BigPete

Greisen is all but gone.

Peronally, I think the core of Torbor, Pierce and Greisen is ok

I don't think we need a free agent. I like Ben Leber, but he is going to want to start.

I think quality LBs in the draft is the best way to stock up our LB corps. We may not need two day 1 LBs, but I think the 2nd LB at some point will be the best player available

It also ensures that our LBs will be a quality unit for several years.

He did not have a great Senior Bowl. But the guy can really play ... he and Jackson are very similar prospects IMO

thats true, but personally, I think Ryans is a little more hyped than Jackson

It may just be me, but I would much prefer to see D'Qwell Jackson in a giants uniform next year

This is something like what I think the Giants should do for our linebackers

Lack of qualty depth was one of the key issues for our defense

Key Issues

Nick Greisen wants a starting role and money, it will be elsewhere.

Carlos Emmons will be released, due to injury history, age and cap number (either Emmons or Green is gone, Green is younger)

Barrett Green should be healthy, but his injury history will be a concern, as is his increased salary cap number. I think the Giants will be looking to draft his eventual replacement.

Reggie Torbor has progressed well, and should be a decent starter. But he has had some consistency issues, minor injury problems. He is also a restricted free agenct after 2006, while a decent chance of being back in 2007, like Greisen, there is no gurantee after that.

Depth behind Antonio Pierce was a problem, Chase Blackburn was adequate at best.

With reasonable starters at SLB and WLB, I don't think our solution is going to come through free agency (due to costs), luckily for us, the draft is absolutely loaded at LB. We can use free agency to address other key needs.

Draft Needs

1. we need a quality WLB to develop behind and compete with Barrett Green.

2. we need a decent SLB/MLB to develop behind and add competition with Reggie Torbor, and provide quality depth at MLB behind Pierce.

This is how I would approach the draft.

1st round: draft best WLB available

D'Qwell Jackson (Maryland) 6-0, 230

D'Qwell can play all three LB positions, but is best suited to WLB for us. He has a great tackler with very good athleticism, quickness and change of direction. He can sheds blocks well and is also has good pass rushing and coverage skills. D'Qwell has great instincts and top intangibles.

2nd round: if Donte Whitner, Babatunde Oshinowo and the LTs go early (there is a good chance they all do), draft the best player available at a need position, I think this is likely to be a LB. I know people will argue that a LB in the 1st and 2nd is not needed, but it sets up our linebackers as a strong unit for many years, also other needs such as CB, DT and S can be filled in later rounds.

Kai Parham (Virginia) 6-3, 250

Kai Parham is a strong, powerful LB, with excellent size, good athleticism and speed. Kai is an excellent tackler and big hitter, and is an excellent pass rusher and blitzer. Kai does have to improve his covergae skills, but he has the ability to do so. Kai has excellent intangibles and has leadership ability.

if not draft a quality LB in the 3rd round, such as

Gerris Wilkerson (Georgia Tech) 6-3, 235

Gerris can play all three LB positions. He has been moved around alot, he has played OLB, MLB and DE. Gerris is a great tackler and big hitter. He is a great blitzer and pass rusher. Gerris needs to improve his coverage skills, but has the tools to do so. Gerris has great instincts and good intangibles.

This gives us a very good LB corp with excellent depth and talent.

SLB: Reggie Torbor, Kai Parham/Gerris Wilkerson

MLB: Antonio Pierce, Chase Blackburn

WLB: Barrett Green, D'Qwell Jackson

what do you think?

How do you think we should address linebacker this offseason?

Probably him or DeMeco Ryan, depending on availability.

I am not as big on Demeco Ryans to be honest, but thats probably just me

I think he'll go late 1st/early 2nd when all is said and done.

Thats where I think he will go, but in any other draft, he would likely go alot higher

I think he is probably the best linebacker option for us at #25

Pollack had an insanely good 3-cone drill. For LBs, I would say the 3-cone drill and short shuttles (both of which measure change of direction skills) are more important than 40 times.

 

I could see the comparison to Vilma, especially when you factor in size and intangibles. Although Vilma did not slip ... he went 12th overall.

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

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

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

Here is a good article from last year by Pat Kirwan that points out the difference between 40 speed and quickness, it is a good read

http://www.nfl.com/draft/story/8313818

Agree 100% ... people often confuse timed speed and field speed. Jackson is excellent in the latter, just like our own Antonio Pierce, who only ran about a 4.8 coming out...

A good example is David Pollack, he had average timed speed for a DE at 4.75, but enough quickness for the Bengals to draft him in the mid first round as an OLB

btw I think D'Qwell Jackson is very similar to Jonathon Vilma, he is very under rated and will slip due to the sheer depth at LB in this draft. He is a quality linebacker

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

 

Strengths:

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

 

Weaknesses:

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

Notes:

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

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

 

Strengths:

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

 

Weaknesses:

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

 

Notes:

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

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

 

Strengths:

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

 

Weaknesses:

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

 

Notes:

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

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

 

Strengths:

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

 

Weaknesses:

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

 

Notes:

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

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

 

Pros

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

 

Cons

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

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

 

Strengths:

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

 

Weaknesses:

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

 

Notes:

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

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

 

Strengths:

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

 

Weaknesses:

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

Notes:

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

Well thats my mock draft, comments are welcome

FYI, If you are going to use Scott Wright's (from www.nfldraftcountdown.com) profiles verbatim, you might want to at least quote your source

I think you are fixated to much on timed speed and are reaching for developmental prospects

at OLB, I much prefer D'Qwell Jackson to Thomas Howard

in the 2nd round there will be much better value players at alot of positions. For example, Kai Parham, Babatunde Oshinowo would be much better value

I prefer Will Blackmon at CB, but he will be available later. He also adds a quality kick and punt returner

we need a safety that can cover, Greg Blue, which can't

for a later round DT, I prefer Montavious Stanley or Mania Brown

thats my 2c

I wonder how they rate the potential salary cap casualties

players such as

DT LaRoi Glover, CB Ronde Barber, CB Ty Law etc

Ideally, we want someone with starting experience who can a.) step in and contribute should disaster strike, and b.) use his experience to help Eli's development. At the same time, we;d want our back-up QB to understand that he is the back-up and not in a competition.

I think someone like Jeff Garcia would be a good fit, there are better QB options, but they will be more expensive, not have the same level of experience or ideally would like to be the starter.

Much like Bob Whitfield, he is not the ideal LT backup, but he is good value. He has a heap of experience and got the job done last year.

With regards to Peterson and Alexander, neither has a big enough cap impact to warrant mentioning. Whittle and Ronde each deserve mention on that list.

I don't agree, the $840,000 we would save by releasing Alexander is worth mentioning

Glover would be a great fit here, but I am not sure of the cost

I think Orpheus Roye will be almost as good and signnificantly cheaper

Btw, welcome aboard, Pete!

no problem

Eli is the QB of the Giants, no if or buts, our success is going to hinge on how well he goes this season.

What do we realistically want out of a backup QB? an experienced cheap veteran who can step in and contribute if Eli goes down in the playoffs or late in the season. Someone who will be content being the backup and is team focused.

What about Brent Alexander and Jason Whittle?

or Will Peterson if he isn't healthy?

or how about Ronde Barber (Bucs)

the Texans have only just signed Davis to an extension, is a realistic cut?

We don't have alot of money to use in free agency, so I doubt we will get many big name targets.

We need a 3rd WR, I don't think we will get good value there in the draft. It came down to Bradford and Gaffney. Gaffney has more upside, but Bradford has speed which we lose alot of with Carter's departure and he will be cheaper. Really you could go either way.

Here are my draft and free agent thoughts (24/02/2006)

let me know what you think

Currently we are around $4 mil under the 2006 salary cap number.

Free Agency

Thoughts

This assumes we don't resign Will Allen or Kendrick Clancy, that Will Peterson will be able to contribute and that Barrett Green is 100% healthy

Release

Brent Alexander, Shaun Williams, Carlos Emmons, Jason Whittle (Snee and/or Seubert can backup Center), Jared Lorenzen (he refused to go to NFL europe for playing experience). This will free up around $6.34 mil in 2006 cap space

That will give us around $10.34 mil in 2006 cap space for free agency and signing rookies

Resign

WR David Tyree (RFA)

TE Visanthe Shiancoe (RFA)

QB Tim Hassleback

OT Bob Whitfield

RB Chad Morton

Sign

P Dave Zastudil (Ravens) (2006 cap number around $0.9 mil)

A good young punter to replace Feagles. Zastudil would have the chance to play on a good special teams unit for a young improving team with legitimate playoff expectations.

CB Ronde Barber (Buccaneers) (2006 cap number around $1.6 mil)*

A good solid veteran CB, Barber adds much needed experience to a young talented secondary. The Giants give Barber the opportunity to play with Tiki (first time since college) and be on a team with legitimate playoff aspirations

*This assumes he is a salary cap casualty (likely due to his high cap number), a secondary option would be Deshea Townsend (Steelers)

DT Orpheus Roye (Browns) (2006 cap number around $1.6 mil)

Roye doesn't get alot of sacks, but does create alot of pressure, last year he had 88 tackles, 3 sacks and defended 4 passes in zone blitz system. The Giants offer Roye an opportunity to play for a team with legitimate playoff aspirations (Roye just turned 33, like Strahan, the clock is ticking. Roye is a huge short term upgrade over Clancy.

WR Corey Bradford (Texans) (2006 cap number around $1.1 mil)

Bradford has good hands and speed, he didn't get alot of opportunities in an ordinary Texan offense. The Giants offer Bradford an opportunity to play for a team with legitimate playoff aspirations. Bradford will be productive for the Giants, and may compete with Toomer for #2.

QB Jeff Garcia (Detroit) (2006 cap number around $1.1 mil)

A 35 year old former probowl QB. With Drew Brees, Jay Fieldler, Aaron Brooks, Kerry Collins and Jon Kitna becoming available in free agency, a good strong rookie QB class, and the fact that it looks like Detroit, Houston and Arizona seem to be keeping their current QB, there are no starting opportunities for Garcia. Garcia does have a quick release, good blitz pickup and decent mobility (though not as much as he used to). Garcia is accurate (he has a 60% career completion percentage). Garcia is a quality professional and team guy. The Giants give Garcia a chance to play for a legitimate playoff contender.

Free Agent signing thoughts

Roye will help us get alot more pressure from our interior defensive line. This will mean that Strahan and Umenyiora can be double teamed alot less. This will be a very formidable defensive line.

We don't need young free agents, good veterans will suffice while our youngsters develop

This will leave us around $4.04 mil to sign rookies and keep as a reserve

Draft

(I think the Giants can better fill their needs with an additional day 1 pick)

Giants trade #25 to Lions for #40, #74 (example trade)

#40 LB D'Qwell Jackson 6-1, 231, 4.65 Maryland

An athletic, aggressive, instinctive and smart playmaker at LB. Jackson can play any of the positions, but we will most likely use him at WLB. Jackson will slip due the the extreme depth at LB this year. A quality WLB to develop behind/compete with Barrett Green.

#56 FS Donte Whitner 5-11, 205, 4.45 Ohio State

A quality fast ballhawk safety. A dominating SS at college who could play CB in the NFL. Whitner will slip because the safety and CB classes are both very deep with top talent. Whitner doesn't quite have ideal size at 5-11 and may be viewed as a bit of a tweener. Whitner didn't have amazing college production. An immediate huge upgrade for our secondary. Whitner will likely start, but will compete with James Butler and Gibril Wilson.

#74 LB Kai Parham 6-3, 253, 4.59 Virginia

A quality LB who is a big hitter, good pass rusher and great tackler. The best player available at this point. Parham slips due to the sheer volume of quality LB talent this year. Parham adds competition for Torbor and provides quality depth at both SLB and MLB. Parham also upgrades our special teams.

#87 CB Will Blackmon 6-1, 200, 4.52 Boston College

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 DT Montavious Stanley 6-2, 321, 5.05 Louisville

A big strong DT with great size, strength, quickness and good mobility. Stanley was maybe an underachiever at Louisville (although still productive). Stanley was a big reason why Elvis Dumervil had 20.5 sacks in 2005.

#153 WR David Anderson 5-11, 195, 4.50 Colorado State

A talented reciever with good hands, decent speed and great quickness, precise routes and great instincts. Anderson will slip as he doesn't have ideal size, height or blazing speed, and this WR class is very deep. Anderson gives us a quality WR to develop for the future and adds competition behind our starters.

#184 OC Patrick Ross 6-4, 295, 5.05 Boston College

A quality playmaking Linebacker with good quickness and great intincts. Ingram makes plays over the field. Ingram will slip due to the sheer volume of quality LB prospects in the draft. Ingram adds quality OLB depth and a good special Teams player

#215 TE Jeff King 6-5 253 4.85 Virginia Tech

A young TE with good size, hands and blocking ability. An upgrade over Sean Berton

Draft Thoughts

All these guys will slip as they don't have outstanding measurables or hype and their draft classes are very deep with top talent.

There is some concern about the long term future as Giants of Barrett Green and Will Peterson. I think the Giants will be looking at drafting their replacements.

My Giants Roster (24/02/2006) 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, Corey Bradford, David Anderson*, David Tyree, Jamaar Taylor

TE: Jeremy Shockey, Visanthe Shiancoe, Jeff King*

OT: Kareem McKenzie, Luke Petitgout, Bob Whitfield

OG: Chris Snee, David Diehl, Rich Seubert

OC: Shaun O'Hara, Patrick Ross*

Defense

DT: William Jospeh, Orpheus Roye, Fred Robbins, Montavious Stanley*

DE: Michael Strahan, Osi Umenyiora, Justin Tuck, Eric Moore

LB: Reggie Torbor, Antonio Pierce, Barrett Green, D'Qwell Jackson*, Kai Parham*, Chase Blackburn

CB: Ronde Barber, Will Peterson, Corey Webster, Will Blackmon*, Curtis Deloatch

S: Donte Whitner*, Gibril Wilson, James Butler

Special Teams

K: Jay Feeley

P: Dave Zastudil

LS: Ryan Kuehl

* rookie