Current Defensive Tackles on the NYG Roster:
Cullen Jenkins – 33 – Signed through 2015
Mike Patterson – 31 – Signed through 2014
Jonathan Hankins – 22 - Signed through 2016
Markus Kuhn – 28 – Signed through 2015
Where They Stand:
While the free agent acquisition period is not over yet, this appears to be the group that NYG will enter draft weekend with. It’s a very thin group that will hold this team back as it currently stands. Jenkins and Patterson are both overachieving, reliable veterans that can wear a few hats for their front. While I wouldn’t call them difference makers, they are at the very least guys that can be counted on. Hankins and Kuhn are the wildcards here, as they will be given the opportunity to fill the shoes of the departed Linval Joseph. I don’t have confidence in either of them to be the guy that needs to be in there for 80%+ of the defensive snaps, making opponents game plan around them. This group as a whole needs a fresh body or two that can contribute right away.
Top 10 Grades:
1 - Aaron Donald – Pittsburgh – 6’1/285: 85
2 – Rashede Hageman – Minnesota – 6’6/310: 80
3 – Stephon Tuitt – Notre Dame – 6’6/304: 79
4 – Brent Urban – Virginia – 6’7/295: 79
5 – DaQuan Jones – Penn State - 6’4/322: 78
6 – Timmy Jernigan – Florida State – 6’2/299: 78
7– Louis Nix III – Notre Dame – 6’2/331: 78
8 – Dominique Easley – Florida – 6’2/288: 76
9 – Taylor Hart – Oregon – 6’6/281: 76
10 – Kelcy Quarles – South Carolina – 6’4/297: 73
Day One Target:
Aaron Donald – Pittsburgh
I had a hard time accepting the fact that Donald was indeed one of the top players in the draft. I usually want guys with size inside, guys with consistent power presence that cannot be moved. But after watching almost 10+ games of Pittsburgh dating back to last year, I’m convinced Donald will be a star. He is the pass rushing presence that NYG has lacked inside for a long time and I think he is a better run defender than most will give him credit for. It’s easy to look at his size and say he can’t handle the physical power needed to anchor a position against the run. But when I scout him, I see a guy that can not only maintain position, but push linemen back, get off their blocks, and chase down the ball carrier like a linebacker. Donald will likely be my pick for NYG should be available at #12.
Runner Up: Rashede Hageman – Minnesota
Day Two Target:
Stephon Tuitt – Notre Dame
Tuitt could easily grade out as a first rounder if you go by is 2012 tape. He’s had a few physical issues over the past year and I did factor them in to his grade. Now with that said, I only have so much access to his medical information but from everyone I have spoken with and everything I have read, he should be at 100% by this summer. Tuitt played outside in ND’s 3-4 front, but I think he can easily move inside and play a Chris Canty-type role in a 4-3. He is enormous and very hard to move but also shows the short area quickness to beat blockers one on one. He is certainly a matchup problem because he can beat you a few different ways. If NYG ignores the defensive line in round one, Tuitt will likely be the guy I want in round two if he is still there.
Runner Up: DaQuan Jones – Penn State
Day Three Target:
Brent Urban – Virginia
Some view Urban as a 3-4 only player, but I disagree. When looking for defensive linemen, I am always looking for versatility. Urban can play outside in certain looks, even in a 4-3, but he can also play a three-technique role and control a couple inside gaps. I’ve even seen him play the A gap and make a difference. Urban plays a similar role and style as JJ Watt. While I don’t think he has the same upside, Urban could be a day three steal and I think he’ll be available early round 4. I love his ability to bend and pursue. He uses his hands and long arms to control blockers and he can get off them consistently. I can see him doing well here right away as a rotational defender and eventually becoming an every down difference maker because of his size, movement, and versatility.
Runner Up: Taylor Hart – Oregon
Most Overrated:
Anthony Johnson – LSU (59)
Johnson was one of the top recruits out of high school a few years ago, and rightfully so. I can remember watching his first college game and thinking he would eventually be a top 5 lock. But Johnson has failed to progress and if anything, he’s gone backwards since that first game. He looks the part and he’ll deliver some bone jarring hits here and there, but he is a poor defender play-to-play. He doesn’t anchor against single, straight blockers let alone double teams. He can’t reach the QB consistently, and he doesn’t have a long enough lasting motor. Nothing about his game is appealing to me, and I have him graded in the 7th/UDFA area. I see some labeling him a possible 2nd round pick and I question if that is simply a result of him being a top tier recruit years ago.
Runner Up: Daniel McCullers – Tennessee (64)
NYG Approach:
When looking at what is currently on the roster, I can’t see how anybody can refute the enormous need for another able body inside. NYG needs one of these rookies that can come in and contribute right away, and that’s not even accounting for any injuries to their current tackles. While they have a couple of serviceable, able bodies in there, none of these guys will alter the game plan of any offense. There is a severe lack of presence inside. This is not a group that linebackers will want to play behind nor will they take pressure of the ends against the pass. This class is a solid group of defensive tackles for days 1 and 2 of the draft and I am confident the right value will be there with one of their first three picks. The sooner the better, as I would put the need for a DT right up there with the offensive line as the top targets for the weekend.
I still think they have to go OL in the 1st round.
Hageman is a gamble, definitely not a safe pick. He has elite tools and some tape where he looks unblockable. Very good get off at the point of attack and he can really move. My issue with him is the lack of consistency and it appears he doesn't care much about technique and the little things. He spent a lot of time on the sideline relative to most starting defensive linemen of his caliber, so thats a bit odd. But if he can put some things together, he can be a big time player.
8th in Defense
30th in Offense
Now where should there priority be - especially considering that Donald does not fit the stated profile of Giant on the line
Conversely, given the additions made to the offensive line I doubt the offense would finish so low as 30th too.
8th in Defense
30th in Offense
Now where should there priority be - especially considering that Donald does not fit the stated profile of Giant on the line
But they lost arguably their best player along the DL in Joseph and Ayers/Kiwi is a step down from Tuck. Granted they massively upgraded the secondary, but it's hard to look at the DL right now and expect them to be as good as last years.
My Draft Prescription:
#12 - Donald
Rds 2-6: offense
This dude is freaking huge. 6'7" 352lbs.
Nope. Jenkins and Hankins are the likely starters. But TC loves rotating his DTs and there's probably 20-30 snaps available for Donald right from the start.
And I don't think Donald has to start. He would make the rotation in the middle much healthier though. He can still have a big impact, not only on his own but also in keeping the old farts (Patterson, Jenkins) fresh. =)
if you want to know where the most immediate impact would be from a rookie position it's one that will make Eli better
there are only two positions that will make Eli better right now - a very good Offensive Lineman and a tall downfield receiver that can go up for the ball
Those have to be the primary targets at pick #01 with preference for the line because the receiver won't start right away either - the lineman can probably start
I think Donald is a great player - but I seriously doubt they pick that way in the first round this year
One more thing, what was the worst part of the Oline this year? One could certainly argue it was Beatty but I would suggest it was the interior.....and, look at the kind of season Eli had with all that pressure up the middle.
What are your thoughts on Princeton's Caraun Reid? I think he would be a nice consolation to Donald if for whatever reason he doesn't reach us. I've been high on him since last season and I think he's the best defensive player from the Ivy since Marcellus Wiley back in '97.
Also thoughts on Zack Kerr from Delaware? Another Day 3 pick, but I think he can be a very successful run stuffer with some pass rush ability as well.
Day One Target:
Aaron Donald – Pittsburgh
I had a hard time accepting the fact that Donald was indeed one of the top players in the draft. I usually want guys with size inside, guys with consistent power presence that cannot be moved. But after watching almost 10+ games of Pittsburgh dating back to last year, I’m convinced Donald will be a star. He is the pass rushing presence that NYG has lacked inside for a long time and I think he is a better run defender than most will give him credit for. It’s easy to look at his size and say he can’t handle the physical power needed to anchor a position against the run. But when I scout him, I see a guy that can not only maintain position, but push linemen back, get off their blocks, and chase down the ball carrier like a linebacker. Donald will likely be my pick for NYG should be available at #12.
We may not agree on alot of evaluations on other guys namely Dennard (who I think will be better than Gilbert),Gilbert (lack of football instincts), Mack (who I still can't beleive you have Mosley rated equally or slightly better).
Anyone who watches enough film of Donald and has even the slightest eye for football talent can not deny how much this kid jumps off the screen with his talent.
Alot of these first round picks this year in this loaded draft are likely going to be very good and even pro-bowlers. Donald though has the look of a once in a decade type talent. He will likely be clear cut BPA when we pick should he make it to 12.
Thank you.
How many times did we turn the ball over on our half of the field? What was the average time of possesion for Offense? Yeah, our Defense was absolutely better than 8th if you take this into consideration.
I'm more inclined to say that improving our Offense is a greater priority with our first selection, either an OL or an big time weapon will also help our defense by keeping them off the field.
I really like Tuitt and I think he is a better fit and less of a gamble for the Giants over Donald. He fits the mold of a Giants DL, he is versatile and the Canty comparison is spot on IMO. He's the earliest consideration I'd say for taking a DT this early though.
I have some later rd. DT that I think can come in and provide what we need even as rotational players this year. Carauen Reid, Jay Bromley, Will Sutton; all players I think can be had 4th rd and later and can develop into capable starters. I'd love your analysis on these guys Sy'.
Overall, while I think our DL needs some help and depth, I think there are just too many other glaring needs on Offense. I think there will be better value for other Defensive positions at the top where I'd rather the giants go, like a Borland or Shazier in rd. 2 instead. I think Rd.4 is where I'd target anyone of those guys I listed above for a DT.
If you restrict yourself to just 2 or 3 positions for a first round pick, you limit yourself. You can't limit yourself when trying to build a team via the draft, it's foolish.
They both have a presence about them and I think they could have a Barry Cofield type impact as rookies. They are strong enough to handle the strength/size of the NFL, but also they do the little things right. I'd be disappointed if NYG waited untiul round 5 to make a DT pick though. They could, however, be a second DT brought in because NYG could use a couple.
I agree with this. I think he'll be a better player than Joseph, if not this year then certainly by 2015.
I think big Hank is going to be a pretty darn good player too!
it's pretty clear under TC/Reese Giants crave pass rush from as many positions possible.
Sintim/Kiwi at hybrid LB/DE, O'Brien Schofield for that ridiculous 8 mill contract. The 3 techs we drafted in the top 3 rounds Austin,Alford.
This guy will bring a very rare and unique ability to create rush up the middle on a consistent basis. Getting this type of talent at 12 would be amazing.
As for Hankins, I like him much more than Sy does, but he's still only one guy. Jenkins and Patterson are clearly not in it for the long haul, and who knows what we'll get out of Kuhn?
As for Hankins, I like him much more than Sy does, but he's still only one guy. Jenkins and Patterson are clearly not in it for the long haul, and who knows what we'll get out of Kuhn?
The point is Giants place a great premium on pass-rush ability. So whether it's a 3-tech or a 1-tech with above avg. pass rush ability, an LB or hybrid LB/DE , draft history shows they want a guy with potential for great pass rush ability (and will sometimes reach for them).