BigPete

People are forgetting why EA is looking at Chad Brown We all know Chad is not the player he used to be. He is still a much better WLB than Greisen. Chad Brown was one of the best OLBs in the NFL for many years, although no longer great, he is still a good LB. Remember the Patriots picked him up last year, they know a thing or two about quality LBs Chad is still productive: last year while splitting time with Vrabel, Brushi, McGinest Colvin and Beisel (among others), he still had 31 solo tackles and 8 assists in 15 games. It also shows that he is happy to do whatever role the team needs. What Ernie Accorsi is planning with Chad is to have a solid (and cheap) veteran at WLB, and to draft a quality rookie WLB early. Chad can also backup Pierce if need be. It will be a rookie/veteran thing, not unlike what heppened with Warner/Manning, Emmons/Torbor, Strahan/Umenyiora and what we plan for Madison/Webster Chad Brown will be able to pass on the benefits of his experience (which is invaluable) to whichever rookie we draft, and will be competing for the starting WLB spot until the rookie develops and adjusts to the NFL. Competition will bring out the best in both Chad Brown and the rookie WLB. Not every player can be team focussed enough to help develop the young guy, who was drafted to replace him. Which is why we are targeting Chad Brown and not an experienced veteran such as Peter Boulware, Jamie Sharper, , Nial Diggs, Chris Clairborne, Nate Wayne, Junior Seau, Warren Holdman; or a solid younger guys like Tommy Polley, Keith Adams and Keith Newman It is worth remebering that while the cream of LBs have been taken in free agency, there are still quite alot of players who still haven't found teams

Who do the Giants draft? **************************************** Lets assume that the Giants can sign: 1. LaVar Arrington to a reasonable contract 2. Grady Jackson (or Brentson Buckner) to a reasonable contract 3. Jay Fiedler to a cheap contract (maybe) 4. William Peterson cannot play (likely an injury settlement) (Note: These signings may require some restructuring of exisiting contracts) **************************************** Think about it, our roster would be something like: QB: Eli Manning, Jay Fiedler, Tim Hassleback RB: Tiki Barber, Brandon Jacobs, Derrick Ward, Chad Morton WR: Plaxico Burress, Amani Toomer, Tim Carter, Jamaar Taylor, David Tyree TE: Jeremy Shockey, Visanthe Shiancoe, Sean Berton OT: Kareem McKenzie, Luke Pettitgout, Bob Whitfield OG: Chris Snee, David Diehl, Rich Seubert OC: Shaun O'Hara, Grey Ruegamer DT: Grady Jackson, William Jospeh, Fred Robbins, Kendrick Allen DE: Michael Strahan, Osi Umenyiora, Justin Tuck, Eric Moore LB: Carlos Emmons, Antonio Pierce, LaVar Arrington, Reggie Torbor, Chase Blackburn CB: Sam Madison, Corey Webster, RW McQuarters, Jason Bell, Curtis Deloatch S: Willie Demps, Gibril Wilson, James Butler, Quentin Harris K: Jay Feely P: Jeff Feagles LS: Ryan Kuehl **************************************** Draft Considerations: We have good depth and talent at almost every position. There are postions we would prefer to upgrade, but other than a backup WLB, there is no need. This gives Ernie Accorsi and Tom Coughlin alot of flexibility come draft day, which means we will get good value talent. We have a full seven draft picks. With this in mind, who do we draft?

Close, but not quite correct. What it the cap hit is, is the remaining guaranteed money over the life of the orginal contract. If it is more than 1 year left on the contract, then the timing of the cut determines when/how that money it is attributed against the cap. It is based on the life of the original contract. for example: if a player had $5 mil in unallocated guaranteed money (be it signing bonus or whatever) and the player still has 5 years left on the contract: Option 1: if he was cut after june 1, there would be a $1 mil cap hit for each of the next 5 years (but you would save his salary etc for the current year) Option 2: if he was cut before june 1, there would be a $5mil cap hit, and then he would off the books in following seasons many teams have gone with optioin 1, but at some point they ended up with alot of cap problems due to having alot of 'dead' money (ie paying for players no longer on the team). All this does is defer the payment in the hop of short term success. alot of teams have gotten smarter, and take the hit now, leaving them in better shape for the future. sooner or later, you have to pay

Terna Nande has great physical tools, but has never played up to his potential. He needs alot of work on his recognition, instincts etc (if he had average instincts, he would be mentioned on par with prospects like Thomas Howard as a first/second round pick). He is a bit of a developmental prospect at WLB, I would be happy if the Giants drafted him, but we certainly should not draft him before the 3rd round, there are much better OLB prospects.

What if the Giants signed a solid free agent WLB such as Tommy Polley or even resigned Nick Greisen? With the depth of quality talent in this year;s draft, teams may be willing to trade up as much

Out of the two, I think RB is alot more likely. There also may be a good RB talent such as Maurice Drew or Brian Calhoun available in the second round Personally I am all for us drafting a WLB. I guess it depends on just how high EA is on those later LBs Many Giants fans have locked in a WLB at #25, and are not considering some of the other players that may be available #25. I am just trying to show them that other options are possible, and EA could well draft them.

I am actually in favour of us trading down for an extra pick, but I don't think it will happen. EA is certainly known for getting players he likes, particularly when they are at positions that are hard to fill and important to the team, such as franchise RB. It is also worth noting that alot of the teams that need RBs have filled their needs in free agency. Many teams have much bigger needs than at RB, this year they will be able to get a stud talent at a position they need.

The whole world knows the Giants need a WLB, and many people have locked in a WLB in round 1 for the Giants, but that is not a certainty. Ernie Accorsi could well through a curve ball on draft day. 1. Ernie Accorsi likes taking the 'best player available'. It is very likely that the 'best player available' when we pick is not at a need position, but could be at a key NFL position. 2. Ernie drafts for the future, not immediate needs. (Just look at 2005 having just 4 picks: With both Wills ready to go (at the time we thought Will P was fine), we drafted Corey Webster; With Strahan and Osi firmly entrenched as starters, we drafted Justin Tuck and Eric Moore) 3. Ernie Accorsi has publically stated that he thinks good LBs can be found in later drafts, he also has a history of drafting LBs later. In the third round, there will be quality WLB propects such as Gerris Wilkerson, Roger McIntosh and Jon Alston 4. This draft is loaded at some positions, there are far too many top players who should be drafted early, but will slip alot due to the incredible amount of genuine talent. 5. Other than WLB, our starters are in place, we have few real needs (assuming we sign Grady jackson, Sam Adams or Brenston Buckner). There are obviously positions we will like to improve, but they are not a genuine need. Possible Draft Curveballs note: these are in the mold of 'best player available' and upgrading positions if possible with an eye on the future Running Back At #25 there is a good chance that Ernie Sims, Broderick Bunkley and Santonio Homes are already gone. Chad Greenway could well be on the table, but what if a genuine stud RB such as DeAngelo Williams or more likely LenDale White is available? 1. Both Ernie Accorsi and Tom Coughlin know the value of a franchise RB. They both like the power style of football. 2. We have Tiki, but he turns 31 in april. The clock is ticking, father time is going to catch up at some point in the near future. 3. LenDale would be the perfect compliment to and eventual successor for Tiki. LenDale could take some of the load (like he did with Reggie Bush as USC), extending Tiki's career. It also allows Tiki to mentor White and pass on all the benefits of his experience to his successors. 4. LenDale was probably the best goal line/ short yardage runner in college football last year, this will significantly upgrade our short yardage and goal line offense. Brandon Jacobs still has potential to develop, but White is a much better prospect. Tight End At #57, the good value LBs, OTs, CBs, and Safeties could well be gone. There is a decent chance that the best player available could be TE Anthony Fasano 1. Jeremy Shockey is our #1 TE, but he has had injury problems. Visanthe Shiacoe despite having a heap of potential, hasn't really brought it all together yet. 2. Both Visanthe Shiancoe and Sean Berton are on 1 year tenders, both will be unrestricted free agents after the 2006 season. 3. Our blocking TE hasn't really been solidified since Dan Campbell left, it is a position we have been looking at options to improve the situation. Unlike Campbell, Fasano is also a legitimate weapon in the passing game. 4. Anthony Fasano is a very good blocker, and a good reciever who can get open underneath. He would be a very good complement to Jeremy Shockey, particularly in our two TE sets. It also may allow Shockey to be open a little more. Many teams have been successfull with two quality TEs. 5. Fasano could compete with Shiancoe for the #2 job, while developing and adjusting to the NFL. 6. Fasano hails from NJ, Ernie Accorsi has always liked bringing in local guys. I am not saying these are likely picks, but I wouldn't completely discount them either, especially if these guys start slipping on draft day and the more obvious choices for the Giants get drafted

It is very interesting that Tommy Polley has been noticibly quiet. The Giants have to be one of the most attractive options left for him Ernie Accorsi is going to continue to try and resolve the situation as soon as possible. I would imagine Tommy Polley will have visited New York within a week (barring some major development in the meantime)

Don't forget that Julian Peterson has his own injury concerns, but got good money

I think with Julian Peterson getting a $54 million, seven years contract that includes $18.5 million guaranteed, LaVar Arrington is going to be expecting that kind of money. There is no way Ernie Accorsi shells out that much cash.

I am confirmed for the Texans sorry, I missed this thread

I think Hagan is slightly under rated actually, which is why he is a late 2nd round option He is not perfect, which is why he is a 2nd round option and not a first round pick. Hagen has good size, good speed, had very good college production and is a much more polished prospect that most of the WRs in this draft. I think people are being overly critical of Hagens, he does have decent hands. I am not a huge Hagen fan, but at #56, he is the best player for the Giants at need positions. neither Maurice Stovall, Demetrius Williams or Brandon Williams have great speed. with Johnathon Orr and Brandon Williams, you are relying on them to realise their physical potential, something neither did in college Martin Nance is another posible option another decent option in the mid rounds is WR Devin Aromashodu Auburn, 6-2 1/2, 201 lbs, 4.35 40 time

With Free Agency well under way, the Giants draft needs are starting to shape up Let me know what you think I am assuming: 1. the Giant's do not end up signing LaVar Arrington. 2. the Giants sign a free agent DT, such as Grady Jackson 3. the Giants sign a free agent QB, such as Mike McMahon Draft #25 OLB Ernie Sims, Florida State, 5-11 1/8, 231 lbs, 4.50 40 time A quality OLB prospect with great speed and athleticism. Sims is a very good tackler, good coverage skills. #56 WR Derek Hagan, Arizona State, 6-1 3/4, 208 lbs, 4.42 40 time A quality WR prospect with good size, decent speed and hands. #87 LB Leon Williams, Miami (FL), 6-3, 245 lbs, 4.54 40 time A good LB prospect with great speed and athleticism and good tackler. Slightly limited development due to being behind Vilma and minor injury problems. #123 CB Will Blackmon, Boston College, 6-0 1/4, 198 lbs, 4.46 40 time A talented CB prospect with all the physical tools to be a quality NFL CB. Will take some time to develop as he has spend considerable time at WR. #153 LB Brandon Johnson, Louisville, 6-4 7/8, 228 lbs, 4.44 40 time A talented small school OLB prospect with great speed and athleticism. #184 OC Patrick Ross, Boston College, 6-3 1/2, 301 lbs, 4.96 40 time A good C prospect to add quality depth behind O'Hara #215 OT Donald Penn, Utah State, 6-4 1/4, 317 lbs, 5.25 40 time A small school OT prospect with good athleticsm and quickness, is a decent run blocker. Draft Note: In each round I went with best player available at postions the Giants are looking to upgrade. My Giants roster would be something like: Offense Quarterback Eli Manning Mike McMahon Tim Hassleback Running Back Tiki Barber Brandon Jacobs Derrick Ward Chad Morton Full Back Jim Finn Wide Receiver Plaxico Burress Amani Toomer Derek Hagan* Jamaar Taylor David Tyree Tight End Jeremy Shockey Visanthe Shiancoe Sean Berton Tackle Kareem McKenzie Luke Petitgout Bob Whitfield Donald Penn* Guard David Diehl Chris Snee Rich Seubert Center Shaun O'Hara Pat Ross* Defense Defensive Tackle William Jospeh Grady Jackson Fred Robbins Kendrick Allen Defensive End Michael Strahan Osi Umenyiora Justin Tuck Eric Moore Linebacker Reggie Torbor Carlos Emmons Antonio Pierce Ernie Sims* Leon Williams* Chase Blackburn Brandon Johnson* Cornerback Sam Madison Corey Webster RW McQuarters Will Blackmon* Jason Bell Curtis Deloatch Safety Gibril Wilson Willie Demps Quentin Harris James Butler Special Teams Kicker Jay Feely Punter Jeff Feagles Long snapper Ryan Kuehl

I think that is a very possible scenario Although there is some interesting info from an well-connnected member from another site about LaVar Arrington:

We do need a DT, but we don't need to break the bank I would be happy with either Brenston Bucknor, Sam Adams, Grady Jackson or Ryan Pickett my prefernce would be Pickett because of his age and upside, but he would likely cost more, the others are probably more likely. What we can't afford to do is overpay to sign them though. I would also like to see us draft a decent DT such as Babatunde Oshinowo in the draft

I don't see Keyshawn offering much more than waht Amani does I can see a potential big personality clash with Keyshawn and Amani I would rather see us sign someone younger such as Jabar Gaffney or maybe even Peter Warrick I would even be ok with resigning Tim Carter provided it was cheap

Also remember with alot of teams filling their needs with quality free agent LBs, there is a good chance that the LBs will slip a little further in the draft. (due to the number of stud corners, safeties, running backs and tackles). With the deep pf talent in this LB class, many teams will look for a LB in later rounds. I think we should look at trying to trade down, possibly our #25 to 49ers for #37, #68 (who draft either Bobby Carpenter or Manny Lawson to replace Andre Carter) At the moment I see these LBs going in the first round AJ Hawk Chad Greenway Ernie Sims Manny Lawson (to a 3-4 team) Bobby Carpenter (to a 3-4 team) I think that we would likely be able to get a stud OLB talent like DeMeco Ryans, D'Qwell Jackosn or Thomas Howard at #37

*** Revised after recent signings and that Arrington likelihood will not be a Giant ** (15/03/2006) I am assuming the Giants do not end up signing LaVar Arrington, the Giants sign a decent FA DT such as Sam Adams, Grady Jackson or Ryan Pickett and sign a solid OLB such as Tommy Polley (Ravens) I also think the Giants will sign a solid FA QB like Jay Fiedler and a solid FA WR like Gaffney I am assuming that Will Peterson will not be able to play The Giants trade #25 to the 49ers for #37, #68 (The 49ers trade up to draft Manny Lawson or Bobby Carpenter to replace Andre Carter) #37 LB Thomas Howard, U.T.E.P., 6-3 1/4, 239 lbs, 4.42 40 time A quality small school WLB prospect with great speed, athleticism, coverage skills and is a good tackler. #56 S Daniel Bullocks, Nebraska, 6-0 1/2, 212 lbs, 4.38 40 time A quality ballhawk FS prospect with great speed and very good tackler. #68 DT Babatunde Oshinowo, Stanford, 6-1 5/8, 304 lbs, 5.33 40 time A good DT prospect, with good size, strength and athleticism. #87 CB Will Blackmon, Boston College, 6-0 1/4, 198 lbs, 4.46 40 time A quality ballhawk CB prospect with good speed and technique. He has limited development due to spending extensive time at WR, but has all the physiacl tools to be a top NFL CB. #123 WR Devin Aromashodu, Auburn, 6-2 1/2, 201 lbs, 4.35 40 time A good, under rated WR prospect with decent size and blazing speed. Needs to improve his routes. #153 LB Clint Ingram, Oklahoma, 6-1 3/4, 244 lbs, 4.58 40 time A talented LB prospect with great speed and athleticism. #184 OT Guy Whimper, East Carolina, 6-4 3/4, 304 lbs, 4.95 40 time A talented small school prospect with good speed and great athleticism. Is a developmental prospect as he has just one season on the offensve line (a former TE), but has all the physical tools to become a good LT. #215 OC Patrick Ross, Boston College, 6-3 1/2, 301 lbs, 4.96 40 time A good C prospect to add quality depth behind O'Hara The Giants roster would be something like: Offense Quarterback Eli Manning Jay Fiedler Tim Hassleback Running Back Tiki Barber Brandon Jacobs Derrick Ward Chad Morton Full Back Jim Finn Wide Receiver Plaxico Burress Amani Toomer Jabar Gaffney Devin Aromashodu* David Tyree Jamaar Taylor Tight End Jeremy Shockey Visanthe Shiancoe Sean Berton Tackle Kareem McKenzie Luke Petitgout Bob Whitfield Guy Whimper* Guard David Diehl Chris Snee Rich Seubert Center Shaun O'Hara Pat Ross* Defense Defensive Tackle William Jospeh Sam Adams/Grady Jackson/Ryan Pickett Fred Robbins Babatunde Oshinowo* Kendrick Allen Defensive End Michael Strahan Osi Umenyiora Justin Tuck Eric Moore Linebacker SLB Carlos Emmons Reggie Torbor MLB Antonio Pierce Clint Ingram* Chase Blackburn WLB Tommy Polley Thomas Howard* Cornerback Sam Madison Corey Webster RW McQuarters Jason Bell Will Blackmon* Curtis Deloatch Safety Gibril Wilson Daniel Bullocks* Quentin Harris James Butler Special Teams Kicker Jay Feely Punter Jeff Feagles Long snapper Ryan Kuehl

I don't think it is quite that bad at LB we are pretty solid at SLB and MLB We can still sign a solid FA like Tommy Polley (Ravens) in free agency. While not spectacular, he is quite capable. The draft is loaded with top OLB talents. I do think it will make drafting an WLB a much higher priority. I think we can then go two ways in the draft 1. Draft best WLB available at #25, most likely Demeco Ryans, Ernie Sims or Manny Lawson 2. Take advantage of the depth this year and trade down for an extra pick (eg: Giants trade #25 to 49ers for #37, #68. The 49ers trade up to draft Manny Lawson or Bobby Carpenter to replace Andre Carter) at #37 draft best WLB available, most likely D'Qwell Jackson or Thomas Howard in either event, I would still look to draft another LB in the mid rounds to improve our LB depth, mostly likely an ILB such as Leon Williams (Miami) or Gerris Wilkerson (Georgia Tech) who can also play OLB or an OLB like Clint Ingram (Oklahoma) who can also play ILB The Giants LBs would be (assuming (2)) SLB Carlos Emmons Reggie Torbor MLB Antonio Pierce Leon Williams* Chase Blackburn WLB Tommy Polley D'Qwell Jackson* Personally, I think this group has the potential to be a quality LB unit

Cato June got the midrange tender, which means that a team would have to give up a first round pick to get him I would rather see us sign Tommy Polley (Ravens), and then draft a stud WLB prospect such as Manny Lawson or Ernie Sims

It looked for a while like Arrington would be a Giant, but I am not so sure it is the right move for us I think there are two major issues 1. Arrington wants big money, that is not EA's style, particularly with a player with so many concerns 2. Arrington's discipline on the field and tendancy to freelance, doesn't fit well with Coughlin's and Lewis's disciplined, team focussed schemes. Either of which is probably enough to red flag the Arrington deal Yes the free agent market is alot thinner, but that doesn't mean we have to be rash. There are still decent free agents left on the market Here is how I think we should proceed 1. sign a solid FA WLB, my target would be Tommy Polley (Ravens) 2. draft a stud WLB in the first round, my targets would be Manny Lawson or Ernie Sims

The Redskins are deferrring alot of their 2006 cap numbers I guess it works as long as the cap keeps going up... from kffl.com Redskins | M. Washington restructures his contract Mon, 13 Mar 2006 19:51:12 -0800 The Washington Post reports Washington Redskins LB Marcus Washington agreed to convert $3.4 million in roster bonuses and base salary into a signing bonus, which is then prorated to save the team $2.5 million in cap space this year, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. Redskins | Team working to free up cap space Mon, 13 Mar 2006 19:50:52 -0800 The Washington Post reports the Washington Redskins have begun converting about $13.5 million in total roster bonuses due to players in 2006 into signing bonuses, which will clear about $10 million in total cap space.

my latest draft thoughts (13/3) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- With Free Agency well under way, the Giants draft needs are starting to shape up I am assuming the Giant's end up signing LaVar Arrington and a decent FA DT such as Sam Adams, Grady Jackson or Ryan Pickett I also think the Giants will sign a solid FA QB like Jay Fiedler and a solid FA WR like Gaffney I am assuming that Will Peterson will not be able to play The Giants trade #25 to the 49ers for #37, #68 (The 49ers trade up to draft Manny Lawson or Bobby Carpenter to replace Andre Carter) #37 S Donte Whitner, Ohio State, 5-10 1/8, 204 lbs, 4.40 40 time A quality ballhawk FS prospect with great speed and very good tackler. Slightly undersized at 5'10" #56 CB Richard Marshall, Fresno State, 5-11 1/8, 189 lbs 4.42, 40 time A quality ballhawk CB prospect with good speed and technique. #68 DT Babatunde Oshinowo, Stanford, 6-1 5/8, 304 lbs, 5.33 40 time A good DT prospect, with good size, strength and athleticism. #87 LB Leon Williams, Miami (FL), 6-3, 245 lbs, 4.54 40 time A good LB prospect with great speed and athleticism and good tackler. Slightly limited development due to being behind Vilma and then minor injury problem. #123 WR Devin Aromashodu, Auburn, 6-2 1/2, 201 lbs, 4.35 40 time A good, under rated WR prospect with decent size and blazing speed. Needs to improve his routes. #153 LB Brandon Johnson, Louisville, 6-4 7/8, 228 lbs, 4.44 40 time A talented small school OLB prospect with great speed and athleticism. #184 CB David Pittman, Northwestern State, 5-11 1/4, 182 lbs, 4.44 40 time A talented small school prospect with good speed and great athleticism. Slightly undersized at 182 lbs, but has added 20 lbs since college. #215 OC Patrick Ross, Boston College, 6-3 1/2, 301 lbs, 4.96 40 time A good C prospect to add quality depth behind O'Hara The Giants roster would be something like: Offense Quarterback Eli Manning Jay Fiedler Tim Hassleback Running Back Tiki Barber Brandon Jacobs Derrick Ward Chad Morton Full Back Jim Finn Wide Receiver Plaxico Burress Amani Toomer Jabar Gaffney Devin Aromashodu* David Tyree Jamaar Taylor Tight End Jeremy Shockey Visanthe Shiancoe Sean Berton Tackle Kareem McKenzie Luke Petitgout Bob Whitfield Guard David Diehl Chris Snee Rich Seubert Center Shaun O'Hara Pat Ross* Defense Defensive Tackle William Jospeh Sam Adams/Grady Jackson/Ryan Pickett Fred Robbins Babatunde Oshinowo* Kendrick Allen Defensive End Michael Strahan Osi Umenyiora Justin Tuck Eric Moore Linebacker Carlos Emmons Antonio Pierce LaVar Arrington Reggie Torbor Leon Williams* Brandon Johnson* Chase Blackburn Cornerback Sam Madison Corey Webster RW McQuarters Richard Marshall* Davi Pittman* Curtis Deloatch Safety Gibril Wilson Donte Whitner* Quentin Harris James Butler Special Teams Kicker Jay Feely Punter Jeff Feagles Long snapper Ryan Kuehl

2006 AFC free-agent signings 2006 NFC free-agent signings