As I've previously opined, If Cruz' surgery was indeed "straight up," that is, no other structures were affected enough to be operated on, he'll be 100%..
That said, OBJ, VC and Randle(if the tease has finally ended) will rival ANY WR corps in the NFL..This is without even considering what we make pick up draft time..We could do worse than Parker at #4
Randle is the key. If the light bulb has really gone on then they have a nice Robin to Beckham's Batman. If a tease, then they have a problem at WR because they can't count on Cruz to be back for the opener and be his usual self.
I think they're in good position to have a nice group heading forward. Beckham is a star and I can't wait to see him with more of an advanced offense to showcase what he, Eli, and McAdoo can do together.
Cruz is a big mystery. I have hope like all Giants fans do that he recovers and can continue to be a dominant force for the middle of the field and rack up YAC. Let's see.
Washington and Marcus Harris are others I think have room to improve and have a good amount of talent. They just need to work hard and show the coaches they belong on the field.
Unless there's an OT sitting there who they believe is a bona fide LT - Jerry Reese's elusive "blue goose" - then WR should be the pick. You can never have enough pass-catchers.
But Harris was looking like Steve Smith 2.0, constantly getting open, finding the soft spots in the zone, and catching pretty much everything thrown his way.
But Harris was looking like Steve Smith 2.0, constantly getting open, finding the soft spots in the zone, and catching pretty much everything thrown his way.
Thought the same thing when I saw Harris. He could add nice depth to the WR corps too. Will be interesting to see which receivers get out of camp as # 4, 5 and possibly 6.
I don't think the Giants will be looking that closely at WR in first few rounds of draft. I think our receivers are deep enough and how many balls would a new receiver really see, given the fact we'll have OBJ , RR and possibly Cruz getting balls first?! To me it would be a wasted pick with so many other needs.
Harris' injury allowed Preston Parker to move up on the depth chart.
And Parker did okay, although I think Harris would've been much better. We'll see what happens this summer.
Cruz's health and Randle's inconsistency seal the deal for me regarding drafting another WR in the 1st round. I'd love to see Kevin White or DeVante Parker lined up opposite Beckham (whose hamstring troubles are another reason to stack the deck with another talented WR).
I agree. I am not sold on the other Wrs outside of OBJ. I hope we can either sign one in FA or draft a WR in the draft. I like Cooper and White. Outside of that, I do like Devin Smith and Phillip Dorsett of UM. I think adding more speed to this offense should be a priority.
That plus the work he was doing as a receiver would have made him a slam dunk for the 53 man roster. Hopefully he can resume what he was doing this year.
They have enough in this receiver group to have a pretty decent WR corps as long as either Cruz returns to form or Randle has finally seen the light, plus getting a little help from somebody else.
They have some journeymen (Ogletree, Criner, Harper) who could contribute and some developmental guys (Washington and Harris) who could step up. Getting a serious contribution from any one of these guys plus Beckham, Cruz, Randle, and Parker would put them in pretty good shape.
Consequently, considering how weak they are at many other positions (OL, TE, RB, DL, LB, S) I would consider it a misuse of assets if they used a draft pick on a WR this spring. The OL must be first priority because it doesn't matter who they have for receivers if Eli can't get the ball to them.
I think drafting a WR in the first round would be a horrible strategy. Even if Cruz is not healthy, there will be at least one or two existing guys (Washington, Harris, Parker) and a cheap free agent or late round pick that can supplement Beckham and Randle. If Cruz is healthy this becomes even less of a need.
We need to focus on re-building the offensive line and IMO more importantly, we need to add a lot of talent on defense. With the first three picks in the draft, I would take an offensive lineman and two defensive players. There is a higher chance with catching lightning in a bottle with a late round WR or RB than a DE or DT.
He's developed slower than we'd like but he has made strides and I think he'll be a reliable target for Eli and prove worthy of the second round pick we invested in him.
not sure there is a slam dunk OL there for the Giants in round 1 who will be a Pro Bowl type guy. You can't pass on a Pro Bowl talent just to draft a position. If there is a really good OL there, then fine. But don't force it.
He's developed slower than we'd like but he has made strides and I think he'll be a reliable target for Eli and prove worthy of the second round pick we invested in him.
It took Toomer like 4 years before the light bulb went on and now he is one of the best Giant WRs of all time! I see improvement in Randle and I think he'll be more comfortable in the offense next year too.
Another WR in the first round is not the way to go. It would be a waste of a pick. Even if we drafted a WR at 9, how many balls would he get a game? 2 or 3? OBJ, Randle and Cruz, and even Donnell, will be in line. To me it has to be BPA at Oline or Dline!
You have to consider 2016 as much as 2015 when evaluating whether WR will be a priority for the Giants in the draft. And with Cruz's injury (+ a big 2016 salary/low dead $$) and Randle's impending FA, WR will definitely be considered in the first 3 rounds.
Otherwise they could be going into 2016 with Beckham and spare parts or Beckham and a diminished Cruz at WR.
Beckham I believe brings with him the type of talent and attitude that can influence the whole receiving corp. They say a rising tide raises all ships and we saw a glimmer with Randle upping his game as Beckham caught fire. It was more than just seeing less coverage thrown his way, it was the way he went after the ball. It was as if he said I can do some of that shit too. And he can.
only came on at the very end, well after Beckham was tearing it up. In fact, Randle got benched for the 1st quarter of two games when Beckham was tearing it up.
That has a very high ceiling but are extremely young and come with a ton of unknown.
The only proven and healthy guy is OBJ.
Outside of that there are question marks.
Cruz is the only older vet (and a young one at that) a probowl talent , but will he make it back to his former self after a significant injury?
Randle. Very immature and inconsistent. Talent is there but until he does it consistently over the course of a full season you can't just assume he has arrived.
Parker. Nice fill in but not a consistent threat by any stretch.
Washington. I am high on this kid and think he will turn into something if Coughlin gives him an opportunity. He flashed big time like Cruz did and I think he could find a niche in MacAdoo's offense. But still obviously a relatively unknown commodity. Harris is intriguing as well.
Can we skip drafting a WR high and not pick up a FA like Cobb and still have a good passing game? Yes. But alot would have to fall right.
I don't think Reese takes that chance. The strength of this draft is the plethora of red chip receivers. I see Reese going with a WR in the top 2 rounds or latest round 3. If not then a marquis FA like Cobb before then. It's one or the other or possibly even both depending on how worried they are about Cruz' full recovery.
RE: Our wide receiver group is a very interesting one
That has a very high ceiling but are extremely young and come with a ton of unknown.
The only proven and healthy guy is OBJ.
Outside of that there are question marks.
Cruz is the only older vet (and a young one at that) a probowl talent , but will he make it back to his former self after a significant injury?
Randle. Very immature and inconsistent. Talent is there but until he does it consistently over the course of a full season you can't just assume he has arrived.
Parker. Nice fill in but not a consistent threat by any stretch.
Washington. I am high on this kid and think he will turn into something if Coughlin gives him an opportunity. He flashed big time like Cruz did and I think he could find a niche in MacAdoo's offense. But still obviously a relatively unknown commodity. Harris is intriguing as well.
Can we skip drafting a WR high and not pick up a FA like Cobb and still have a good passing game? Yes. But alot would have to fall right.
I don't think Reese takes that chance. The strength of this draft is the plethora of red chip receivers. I see Reese going with a WR in the top 2 rounds or latest round 3. If not then a marquis FA like Cobb before then. It's one or the other or possibly even both depending on how worried they are about Cruz' full recovery.
Coach - under your rationale we will pick at least 2 Offensive players in the first three rounds - a OL and a WR - I have a hard time accepting that - it means we are abandoning the defense -- or that the FO is going to stand pat and hope that Spags alone will make the difference -- there have been no number 1 picks supplied to the defense in the past 3 drafts -- two of the three top picks must be Defensive players in this draft if not all 3
Trying to take a best guess while incorporating Reese and the front offices known strategies both in FA and the draft. There are a ton of variables so the situation is certainly fluid and can change.
But understanding the philosophy of the organization this could certainly be a viable plan with a few tweaks on Defense coming in FA with the resigning of some of our key defenders starting with JPP.
One of the most vital coaches in all of sports is an NFL defensive coordinator (even more so when your HC is an offensive guy). If Spags implements a system which is more player friendly and fits our team better (as he successfully did his first go round here) that in itself will turn our fortunes around substancially. We've seen examples of this repeatedly throughout NFL history.
Position is in fact the best position on this team since it's the only position with two very good starters or better. No other position on this team can say that since Prince and DRC will both be coming off injured seasons. The problem is like almost all the positions on this team there is a major question of depth. The third WR is just as important as the second WR due to his role in this offense. Cruz, JJ, Harper, Harris, Washington and Talley are all unknown due to talent level, proven talent level or injury concerns.
I see no reason why if the BPA is a WR that this team could pass on him due to the lack of depth or real talent at the #3 WR position. Cruz was overpaid and more than likely will never be the same player which only adds fuel to the flames. JJ can't seem to stay on the field to show his skills or lack thereof and is a FA, Harris looked good then went on IR for hip surgery that's not good. Parker was a stopgap who did his best no more no less, Washington could go either way up or gone can't say I blame him for not being happy about how he was not used. The other guys are not even worth mentioning just maybe camp fodder if that.
So just like every position on this team if the BPA is there then we just about have to take him.
Too many needs on this team,
Doomster : 1/27/2015 4:34 pm : link : reply
to be drafting a wr in the early rounds.....
Doomster
Eric from BBI : Admin : 1/27/2015 4:36 pm : link : reply
Thank God the Giants didn't think that way when they drafted Lawrence Taylor.
You have the second pick in the NFL draft, and the team in front of you doesn't pick, the guy who is regarded as the best college player in the draft? Of course there is no way of knowing he would actually play at that level.....while we had linebackers, BVP was 30, and as it turned out, would be injured in the future....
Cruz is definitely a question mark.....but I think we can get by with what we have or might be available in FAcy.....at 9 we should be able to fill 2 holes that are glaring on this team....WR is not glaring.....
If Cruz fails to return to form, the Giants may settle for Jernigan
for the last two games of the year and took advantage of looser coverages.
As a Giant's fan, I have to hope he comes on like Toomer did year #4 and begins to catch everything not thrown Beckham's way. Let him "feast" and catch the easy balls.
This offense has the potential to be super solid if Cruz heals, Randle, Donnell and Robinson develop and we get at least two solid UFA Offensive Lineman.
Hell, Washington seems to be the anti Barden, looks ok at practice and Great in games. He needs to be in the games especially in the green zone! And If we add a Better TE this offense will be very scary.
That said, OBJ, VC and Randle(if the tease has finally ended) will rival ANY WR corps in the NFL..This is without even considering what we make pick up draft time..We could do worse than Parker at #4
As Reese said a couple of weeks ago, anyone playing opposite Beckham should be "feasting."
Cruz is a big mystery. I have hope like all Giants fans do that he recovers and can continue to be a dominant force for the middle of the field and rack up YAC. Let's see.
Thought the same thing when I saw Harris. He could add nice depth to the WR corps too. Will be interesting to see which receivers get out of camp as # 4, 5 and possibly 6.
I don't think the Giants will be looking that closely at WR in first few rounds of draft. I think our receivers are deep enough and how many balls would a new receiver really see, given the fact we'll have OBJ , RR and possibly Cruz getting balls first?! To me it would be a wasted pick with so many other needs.
Cruz's health and Randle's inconsistency seal the deal for me regarding drafting another WR in the 1st round. I'd love to see Kevin White or DeVante Parker lined up opposite Beckham (whose hamstring troubles are another reason to stack the deck with another talented WR).
They have enough in this receiver group to have a pretty decent WR corps as long as either Cruz returns to form or Randle has finally seen the light, plus getting a little help from somebody else.
They have some journeymen (Ogletree, Criner, Harper) who could contribute and some developmental guys (Washington and Harris) who could step up. Getting a serious contribution from any one of these guys plus Beckham, Cruz, Randle, and Parker would put them in pretty good shape.
Consequently, considering how weak they are at many other positions (OL, TE, RB, DL, LB, S) I would consider it a misuse of assets if they used a draft pick on a WR this spring. The OL must be first priority because it doesn't matter who they have for receivers if Eli can't get the ball to them.
We need to focus on re-building the offensive line and IMO more importantly, we need to add a lot of talent on defense. With the first three picks in the draft, I would take an offensive lineman and two defensive players. There is a higher chance with catching lightning in a bottle with a late round WR or RB than a DE or DT.
It took Toomer like 4 years before the light bulb went on and now he is one of the best Giant WRs of all time! I see improvement in Randle and I think he'll be more comfortable in the offense next year too.
Another WR in the first round is not the way to go. It would be a waste of a pick. Even if we drafted a WR at 9, how many balls would he get a game? 2 or 3? OBJ, Randle and Cruz, and even Donnell, will be in line. To me it has to be BPA at Oline or Dline!
Otherwise they could be going into 2016 with Beckham and spare parts or Beckham and a diminished Cruz at WR.
The only proven and healthy guy is OBJ.
Outside of that there are question marks.
Cruz is the only older vet (and a young one at that) a probowl talent , but will he make it back to his former self after a significant injury?
Randle. Very immature and inconsistent. Talent is there but until he does it consistently over the course of a full season you can't just assume he has arrived.
Parker. Nice fill in but not a consistent threat by any stretch.
Washington. I am high on this kid and think he will turn into something if Coughlin gives him an opportunity. He flashed big time like Cruz did and I think he could find a niche in MacAdoo's offense. But still obviously a relatively unknown commodity. Harris is intriguing as well.
Can we skip drafting a WR high and not pick up a FA like Cobb and still have a good passing game? Yes. But alot would have to fall right.
I don't think Reese takes that chance. The strength of this draft is the plethora of red chip receivers. I see Reese going with a WR in the top 2 rounds or latest round 3. If not then a marquis FA like Cobb before then. It's one or the other or possibly even both depending on how worried they are about Cruz' full recovery.
The only proven and healthy guy is OBJ.
Outside of that there are question marks.
Cruz is the only older vet (and a young one at that) a probowl talent , but will he make it back to his former self after a significant injury?
Randle. Very immature and inconsistent. Talent is there but until he does it consistently over the course of a full season you can't just assume he has arrived.
Parker. Nice fill in but not a consistent threat by any stretch.
Washington. I am high on this kid and think he will turn into something if Coughlin gives him an opportunity. He flashed big time like Cruz did and I think he could find a niche in MacAdoo's offense. But still obviously a relatively unknown commodity. Harris is intriguing as well.
Can we skip drafting a WR high and not pick up a FA like Cobb and still have a good passing game? Yes. But alot would have to fall right.
I don't think Reese takes that chance. The strength of this draft is the plethora of red chip receivers. I see Reese going with a WR in the top 2 rounds or latest round 3. If not then a marquis FA like Cobb before then. It's one or the other or possibly even both depending on how worried they are about Cruz' full recovery.
Coach - under your rationale we will pick at least 2 Offensive players in the first three rounds - a OL and a WR - I have a hard time accepting that - it means we are abandoning the defense -- or that the FO is going to stand pat and hope that Spags alone will make the difference -- there have been no number 1 picks supplied to the defense in the past 3 drafts -- two of the three top picks must be Defensive players in this draft if not all 3
But understanding the philosophy of the organization this could certainly be a viable plan with a few tweaks on Defense coming in FA with the resigning of some of our key defenders starting with JPP.
One of the most vital coaches in all of sports is an NFL defensive coordinator (even more so when your HC is an offensive guy). If Spags implements a system which is more player friendly and fits our team better (as he successfully did his first go round here) that in itself will turn our fortunes around substancially. We've seen examples of this repeatedly throughout NFL history.
I see no reason why if the BPA is a WR that this team could pass on him due to the lack of depth or real talent at the #3 WR position. Cruz was overpaid and more than likely will never be the same player which only adds fuel to the flames. JJ can't seem to stay on the field to show his skills or lack thereof and is a FA, Harris looked good then went on IR for hip surgery that's not good. Parker was a stopgap who did his best no more no less, Washington could go either way up or gone can't say I blame him for not being happy about how he was not used. The other guys are not even worth mentioning just maybe camp fodder if that.
So just like every position on this team if the BPA is there then we just about have to take him.
Doomster : 1/27/2015 4:34 pm : link : reply
to be drafting a wr in the early rounds.....
Doomster
Eric from BBI : Admin : 1/27/2015 4:36 pm : link : reply
Thank God the Giants didn't think that way when they drafted Lawrence Taylor.
You have the second pick in the NFL draft, and the team in front of you doesn't pick, the guy who is regarded as the best college player in the draft? Of course there is no way of knowing he would actually play at that level.....while we had linebackers, BVP was 30, and as it turned out, would be injured in the future....
Cruz is definitely a question mark.....but I think we can get by with what we have or might be available in FAcy.....at 9 we should be able to fill 2 holes that are glaring on this team....WR is not glaring.....
What Eric said. If the BPA at #9 is a LT (who can start at RT in 2015), great. But you don't take a lesser OL if a stud DE or WR is there.
As a Giant's fan, I have to hope he comes on like Toomer did year #4 and begins to catch everything not thrown Beckham's way. Let him "feast" and catch the easy balls.
This offense has the potential to be super solid if Cruz heals, Randle, Donnell and Robinson develop and we get at least two solid UFA Offensive Lineman.
Beckham 110-1500-12
Randle 90-1200-8
Donnell 80-900-8
Cruz 80-900-4
I believe it! With today's rules a 4,500 type passing year isn't beyond reach when you have offensive weapons.
That is all! :)