I talked a bit about Jones in a post on gidies OL thread and am curious to see what the board thinks about his chances to win a starting spot. This would be a moot point if not for the Beatty injury, he wouldn't have a shot to unseat Pugh or Schwartz. But with the shake up the Beatty injury brings this kid now has a golden opportunity to step up.
After starting 16 games last season Jerry appears to be the OL most likely to be called on. But his play last year was just a few notches better than Walton and was at times downright atrocious. He's not particularly light on his feet and he doesn't generate the push you would expect from a man of his size. He's certainly not in the long term plans and appears to be imminently replaceable. There aren't any obvious choices though. Which brings us to Jones.
When he was signed I scrambled to find some information on him and was pleasantly surprised by what I found. He was the Canadian equivalent of an Academic All American and was an All Conference selection in college. A projected first round pick, he bluntly told teams going to medical school was his first choice (he did not get in). That caused him to slip to the second round with many teams questioning his dedication. His play however quickly dispelled those notions.
At 23 he's spent just two seasons in the CFL. But he made the most of that time, earning Rookie of the Year honors in 2013 and being named the CFLs Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman in his sophomore season. He's said since he entered the CFL his dream has been to play in the NFL. Scouting reports praise his footwork, movement, and physicality, saying he's "got natural knee bend, good feet, sits really well in his stance, punches well, he's aggressive". Another report says he "plays through the whistle and finishes plays". Now he obviously has quite a transition ahead of him. But with the biggest adjustment to the American game being the elimination of the one yard cushion the OL is given, his skill set would seem to translate well and help him make that transition.
While it might seem like a long shot, this kid has everything you want in a G. He's smart, moves well, has good footwork and technique, plays with some tenacity, and is hungry for an opportunity. It also bears noting that we're not talking about him unseating a proven starter, we're talking about him replacing a very average player, and that's generous assessment of Jerry.
IMO if any of the young guys have a shot to beat out Jerry, and that would be one helluva boon for the Giants, I think it's Jones. Even of he isn't a long term answer, you have to wonder if a kid with his skill set and accolades, the best OL in Candian football, can beat out a middling veteran like Jerry. I really hope he can, because I hate the idea of Jerry starting another 16 games for this team.
What say you BBI?
If you ask me, they wasted a year on Walton in 2014.
Jones is goin got have to overcome a lot of obstacles to make the 53 man cut -- Eric eluded to his size -- but he's been dominant against what amounts to a bunch of non-NFL players -- so it doesn't necessarily follow that he can make it in the NFL --
of course we can always hope he does -- but this is a long shot
Jones is goin got have to overcome a lot of obstacles to make the 53 man cut -- Eric eluded to his size -- but he's been dominant against what amounts to a bunch of non-NFL players -- so it doesn't necessarily follow that he can make it in the NFL --
of course we can always hope he does -- but this is a long shot
Giants did not sign the 2 - 6 picks, they did sign Jones. I imagine Hufnagel had a lot to do with that.
A.Q. Shipley, Cardinals
Doug Legursky, Bills
Chance Warmack, Titans (he's listed 6'2", former #10 ovr pick)
Andy Levitre, Titans (also 6'2")
Warmack and Levitre are solid pros. Other two are mostly backup material. I hope Jones plays well and at least makes it as a reliable backup. I'd hate to have to rely on the likes of Boothe, Reynolds, etc.
^This.
And I would give him a shot at beating out Miami reject John Jerry for the now available starting spot at Guard. He seems to have the motivation for excellence that Jerry apparently lacks, at least according to people in Miami. And Jerry didn't exactly play well last year, either. Not saying it will happen, but somebody could beat out Jerry, and Jones is one of the guys with a real shot to do it.
Incidentally, one of those other Canadians that the GIANTS had in for a try-out, DT Daryl Waud, has signed with the Washington Redskins despite being drafted in the first or second round of the CFL draft. So there's another indication that another NFL team thinks some of these guys from north of the border are worth a serious look this summer.
I still believe that things are not as bad as they seem because if we have another two injuries on the OL, someone will have to play. Sure we looked good at the OL just a few days past but in truth it was all smoke and mirrors. Not sure who or where they will start TC has always done strange things with the OL due to injury and yes Eli is still alive. Next man or men up are the words of the day now its time to identify who those men are.
He missed pre-season last year, I think he's talented, I think we'll see a much better player when he's had a year of good coaching and when he's not next to Walton.
And I am befuddled, what does it mean Jones will have to adjust to the NFL.? Doesn't every player? He played in a pro league and dominated it thoughly. Wouldn't a division two player who dominated his league have to get used to the NFL.
He dominated a pro league, why isn't that as impressive as a kid dominating in college. Is the believe that American College ball is ten times better than Canadian professional?
Bottom line...I think Jerry will be better and I think Jones will be a good pro...right off the bat. And that's confirmed by his brains and his attitude. He gave up money to come here.
other than the Giants..Cite measurables to your heart's content, but there's no way to measure the guy's heart and grit..And no, you don't have SOME idea, imo..
It would be great if he turns out to be very good.
I am optimistic too.
But here's the deal with the adjustment. It's not just an adjustment to the NFL, it's an adjustment to US football. In the CFL, due to that one yard gap between the two lines, the OL and DL don't launch into each other like here in the US. In those instances he's going to have to be able to be able to react much quicker, absorb that initial punch, and even get some push. Watch one of his highlight videos.
That, i think, is the biggest obstacle for him. Even if he does struggle initially with that though, it's not going to be an issue on most snaps, and he's only 23 yrs old, he's likely going to improve.
I can't wait to see what he can do.
In the videos I saw, some of the DL look like linebackers. That said, he will be one of the interesting camp story lines to follow.
Jerry did exactly what he has done before - he shows domination at times and underwhelming at times - he has always had very little middle ground.
He is better than most of the remaining veteran names left at G - he also is healthy every game
Not really expecting a guy from the CFL to beat him out
So all things considered, what should the expectations have been for Jerry last year? With a full year in the system and hopefully a healthy camp, he may turn out to be a very pleasant surprise this season.
If you ask me, they wasted a year on Walton in 2014.
The improved OL would have allowed for a better run and pass game for sure.
Honestly, I think the injury to Beatty is damning. Just a terrible blow to a team riddled with injuries. I think Newhouse ends up starting at LT because he's played there before. Pugh isn't a LT though he'll get reps there and at OG likely all camp.
Newhouse-Pugh-Richburg-Jerry-Flowers will start the season because that is the most "seasoned" group but Jones is the first man off the bench on the interior OL and Pugh is the backup OT. We simply have no depth once again, at least not much quality depth.
I'm anxious to see whether Pugh can handle the job...I think he'd be a better LT than RT, but a better LG than either.
As for Richburg and Jones, it would be a boon if Jones could win a starting job on the line and play effectively. I can't see a guy that short playing OG effectively, but could see him at C. If he manned that spot, Richburg would need to slide back to LG, where I think he'd do a better job than last year. It's unlikely to happen, but it will certainly be an interesting training camp. Wish we had two-a-days again, as we really need them.
As for Walton, I agree completely. We'd have been better off with Richburg there.
(not in line order, just names of players)
to build upon. guys that are healthy, have upside, no extraneous bullshit and the right attitude.
Jones looks like one of those. Players you wont have to replace due to injury, age or other concerns. 6'2" is not a problem to me.
possibly mosley is on that list as a back up tackle.
If you ask me, they wasted a year on Walton in 2014.
But, it's a jump from the CFL to the NFL and he's undersized to boot. Jerry, while enigmatic and often struggled a year ago, is a player NYG really likes.