It seemed to me he caused some problems with his whirling dervish routine but was silenced when teams focused on him on 3rd down. Mostly because we had nobody else to cause a threat save for,maybe Ayers. Would he be more of a mismatch inside now that we have made so many upgrades on the D line? I dont remember him being that effective on short yardage but maybe as part of a jumbo package he can pop open a hole.
I think either he or Will Johnson make it and not both.
I don't think his spin move is going to be enough to separate him from Will Johnson. I think the Giants may value Johnsons offensive versatility more than the novelty Whitlock presents.
but I do think he'll have a fair shake in camp to win the job.
This was the case for us in 2007 when Boss and Bradshaw came on late in the season, playing better than their draft positions would have made you believe.
This happened in 2011 with WR Victor Cruz who just shocked the NFL.
We need to catch a break and have a pass rush specialist bust out this year. FB Nikita Whitlock flashed in spots last year and it was only his first season. He weighed only 235 last year as well, not big enough for DL but we had limitd options and he played.
He has bulked up to 250. If he can get to the QB, the NFL's 2nd most important job after QB'ing play, well he finds a roster spot and becomes the de facto backup FB as well. He knows the defensive scheme and offensive scheme better this year.
He was a solid rusher in college who now has an off-season under his belt; who has bulked up; who has the heart and motor necessary. Lets see what he does in camp before we count him out.
How great of a story would it be if he wrecked havoc on 3rd and longs and ended up with 8+ sacks? He is also an ace special teams player. You find a spot for a backup FB, pass rush DL specialist and special teamer. You just do and I hope we have the NFL's feel good story with him this year.
He is NOT winning the FB job over Johnson. No chance.
I think Nikita Whitlock has upside though. I'm going to hedge a bet he shows some skills rushing, improved FB skills and of course he solid on specials. Just have to see if all that is enough to package and make it viable to keep him. The pass rushing is the key.
If he goes from one trick pony to two trick pony and a better pony at that he may surprise. I am hopeful.
TC always disdained the QB sneak though Brady has made a living from it.
Parcell won games and seasons with fake punts, I hope we see different flavors like that from this coach.
I seriously doubt Whitlock makes this team....
If THIS DL is in fact very effective, why would they need a ham & egger FB to play on it?
I give him credit though and he may get picked up if a key
fullback goes down .
Admire his effort and I hope he makes it somewhere .
The big question is simple: just how good can he get as a pass rusher? The only chance he has to make this team is if he surprises and gets to the QB in pre-season games and camp. If he has developed some pass rush moves and his improved size from 235 to 250 hasn't cost him quickness he'll produce. I truly believe that about him.
I'm a guy who always roots for the little guy. If he can get to the QB, play FB better and be a superb special teamer he has a shot for a spot.
I think either he or Will Johnson make it and not both.
I don't think his spin move is going to be enough to separate him from Will Johnson. I think the Giants may value Johnsons offensive versatility more than the novelty Whitlock presents.
but I do think he'll have a fair shake in camp to win the job.
I agree sadly... I like Whitlock. And with a beefed up DL this year, I think he can definitely present even more challenges to other teams as a pass rusher. I just don't see a roster spot for him though.
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I'd be surprised if he makes the team.
I think either he or Will Johnson make it and not both.
I don't think his spin move is going to be enough to separate him from Will Johnson. I think the Giants may value Johnsons offensive versatility more than the novelty Whitlock presents.
but I do think he'll have a fair shake in camp to win the job.
I agree sadly... I like Whitlock. And with a beefed up DL this year, I think he can definitely present even more challenges to other teams as a pass rusher. I just don't see a roster spot for him though.
Bottom line: if this kid can get to the QB, you make a roster spot for him. Getting to the QB is the key to good defense in today's pass happy league. If he can create matchup problems as that "little guy with the non-stop motor" who just makes plays he sticks.
So, he had 18.5 career sacks in college (3.0, 3.5, 3.0, and 9.0 sacks per year respectively) and he played at 5'11'' and 250 lbs. in that role. He also had 48 tackles for loss.
So, I take back my statement. If they like him as a blocker and specials guy, and they think he's a potential aspect of the NASCAR lineup or some type of rushing LB role. He could fill several slots on the depth chart. And, like was hinted earlier, maybe Donnell gets a short leash and they can end up going Tye, Adams, Johnson, Whitlock.
So, he had 18.5 career sacks in college (3.0, 3.5, 3.0, and 9.0 sacks per year respectively) and he played at 5'11'' and 250 lbs. in that role. He also had 48 tackles for loss.
So, I take back my statement. If they like him as a blocker and specials guy, and they think he's a potential aspect of the NASCAR lineup or some type of rushing LB role. He could fill several slots on the depth chart. And, like was hinted earlier, maybe Donnell gets a short leash and they can end up going Tye, Adams, Johnson, Whitlock.
The main thing is if we can find a roster spot for him. But a 5'11" 250 lb guy who understands leverage and can be moved arou,d can be an interesting piece to have. Like it or not,he did create problems for OL last year. There was also a point when HE was the primary focus from o linemen. Having him, Vernon, Diggy and JPP on the DL on 3rd and longs would be a fast fast D LINE to face.
So, he had 18.5 career sacks in college (3.0, 3.5, 3.0, and 9.0 sacks per year respectively) and he played at 5'11'' and 250 lbs. in that role. He also had 48 tackles for loss.
So, I take back my statement. If they like him as a blocker and specials guy, and they think he's a potential aspect of the NASCAR lineup or some type of rushing LB role. He could fill several slots on the depth chart. And, like was hinted earlier, maybe Donnell gets a short leash and they can end up going Tye, Adams, Johnson, Whitlock.
Having a backup FB, pass rush specialist and full-time special teamer is NOT a bad thing. He could very well take TE Larry Donnell's roster spot as you noted. He'd also be a real feel good story, a guy with a great motor and attitude and locker rooms need guys like that.
class it would take an unforeseen Injury or a surprising
cut for him to make it . Maybe Donnell with the injury issue
being a somewhat risky one that could be a spot for Nikita
I don't dislike the guy but it shows more about how piss
poor our defense was more than anything else .
class it would take an unforeseen Injury or a surprising
cut for him to make it . Maybe Donnell with the injury issue
being a somewhat risky one that could be a spot for Nikita
I don't dislike the guy but it shows more about how piss
poor our defense was more than anything else .
However, guys tend to improve year #1 to year #2 the most. If he can rush the passer in camp and flashes well in preseason games, assuming he's even given the opportunity, how do you let a pass rusher go? You can't. He was solid in college and got snaps last year so I'm hopeful for a HUGE surprise.
If he can backup at FB and play on all the special teams units he has a shot. An outside shot. A "who is the 53rd man we keep" kind of shot.
I realize it is but a "dream" to think he could flourish as a pass rusher but it is pre-season so why not dream? If he hadn't been so productive his senior year as a rusher AND if he hadn't lined up on defense last year a bit I wouldn't even be going here but he did so I hope for the best. His size is a concern but there are NFL starting DE's that are in the 250's.
Quote:The Colts haven't shown the same unwillingness to play smaller than average players on their defensive line. Giants seem terrified at the prospect.
Why not let him try pass rushing as the de facto 5th DL, stunting and such? I mean, if a guy has the quickness, motor and moves (not sure Nikita Whitlock does here...) you find ways to use him where he isn't right over an OL that can mow down his 250 pound frame.
I realize it is but a "dream" to think he could flourish as a pass rusher but it is pre-season so why not dream? If he hadn't been so productive his senior year as a rusher AND if he hadn't lined up on defense last year a bit I wouldn't even be going here but he did so I hope for the best. His size is a concern but there are NFL starting DE's that are in the 250's.
The other factor besides his weight is his height. I hope he gets the opportunity to do so this year with the Giants.
Quote:
With the Johnson signing and the potentially deep draft
class it would take an unforeseen Injury or a surprising
cut for him to make it . Maybe Donnell with the injury issue
being a somewhat risky one that could be a spot for Nikita
I don't dislike the guy but it shows more about how piss
poor our defense was more than anything else .
I agree. Based on the body of work we have seen to date it isn't likely FB/DE Nikita Whitlock makes it.
However, guys tend to improve year #1 to year #2 the most. If he can rush the passer in camp and flashes well in preseason games, assuming he's even given the opportunity, how do you let a pass rusher go? You can't. He was solid in college and got snaps last year so I'm hopeful for a HUGE surprise.
If he can backup at FB and play on all the special teams units he has a shot. An outside shot. A "who is the 53rd man we keep" kind of shot.
Technically this is not year 1 to year 2 for Whitlock, he was a UDFA in 2014 and the Giants are his 3rd team.
First one he stuck with so maybe that's what you meant, but he's been around (the league) a little while.
Plus, also interesting I found out Whitlock has already received a 4-game suspension for the league - no specific details were announced, but you have to assume he's in the program (either PED or drugs) and that can't help him.
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The Colts haven't shown the same unwillingness to play smaller than average players on their defensive line. Giants seem terrified at the prospect.
Why not let him try pass rushing as the de facto 5th DL
Because if there is a guy to be developed into a starting position like Romeo Okwara who has a legit NFL frame. Its one thing if the guy played like the Doug Flutie of D linemen, but he didnt. All he did was flash. Same goes for Donte Deayon.
I know I argued for him before, but you asked why not. Well, the why not is if you have better players with NFL size.
Quote:
In comment 13042739 Bluesbreaker said:
Quote:
With the Johnson signing and the potentially deep draft
class it would take an unforeseen Injury or a surprising
cut for him to make it . Maybe Donnell with the injury issue
being a somewhat risky one that could be a spot for Nikita
I don't dislike the guy but it shows more about how piss
poor our defense was more than anything else .
I agree. Based on the body of work we have seen to date it isn't likely FB/DE Nikita Whitlock makes it.
However, guys tend to improve year #1 to year #2 the most. If he can rush the passer in camp and flashes well in preseason games, assuming he's even given the opportunity, how do you let a pass rusher go? You can't. He was solid in college and got snaps last year so I'm hopeful for a HUGE surprise.
If he can backup at FB and play on all the special teams units he has a shot. An outside shot. A "who is the 53rd man we keep" kind of shot.
Technically this is not year 1 to year 2 for Whitlock, he was a UDFA in 2014 and the Giants are his 3rd team.
First one he stuck with so maybe that's what you meant, but he's been around (the league) a little while.
Plus, also interesting I found out Whitlock has already received a 4-game suspension for the league - no specific details were announced, but you have to assume he's in the program (either PED or drugs) and that can't help him.
I still say, after reading all of this, that if FB Whitlock worked on both his defensive pass rush as well as his FB skills this off-season you give him a shot for a spot!
I just have hope that he surprises as a pass rusher, a guy you can create matchup issues with because he has some skills, a great motor and desire. Again, he was successful in college and got some spot duty on defense last year. He wasn't spectacular but flashed some.
He is also solid on special teams. So his versatility as a backup FB, special teamer and specialist pass rusher could be enough to make him stick. This is especially true of say TE Donnell is not showing well due to his neck or something.