I'm going to do this in three parts (questions):
1. Though it might not be a necessary part of the offense, isn't the FB spot still not filled?
When Ellison signed, Johnson made a claim to the effect of 'they filled my position, so I expected to be released'. That surprised me somewhat, because I thought that a guy like Ellison, while primarily a blocker, wouldn't preclude the Giants from keeping Johnson or bringing in another fullback if they found one they liked.
Ellison is listed at 6'5'' 250. Johnson is listed at 6'2'' 240. Juszczyk from the Ravens (now with the 49ers) is listed at 6'1'' 240.
One of these isn't quite like the others. And even though we've been given the wrap about not needing a FB, if a good one is available, wouldn't that still be a potential way to go as far as roster building goes?
2. Isn't it possible we don't find the TE we want in the draft for the value/pick we have to offer?
Howard blew up the combine. People were talking about Njoku doing this, but it turned out Howard was the one to run a near 4.5, drastically inflating his stock. Given that, it seems unlikely the Giants will land a TE in the first round. Njoku still seems like a question mark at this stage in the offseason for the Giants, but if Howard goes as early as possible (top 15 seems almost a sure thing at this point), Njoku might be a consolation pick for a TE-hungry team ahead of the Giants in the first.
Also, based on value and the Giants' places in the draft, there are possibilities that the tight ends they might target won't be available for good value at their pick. Engram and Everett might not make to the 55th spot. Butt might not last to their third. Not to mention, they may just not want to take a chance on the injured Butt or questionable character guys like Sprinkle (shoplifting) or Leggett (work ethic).
While it is a deep position in the draft, isn't it possible we don't draft a TE? Given our roster and scheme, it's not like we drastically need one, with the three guys we have likely to get decent play.
3. So, if the Giants view FB as a potentially useful piece in their offense still and they don't find a TE that matches their value, would/could they spend a day three pick on a FB like Sam Rogers?
Rogers is an interesting player, if you check out what he brings to the table. He's small (5'10'' 240). But, he does a lot of little things that add up to a semi-weapon for the offense. He's a decent backfield blocker. He actually has rushed the ball a significant number of times - 165 times in his career - (as opposed to the less than ten times combined by Will Johnson and Rhett Ellison's collective careers in the pros). He has great hands (74 career catches), having made several one handed catches in games, one of which went for a touchdown.
He totalled 4 rushing TDs and 7 receiving TDs in his 4 years at VT. He also would be able to contribute heavily on special teams, which would be great from a day three pick, rather than spending them on developmental OLs or DLs who aren't as likely to contribute as much if at all.
I'm not saying they shouldn't draft a TE, but given the three TEs we already have that are likely to make the 53 (Tye, Adams, and Ellison), if they don't draft a TE for whatever reason on days 1 and 2, would a FB like Rogers be a nice piece for Eli to use with this offense?
Any thoughts on the FB position for the Giants moving forward? I just feel like a FB would offer a lot of versatility that we clearly lacked last year. Sam Rogers seems like an interesting player that has unique, complementary skills compared to who's on our roster right now.
Ellison can block from the FB position.....Now, will they pick up a FB....Sure, for competition. Safeguard themselves from! What happened last year. Has Will Johnson signed with anyone?
Sam Rogers would be a team galvanizer. He is a natural born leader that out works everyone. He'll be good for special teams for however picks him up as well.
That can run out of a one back set hopefully S.Perrine !
Cornerback depth is probably a higher priority, and it seems to be a strength of the draft class. If Rogers stays on the board long enough, though, the value might be right.
Hit the UDFA guys.
Too many other priorities to use on a FB.
Greg you would make one hell of a heel wrestler if you wanted too. You always have the nicest things to say ;)
Quote:
Rudy the FB would be a horrible waste of a draft pick
Greg you would make one hell of a heel wrestler if you wanted too. You always have the nicest things to say ;)
Oh my God! That's Greg from LI's music!
.
.
.
FB is a pretty decent part of what Green Bay do, we're not exactly the same offense but we're clearly derived from it.
To me, the biggest mystery of last season was why nothing was done to replace Johnson and Whitlock at FB.
Now, I suppose Ellison could fill that role this year, but if the Giants are intent on keeping an actual FB on the roster, I'd expect them to look for one very late on Day 3 (round 6 or 7) or as a UDFA once the draft is over. Michigan State's Prescott Line would be first on my list.
Don't get hung up on labels. Ellison could get lined up in the backfield or next to an OT, and he could still move around pre-snap.
Quote:
Bunch was selected by the New York Giants in the first round (27th overall pick) of the 1991 NFL Draft.
.
.
.