Saturday Reading

Giants

Schwartz NYP: Giants minicamp takeaways: Powerful Eli, WR salivation
http://nypost.com/2015/06/19/giants-minicamp-takeaways-powerful-eli-wr-salivation/

Trains B/R: NY Giants Twitter Mailbag: The 'School's out for Summer!' Edition
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2501127-ny-giants-twitter-mailbag-the-schools-out-for-summer-edition

Schultz PFF: Snaps lost New York Giants
https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2015/06/16/snaps-lost-new-york-giants/

Coach

Stapleton The Record: Coughlin warns Giants not to do anything foolish during time off
http://www.northjersey.com/sports/football/don-t-do-anything-foolish-1.1359829

Offense

Pedulla NYT: Giants Complete Minicamp With a Crisper Edge to West Coast Offense
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/19/sports/football/giants-complete-minicamp-with-a-crisper-edge-to-west-coast-offense.html

QB

Samuel NYDN: Eli Manning says Odell Beckham Jr. needs to lighten up and just take ribbing from Giants teammates
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/odell-beckham-jr-joke-eli-manning-article-1.2263814

TE

Traina B/R: New York Giants full position breakdown and depth chart analysis at tight ends
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2493977-new-york-giants-full-position-breakdown-and-depth-chart-analysis-at-tight-ends

LB

Powell NJ.com: Giants linebackers not feeding into 'worst position group' label
http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2015/06/giants_linebackers_not_feeding_into_worst_position.html

OLB

Connaghan PFF: Secret Superstars: New York Giants Devon Kennard
https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2015/06/19/secret-superstars-new-york-giants/


NFL

Farrar SI.com: Evan Mathis disagreed with SI DougFarrar's take on his tape, so Mathis walked him through it:
http://www.si.com/nfl/2015/06/19/evan-mathis-contract-eagles-offseason-chip-kelly

Miller B/R: B/R NFL 1000: Ranking the Top 60 Tight Ends from 2014
"20. Larry Donnell, New York Giants

Hands 37/40
Larry Donnell exploded in 2014, accumulating 63 catches for 623 yards and six touchdowns in his second pro season. That’s a huge improvement from 2013, and a big part of the reason was his ability to secure the ball. On 87 targets he had just four drops.

Blocking 6/10
Size is not an issue for Donnell, who looks the part at 6’6”, 265 pounds. He’s strong enough to lock out rushers on the edge and has the lower-body power to push the pile in the run game. He has to improve his punch time and accuracy when his team keeps him in as pass protector, and more meanness in finishing his run blocks will push his score up.

Route Running 21/25
Donnell is an athletic route-runner with good spacial awareness and the body to keep defenders from jumping his routes. He doesn’t have great quickness to break out of routes and pull away from the defense, but he is surprisingly flexible and has the hips to drop his weight and cut away from a straight line.

Speed 15/20
A 4.91 in the 40-yard dash when he was entering the NFL draft shows that Donnell doesn’t have great speed, but he plays faster than that time would indicate. His pull-away speed is much better than his buildup speed.

Starter 4/5
Donnell has emerged as a legitimate target in the Giants offense and has the talent to become a consistent performer and safety valve for Eli Manning for the long haul. The only question mark is if he’s a one-year wonder or not. Proving himself in 2015 will be huge.
Overall 83/100

15. Daniel Fells, New York Giants

Hands 35/40
Fells does a good job at getting his arms extended and catching the ball. He was limited in the passing game, seeing just 20 targets, but he didn't register a single drop last season.


Blocking 9/10
Fells was used much more as a blocker in the Giants' multiple-tight end sets than a receiver. The Giants liked to use Fells like an H-back when blocking, often setting him in motion, sending him out of the backfield or asking him to crack. When the Giants asked Fells to block, he did an outstanding job.


Route Running 22/25
Fells has tight hips that limit his change of direction, and he can be somewhat limited in his routes. But Fells looked best when he was able to find holes in the defense and space on option routes.

Speed 14/20
Fells is not a fast tight end and is used more underneath and as a primary blocker. He needs to improve his ability to get off the line and play in space.


Starter 4/5
Fells looked like one of the better blocking tight ends in the league in 2014 and showed how valuable he can be. He has played six seasons in the NFL and has proved he can be valuable on different teams.


Overall 84/100

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2487480-br-nfl-1000-ranking-the-top-60-tight-ends-from-2014

Miller B/R: B/R NFL 1000: Ranking the Top 35 Centers from 2014
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2491579-br-nfl-1000-ranking-the-top-35-centers-from-2014

Bowen B/R: NFL 101: Introducing the Basics of Prevent Defenses
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2499421-nfl-101-introducing-the-basics-of-prevent-defenses

BALTIMORE
Preston Bal Sun: The Ravens have concerns, but Joe Flacco isn't one of them
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/ravens-insider/bal-mike-preston-the-ravens-have-concerns-but-the-quarterback-position-isnt-one-of-them-20150619-story.html

Wilson Bal Sun: Ravens WRs coach Bobby Engram working to cut down on drops by Perriman, other players
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/ravens-insider/bal-ravens-receivers-coach-bobby-engram-working-to-cut-down-on-perriman-other-young-players-drops-20150619-story.html

Bal Sun: Ravens' Smith Sr. on the new offense and young receivers (Video)
http://www.baltimoresun.com/videogallery/bal-ravens-smith-sr-on-the-new-offense-and-young-receivers-20150619-premiumvideo.html

CAROLINA
James Charlotte Observer: Panthers’ Brenton Bersin brings experience, versatility to team’s crowded receiving corps
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article24990109.html

CHICAGO
Sheade Chicago Sun Times: Matt Forte excited for the NFL season to start
http://chicago.suntimes.com/bears-football/7/71/704960/matt-forte-excited-nfl-season-start

Campbell Chicago Tribune: Nice look at Bears rookie 2nd round pick NT Eddie Goldman
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-eddie-goldman-bears-minicamp-spt-0618-20150617-story.html

CLEVELAND
Reed Cleve Plain Dealer: On Pierre Desir and the Cleveland Browns' rare luxury of time and depth:
http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2015/06/on_pierre_desir_and_the_clevel.html

DALLAS
Gosselin Dallas Morning News: What if Dez Bryant isn't there for the Cowboys? Life will go on
http://www.dallasnews.com/sports/columnists/rick-gosselin/20150619-gosselin-what-if-dez-bryant-isn-t-there-for-the-cowboys-life-will-go-on.ece

Machota Dallas Morning News: First-round pick Byron Jones giving Cowboys owner Jerry Jones ‘visions of sugar plums’
http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/2015/06/first-round-pick-byron-jones-giving-cowboys-owner-jerry-jones-visions-of-sugar-plums.html/

DETROIT
@AdamSchefter: Former USC safety Taylor Mays, whom Minnesota released this week, is staying in NFC North and signing with Detroit Lions

Katzenstein Detroit News: Tyrunn Walker adjusting to Lions' attacking scheme
http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/06/19/tyrunn-walker-adjusting-lions-attacking-scheme/29023307/

GREEN BAY
Dunne Mil JS: Matt Blanchard impresses coaches in early camp workouts
http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/matt-blanchard-impresses-coaches-in-early-camp-workouts-b99522195z1-308317541.html?ipad=y

Dunne Mil JS: Packers' Andrew Quarless had top-of-the-line tight end mentality
http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/packers-andrew-quarless-had-top-of-the-line-tight-end-mentality-b99522883z1-308582431.html?ipad=y

HOUSTON
McClain Houston Chronicle: Texans' offseason reveals positives at every turn
http://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/texans/article/Offseason-program-observations-and-an-early-6337744.php

Smith Houston Chronicle: Father who died when Texans receiver was 9 motivates rookie Strong
http://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/texans/article/Father-who-died-when-Texans-receiver-was-9-6338014.php

Ganguli ESPN Houston: A deeper look at the Texans secondary after Johnathan Joseph's extension
http://espn.go.com/blog/houston-texans/post/_/id/11532/a-deeper-look-at-the-texans-secondary-after-johnathan-josephs-extension

JACKSONVILLE
Stellino Fla Times Union: Jaguars fine-tune special teams
http://jacksonville.com/opinion/blog/513351/vito-stellino/2015-06-20/jaguars-looking-improve-special-teams-2015

MINNESOTA
Testafsion Minn Star Tribune: Wallace, Bridgewater establishing bond off field
http://www.startribune.com/mike-wallace-teddy-bridgewater-establishing-bond-off-the-field/308413841/

NEW ENGLAND
Reiss ESPN Boston: New England Patriots players to learn more about after offseason camps
http://espn.go.com/blog/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4782361/new-england-patriots-players-to-learn-more-about-after-offseason-camps?ex_cid=espnapi_public& utm_source=twitterfeed& utm_medium=twitter

NEW ORLEANS
Woodberry Nola.com: Here's what Saints OL coach had to say about Andrus Peat, Mike McGlynn and battles on line:
http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2015/06/new_orleans_saints_offensive_l_20.html

Holder Nola.com: After his turbulent offseason, Saints' Junior Galette still doesn't get it:
http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2015/06/junior_galette_column_once_aga.html

PHILADELPHIA
Domowitch Phil.com: Versatility puts G.J. Kinne in position to succeed with Eagles
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/eagles/20150619_Versatility_puts_G_J__Kinne_in_position_to_succeed_with_Eagles.html

Lombardo NJ.com: Eagles rookie Eric Rowe finding a home and having an impact at cornerback this spring
http://www.nj.com/eagles/index.ssf/2015/06/eagles_rookie_eric_rowe_finding_a_home_and_having.html

Sielski Phil.com: Eagles rookie WR Rasheed Bailey and the death that changed his life:
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/eagles/20150621_Life_changed_for_Eagles_rookie_Bailey_after_death_of_a_friend.html

Berman Phil.com: Eagles' Jenkins becoming a leader on and off the field
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/eagles/20150620_Eagles__Jenkins_becoming_a_leader_on_and_off_the_field.html

PITTSBURGH
Cohen Pitt Post Gazette: Steelers get a two for one deal with new recruit
http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2015/06/20/Steelers-get-a-two-for-one-deal-with-new-recruit-Devin-Gardner/stories/201506200015

Fittipaldo Pitt Post Gazette: Steelers veteran cornerback looks to hold off rookies gunning for his job
http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2015/06/19/Veteran-cornerback-looks-to-hold-off-rookies-gunning-for-his-job-with-Pittsburgh-Steelers/stories/201506190112

ST. LOUIS
Thomas STL Post Dispatch: Cignetti putting his own stamp on Rams' offense
http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/cignetti-putting-his-own-stamp-on-rams-offense/article_8316d0fa-de40-50fd-a96c-bf3b12dc9c61.html

SAN FRANCISCO
Branch SF Chronicle: Slimmed-down Marcus Martin: ‘Tomsula said he was going to be the only fat guy in the room
http://www.sfgate.com/49ers/article/Slimmed-down-Marcus-Martin-Tomsula-said-he-6339039.php?cmpid=twitter-desktop

WASHINGTON
Clarke Wash Post: Better safe than sorry: Bill Callahan ‘cross-training’ virtually every Redskins guard at center
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/football-insider/wp/2015/06/19/better-safe-than-sorry-bill-callahan-cross-training-virtually-every-redskins-guard-at-center/

Draft

Staples MMQB: Connor Cook, the early favorite to be the #1 QB taken in the '16 draft
http://mmqb.si.com/2015/06/18/mmqb-100-connor-cook-2016-nfl-draft/

History

Sherrington Dallas Morning News: What set John David Crow apart in era of football giants
http://www.dallasnews.com/sports/college-sports/texas-aggies/20150618-sherrington-john-david-crow-s-play-in-era-of-football-giants-set-him-apart.ece

Branch SF Chronicle: Former 49ers Pro Bowl RB John David Crow dies at 79
http://www.sfgate.com/49ers/article/Former-49ers-Pro-Bowl-RB-John-David-Crow-dies-at-6335898.php

AP Fort Worth Star Telegram: Danny Villanueva, Dallas Cowboys kicker in the Ice Bowl, dies at 77
http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nfl/dallas-cowboys/article25039924.html


Crippen NFP: Historical Scouting Report: Mike Curtis
http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/historical-scouting-report-mike-curtis/

Giants Birthdays 6-20 to 6-26

6-20
LaVar Arrington OLB NYG 2006 6-20-1978

6-21
Gartrell Johnson RB NYG 2009 6-21-1986
Geoffrey Pope CB NYG 2007 6-21-1984
Mike Sherrard WR NYG 1993-1995 6-21-1963
Jawanza Starling S NYG PSQ 2013 6-21-1991

6-22
Fred Benners QB NYG D8 1951 NYG 1952 6-22-1930
Ron Lumpkin DB NYG D12 1973 NYG 1973 6-22-1951

6-23
Roger Davis T/G NYG 1965-1966 6-23-1938
Shaun O'Hara C NYG 2004-2010 6-23-1977
Brandon Stokley WR NYG 2011 6-23-1976

6-24
A.J. Greene DB D9 1989 NYG 1991 6-24-1966
Devon Kennard OLB D5 2014 NYG 2014 6-24-1991
Curtis Painter QB NYG 2013 6-24-1985
Doug Van Horn RG/RT/LG NYG 1968-1979 6-24-1944

6-25
Chip Glass TE NYG 1974 6-25-1947
Smith Reed HB D19 1965 NYG 1965-1966 6-25-1942

6-26
Ben Apuna LB NYG 1980 6-26-1957
Bill Berthusen NT D12 1987 NYG 1987 6-26-1964
Carlton Gray CB NYG 1998 6-26-1971
Ralph Guglielmi QB NYG 1962-1963 6-26-1933