BigPete

Let's remove the ones that have signed with teams: btw: I don't entirely agree with these rankings, Lance Legree is not a better player than Kendrcik Clancy

Sam Madison's contract has a 2006 cap number of around $1.4 mil

rather than draft McNeil at #25, I would rather trade down for an extra day 1 possible (something like our #25 to Detroit for #40 and #74) Draft: Daryn Colledge at #40 and Greg Eslinger at #74

Keeping Whitfield as well is always an option ( I did consider that) We could go with Allen at #40 and Colledge at #56, or Daniel Bullocks at #56, either way, we have options, same is true for WR free agency Madison and Arrington will not be too expensive, otherwise we will switch to cheaper alternatives Jay Fielder will be cheap, or not a giant, simple as that Kareem McKenzie's contract was seven year, $37 mil, $12.5 million SB, That has a first year cap number of around $2.3 mil Antonio Pierce's contract was six year, $26 mil with a $6.5 million SB That has a first year cap number of around $1.6 mil Ryan Pickett, Sam Madison and LaVar Arrington would have a maximum 2006 cap number around that of McKenzie. (probably somewhere between McKenzie and Pierce) Jay Fieldler and Jabar Gaffey would have maximum 2006 cap numbers around $1.4 mil (which is similar to the first year of Emmons' contract) that is a total around $9.7 million, which will still leave around $2.3 million for rookie etc (which is probably enough). If neccessary we ditch Fiedler, and go with Hassleback again. which means Pickett, Madison, Arrington and Gaffeny would cost somewhere around $8.3 million) It is worth remembering that all of these guys have been on pretty ordinary teams. The Giants give them alot of opportunities (flagship nfl team, legitimate playoff contender, big market/high profile, we look after our players, etc)

Here are some alternate thoughts, let me know what you think The Giants were preciously around $2 mil under the cap we were give an extra $1.2 mil from the NFL due to "Likely to be earned" incentives included in the 2005 salary that weren't actually earned Barrett Green will be officially released once the 2006 season officially starts freein up $1.375 mil in 2005 cap space the salary cap went up from $94.5 mil to $102 mil (an increase of $7.5 mil) which makes the Giants around $12.075 mil under the 2006 salary cap Here is how an alternative option of how to invest it: resign: WR David Tyree (RFA) - long term deal TE Visanthe Shiancoe (RFA) TE Sean Berton (RFA) CB Frank Walker (RFA) QB Tim Hassleback DT Kendrick Allen (EFA) DT Damane Duckett (EFA) RB Chad Morton Sign: CB Sam Madison (Dolphins) 31 [alternative: Deshea Townsend (Steelers)] DT Ryan Pickett (Rams) 25 [alternative: Ma'ake Kemoeatu (Ravens)] QB Jay Fiedler (Jets) 34 LB LaVar Arrington (Redskins) 27 [alternative: David Thornton (Colts), Tommy Polley (Ravens)] WR Jabar Gaffney (Texans) 25 [alternative: Corey Bradford (Texans)] evaluate Will Peterson, if there are still doubts about his ability to play this season, then release him Free Agent thoughts: Madison provides quality experience while our young talented CBs develop. Pickett solidifies our DTs. Pickett will upgrade our run defense, he can also collapse the pocket, which will result in more opportunities for Strahan and Umenyiora. Fiedler adds a solid veteran with good starting experience Arrington adds a quality WLB. EA will still draft a WLB for depth though. Jabar Gaffney is a decent young WR who will not break the bank I would like to add a veteran safety, but I am not sure we will be able to. free agency must keep the draft in mind. Draft: although a WLB like Manny Lawson is tempting, with Arrington WLB is not such a high priority (though WLB depth is). The Giants trade down for an extra day 1 pick (eg: #25 to Detroit for #40, #74) #40 LT Daryn Colledge, Boise State, 6'4", 299 lbs, 5.04 40 time #56 S Jason Allen, Tennessee, 6'1", 209 lbs, 4.39 40 time #74 OC Greg Eslinger, Minnesota, 6'3", 292 lbs, 5.13 40 time #87 CB Will Blackmon, Boston College, 6'0", 198 lbs, 4.46 40 time #123 LB Terna Nande, Miami (OH), 6'0", 232 lbs, 4.51 40 time #153 WR Brandon Marshall, Central Florida, 6'4", 229 lbs, 4.55 40 time #184 CB David Pittman, Northwestern State, 5'11", 182 lbs, 4.44 40 time #215 LB Brandon Johnson, Louisville, 6'5", 228 lbs, 4.44 40 time my roster (10/3/2006) would be something like: (assuming Will Peterson is not healthy) Offense QB Eli Manning Jay Fiedler Tim Hassleback RB Tiki Barber Brandon Jacobs Derrick Ward Chad Morton FB Jim Finn WR Plaxico Burress Amani Toomer Jabar Gaffney Jamaar Taylor David Tyree Brandon Marshall* TE Jeremy Shockey Visanthe Shiancoe Sean Berton OT Kareem McKenzie Luke Petitgout Daryn Colledge* OG Chris Snee David Diehl Rich Seubert OC Shaun O'Hara Greg Eslinger* Defense DT William Jospeh Ryan Pickett Fred Robbins Kendrick Allen Damane Duckett DE Michael Strahan Osi Umenyiora Justin Tuck Eric Moore LB Carlos Emmons Antonio Pierce LaVar Arrington Reggie Torbor Terna Nande* Chase Blackburn Brandon Johnson* CB Sam Madison Corey Webster Will Blackmon* Curtis Deloatch David Pittman* Frank Walker S Gibril Wilson Jason Allen* James Butler Special Teams K Jay Feeley P Jeff Feagles LS Ryan Kuehl

If we sign LaVar Arrington and Sam Madison, one thing I would seriously consider is trading our #25 for an extra day 1 pick. Possibly to a team like Detroit for their #40, #74 I would then consider drafting: #40 LT Daryn Colledge, Boise State, 6-4 3/8, 299 lbs, 5.04 40 time #74 OC Greg Eslinger, Minnesota, 6-3 1/8, 292 lbs, 5.13 40 time and cement the future of our offensive line

either Jason Allen or Daniel Bullocks will be available at #56

The other think we could consider if we signed Arrington is to trade down possibly our #25 to a team such as detroit for their #40 and #74 Manny Lawson may not be available at #40, but we should be able to draft Demeco Ryans, D'Qwell Jackson or Thomas Howard at #40 the extra pick could be very useful we could sign some very interesting players depending on how things fall possibly: DT Babatunde Oshinowo OT Andrew Whitworth WR Derek Hagan It depends on how players fall. I am not sure Ernie Accorsi will trade down if Brodrick Bunkley or Manny Lawson are available at #25 I don't mind the idea of a free agent WR such as Jabaar Gaffney or Corey Bradford. It could depend on Will Peterson though, if he isn't healthy then a solid FA CB is very usefull. If Peterson is healthy, then we would be free to invest in a free agent WR a solid free agent S is also an option, but personally, I think CB, DT and OLB are our top free agency priorities

I disagree I would imagine that Madison, Arrington and Pickett could be signed for a similar contract to that signed by Antonio Pierce (Pierce agreed to a six-year, $26 million contract that includes a $6.5 million signing bonus) Pierce's contract has a first year cap value of around $1.6 million Any more and they will be out of our price range. EA isn't going to shell out huge money when decent cheaper alternatives exist. I do think these will be reasonable contracts for these guys. It is also worth remembering that both the CB and LB markets are flooded this offseason, players are not going to get as much as they expect. Fielder and Townsend will be considerably cheaper. other decent options: DT Grady Jackson (Packers) Larry Tripplett (Colts) Ma'ake Kemoeatu (Ravens) LB Tommy Polley (Ravens) David Thornton (Colts) even if you have average 2006 cap number of $1.8 mil (quite generous) each for those 5 FAs that is only $9 mil, which still leaves $3 mil for rookies we have more cap room than we did last year, but EA is not going to throw money at players to sign them. Whoever we sign, it will be at a reasonable price. Townsend is desirable (although not essential) if Will Peterson isn't likely to play.

the ideal WLB option would be Will Witherspoon, but he is going to get good money an alternate WLB option could be Scott Fujita. Between him and Emmons we could have WLB covered while a stud rookie prospect like Manny Lawson, Ernie Sims, Thomas Howard or Demeco Ryans develops

The Giants were around $2 mil under the planned $94.5 mil salary cap The Giants were give an extra $1.2 mil from the NFL due to "Likely to be earned" incentives which were included in the 2005 salary that weren't actually earned. (eg: Will Peterson's contract) Barrett Green will be officially released once the 2006 season officially starts freeing up $1.375 mil in 2005 cap space the salary cap went up from $94.5 mil to $102 mil (an increase of $7.5 mil) which makes the Giants around $12.075 mil under the 2006 salary cap Here is how I would look at investing it: (let me know what you think) resign: WR David Tyree (RFA) - long term deal TE Visanthe Shiancoe (RFA) TE Sean Berton (RFA) CB Frank Walker (RFA) WR Willie Ponder (RFA) QB Tim Hassleback DT Kendrick Allen (EFA) RB Chad Morton OT Bob Whitfield Sign: CB Sam Madison (Dolphins) 31 DT Ryan Pickett (Rams) 25 QB Jay Fiedler (Jets) 34 LB LaVar Arrington (Redskins) 27 evaluate Will Peterson, if there are still doubts about his ability to play this season, then release him and sign: CB Deshea Townsend (Steelers) 30 Free Agent thoughts: Townsend and Madison provide quality experience while our young talented CBs develop. Townsend will be competeing with Webster for the 2nd starting position Pickett solidifies our DTs. Pickett will upgrade our run defense, he can also collapse the pocket, which will result in more opportunities for Strahan and Umenyiora. Fiedler adds a solid veteran with good starting experience Arrington adds a quality WLB. EA will still draft a quality WLB to develop behind him though. free agency must keep the draft in mind. Draft: best value players at need positions, something like: #25 LB Manny Lawson, North Carolina State, 6'5", 241 lbs, 4.43 40 time #56 S Jason Allen, Tennessee, 6'1", 209 lbs, 4.39 40 time #87 CB Will Blackmon, Boston College, 6'0", 198 lbs, 4.46 40 time #123 LB Leon Williams, Miami (FL), 6'3", 245 lbs, 4.54 40 time #153 WR Brandon Marshall, Central Florida, 6'4", 229 lbs, 4.55 40 time #184 CB David Pittman, Northwestern State, 5'11", 182 lbs, 4.44 40 time #215 OC Pat Ross, Boston College, 6'4", 301 lbs, 4.96 40 time my roster (9/3/2006) would be something like: Offense QB Eli Manning Jay Fiedler Tim Hassleback RB Tiki Barber Brandon Jacobs Derrick Ward Chad Morton FB Jim Finn WR Plaxico Burress Amani Toomer Jamaar Taylor David Tyree Brandon Marshall* Willie Ponder TE Jeremy Shockey Visanthe Shiancoe Sean Berton OT Kareem McKenzie Luke Petitgout Bob Whitfield OG Chris Snee David Diehl Rich Seubert OC Shaun O'Hara Patrick Ross* Defense DT William Jospeh Ryan Pickett Fred Robbins Kendrick Allen DE Michael Strahan Osi Umenyiora Justin Tuck Eric Moore LB Carlos Emmons Antonio Pierce LaVar Arrington Reggie Torbor Manny Lawson* Leon Williams* Chase Blackburn CB Sam Madison Deshea Townsend / Will Peterson Corey Webster Will Blackmon* Curtis Deloatch David Pittman* Frank Walker S Gibril Wilson Jason Allen* James Butler Special Teams K Jay Feeley P Jeff Feagles LS Ryan Kuehl

here is what we should consider, sign Arrington to a contract like Antonio Pierce's draft a quality development WLB to develop behind him such as Manny Lawson If Arrington works out, thats great. We have a probowl WLB and a stud OLB for the future developing behind him. It also means that we can release Emmons in 2007. Also Torbor is a RFA after 2006, so there is no guarantee he will be back after 2007 If Arrington doesn't work out, we have the cap room to do something about it and we have a stud WLB waiting in the wings. Lawson will take a year or two to develop, but he will add competition for Arrington and ensure he works hard for the team.

from http://nfl.com/news/story/9290309 this is very good for the Giants by the way, you can add D'Qwell Jackson (Maryland), Thomas Howard (UTEP) and Manny Lawson (North Carolina State) as rookies who impressed at the combine. Combined with the rookies mentioned in the article, thats 9 rookie LBs with legitimate first round LB talent. It means that the veteran free agent LBs and CBs will be alot cheaper to sign than they will in other years

If we could add a free agent like LaVar Arrington, that makes a big difference If Will Peterson cannot play, then a solid free agent like Deshea Townsend becomes a probability. Townsend would be competing with Corey Webster for the starting spot The defensive roster would be something like: DT William Jospeh Kevin Carter Fred Robbins Kendrick Allen DE Michael Strahan Osi Umenyiora Justin Tuck Eric Moore LB Carlos Emmons Antonio Pierce LaVar Arrington Reggie Torbor Manny Lawson* Leon Williams* Chase Blackburn CB Sam Madison Deshea Townsend / Will Peterson Corey Webster Will Blackmon* Curtis Deloatch David Pittman* Frank Walker S Gibril Wilson Jason Allen* James Butler

Manny Lawson will be a quality WLB for us remember: David Pollack has been quite successful at WLB for the bengals, despite not being as fast or atheltic as Lawson and not having some prior experience at LB Reggie Torbor successfully made the transition. don't forget Tim Lewis knows how to develop quality LBs, plus Lawson would have Carlos Emmons and Antonio Pierce to help him learn the position, there are probably not two better mentors on any team I think we will use him in rotation with a solid vet at WLB. He will be able to impact right away in passing situations and on special teams. Manny Lawson will take some time to develop, but he has physical skills that are off the chart. If it wasn't for the extreme depth at LB this year, he would go alot earlier. I particularly like Lawson's team attitude and work ethic, he seems to me like a guy who will thrive under Tom Coughlin, Tim Lewis and Bill Sheridan. Manny Lawson would be the fastest, most athletic LB we have had since Lawrence Taylor

yeah I know add two players, most likely the best UDFAs Will Peterson's statues still needs to be determined we could also add another decent veteran

The Giants would like a big DT for sure Maake Kemoeautu will attract big money, as will the other bigger free agent DTs If we draft a DT, it will be a bigger DT, someone like Babatunde Oshinowo Alot of our problems in the passing game come from a lack of our DTs to pressure the QBs, which means teams have been able to double team Strahan and Umenyiora alot. With Carter being a legitimate pass rush threat, teams will not be able to do that. I would expect Robbins to be much better in 2006, he is the big plugger style DT. A rotation of Joseph, Carter, Robbins and Allen is very good actually It is worth noting that two Free Agent DTs we went after in recent years were Rod Coleman and Chris Hovan, both disruptive one gap DTs

from http://www.atlantafalcons.com/team/article.jsp?id=11113 Manny Lawson (DE - N.C. State) - Sunday, February 26, 2006: Q: Would you feel most comfortable as a outside linebacker or a defensive end? Lawson: Wherever a team wants to put me, so long as I can play. Q: If you went to a 4-3 team, what weight do you think you come become eventually? Lawson: The way I look at it, my weight can hold a lot, but I don't want to substitute weight for speed, so I'll probably stop adding weight whenever I start slowing down. Q: What's the most you've ever weighed? Lawson: The most I've ever weighed is 247. Q: Are you going to do all the workouts at the Combine? Lawson: Yes. Q: Who all have you met with here at the Combine? Lawson: The Falcons, Jaguars, Dallas, New York Giants, Tampa Bay...I can't remember all of them. I had eight interviews last night. Q: How about the Dolphins? Lawson: I have not met with them. I actually met with them at the Senior Bowl. Q: Is there a certain way to block punts like you did so much in college? Lawson: There is a specific technique. Really, I think the knack is ‘want to,' as coach [Chuck] Amato would call it. If you want to get back there, you'll do anything or whatever it takes to get back there. Q: How do you feel about being compared to linebacker/defensive end tweeners like Willie McGinest? Lawson: It's crazy because they've done things I have not yet done, so I don't know what to say. Q: Do you think Mario Williams complemented you as much as you were a complement to him at State? Lawson: I think it goes both ways. When you see one guy coming around the corner, you're definitely not going to run his way, so you're automatically going to go the other way and into the next guy, who you don't see. I think we both complemented each other. Q: Are you faster than Mario? Lawson: By far. It's not even close. Not even. Q: You did jumps for N.C. State track? Lawson: Yes. Long jump and triple jump. I ran track all the way up until my junior year. I stopped before my senior year so I could focus more on football and get closer to [weighing] 400 pounds [laughs]. Q: How many reps did you do in the bench? Lawson: I did 23 reps. Q: Is that the most you've ever done? Lawson: Actually, that's the only time I've ever done it. Q: Where are you training? Lawson: Phoenix, Arizona. Fisher Sports wish Brett Fisher. Q: Did you put 25 pounds on before your senior year? Lawson: Yes. Q: How? Lawson: Baked potatoes. Baked potatoes and right after I ate baked potatoes, I went to the gym. Just constantly eating and then working out rather than eating and running and then working out. Q: How much have you played standing up like a linebacker? Lawson: I played probably two years to a year and a half. Q: As a starter? Lawson: I started against passing teams standing up whenever my talents were needed to cover a tight end or a receiver. Q: So do you think playing outside linebacker for a 3-4 team would be a huge adjustment for you? Lawson: I don't feel it will be new to me at all. There may be a technique I have to learn or re-learn or improve upon, but as far as covering somebody, as far as dropping back in zone, I feel I can do it. Q: So you're very comfortable in dropping into pass coverage? Lawson: Very. I've been dropping into pass coverages all throughout my years even as a defensive end. Q: How accomplished of a pass rusher do you feel you are? Lawson: I'm pretty much still learning. I'm going to always be learning. I feel I have a variety and array of pass rushing moves that I can use and that will work, but if you really want to look at it, I've only been playing defensive end at the collegiate level for two years. So I'm still new to the game. Q: Would you liken your abilities to anyone currently in the NFL, or is there anyone you model your game after? Lawson: The guy who I look up to is a guy about my size, my height: Jason Taylor. And another guy is Dwight Freeney, because I wish I had the spin move to where I could keep spinning and spinning and somehow end up at the quarterback. I just can't do it. Q: Who's the better end, you or Mario Williams? Lawson: Better end? Better looking is me hands-down. We both have our days. Sometimes I'll end up with a good day and sometimes he'll end up with a good day. I've been rated as an athlete ad he's your prototypical end. Q: You were voted your team's most valuable defensive lineman the past two seasons. Who votes on that? Lawson: The team votes, the coaches vote.

1. Kevin Carter is a very good 1 gap DT. He isn't a star, but is very productive, he has 6 sacks each of the last two seasons and has 92 career sacks. He shouldn't be too expensive and his experience will certainly be an asset. Carter gives us a legitimate pass rush threat inside, which will mean that offenses have to account for him, they can't just double Strahan and Osi like they did last year. 2. I think Jason Allen will be available, with the very strng DB classes, he won't be able to push his way higher, another option is Daniel Bullocks (though I think he will go earlier)

Here are my current draft/free agent thoughts (07/03/2006) let me know what you think (This assumes that the CBA will be signed, the 2006 cap will increase by around $10 mil and the Giants will thus have around $13 mil to spend) This also assumes Will Peterson will not be able to play Free Agency Resign WR David Tyree (RFA) TE Visanthe Shiancoe (RFA) TE Sean Berton (RFA) CB Frank Walker (RFA) WR Willie Ponder (RFA) DT Kendrick Allen (EFA) QB Tim Hassleback RB Chad Morton OT Bob Whitfield Sign CB Sam Madison (Dolphins) 31 Madsion is a quality CB with the style of play that Tim Lewis prefers. A 5 time probowler, he adds quality experience to our young DBs. Our DEs will provide Madison more opportunities. DT Kevin Carter (Dolphins) 32 Carter is a quality dispruptive DT with 92.0 career sacks. He can also play DE if needed, but has played the last few season primarily at DT. Playing beside Strahan and Umenyiora on a legitimate playoff contender will be very attractive. QB Jay Fiedler (Jets) - 34 With alot of good QBs available in free agency and a strong rookie class will limit opportunities for Fiedler. Fiedler gives us a QB with alot of starting experience, who can do the job if needed. His experience will help Eli's development. Fielder would not have to relocate his family. Draft #25 LB Manny Lawson, North Carolina State, 6'5", 241 lbs, 4.43 40 time An extremely fast, athletic, WLB prospect. Lawson is an awesome pass rusher, very good open field tackler and has all the tools to develop good coverage skills. Lawson will take some time to develop, but does have some experience at OLB. Lawson will slip due the the extreme depth of top talent available in the first round and at LB this year. A quality WLB to develop behind Carlos Emmons. #56 S Jason Allen, Tennessee, 6'1", 209 lbs, 4.39 40 time A quality, athletic, ballhawk safety with great speed, instincts and is a very good tackler. Allen could also play CB. Allen will slip because the safety and CB classes are both very deep with top talent, and the fact he is coming back from injury. An immediate huge upgrade for our secondary. #87 CB Will Blackmon, Boston College, 6'0", 198 lbs, 4.46 40 time An athletic, physical, ball hawk with good speed. Blackmon is very raw, he is a development CB prospect but has the physical tools to be a top NFL CB. Blackmon is a quality punt and kick returner. Blackmon would be a huge boost to our special teams. Blackmon will slip do to the number of top junior CBs in the draft. #123 LB Leon Williams, Miami (FL), 6'3", 245 lbs, 4.54 40 time A very fast and athletic LB. Williams has very good size and a solid physical game. Williams is a a little raw as he missed alot of 2004 due to injury. Williams upgrades our LB depth and improves our special teams. Williams is originally from Brooklyn NY. #153 WR Brandon Marshall, Central Florida, 6'4", 229 lbs, 4.55 40 time A talented small school WR with great size, good hands and decent speed. Marshall gives us a quality WR to develop for the future and adds competition behind our starters. #184 CB David Pittman, Northwestern State, 5'11", 182 lbs, 4.44 40 time A talented small school CB with good speed and great athleticism. Pittman slips due to the extreme talent available at DB in this draft. #215 OC Pat Ross, Boston College, 6'4", 301 lbs, 4.96 40 time Some quality depth for our interior offensive line My Giants Roster (07/03/2006) would be something like Offense QB: Eli Manning, Jay Fiedler, Tim Hassleback RB: Tiki Barber, Brandon Jacobs, Derrick Ward, Chad Morton FB: Jim Finn WR: Plaxico Burress, Amani Toomer, Jamaar Taylor, David Tyree, Brandon Marshall*, Willie Ponder TE: Jeremy Shockey, Visanthe Shiancoe, Sean Berton OT: Kareem McKenzie, Luke Petitgout, Bob Whitfield OG: Chris Snee, David Diehl, Rich Seubert OC: Shaun O'Hara, Patrick Ross* Defense DT: William Jospeh, Kevin Carter, Fred Robbins, Kendrick Allen DE: Michael Strahan, Osi Umenyiora, Justin Tuck, Eric Moore LB: Reggie Torbor, Antonio Pierce, Carlos Emmons, Manny Lawson*, Leon Williams*, Chase Blackburn CB: Sam Madison, Corey Webster, Will Blackmon*, Curtis Deloatch, David Pittman*, Frank Walker S: Jason Allen*, Gibril Wilson, James Butler Special Teams K: Jay Feeley P: Jeff Feagles LS: Ryan Kuehl

Sam Madison is a definate upgrade for us. He can still play quite well, has quality experience to pass on to our youngsters. At 32, he is only a short term solution, but we have talented youngsters in place and wil llikely add at least one more in the draft. Sam Madison has been to 5 probowls, he is a quality player How many probowls have our combined DBs been to in the last say 10 seasons? (assuming Will Allen doesn't resign, and Will Peterson isn't good to go and we don't sign any more veterans) If we sign Sam Madison and draft something like 2nd round: Jason Allen, Tennessee, 6-0 7/8, 209, 4.39 3rd round: Marcus Maxey, Miami (FL), 6-1 1/2, 198, 4.45 5th round: David Pittman, Northwestern St., 5-11 1/4, 182, 4.44 our secondary would be CB Sam Madison Corey Webster Marcus Maxey* Curtis Deloatch David Pittman* Frank Walker S Gibril Wilson Jason Allen* James Butler Thats a pretty solid group, and it sets up the Giants for the future.

Is there a link to the actual article? or is this idle conjecture

Lawson has better physical tools than every LB except possibly Thomas Howard, even then, he has more upside in my opinion Lawson's coverage skills will need to be developed, but he has the physical tools to be very good in coverage. Lawson will take time to develop, but he will become a genuine stud, especially at WLB where he has more freedom to use his speed and athleticim to make plays

These are just thoughts, I admit some are a little agressive, but thats ok I don't expect people to agree with them and they are probably not likely but they are possible I used the figures off espn's site, saying we had $3.3 mil, and their article with the possible cuts and cap savings I am not sure about that report, in any case I used the info fron espn's possible cap casualties I think his huge cap number makes it very likely. Derrick Brooks has a reported $11,657,083 cap number for 2006 and the bucs save $5,499,998 if they release him from reports Tampa Bay are $8.7 mil over the cap I was thinking about that, it is EA's final season, he is know for aggressive draft moves. We do need a LT either this year or next (most likely the first round) and Winston has the tools to be a genuine stud LT. I also don't think there will be anywhere near the same level of talent in next year's draft, especially at OT We are likely to have a high draft pick again next year in any case. Is it poor value if you have an LT with one year of development who talent wise is as good or better than the top OT prospects next year? In any case, it is just an idea I thought about Glover and Pryce, in the end I went with Carter, he is a little bigger, has been a little healthier and has 92.0 career sacks (including 6 in each of his last two seasons)

Here are my current draft/free agent thoughts (03/03/2006) let me know what you think Currently we are around $7.9 mil under the 2006 salary cap number. Free Agency Release Shaun Williams. That will give us around $9.4 mil in 2006 cap space for free agency and signing rookies Resign WR David Tyree (RFA) TE Visanthe Shiancoe (RFA) TE Sean Berton QB Tim Hassleback DT Kendrick Allen RB Chad Morton CB Will Allen (Giants) (2006 cap number around $1.3 mil) With the amount of quality CBs in the draft and the increasing number of quality free agent CBs, Will Allen will not get the level of contract he desires. Allen resigns with the Giants for a decent contract. Sign DT Kevin Carter (Dolphins) 32 - 6-6 305 (2006 cap number around $1.3 mil) Carter is a quality dispruptive DT with 92.0 career sacks. He can also play DE if needed, but has played the last few season primarily at DT. Playing beside Strahan and Umenyiora on a legitimate playoff contender will be very attractive. QB Jeff Garcia (Lions) (2006 cap number around $1.1 mil) With alot of good QBs available in free agency and a strong rookie class will limit opportunities fro Garcia. Garcia gives us a former probowl QB, who can do the job if needed. His experience will help Eli's development and Garcia would be content with his role as a backup. The Giants give Garcia a chance to play for a legitimate playoff contender. LB Derrick Brooks (Buccaneers) 32 - 6'0" 235 (2006 cap number around $1.3 million) Brooks is a quality WLB. Brooks would be a huge upgrade out our LB corp. The Giants give Brooks the chance to play for a legitimate playoff contender. Thoughts With the CBA problems forcing teams to shed alot of veterans, the giants can get quality players cheaply. That will leave us around $4.40 mil to sign rookies and leave as a reserve Draft Giants trade our 2007 1st to Denver for #29 thoughts about trade EA is not afraid to be very aggressive on draft day, he does go after players he wants. Denver does not have the cap room for two first round picks. We would likely have drafted a LT in the first round 2007 anyway. With Eric Winston on the board at #29, EA makes the move. #25 LB Manny Lawson, North Carolina State, 6'5", 241 lbs, 4.43 40 time An extremely fast, athletic, WLB prospect. Lawson is an awesome pass rusher, very good open field tackler and has all the tools to develop good coverage skills. Lawson will take some time to develop, but does have some experience at OLB. Lawson will slip due the the extreme depth of top talent available in the first round and at LB this year. A quality WLB to develop behind Derrick Brooks. #29 OT Eric Winston, Miami (FL), 6'7", 310 lbs, 4.94 40 time A quality, athletic OT to develop behind Luke Petitgout. Winston slips due to the amount of quality in this draft (inlcuding the OT class), and the fact he is coming back from injury. #56 S Jason Allen, Tennessee, 6'1", 209 lbs, 4.39 40 time A quality, athletic, ballhawk safety with great speed, instincts and is a very good tackler. Allen could also play CB. Allen will slip because the safety and CB classes are both very deep with top talent, and the fact he is coming back from injury. An immediate huge upgrade for our secondary. #87 CB Will Blackmon, Boston College, 6'0", 198 lbs, 4.46 40 time An athletic, physical, ball hawk with good speed. Blackmon is very raw, he is a development CB prospect but has the physical tools to be a top NFL CB. Blackmon is a quality punt and kick returner. Blackmon would be a huge boost to our special teams. Blackmon will slip do to the number of top junior CBs in the draft. #123 WR Brandon Marshall, Central Florida, 6'4", 229 lbs, 4.55 40 time A talented small school WR with great size, good hands and decent speed. Marshall gives us a quality WR to develop for the future and adds competition behind our starters. #153 LB Tim McGarigle, Northwestern, 6'1", 242 lbs, 4.73 40 time A talented small school LB with good mobility, instincts and tackles well. McGarigle upgrades our LB depth and improves our special teams. #184 CB David Pittman, Northwestern St. 5'11", 182 lbs, 4.44 40 time A talented small school CB with good speed and great athleticism. Pittman slips due to the extreme talent available at DB in this draft. #215 OC Pat Ross, Boston College, 6'4", 301 lbs, 4.96 40 time Some quality depth for our interior offensive line My Giants Roster (03/03/2006) would be something like Offense QB: Eli Manning, Jeff Garcia, Tim Hassleback RB: Tiki Barber, Brandon Jacobs, Derrick Ward, Chad Morton FB: Jim Finn WR: Plaxico Burress, Amani Toomer, Jamaar Taylor, Brandon Marshall*, David Tyree TE: Jeremy Shockey, Visanthe Shiancoe, Sean Berton OT: Kareem McKenzie, Luke Petitgout, Eric Winston* OG: Chris Snee, David Diehl, Rich Seubert OC: Shaun O'Hara, Patrick Ross* Defense DT: William Jospeh, Kevin Carter, Fred Robbins, Kendrick Allen DE: Michael Strahan, Osi Umenyiora, Justin Tuck, Eric Moore LB: Carlos Emmons, Antonio Pierce, Derrick Brooks, Reggie Torbor, Manny Lawson*, Tim McGarigle*, Chase Blackburn CB: Will Allen, Will Peterson, Corey Webster, Will Blackmon*, Curtis Deloatch, David Pittman* S: Jason Allen*, Gibril Wilson, James Butler Special Teams K: Jay Feeley P: Jeff Feagles LS: Ryan Kuehl * rookie