RE: mental breakdowns and dumbing down - hopefully, Antrel Rolle's public scolding of some members of the secondary for failing to put in the time and effort to completely absorb the defense, coupled with the addition of some veterans will solve that issue.
I realize it's not the likely scenario but it's based on my belief that Charles James has a bigger upside and that James and Jackson are better special teams players.
First, that the Giants will keep 6 CBs because the NFL is a passing league and the Giants do not want to run out of CBs they way did in the Cowboys game, thereby losing the game.
Second, Prince, DRC, Thurmond and Bowman make the final roster, with Thurmond as the Slot CB.
That leaves 2 openings for McBride, Charles James and Bennett Jackson.
I like Jackson to make the final roster because he's around 195 lbs., which is bigger than James or McBride; and has better official measureables in every category than James and McBride except that McBride is much quicker in 10 yds, even though Jackson is no slouch (McBride at 1.51 vs. Jackson at 1.57, with the average NFL vet at 1.59).
As to the 6th opening, it's hard to pick between James and McBride because they're about the same size, quickness, etc. IMO should be decided in training camp but at this time McBride has the edge because he played so well, especially as the Slot CB, and James runs 10 yds. in 1.58. Thurmond should be the starter Slot CB and IMO McBride could be the back-up Slot CB.
I could be totally off base here, but with the number of quality corners, I think we see Fewell using a more aggressive front 7. He now has guys who are bigger, can press, can run and can play the slot.
Plus, anytime this defense does not have to use Rolle as a slot CB the better.
They currently have depth at a position that histroically is hard to find any. Hopefully health is with the team
this secondary would look if Hill had a better head on his shoulders. You could have made the case that they could be one if not the best secondaries in the game. I think I'm a little worried about the Safety position. Rolle is the only one that is holding that unit together, who knows how Brown will hold up or play, behind him you have Taylor, Demps and Berhe, a whole lot of unknown. The CB's are going to have to live up to their strength and praise. I don't see how we don't carry 6 with the Safeties on this roster.
and I'm especially glad that they seem to be so deep, but one or two injuries could completely change the talent level - of course that is true for any position on the field, but at corner where you need a minimum of three or four healthy guys it is particularly crucial.
and I'd be surprised and puzzled if Hosley makes the team.
like a really good pick up. I'm curious to see if he plays at the same high level here. Every cb Seattle plugs in does great (Sherman, Browner, Maxwell, and Thurmond). The system and surrounding talent may play a large part in that.
BillT: IMO 4 RBS and no FB because WCO does not need FB.
There is zero indication the Giants will go without a FB. They have been using one throughout the OTAs. The Giants activate five WR on the gameday roster. They have kept six on the 53 man, I think, every year TC has been coach. Five LBs is pretty short as well. They activate five for game days. That being said they have had some different roster numbers in recent years.
It may not come down to the best 6 CBs as they play a lot of big nickel w 3 safties. So a 5 th Saftey might be held onto if they view that player as good on specials and able to play in nickel and dime packages if needed.
Rolle, Brown, Demps are the locks. Then Cooper Taylor and this years draft pick Bherl or what ever his name is might make 5.
Maybe they would have kept on less LB but w Beason out I doubt it now.
I think it would be smart to try and preserve as many roster spots as possible for the Secondary guys since they may be the deepest, most talented group as well as key special teamers.
Hopefully those extra roster spots come from keeping less backup QBs, Tight Ends and Linebackers where the talent pool is clearly weaker.
And with his low price-tag, he is a perfect resource in case the market value for Prince and Thurmond go thru the roof next year...
I realize it's not the likely scenario but it's based on my belief that Charles James has a bigger upside and that James and Jackson are better special teams players.
Second, Prince, DRC, Thurmond and Bowman make the final roster, with Thurmond as the Slot CB.
That leaves 2 openings for McBride, Charles James and Bennett Jackson.
I like Jackson to make the final roster because he's around 195 lbs., which is bigger than James or McBride; and has better official measureables in every category than James and McBride except that McBride is much quicker in 10 yds, even though Jackson is no slouch (McBride at 1.51 vs. Jackson at 1.57, with the average NFL vet at 1.59).
As to the 6th opening, it's hard to pick between James and McBride because they're about the same size, quickness, etc. IMO should be decided in training camp but at this time McBride has the edge because he played so well, especially as the Slot CB, and James runs 10 yds. in 1.58. Thurmond should be the starter Slot CB and IMO McBride could be the back-up Slot CB.
Plus, anytime this defense does not have to use Rolle as a slot CB the better.
They currently have depth at a position that histroically is hard to find any. Hopefully health is with the team
The Giants main concern is surviving injuries.....I can see them trying to hide players on temporary IR....PUP....etc.
5 LBs because we play 2LBs/3d Safety formation so often.
McBride did a nice job for the Giants last year, but I see him at the 5th or 6th best CB on this team now - and a guy with little special teams value.
DRC, Thurmond, and Amukamara are clearly better players.
According to reports, Bowman has looked really good and he is a top-notch special teams player.
I like Charles James' game, personality, and special teams ability.
I think Bennett Jackson - as a 6th corner - has a big upside and in the meantime should excel on specials.
You also have Jayron Hosley on the Suspended List for a month in case someone gets hurt.
If that is the case, maybe Hosley's suspension actually saves him a future roster spot versus getting cut before game 1.
It actually may be a blessing in disguise for both Hosley and the Giants.
he has always been a 1st round-type of talent
Rolle, Brown, Demps are the locks. Then Cooper Taylor and this years draft pick Bherl or what ever his name is might make 5.
Maybe they would have kept on less LB but w Beason out I doubt it now.
Only keeping 2 QBs will help
I agree that 5 LBs seems likely
Injuries, however, have as much to do with roster decisions as talent. Let's hope decisions can be made on talent alone.
Hopefully those extra roster spots come from keeping less backup QBs, Tight Ends and Linebackers where the talent pool is clearly weaker.