BigPete

I could see us going reciever in free agency though, its a pretty decent free agent class with Lee Evans,Brandon Marshall and Braylon Edwards. If we did draft another reciever I would hope we somehow get Dez Bryant out of OKst

You are somewhat right about FA wide recievers assuming the CBA issues are sorted out. I doubt Marshall is the kind of guy Reese want after the Burress saga, Lee Evans isnt a FA (last year he signed a four-year, $37.25 million contract extension through 2012). I think Edwards is more likely to get tagged than be an UFA.

I think it is unlikely we will pursue a big name free agent WR next year, largely due to the huge contract that will cost; I think the front office will consider it better value to extend Hixon and/or Moss (depending on performance). I think if we add a reciever it will more likely be through the draft.

I think McClain can start right away,he comes from a Nick Saban pro style defense

McClain would be a good option if he comes out.

There is no guarantee that any rookie will start right of the bat, they all have to learn the ropes, get their feet feet and work their way into the rotation.

I am not sure the Giants will go with a MLB in the first round. The front office is said to be very big on Jonathan Goff, plus we have Kehl. Either of them could develop into the MLB.

I could also see the front office having other players being more highly rated, possibly WR with either Brandon LaFell or Damian Williams, giving the Giants another potential #1 WRs to pair with Nicks (remember Hixon and Moss will both be coming off contract).

I also think there is a good chance that Spikes, McClain and Weatherspoon are all gone before we pick next year. IF the Giants draft a MLB next year, it is more likely to be someone like Sean Lee (Penn St), Micah Johnson (Kentucky) or Pat Angerer (Iowa) in the 2nd/3rd round.

Also don't rule our Pierce bouncing back and having a very good 2009 season. Regardless we will very likely have someone in the system to groom for the future at MLB. I could see Pierce sticking around, largely in a mentoring role (ala Sam Madison), but he would likely need to take a pay cut. I think he will want to have a shot at starting somewhere; with more teams playing a 3-4 he has a good shot at it.

I don't see it as that much of a surprise.

Alford is a very good passrusher and the other guys are pretty well established.

I think Canty will end up as the probable starter at NT, splitting time with Cofield

Bernard was brought in as insurance for Robbins at UT; between Robbins, Bernard and Alford, this is really solid

With that said, we will certainly mix it around a little bit personnel wise. Canty and Alford will likely see some reps at DE

Sintim will get time at DE in passing downs and presumably there will be a 4th DE, likely Evans or Henderson

I am alot more concerned for our Nickle LBs with Boley hurt. None are really solid in coverage.

(I still have doubts as to whether Robbins (and Boley for that matter) will be ready to go from the start of the season, they could start the season on PUP)

These are all really good points

We do have and excellent team culture and plenty of young talent which should step up and improve. After all we have had alot of players do that for us in the past. (esuch as when the liked of Shockey, Tiki, Pettigout, Strahan, Will Allen+Will Peterson).

These issues are largely unproven at this point, we just have to be patient and see how things unfold on the field.

I think there is plenty of reason for Giants fans to be optimistic and hope for a good season. But there certainly is a considerable element of risk for sure.

We have a good roster but not a great roster. But a great team is better then the sum of the individuals, that is what the Giants do very well and how we won SBXLII. I can't help feeling the Giants are maybe a season away from having a great roster, we have most of the pieces in place, but just need a couple more.

It does put Boley out for alot of training camp and he will likely be limited for the rest.

from http://www.giants.com/news/headlines/story...?story_id=37843

LB Boley undergoes surgery

By Michael Eisen, Giants.com

JUNE 24, 2009

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - The Giants announced on Wednesday that weakside linebacker Michael Boley underwent arthroscopic surgery today to repair a torn labrum in his hip. The surgery was performed by team physician Dr. Bryan Kelly at the Hospital for Special Surgery. A full recovery is expected in approximately 8-10 weeks, the team said. Boley signed with the Giants as a free agent on Feb. 28 after four years with the Atlanta Falcons. Weakside linebacker is the only one of the 22 positions for the Giants to have three starters last season, and all three of those players – Gerris Wilkinson, Bryan Kehl and Chase Blackburn – are still with the team.

Is this a big deal?

He's NOT going to get $20M per.....and the Giants are NOT going to play hard ball/low ball with him and they are certainly NOT going to let him walk. This is just the first step of the agent/GM dance. Look for him to cash in around the 12-14 per year range.

 

And if worst case scenario - he has a dreadful year - both sides will agree to a one year deal and see where we are this time next year.

I think you are wrong, look at Peyton, he has always has gone for premium deals as has Eli is his discussions so far in his career.

Eli has already been paid in the $12m-$14m/year. Have no doubt, he wants his money and will almost certainly get it.

I hope Eli is just coming into his prime and that with Plaxico gone and Shockey gone he will become more of a leader by his play on the field. I think this season is a great opportunity for Eli, I wouldn't be surprised if he has a breakout season.

Who do you replace ELi with ???

How about

1. resign David Carr

Carr does have ability and is well established in the offense. I don't think the drop off would be as huge as some would believe. With a good offensive line and ground game, he can get the job done, particularly when you consider that he will have plenty of talented young targets to throw to.

Instead of Eli's contact (maybe $120m/6 years with $50m guaranteed), maybe Car could be something like a 4 year $20m deal with $6m guaranteed

I don't think the drop off would be that much; imho Carr makes the offense look sharper in the limited opportunities he has had so far. His accuracy and arm strength in particular are better than Eli's.

2. draft a QB to develop behind Carr for the future

Perhaps a top prospect like Sam Bradford, Tim Tebow or Colt McCoy

or a 2nd tier guy like Tim Hiller or Dan LeFevour

Depending on preference, there will be decent talent available

3. If Rhett Bomar/Andre Woodson are not ready to backup, bring in a solid free agent

I am not saying that Eli isn't good for the giants, I am just not happy with mortguaging the Giants future if he doesn't take his play to the next level.

If Eli takes his play to the next level then by all means pay him, but I want to see that on the field before he cashes in (unless he reduces his demands) otherwise he doesn't seem worth it.

I think we can all agree that Manning does not command a $20M per salary.. even Manning himself will concede to that. However, does that guy have to break the bank and strangle his team's salary cap situation?

 

By that I mean wouldn't it be nice if the guy settled for $10M per year? it's not like it would make much difference for him anyway, right? First.. his whole family is a bunch of millionaires.. and he's pretty much in the highest tax bracket anyway. I think Eli should take the high road and take $12M per.

Eli has a salary cap number of around $14.3m this season

remember in 2007 the Giants used a buy back option in Eli's. His original rookie contract expired after 2012, the buy back option brought it back to after 2009.

Eli has already been paid like a top QB and really he the hury is out as to whether he has played up to it (although he has shown potential). Alot of the Giants offesnive problems have come back to poor execution, Eli has more than his fair share.

I think this may be a make or break year for Eli, if he can take it to the next level, then he certainly has earned his pay, if he doesn't then it gets really interesting.

The other factor is David Carr, who will have been well established in the Giants system.

If (and it is a big if) the Giants are ok to consider lif without Eli, then we could franchise and trade him. There are a few teams in need of a QB who would consider a trade (eg: San Francisco, Seattle, Denver, Jacksonville, Buffalo)

Maybe it could come down to do we pay Eli his $20m/year + (with alot guaranteed) or do we go with say David Carr (perhaps $6m-7m) and have extra draft picks.

I think it comes down to performance, does Eli become a truly elite QB or does he remain just a good one.

I think it is very unlikely that the Giants don't go with 10 DBs again this year.

With DeOssie and Alford taking the long snapping duties that allows us an extra roster spot at another position, usually this is Oline or Dline

Here is my thoughts on how the roster is generally shaping up for the start of the season

Offense (26)

QB (3): Eli Manning, David Carr, Andre Woodson/ Rhett Bomar

WR1 (3): Domenik Hixon, Hakeem Nicks, Mario Manningham

WR2 (3): Steve Smith, Ramsees Barden, Sinorice Moss/ David Tyree/ Derek Hagan/ Micah Rucker/ Taye Biddle/ Shaun Bodiford

TE (3): Kevin Boss, Travis Beckum, Darcy Johnson/ Michael Matthews/ Lawrence Vickers/ George Wrightster

RB (4): Brandon Jacobs, Ahmad Bradshaw, Andre Brown, Danny Ware / Dwayne Wright/ Patrick Allen

FB (1): Madison Hedgecock

OT (4) Kareem McKenzie, David Diehl, William Beatty, Guy Whimper/ Andrew Carnahan/ Cliff Lewis/ Mike Fladell

OG (3): Chris Snee, Rich Seubert, Kevin Boothe/ Tutan Reyes/ Orrin Thompson/ Terrance Pennington

OC (2): Shaun O'Hara, Adam Koets/ Alex Derenthal

Defense (25)

LDE (2): Justin Tuck, Robert Henderson/ Maurice Evans/ Dave Tollefsen/ Tommy Hill

RDE (2): Osi Umenyiora, Matthias Kiwanuka

NT (2): Chris Canty, Barry Cofield/ Anthony Bryant

UT (4): Rocky Bernard, Jay Alford/ Dwayne Hendricks/ Alex Field/ Leger Douzable / Jeremy Clark

SLB (3): Danny Clark, Clint Sintim, Zak DeOssie

MLB (2): Antonio Pierce, Jonathan Goff/ Chase Blackburn/ Kelvin Smith

WLB (2): Michael Boley, Bryan Kehl/ Gerris Wilkinson/ Kenny Ingram

CB1 (3): Corey Webster, Terrell Thomas, DeAndre Wright

CB2 (3) Aaron Ross, Kevin Dockery, Stoney Woodson/ Rashad Barksdale/ Travonti Johnson/ Vince Anderson/ Bruce Johnson

SS (2): Michael Johnson, CC Brown

FS (2): Kenny Phillips, Sha'Reff Rashad/ Steve Cargile

Special Teams (2)

P: Jeff Feagles

K: Lawrence Tynes

Physically Unable to Perform (1)

DT: Fred Robbins

I was reading espn's latest NFC Beast chat (6/2) and noticed that Matt Mosley is very high on the Giants this year (unlike many NFL experts)

what do you think?

from http://proxy.espn.go.com/chat/chatESPN?event_id=26754

here are some interesting parts of the chat particularly related to the Giants...

Jake (VA Beach): How much of a blow is a injury like Sintim's to not only him, but all rookies?

Matt Mosley: Jake, it's obviously a setback for the kid but I'm not sure how it affects "all rookies." The Giants wanted him to be in he mix on special teams and to be able to learn everything. you can't do that on the sideline. explain what you mean by "blow to all rookies."

Matt (VT): Much has been made about the steps Reese & Co. have taken to shore up the Giants' defensive line. What kind of progressions do you expect to see from the younger players in the secondary, especially Ross, Phillips and Thomas?

Matt Mosley: I think Phillips is poised to have a breakout season. I'm talking seven or eight INTs and a ton of plays. I have him going to the Pro Bowl. Ross and Thomas should be fine, but Phillips is my breakout guy.

Kevin (Albuquerque, NM): Love the blog! We know football games are won in the trenches, so can you rank the top beast offensive and defensive lines?

Matt Mosley: Thanks, Kev.

O-lines:

1. Giants

2. Eagles

3. Cowboys

4. Skins

D-lines:

1. Giants

2. Redskins

3. Eagles

4. Cowboys

Joe (CT): Curious how much of getting off the line can be taught. I ask because of Barden for the Giants. His big knock is getting off the line. Is this something that he can drastically improve over a couple years? He just seems like he could be a force if he learns that one thing. Thank you

Matt Mosley: Joe, there are some tricks to the trade. Michael Irvin was unbelievable at it. He was like a great boxer at the line of scrimmage. He would do a hand slap that would have guys bleeding from their forearms. It's one thing that T.O. doesn't do very well. Press coverage really bothers him. We'll see if Barden can learn to do it. It's a huge part of being a WR at this level. Watch the Panthers' steve smith at the line.

Dave (scranton pa): Best rookie performance in the beast this season?

Matt Mosley: Nicks

Marc ( City of Brotherly Love): You gotta be kidding. The NYG have a better offensive line than the Eagles? The Eagles have at least 2 Pro Bowlers on theirs? Think you a bit off on that one Matt.

Matt Mosley: I had a long answer and it disappeared on me. But here's the gist: Peters is coming off a down year, although I think he'll be excellent. Andrews essentially missed the entire '08 season. The Eagles aren't exactly high on Jackson at center. And let's not act like Stacy Andrews is the second coming of Munoz -- or insert your guard of choice (Allen for me)...The Giants have a formidable group. Snee's become one of the best guards in the game. Diehl's very reliable. I'll stick with the Giants

Ahmed (Queens, NY): Love your blog Matt! I still don't trust Eli late in the season. Do you think he is still maturing into the league? or is this the best we're seeing from him? Thanks.

Matt Mosley: I think he's still improving. I don't think the Giants were prepared for life without Plax -- especially Manning. Think about the bomb that Hixon dropped against the Eagles. Could that have been a different game if the Giants get a TD there? You bet it could've. it's alarming that he played those last four or five games without completing passes to his WRs for TDs, but now he'll have a full offseason with Smith, Hixon, Moss, Nicks, etc. I think he'll come back strong. Wouldn't surprise me if he had an MVP-type season.

Mike ( Philly): Now that you've had a few weeks to see the teams in OTAs and what not, what do you see the BEAST teams records looking like so far?

Matt Mosley: Giants (13-3)

Eagles (11-5)

Cowboys (9-7)

Redskins (8-8)

ACwithFT Tahoe, CA: I know it's early to project this, but right now, do you see Danny Ware or Andrew Brown taking the 3rd RB spot for the Giants? Do you see either of those guys giving Bradshaw serious competition for the number 2 job?

Matt Mosley: I could see Brown pushing for that No. 2 spot. Jerry Reese is in love with the kid. Ware has some ability, but the team doesn't seem to completely trust him. The same could be said for Bradshaw.

Pete (NYC): got your ratings on the o line/d line.. what about linebackers/secondary?

Matt Mosley: Secondary

1. Giants

2. Eagles

3. Cowboys

4. Redskins

Dave Scranton Pa: Rate the qbs. Top 4 qbs and then top 4 qb corps

Matt Mosley: QBs

1. Eli Manning

2. Donovan McNabb

3. Tony Romo

4. Jason Campbell

pat (jtown) [via mobile]: who will emerge as the gmens best wide reciever by the end of the season.

Matt Mosley: That would be steve smith.

Chris (Missouri): I just dont see Eli having that good of a year, especially when you look at the last 4 games of last year without plax, he didnt throw a touchdown pass. Not only that, they got rid of amani toomer and their number 1 - Steve Smith, and their number 2 a rookie, I just dont think he has the weapons, or really the skill to have a good season

Matt Mosley: I know it's early June, but we have to do better than 250 questions. Let's give it one more go next Tuesday before I head out on vacation. And stop hating on the Giants' receivers. Steve Smith and Hixon will get you off to a solid start -- and Nicks will emerge as a big-time playmaker midway through the season.

I have had a bit of a look towards 2010 and draft possibilites

Key factors will be the likely roster changes.

I think Pierce is gone plus Hixon, Moss, Whimper, Cofield, Robbins, Clark, Wilkinson, Dockery and CC Brown are all coming off contract (and could get better money elsewhere), Hixon and Cofield in particular could be in line for big pay days.

I think it is reasonable to assume that LB, DT, OL, DB and perhaps WR are the positions we are most likely to be looking at.

I am not sure Spikes will be available, but I like Sean Lee (Penn State) in the 2nd round (assuming he bounces back from injury); Rolando McClain (Alabama), Joe Pawelek (Baylor), Micah Johnson (Kentucky) are other good early MLB prospects. Sean Weatherspoon (Missouri) could be intriging but seems more a WLB.

WR Brandon LaFell (LSU) could be a great value pick late in round 1. WR may not be an urgent priority, but if Hixon and Moss aren't back then extra talent may be needed. LaFell and Nicks would give 2 WRs with legitimate #1 potential; combined with Smith, Barden and Manningham and Eli would have a very loaded WR group for some time (and great salary cap value).

OT Ciron Black(LSU) could be in the late round 1 mix, primarily to groom as McKenzie's replacement. But a combo of Beatty and Black could certainly allow Diehl to move inside. The Giants certainly love to upgrade the trenches.

DT is very much an option and very likely a need; even if Cofield is resigned, Robbins is almost certainly gone, plus Bernard is the wrong side of 30.

Ndamukong Suh, Gerald McCoy, Geno Atkins and Terrence Cody will likely be gone, but there is still plenty of talent around with guys like Marvin Austin (North Carolina), Jeff Owens (Georgia), Brian Price (UCLA), Lawrence Marsh (Florida), DeMarcus Granger (Oklahoma), Jared Odrick (Penn State), Vince Oghobaase (Duke), Al Woods (LSU), Arthur Jones (Syracuse), Boo Robinson (Wake Forest) and Dan Williams (Tennessee) plus guys like Mike Williams (Pittsburgh), Alan-Michael Cash (NC State), Charles Alexander (LSU), Averell Spicer (USC) and Ekom Udofia (Stanford) - there are plenty of DTs to choose from

I think S and CB (Berry amd Mays willl likely be long gone)will be more mid-late round picks. I don't see anyone that particularly grabs me early at this stage (or it being a priority need); Nate Allen (South Florida) is a guy I like in the mid rounds.

I don't see any other positions going early, unless perhaps a stud DE is available (and DE is loaded again next year); George Selvie (Southern Floirida) or Brandon Lang (Troy) may be too good to pass up in the 2nd round

I'm glad you said that, Nem. Murphy being on the board still is kind of a shock to me. He has good size and blazing speed. I think that he's not going to last until 91, though. If he does, I would LOVE for the Giants to get him. Murphy is one of the biggest sleepers in this draft... He is somewhat of a boom or bust but his upside is limitless. Potentially if they were to draft him the Giants could be drafting their #1 and #2 receivers of the future.

I would rather get Ramsees Barden than Murphy

positions I think we are still considering

WR - Another WR preferably another big target.

OC - Replace Ruegamer and develop for the future

TE - A recieving complement to Boss

RB - The Giants likely want 4 RBs, the 4th spot is wide open

CB - Solid with Ross, Webster, Thomas and Dockery, but there are likely 5 or 6 roster spots (depending on the CB:S ratio)

S - Solid with Phillips, Johnson and Brown, but there are likely 4 or 5 roster spots (depending on the CB:S ratio)

K/P - Depending on how things go. Feagles must be in his last year and Tynes is risky at best. Ideally this would be Graham Gano who can play both.

None of these are what I would call uregnt needs, but all are positions the Giants will at least want to upgrade depth and develop for the future.

Why would we move arguably one of the best pass rushers in NFL history to DT, a position he's never played? If anything, spread the line out and get Willie J in the middle with 4 rushers to the outside.

One thing Strahan does not have is speed. He does have great technique and strength. Kiwanuka has the quickness to exploit the outside.

In these situations, teams will often be in 3 and 4 WR sets, quickness off the edge is important

In previous years Strahan has played DT in some pass rushing situations, just like Tuck last season.

If you can get 4 quality passrushers, it will cause problems for the offense - you can't double team Strahan and Umenyiora. Someone will get to the QB

With Tuck and Kiwanuka, we will have a quality pass rush for the future.

As far as this season goes, in long passing situations, we could well have a dime package consisting of something like:

LDE: Matthias Kiwanuka

LDT: Michael Strahan

RDT: Justin Tuck

RDE: Osi Umenyiora

LB: Antonio Pierce

CB: Sam Madison, Corey Webster, RW McQuarters, Curtis Deloatch

S: Gibril Wilson, Willie Demps

That is a pretty formidable pass rush from the Dline, it would certainly help our DBs

Personally, I thought we would have been better of drafting Jimmy Williams. Our secondary was our biggest problem last year, Williams would be a huge upgrade at either safety or CB.

I am not totally upset with Kiwanuka, he does have good physical tools.

I guess the front office sees stuff that most of us didn't see (not surprising considering the Boston College connections the Giants have). One thing is certain, the Giants know exactly what kind of player they are getting.

The Giants have done very well at drafting under-rated DEs, including Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora. They certainly know what it takes to be a stud DE.

It will be interesting to see how Kiwanuka develops, he could be a real surprise

Our draft was ok, but it should have been alot better

Our main issues this offseason were with our defensive back seven

This is how I think we should have drafted:

#32 Jimmy Williams FS Virginia Tech

#56 Richard Marshall CB Fresno State

#87 Maurice Stovall WR Notre Dame

#96 Gerris Wilkinson LB Georgia Tech

#124 Barry Cofield DT Northwestern

#129 Guy Whimper OT East Carolina

#158 Babatunde Oshinowo DT Fresno State

#232 Stanley McClover DE Auburn

My thoughts on Charlie Peprah is that he doesn't add that much over James Butler and Quentin Harris

Our main problem last year in our secondary was speed and coverage deep. Peprah has only decent speed.

If EA was serious about upgrading our secondary, we should have drafted Jimmy Williams instead of Matthias Kiwanuka.

In the 5th round I would have much prefered to draft Babatunde Oshinowo and further bolster our interior Dline

Alston is way more athletic than Hodge. No comparison.

 

Hodge

 

4.66 40-time

25 reps

1.62 10-yard

2.75 20-yard

31 vertical

9-0 broad jump

4.30 short shuttle

7.09 3-cone

22 wonderlic

 

Alston

 

4.40 40-time

30 reps

1.53 10-yard

2.54 20-yard

40-inch vertical

11-0 broad jump

4.13 short shuttle

6.90 3-cone

30 wonderlic

I like Alston alot, but I think it is tough comparing a blue collar MLB with the athleticism of an athletic undersized WLB

We don't need a WR

I expect we will sign Ricky Proehl as a cheap veteran who can play an important role on the team

We are likely to have 6 WRs on the roster

Thats would give us

Plaxico Burress

Amani Toomer

Ricky Proehl

David Tyree

Tim Carter

Jamaar Taylor

any drafted WR would have to beat out Tim Carter or Jamaar Taylor in training camp for a roster spot

Both Carter and Taylor have good potential and can stretch the field and make plays, both are cheap, both are healthy and both have the benefit of being in the Giants system for some time.

I don't think a rookie WR would realistically beat either Carter or Taylor for a roster spot (remember training camp is about performances on the field).

The Houston Texas are on the clock...

 

Pete sent me both of his picks in advance, I'll post them shortly.

***NEW SELECTIONS***

The Houston Texans select...

#65 WR Demetrius Williams, Oregon

#66 TE Anthony Fasano, Notre Dame

from kffl.com

Giants | Team checking out Fiedler

Wed, 12 Apr 2006 22:14:44 -0700

Mike Garafolo, of the Star-Ledger, reports agent Brian Levy said free agent QB Jay Fiedler (Jets) recently took a physical in New York conducted by a New York Giants team physician. Fiedler is recovering from shoulder surgery performed in 2005. "They were pleased with the results," Levy said. "He won't be throwing for another four-five weeks, so we are in no rush."

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.

You also have to include the fact that LB in general is the weakest position on the team by far

Indeed if we can sign Ricky Proehl, it is aour only real need (although a DT and CB would be nice)

other than Pierce we have:

Emmons - age and injuries are starting to catch up with him

Torbor - inconsistent, is also a RFA after 2006

Chase Blackburn - adequate backup at best and decent special teams player

Only one LB is guaranteed to be on the roster in 2007

really LB is going to be our biggest need. We will draft at least one LB on the day 1

I would not be surprised if we came out of the draft with 3 LBs, or of we drafted two LBs on day 1

Pizan, just so you know, whoever put Bush in that first slot is wrong. Pete PM'd me his pick, and it was D'Brick. If that changes things, let me know....not a big deal.

Yes D'Brickshaw Ferguson was my pick, with the timezone difference, I couldn't be here

I wanted to draft Reggie Bush, but couldn't really justify it. This is an ideal trade down situation (not in this mock draft).

D'Brickshaw is a stud player at a key position, and is a big team need.

So close baby!

At least I don't have to woorry who is available with my first pick