1. Originally selected in the first round (18th overall) by the Broncos in the 2009 NFL Draft, Ayers is a fifth-year player who has started 27 of 72 games during his career at outside linebacker (2009-10) and defensive end (2011-13).
2. The 6-3, 274-pound defender was born in Jersey City, N.J., before moving to Bennettsville, S.C., where he was an all-state selection at linebacker during his senior year at Marlboro County High and rated the third-best linebacker prospect in the nation.
3. In 2013, Ayers played 15 games with three starts, posting a career-best 5.5 sacks along with 29 tackles and one forced fumble. He played in all three of the Broncos postseason games en route to a Super Bowl XLVIII appearance and sacked Tom Brady for an 11-yard loss in the AFC Championship Game vs. New England (1/19). Ayers has played in six postseason games overall with one start.
4. Ayers holds the longest scoring fumble return by a Broncos rookie in team history with his 54-yard touchdown on Monday Night Football vs. Pittsburgh (11/9/09).
5. In college Ayers led the University of Tennessee in tackles for a loss during each of his final two years at the school, totaling 27.5 tackles for negative yards over that stretch. He earned second-team All-Southeastern Conference honors as a senior at Tennessee in 2008, starting all 12 games at defensive end and leading the conference with 15.5 tackles for loss, in addition to pacing Tennessees defensive line with 49 tackles (34 solo). Ayers also shared the Andy Spiva Award as Tennessees most improved defender in 2008 while helping the Volunteers tie for third in the country in total defense and rank 10th in the nation in scoring defense.
Brown, Manningham, Patterson, and Jerry. The second wave of FAs. We had our big signings with DRC, Thurmond, and Schwartz.
Nothing wrong with signing the guys from the second tier, although I probably would have passed on Jerry. It creates competition. But it's far from a given that any of these guys will be on the roster in September. They are veterans trying to resurrect their careers, after injuries or failing elsewhere. So we give them a look see. Fine. But even absent injury, I'd be surprised if they all make the team. My guess is two or three, with Patterson having the best chance because he played and produced for us last year. These guys are not beating out a draft pick that shows promise.
Ayers had arguably his best year as a pro in 2013 with 5.5 sacks. Has been durable with only a handful of games missed in six seasons. Has the size(6'3/274#) and strength to be an effective run stopping LDE.
He's not an impact player but he is a reliable, solid football player. Good signing by JR...yet again, if the contract is reasonable.
I do like that he was a former highly-graded, first round draft pick, and perhaps a change of scenery will be a positive for him, but his NFL production thus far speaks for itself.. mediocre at best.
I do like that he was a former highly-graded, first round draft pick, and perhaps a change of scenery will be a positive for him, but his NFL production thus far speaks for itself.. mediocre at best.
He was good last year for the Broncos...and if you actually look at his career the Broncos tried to make him an outside line backer and he struggled his first couple of years..when moved back to Defensive End he started showing why he was a first round pick...
sometimes like's to inaccurately associate the curbing of enthusiasm with the promotion of negativity, let me specify that I'm not knocking the move. It's added competition and there is potential for success here. I'm just not sure I get the hooplah this place seems to have for Ayers as a player, currently.
RE: Not sure I get the exciement over this signing.
I do like that he was a former highly-graded, first round draft pick, and perhaps a change of scenery will be a positive for him, but his NFL production thus far speaks for itself.. mediocre at best.
It's called depth. We need it and it's important. Let us know where that young 15 sack DE is just sitting around waiting to be signed for cheap.
I do like that he was a former highly-graded, first round draft pick, and perhaps a change of scenery will be a positive for him, but his NFL production thus far speaks for itself.. mediocre at best.
Defensive ends do more than rush the passer. He is a solid run defender and we need depth on the DL badly.. you need a DE rotation to keep guys fresh.. the Giants had three DE's on the roster and one very unproven in Moore.. now they have a vet who has experience...
yes we've added offensive linemen...but aside from Schwartz the quality is mediocre or comes with injury baggage. There could be some upside as well but let's not act like the O-line is fixed and ready to go. There is more work to be done there...potentially a lot more.
we currently expect. Ayers is known as a solid run stuffer so assuming JPP stays at RE then Ayers might play a lot on 1st and 2nd down unless Moore and Kiwi play better versus the run. Worst case scenario is that he is excellent depth.
I called this a few weeks ago. (I was really just throwing it out there because the situation appeared to make sense for both the team and the player.) FWIW, PFF grades him pretty highly, especially in run defense. 11.1 overall, 11.5 run D, 3.9 pass D. He gets a -2.5 for pass coverage and -1.8 for penalties.
I don't think people are celebrating like we just signed a pro bowler. Not sure why you're nitpicking that people are happy about adding another solid, rotational DE who is good against the run. It's a solid signing. No one is going crazy about it.
yes we've added offensive linemen...but aside from Schwartz the quality is mediocre or comes with injury baggage. There could be some upside as well but let's not act like the O-line is fixed and ready to go. There is more work to be done there...potentially a lot more.
raever you are right there is work that needs to be done but that will happen during the draft as will adding a TE. I expect the Giants to add a TE during the draft, maybe two, and adding several UDFA TE's to the mix. Remember these UDFA's will want to go to the team that gives them the best chance of making the roster. Any UDFA TE will just need to look at what the Giants sent out there last year and have to feel like the Giants are the most attractive.
Can't waste another year of Eli's prime. I was never a fan of trying to fill all these holes in FA, but these are almost all value signings(as opposed to DRC). These aren't high profile, big money signings.
This offseason they clearly decided to make a serious attempt to change that. Reese is not waiting until the draft to fill holes. Clearly he's not gonna let himself get penned into any one position in the draft.
Let's hope that these vets are ready to make a run.
I do like that he was a former highly-graded, first round draft pick, and perhaps a change of scenery will be a positive for him, but his NFL production thus far speaks for itself.. mediocre at best.
Helps the run defense, we lost Tuck and Joseph for our run defense, but now we have added Ayers and McClain, you also may as well count JPP into that since he did not play much or up to what he can play last season, and remember, even though Kiwi is not a good pass rusher either, he can also defend the run. I think we can really focus on adding pass rushers now, plus Moore has a year under his belt. With a healthy JPP and Moore with another year under his belt, we have a good start with pass rushers, I think we will add 2 from this draft, a player for the inside and a player for the outside.
Bring everyone to training camp and let them settle it on the field. One thing this team needs is hunger, as well as speed upgrades and to get younger, if possible. If the Browns, Jerrys, and Ayers knock unproductives off the roster, so be it.
TE is the only glaring need left leading up to the draft.
RE: RE: Not sure I get the exciement over this signing.
I do like that he was a former highly-graded, first round draft pick, and perhaps a change of scenery will be a positive for him, but his NFL production thus far speaks for itself.. mediocre at best.
Very true, but I have a suspicion that they're waiting to see what happens with Finley before all is said and done on the FA front. I do certainly expect at least one TE drafted.
They could extend Rolle's deal if they need money.
RE: Not sure I get the exciement over this signing.
I do like that he was a former highly-graded, first round draft pick, and perhaps a change of scenery will be a positive for him, but his NFL production thus far speaks for itself.. mediocre at best.
Lol, he was mediocre enough to take out the Giants high price OL Snee and Bass. I still remember him running pass them as Eli handed off to Jacobs last season.
I do like that he was a former highly-graded, first round draft pick, and perhaps a change of scenery will be a positive for him, but his NFL production thus far speaks for itself.. mediocre at best.
Lol, he was mediocre enough to take out the Giants high price OL Snee and Bass. I still remember him running pass them as Eli handed off to Jacobs last season.
I haven't heard any news on that front after he left. Looks like he is still unsigned and didn't have many visits. I know it's thought he was used for the kiwi paycut. But adding him would be stellar, I don't think this signing or spencer would hinder Moore at all. Just depth and insurance. Would like to see Spencer on a nice 2-3 year deal
Even if he is 'just a good run defender' he's likely the best of the FA DEs.
Still likely 1 more FA DL, and, I agree w/ 'Jay on the island' re: FA TEs: if I'm one and I look at the last year and whats there now, AND, the draft market for TEs, I'm thinking 'I'm better than the whole collective of other guys; gotta get my agent to call(callback) Giants and ASK for a tryout'.
RE: RE: RE: Not sure I get the exciement over this signing.
I do like that he was a former highly-graded, first round draft pick, and perhaps a change of scenery will be a positive for him, but his NFL production thus far speaks for itself.. mediocre at best.
Lol, he was mediocre enough to take out the Giants high price OL Snee and Bass. I still remember him running pass them as Eli handed off to Jacobs last season.
Pretty good memory there, mudbear.
That's the play that NFLN kept showing over and over.
RE: RE: RE: RE: Not sure I get the exciement over this signing.
I do like that he was a former highly-graded, first round draft pick, and perhaps a change of scenery will be a positive for him, but his NFL production thus far speaks for itself.. mediocre at best.
Lol, he was mediocre enough to take out the Giants high price OL Snee and Bass. I still remember him running pass them as Eli handed off to Jacobs last season.
Pretty good memory there, mudbear.
That's the play that NFLN kept showing over and over.
Yeah, I brainfarted that one. Don't know why I was thinking Jacobs wasn't back there at that point in the season.
RE: Not sure I get the exciement over this signing.
I do like that he was a former highly-graded, first round draft pick, and perhaps a change of scenery will be a positive for him, but his NFL production thus far speaks for itself.. mediocre at best.
LOL - FEK is trying to take the contrarian role away from Radar. It's fucking depth, dude. Go back to wondering about the speed of a plane hitting the ocean...
Called it. He's not a super star, not even a full time 3 down starter. He is excellent depth and a good rotational player who I imagine wants to be a starter so he's motivated. And he's an experienced veteran who's been to a super bowl. Plus he's still a young guy who might be able to improve to be a starter.
I haven't heard any news on that front after he left. Looks like he is still unsigned and didn't have many visits. I know it's thought he was used for the kiwi paycut. But adding him would be stellar, I don't think this signing or spencer would hinder Moore at all. Just depth and insurance. Would like to see Spencer on a nice 2-3 year deal
I think there is still concern over Spencer's health. Microfracture knee surgery usually isn't easy to come back from (just ask Kenny Phillips) and Spencer is on the wrong side of 30.
would you people be happy ? Most of you wanted Kiwi out. Ayer's contact will probably fall between the one Kiwanuka received after the mandatory (to stay) pay cut and the one Tuck got from the Raiders. I like taking guys from teams who just concluded successful seasons. Both their starters and promising depth. Ayers never became the player people like Kiper thought he was going to be when he left Tenny, but he can help the Giants.
Solid against the run. Durable. Highly touted out of college. Didn't produce quickly because they Kiwi'd him. LB/DE/LB.. But he's still young and he can slide inside on passing downs. Reese is killing it.
I sure hope we go O-Line in the draft for 1st round. I'm very pleased with the moves this off season but we still need 2 starters on the O-line and a great blocking TE for me to feel good about the O. I'm fine with the D now.
I see Ayres as basically a 2 year stop gap which allows Moore and a 2014 draftee to develop. He's good against the run, durable, and has experience at all the DL positions. If JPP returns to his 2011 form we'll see Ayres sack totals increase.
It's really hard to believe what the defensive line room is going to
...since he underwhelmed during his time in Denver. Time will tell, and I certainly hope I am wrong about Mr Ayers.
All these signings seem to indicate a push for skill positions on O in the draft. Fine by me...
Ayers' signing does seem to create a more solid defense by committee. I just can't see him as an outright starter, though. Again, I hope I'm wrong, and that he makes the most of his opportunities in NY. If D'Moore is to get on the field, he will now compete w Ayers, an experienced player. Nothing bad comes from healthy competition...
All these signings seem to indicate a push for skill positions on O in the draft. Fine by me...
WR, TE, we could use them, along with some more O-Line help.
As for Ayers, it's depth, depth, and more depth, and a little more quality depth than we've been used to, and the price was right. Sure, he's been an underachiever and never lived up to his draft status, but it's not like we're asking him to be the savior of the defense or anything.
Is more than any of our returning players had last year. I know he is not a pass rush specialist but he can get there at times. Also it is pretty difficult for a 3-4 end to be a great pass rusher. Usually they are clearing the way for the OLBs.
RE: It's really hard to believe what the defensive line room is going to
Very few spots are guaranteed at any string; it's about veteran depth first, then camp competition.
If the kids want it, they'll have to earn it.
Let the best man win.
We DID have 29 FAs; I don't think we were going to go picking a bunch of young guys off other teams PS and holding open player tryouts just to get young.
Only guarantee for Ayers is 1.75M.
RE: RE: It's really hard to believe what the defensive line room is going to
this draft. I don't love the OL but it looks like it will be significantly better than last years (if some of these guys are healthy). But I do think with the talent we can still get in the second round we aren't pigeon holed into drafting an OL @ 12.
LOL - seriously. Had the Giants decided not to sign him and address DE depth via the draft, you would have the same people saying "great - one more unproven young player/project". People are never satisfied.
It's a DEPTH SIGNING, folks! He may turn out to outplay his contract, or he can just be an unspectacular, yet solid addition. They signed a relatively young, once-highly touted player to a decent deal. What's not to like? Did I miss the part where JJ Watt was available and interested to sign with us for a cheap multi-year deal?
We know his first 2 years were a waste since the Broncos tried converting him to a LB. Last year was only his third season as a DE. He had 5.5 sacks last year (his most in any year). He's strong against the run. I'm wondering if his low sack numbers were due to playing mostly on 1st and 2nd downs. Also I wonder what his percentage of sacks were vs. number of times on the field.
Gil Brandt just said that the Giants had a "great" offseason
It's really hard to believe what the defensive line room is going to
Ten Ton Hammer : 4/2/2014 1:45 pm : link : reply
look like. JPP is the longest-tenured Giant.
Yeah Kiwi, and inside the locker room he's often been mentioned - even moreso than Tuck - as a mentor to the young DE's we've brought in the last few years. Kiwi is apparently a GREAT locker room guy, and that's important too.
I like this move because it's so damn managerial. You get a guy for half of what Tuck would have cost to retain for another 2 years; while at the same time projecting forward you see Tuck's performance likely declining due to age and accumulated injuries, and Ayers' performance possibly ascending depending perhaps on how his role is defined with the Giants. Ayers is coming off his best year as a pro, and in only part time snaps to boot...
Looks like a very solid value oriented move with little risk re guaranteed pay.
cough OL/TE.
cough OL/TE.
They've signed four offensive linemen so far.
Looking more and more like a WR, TE, or OL in first 2 rounds.
1. Originally selected in the first round (18th overall) by the Broncos in the 2009 NFL Draft, Ayers is a fifth-year player who has started 27 of 72 games during his career at outside linebacker (2009-10) and defensive end (2011-13).
2. The 6-3, 274-pound defender was born in Jersey City, N.J., before moving to Bennettsville, S.C., where he was an all-state selection at linebacker during his senior year at Marlboro County High and rated the third-best linebacker prospect in the nation.
3. In 2013, Ayers played 15 games with three starts, posting a career-best 5.5 sacks along with 29 tackles and one forced fumble. He played in all three of the Broncos postseason games en route to a Super Bowl XLVIII appearance and sacked Tom Brady for an 11-yard loss in the AFC Championship Game vs. New England (1/19). Ayers has played in six postseason games overall with one start.
4. Ayers holds the longest scoring fumble return by a Broncos rookie in team history with his 54-yard touchdown on Monday Night Football vs. Pittsburgh (11/9/09).
5. In college Ayers led the University of Tennessee in tackles for a loss during each of his final two years at the school, totaling 27.5 tackles for negative yards over that stretch. He earned second-team All-Southeastern Conference honors as a senior at Tennessee in 2008, starting all 12 games at defensive end and leading the conference with 15.5 tackles for loss, in addition to pacing Tennessees defensive line with 49 tackles (34 solo). Ayers also shared the Andy Spiva Award as Tennessees most improved defender in 2008 while helping the Volunteers tie for third in the country in total defense and rank 10th in the nation in scoring defense.
Link - ( New Window )
Nothing wrong with signing the guys from the second tier, although I probably would have passed on Jerry. It creates competition. But it's far from a given that any of these guys will be on the roster in September. They are veterans trying to resurrect their careers, after injuries or failing elsewhere. So we give them a look see. Fine. But even absent injury, I'd be surprised if they all make the team. My guess is two or three, with Patterson having the best chance because he played and produced for us last year. These guys are not beating out a draft pick that shows promise.
He's not an impact player but he is a reliable, solid football player. Good signing by JR...yet again, if the contract is reasonable.
Looking more and more like a WR, TE, or OL in first 2 rounds.
Ayers isn't much of a pass rusher.. well, he hasn't been thus far. Solid run stopping DE, though. Good depth.
Quote:
on the first day of free agency that were flipping out because Reese wasn't doing anything? I hope they are happy after 23 signings.
cough OL/TE.
I guess you missed the signings of Schwartz, Jerry, Walton
Well done
TE more than likely be addressed through the draft
He was good last year for the Broncos...and if you actually look at his career the Broncos tried to make him an outside line backer and he struggled his first couple of years..when moved back to Defensive End he started showing why he was a first round pick...
last year 5.5 sacks and had his best season...
It's called depth. We need it and it's important. Let us know where that young 15 sack DE is just sitting around waiting to be signed for cheap.
All I want is for them to create reasonable competition and draft the very best players possible regardless of position.
Defensive ends do more than rush the passer. He is a solid run defender and we need depth on the DL badly.. you need a DE rotation to keep guys fresh.. the Giants had three DE's on the roster and one very unproven in Moore.. now they have a vet who has experience...
That seems like the 2014 defense we're setting up.
raever you are right there is work that needs to be done but that will happen during the draft as will adding a TE. I expect the Giants to add a TE during the draft, maybe two, and adding several UDFA TE's to the mix. Remember these UDFA's will want to go to the team that gives them the best chance of making the roster. Any UDFA TE will just need to look at what the Giants sent out there last year and have to feel like the Giants are the most attractive.
I don't think this is some kind of home run signing, but you could certainly do worse.
Let's hope that these vets are ready to make a run.
Heard Ayers likes HIMYM...soft man
Ayers Signed - ( New Window )
Tommy Maddox is retired, right?
TE is the only glaring need left leading up to the draft.
Quote:
I do like that he was a former highly-graded, first round draft pick, and perhaps a change of scenery will be a positive for him, but his NFL production thus far speaks for itself.. mediocre at best.
Heard Ayers likes HIMYM...soft man
LOL..
Very true, but I have a suspicion that they're waiting to see what happens with Finley before all is said and done on the FA front. I do certainly expect at least one TE drafted.
They could extend Rolle's deal if they need money.
Lol, he was mediocre enough to take out the Giants high price OL Snee and Bass. I still remember him running pass them as Eli handed off to Jacobs last season.
Quote:
I do like that he was a former highly-graded, first round draft pick, and perhaps a change of scenery will be a positive for him, but his NFL production thus far speaks for itself.. mediocre at best.
Lol, he was mediocre enough to take out the Giants high price OL Snee and Bass. I still remember him running pass them as Eli handed off to Jacobs last season.
Pretty good memory there, mudbear.
Still likely 1 more FA DL, and, I agree w/ 'Jay on the island' re: FA TEs: if I'm one and I look at the last year and whats there now, AND, the draft market for TEs, I'm thinking 'I'm better than the whole collective of other guys; gotta get my agent to call(callback) Giants and ASK for a tryout'.
Quote:
In comment 11600508 Mike in Long Beach said:
Quote:
I do like that he was a former highly-graded, first round draft pick, and perhaps a change of scenery will be a positive for him, but his NFL production thus far speaks for itself.. mediocre at best.
Lol, he was mediocre enough to take out the Giants high price OL Snee and Bass. I still remember him running pass them as Eli handed off to Jacobs last season.
Pretty good memory there, mudbear.
That's the play that NFLN kept showing over and over.
Quote:
In comment 11600652 Mason said:
Quote:
In comment 11600508 Mike in Long Beach said:
Quote:
I do like that he was a former highly-graded, first round draft pick, and perhaps a change of scenery will be a positive for him, but his NFL production thus far speaks for itself.. mediocre at best.
Lol, he was mediocre enough to take out the Giants high price OL Snee and Bass. I still remember him running pass them as Eli handed off to Jacobs last season.
Pretty good memory there, mudbear.
That's the play that NFLN kept showing over and over.
Yeah, I brainfarted that one. Don't know why I was thinking Jacobs wasn't back there at that point in the season.
LOL - FEK is trying to take the contrarian role away from Radar. It's fucking depth, dude. Go back to wondering about the speed of a plane hitting the ocean...
Or one less hole that we need to fill with a young player.
I think he will be rotating a lot with Moore. I just get the feeling Perry will be using Moore as a situational pass rusher.
I think there is still concern over Spencer's health. Microfracture knee surgery usually isn't easy to come back from (just ask Kenny Phillips) and Spencer is on the wrong side of 30.
Well, they have Moore. You do need experience in your position depth.
They'll never be happy.
Nah - I'm still preparing for a bad season...
DE Robert Ayers is expected to receive $1.75 mill guaranteed on his 2 year deal with the Giants #bbuchat
Thankfully, Cullen Jenkins seems like a leader-type.
Quote:
one less job for a young player.
What the fuck is wrong with
these people....
Good question.
All these signings seem to indicate a push for skill positions on O in the draft. Fine by me...
Ayers' signing does seem to create a more solid defense by committee. I just can't see him as an outright starter, though. Again, I hope I'm wrong, and that he makes the most of his opportunities in NY. If D'Moore is to get on the field, he will now compete w Ayers, an experienced player. Nothing bad comes from healthy competition...
WR, TE, we could use them, along with some more O-Line help.
As for Ayers, it's depth, depth, and more depth, and a little more quality depth than we've been used to, and the price was right. Sure, he's been an underachiever and never lived up to his draft status, but it's not like we're asking him to be the savior of the defense or anything.
Kiwanuka?
If the kids want it, they'll have to earn it.
Let the best man win.
We DID have 29 FAs; I don't think we were going to go picking a bunch of young guys off other teams PS and holding open player tryouts just to get young.
Only guarantee for Ayers is 1.75M.
Quote:
look like. JPP is the longest-tenured Giant.
Kiwanuka?
I didn't even think of him.
Ayers will be strong camp competition for Kiwi, and my guess is he takes over one of the starting DE positions because he plays the run better.
But if Kiwi picks up his game and keeps his spot, then that is just as good. Although I would imagine he and Moore become the rotational guys.
Probably allows Reese to skip DE in the draft now...
at that height, as an NFC East defensive end, that is very effing skinny.
not sure how to use moore actually.
some of these OTs are athletic at 330 lbs...and moore is not super quick either. that's an 80lb spread.
Quote:
one less job for a young player.
What the fuck is wrong with these people....
LOL - seriously. Had the Giants decided not to sign him and address DE depth via the draft, you would have the same people saying "great - one more unproven young player/project". People are never satisfied.
It's a DEPTH SIGNING, folks! He may turn out to outplay his contract, or he can just be an unspectacular, yet solid addition. They signed a relatively young, once-highly touted player to a decent deal. What's not to like? Did I miss the part where JJ Watt was available and interested to sign with us for a cheap multi-year deal?
There was a time when that would be a pretty good endorsement. Hope that "The Godfather" still has all his marbles at age 81.
Ten Ton Hammer : 4/2/2014 1:45 pm : link : reply
look like. JPP is the longest-tenured Giant.
Yeah Kiwi, and inside the locker room he's often been mentioned - even moreso than Tuck - as a mentor to the young DE's we've brought in the last few years. Kiwi is apparently a GREAT locker room guy, and that's important too.
I like this move because it's so damn managerial. You get a guy for half of what Tuck would have cost to retain for another 2 years; while at the same time projecting forward you see Tuck's performance likely declining due to age and accumulated injuries, and Ayers' performance possibly ascending depending perhaps on how his role is defined with the Giants. Ayers is coming off his best year as a pro, and in only part time snaps to boot...
Looks like a very solid value oriented move with little risk re guaranteed pay.