*DISCLAIMER: Grading linebackers is arguably the most difficult thing to do because of the different schemes and roles across the league. These grades are purely based on NYG’s 4-3 front. Some teams have a scheme that could use an edge rushing linebacker and grade him out very high while a team like NYG would view him as a middle rounder at best. So please keep that in mind….
Current Linebackers on NYG Roster
Jon Beason – Signed through 2016
Spencer Paysinger – Signed through 2014
Jacquian Williams – Signed through 2014
Jameel McClain – Signed through 2015
Mark Herzlich – Signed through 2014
Allen Bradford – Signed through 2015
Spencer Adkins – Signed through 2014
Where They Stand:
The NYG front office and coaching staff has had their share of troubles over the years when trying to piece together their LB group via every avenue possible when it comes to play acquisition. The Draft, free agency, trades, waiver wire, in-season street free agents, they’ve attacked it from everywhere. Personally, I think this has been a below average group for years and there is a direct correlation between that and their extreme inconsistency on the defensive side of the ball. While the passing era of football has forced teams to only play one or two linebackers at a time for a lot of plays, I still think the value of quality guys in the middle of the defense is vital. Since I’ve been drafting for NYG in real time to compare years down the road, I’ve been calling for names like Curtis Lofton (2008), Sean Lee (2010), Mason Foster (2011), and Devonte Holloman (2013). The impact of these guys against BOTH the run and pass is enormous and I am consistently noticing a lack talent at the position hurting this team every year. The trade for Beason was a nice start, but this group is still starving for another talented player.
Top 10 Grades:
CJ Mosley – Alabama – 6’2/234: 81
Chris Borland – Wisconsin – 6’0/248: 81
Khalil Mack – Buffalo – 6’3/251: 81
Anthony Barr – UCLA – 6’5/255: 80
Jordan Tripp – Montana – 6’3/234: 79
Ryan Shazier – Ohio State – 6’1/237: 77
Jordan Zumwalt – UCLA – 6’4/235: 75
Christian Kirksey – Iowa – 6’2/233: 74
Trevor Reilly – Utah – 6’5/245: 74
Yawin Smallwood – Connecticut – 6’2/246: 73
Day One Target:
CJ Mosley – Alabama
I should be a bit of an asterisk on this one because I don’t have any of these linebackers graded in the top 12 overall. But should NYG trade back a bit, Mosley could come in to play. This is a player that earned a first round grade, but I have been a little let down on his lack of progression the past few years. I thought he was going to be a ‘special’ player that ended up with a grade above 90, however he never really took the next step. Despite that, I still think highly of him and believe he is one of the safer bets to be a quality difference maker for a decade in the NFL. Mosley is a guy that does it all physically but will also elevate the play of his teammates with his high on-field IQ. Mosley is a great mover in tight spaces as well as in pursuit to the sidelines. He is also one of the better coverage LBs in this class. He fits in well with what they want to do with the NYG LBs and he would fill a major hole in this defense. A true three down linebacker here.
Runner Up: Khalil Mack – Buffalo
Day Two Target:
Chris Borland – Wisconsin
I’ve been raving about Borland for over a year now and I’ve yet to take a step back. He earned a legit first round grade on my board despite the lack of ideal size. He is one of the most instinctive LBs I have ever seen and his ability to move in traffic is second to none. Watch any Wisconsin game, against any kind of offense, against any level of speed and you will see #44 in the frame on almost every play. Borland is a quality tackler and quality cover man. He consistently beats blockers to a spot, putting himself in position to impact the play. He lacks the physical gifts that some of these guys have at the position, but Borland will be a productive player no matter what. He is a great value pick in round 2, and could be an option for end of round 1 if NYG ends up there via trade.
Runner Up: Ryan Shazier – Ohio State
Day Three Target:
Jordan Tripp – Montana
Tripp comes from a slightly lower level of college football, but he has shined against better competition in his limited opportunities. He has the wiry frame, movement ability, and power presence that I saw out of Kiko Alonso last year. He may not be on that level right away, but I think Tripp will eventually be that same kind of defender in the league. He can fly all over the field, but also has the presence to take on linemen and deliver a violent jolt when taking on their blocks.
Runner Up: Jordan Zumwalt – UCLA
Most Overrated:
Kyle Van Noy – BYU (72)
Van Noy has one of the more productive resumes to look at when considering statistical compilation. But I’ve seen him play almost 10 times and I notice a lack of consistent presence against blockers coming straight at him. He doesn’t play strong enough at the point of attack; too often he is dancing around contact or even worse, giving up on plays. His ability to pursue and rush the edge can get him drafted, but I don’t think he warrants anything within the top 4-5 rounds. There is too much not to like here.
Runner Up: Shayne Skov (64)
NYG Approach:
As I previously stated, this defense needs an upgrade in talent at the LB group. The addition and resigning of Beason decreased the level of importance a bit, but the issue is still there. While the likes of Paysinger, Williams, and McClain can instill enough confidence to be a good-enough core at the start, there isn’t enough on the depth chart. Injuries are inevitable and NYG is just one away here from having yet another year of LB liability. There won’t be a player worth taking at #12 overall here, so I think they are looking at rounds 2-5 to bring in a quality rookie. I would prefer one of those day two picks to be spent on one, but not to a point where the value isn’t matched up. With that said, I think they can grab Borland in round 2, Tripp or Shazier in round 3, or even Zumwalt on day 3. There can be a lot of debate on just how important this is, but I won’t budge on my stance. The lack of talent and development at the LB position has held this team back more than most believe.
“With Anthony, the ceiling is so high,” Mora told the OC Register. “He's only played the position for two years, and they see the talent. Then, he comes out today and runs a 4.45 at 247 pounds and 6-foot-41/2. Then he goes and benches 19 times, which is a four-rep improvement from two weeks ago. They understand that there's so much room for growth.”
"He's nowhere near a finished product," UCLA Defensive Coordinator and ex-NFL linebacker Jeff Ulbrich says. "I think he's a guy who will continue to get better and will become a perennial All-Pro in the NFL. I tell NFL people looking at him, 'If you like what you see, you'll love what you get.'"
Barr posted 20 tackles for loss with 10 sacks, 5 forced fumbles and 4 fumble recoveries. He is 6'5" 255, has lightning quickness and the frame to add 10 more pounds.
Mora went on to compare him to Julian Peterson.
link?
I like Tripp as well but I was thinking of him as a 4th round prospect
Worth the 12th pick IMO.
I think the giants could draft a player like christian jones in the 4th rd. He played multiple positions in college. Played them all well. He can cover,good against the run and he can rush the passer.
This happens every year in the draft,it should tell you that it's hardly a process that's been mastered.But we still look at the boards as if they are written in stone.Can't take a guy at 12 whose ranked in the 20's,even if he is a better player.
Great job, Dave
Great job Sy'56. Thanks!
I wouldn't that surprised if we drafted Barr. I don't want to, but I could easily see Jerry doing so. He has said frequently that FA is for now, and the draft is for the future. He used a first round pick on JPP because of his upside, and might see the same kind of emerging but undeveloped talent in Barr.
he can lead, blitz, tackle, stop the run. in coverage hes not scaring anyone but he wont miss an assignment.
you havent liked him since last year do you note the injury recovery and improvement in range on year 2 post ACL? i just struggle to see how he is overrated given people call him slow, a 2 down guy, and thats about it.
Sy Id be very reluctant to take a guy in the second who has average athleticism at MLB and project him to play the LB position that usually requires your best LB athlete.
Furthermore for me he'd be exclusively a MIKE and while Beason needs a better safety net in case of injury Round 2 would be too early to go that route in any case. I'd prefer a Max Bullough in the middle rounds to take on that job.
If you are big on workout numbers...he was pretty similar to Bowman.
This team eventually needs a 3 down LB. But I seriously doubt the Giants go his way.
(beason and somebody else.)
i think we are moving away from 3 linebackers on the field and when we do use 3 "linebackers" we like to use a DE at OLB. that may be d.moore this year
would love to put shazier next to beason in the above package - speed to burn.
It would surprise the hell out of me.