Maybe I just get off on the John Mendenhall comparison. Dude's wearing 64, he's relatively small-ish for an interior D-lineman, but while I realize he's working these games against second/third guys, he's very active and seems to live up to his billing potential.
Milhouse has cat-like quickness for his size and uses his initial momentum to drive interior blockers backwards towards the quarterback. He needs to develop his hand technique and ball awareness, but his skill-set is draftable -- faces a steep learning curve, but can provide quality depth to a three-technique rotation in a four-man front. |
Beyond Harrison, Hankins and Bromley there is room for one or perhaps two defensive tackles at the bottom of the roster. Milhouse is in a group of players including Montori Hughes, Louis Nix and Marvin Lewis competing for a spot. His advantage in that competition is that Hughes, Nix and Lewis are all nose tackle types, while the 6-foot-1, 295-pound Milhouse is more of a pass rusher. |
So far, I'm encouraged.
From what you all have observed, you think he can make the final cut?
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Personally, I think they should only carry Harrison, Hankins, and Bromley on the 53 and keep another DT or two on the practice squad. That will allow them the room to keep 5 DE on the 53, which makes the most sense given the 4 Aces package they play on passing downs.
DT: Harrison, Hankins, Bromley, Milhouse.
DE: JPP, Vernon, OO, Okwara.
Wynn, Nix, and Hughes fight for one spot.
Melvin Lewis is a different story.
DT: Harrison, Hankins, Bromley, Milhouse.
DE: JPP, Vernon, OO, Okwara.
Wynn, Nix, and Hughes fight for one spot.
I like the look of that Dline a lot, but a guy like Milhouse will probably be inactive most game days, barring unforeseen injuries. I think he might be a good PS candidate, as well. I also do think there will be a need for at least a 4 man-DT rotation earlier in the season due to it being warmer as we need to have those guys fresh for the 4th Quarter of games and so I can most definitely see them keeping 5 DTs.
5 DTs, with one on the PS is what I meant.
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I also do think there will be a need for at least a 4 man-DT rotation earlier in the season due to it being warmer as we need to have those guys fresh for the 4th Quarter of games and so I can most definitely see them keeping 5 DTs.
When was the last time the Giants had 4 DT active on game day? Ideally they keep 8 DL (5 DE, 3 DT), 7 LB, and 10 DB on the 53 man roster.
At a minimum, they need 4 DTs on the active roster. I don't think they can go with only 3. The DTs will be worn out by the 4th Quarter early in the season. Hank and Snacks are good, but they too will need relief and I don't mean the NASCAR package.
p.s.-- Feel free to call my bluff: I'm just assuming the Giants rarely (if ever) had four DT active on game day. It's not like I've ever kept track of something like that.
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The Giants usually activate only three on game days, anyway, and they'll often rotate their DEs inside, too, on obvious pass-rushing downs.
5 DTs, with one on the PS is what I meant.
4 DTs with one on the PS I can believe.
I personally have no idea where McAdoo goes with this
True, so I would assume 4 DTs on active roster?
I might feel differently if they had a young, highly regarded prospect like when Joseph and Hankins were rookies occupying a roster spot, but not dressing. But I don't think any of the current young DT prospects are in danger of being snatched off the practice squad.
It's not enough just to look at the past, you have to look inside it as well. Why this, why that? When I look at this roster, I don't see a reason to keep more than the three DT's. I'll probably be wrong about that, but we'll see.
I like Hughes and his ability to not get moved...a very poor man version of Harrison which is good for backing up that spot. Milhouse has shown well, albeit against lesser competition. I just think he offers some things in there that others don't. Whether he is on the 53 or PS...I want this guy to stick around. I think he has talent worth waiting for at least this season.
I really like what I am seeing from Okwara. He is pushing Randy Wynn hard and what's more I like his versatility a lot. I think Okwara has a good shot to make the 53.
I think I'd prefer Millhouse on PS and keep a bigger guy like Hughes. I thought Hughes was ok last year. He seems the definition of a rotational run plugging DT.
Millhouse needs to show more against higher quality competition and if he earns a lot more snaps in week 3, that's a good sign for him.