codey made a tremendous effort to keep the Giants and Jets in New Jersey and today's announcement confirms the partnership that has been fostered between New Jersey and the teams," said Governor Corzine. "The stadium that will be built will be a world-class facility that will set a new standard for football venues. I am also excited that the Jets will practice in Florham Park and I welcome their decision.” “We are very grateful to the Governor for recognizing the importance of this project,” said Woody Johnson, Chairman and CEO New York Jets. “We are looking forward to moving ahead and beginning work on the new stadium as planned.” Giants Chief Executive Officer John Mara said, “Today’s announcement is great news for the fans of both teams, and we thank Governor Corzine, former Governor Codey, the NJSEA and our partners, the Jets and the Johnson family, for the tremendous effort put forth to bring us to this stage.” Steve Tisch, Chairman of the New York Giants said, “We are very excited that the Jets and the Giants will have the opportunity to make history when this stadium opens as one of the premier facilities in the NFL.” Former N.J. Governor Richard Codey, an ardent supporter of the stadium project, said, “I am pleased that the parties have reached what I believe to be a fair deal, and I think all parties agree that it is time to put shovels in the ground and make this project, which will be so beneficial for the State of New Jersey, a reality.” NJSEA Chairman, Carl Goldberg remarked, “With these negotiations behind us, we can now focus on working with the Johnson, Mara and Tisch families to finalize the land plan so that construction can begin on this exciting project at the Meadowlands.” FLORHAM PARK SELECTED BY JETS FOR PRACTICE FACILITY In addition, the Jets today announced they have decided on a location for their new headquarters and practice facility, a site in Florham Park that was formerly the headquarters of Exxon. The practice facility will house all football operations and most corporate functions including a 110,000 sq. ft. building housing 100 employees, three outdoor football fields and one indoor football field. Relocating the facility from Long Island will generate a number of local jobs and more than $10 million in new annual tax revenue, the Jets said. The move is part of the Jets agreement to build the joint Meadowlands stadium with the Giants. The Giants will build their own new training facility on a site within the Meadowlands Sports Complex.