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Defenderdawg : 5/20/2017 6:57 am
Giants

Leonard NYDN: Giants Mailbag: What makes Odell Beckham so tough to tackle?
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/giants-mailbag-odell-beckham-tough-tackle-article-1.3179203

Offense

Palladino CBS Radio NY: Giants’ Running Game Rebuild Begins With First OTA
http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2017/05/19/new-york-giants-ota-paul-perkins-wayne-gallman-shane-vereen/

QB

Salomone Giants.com: ELI MANNING RECEIVES ANN AND WELLINGTON MARA AWARD
http://www.giants.com/news-and-blogs/LifeStyleFitnessNews/article-1/Eli-Manning-receives-Ann-and-Wellington-Mara-Award/ed56dc26-4db7-4337-ac26-d206dd1ffe0e

FB

Ryan Smith (@RSmithNFL)
5/19/17, 3:51 PM
What if I told you that #Giants TE Rhett Ellison has lined up just as much in the slot as the backfield? (2012-2016)

Dan Duggan (@DDuggan21)
5/19/17, 3:55 PM
I'd tell you that there's a reason there are a few fullbacks on the roster right now. Ellison isn't as much of a FB as many seem to think

TE

Smith PFF: GIANTS TE WILL TYE LIKELY TO SEE FEWER SNAPS WITH ADDITIONS OF ENGRAM, ELLISON
https://www.profootballfocus.com/pro-giants-te-will-tye-likely-to-see-fewer-snaps-with-additions-of-engram-ellison/

RT

Kratch NJ.com: Giants sign 6th-round pick Adam Bisnowaty to rookie deal
http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2017/05/giants_sign_6th-round_pick_adam_bisnowaty_to_rooki.html

LS

Duggan NJ.com: Giants captain Zak DeOssie teaming up with Newark Mentoring Movement
http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2017/05/giants_zak_deossie_newark_mentoring.html

NFL

Brooks NFL.com: Evan Engram the Giants' missing piece; Kaepernick fits in Seattle
Code:

"It's uncommon for a tight end to be viewed as the missing piece to a championship puzzle, but Evan Engram is the dynamic offensive weapon the New York Giants have desperately needed to make another run at a Lombardi Trophy.
Now, I know it sounds crazy to expect a first-year pass catcher to shoulder a huge burden on an offense that features a two-time Super BowlMVP in Eli Manning, one of the most electric playmakers in football in Odell Beckham Jr. and a perennial Pro Bowl "chain mover" in Brandon Marshall, but the Giants need their rookie tight end to play like a stud to help the team's stars take their respective games up a notch.
Let me explain.
Every NFL defensive coordinator slated to face the Giants this season will make a concerted effort to neutralize Manning and his top targets. This will ultimately result in double coverage directed toward Beckham, with a few bracket tactics also thrown in Marshall's direction at times. Considering the sterling résumés and impact potential Beckham and Marshall have shown throughout their respective careers, opposing defensive coordinators will attempt to force Manning to depend on his complementary playmakers to move the ball down the field.
"You want to make the quarterback play 'left-handed,' " said a former NFL defensive coordinator. "Ideally, you want to make him lean on his second and third options instead of his primary weapons in the passing game. If he can win with the 'others' making enough plays to beat you, you tip your cap and move on."
With most defensive coaches subscribing to similar theories, the Giants needed their complementary players to emerge as legitimate threats in 2017. Last season, Sterling Shepardsnagged 65 passes for 683 yards (10.5 avg.) and eight scores as the Giants' WR2, but teams didn't view him as a dangerous playmaking threat, as evidenced by the lack of double or breacket coverage he faced as a rookie. Now, that doesn't mean opponents didn't respect his talent or game, but they didn't think enough of his big-play potential to map out a plan that completely removed the young pass catcher from the mix.
The same could be said for the tight ends on the Giants' roster one season ago. Will Tye, Jerrell Adams and Larry Donnell combined for just 79 receptions, 609 receiving yards and three scores as the team's "Y" (traditional tight end) targets. Those numbers hardly register a blip on the danger radar, and they're certainly not robust enough to make defensive coordinators overhaul their game plans to better defend the middle of the field. With the Giants' passing game built on quick-rhythm passes designed to attack between the numbers, the lack of production from the tight ends resulted in Manning forcing too many throws to a heavily guarded Beckham.
Looking at Manning's subpar performance in 2016, it is not a coincidence the 36-year-old quarterback only averaged 6.73 yards per attempt, which ranked 25th in the NFL. Despite the presence of Beckham, the Giants' dink-and-dunk scheme didn't deliver many big plays or produce a lot of points due to a lack of playmakers between the hashes. Sure, Shepard was solid in the slot, but the team didn't get enough "explosive" plays from its tight ends and lacked a dominant red-zone threat on the outside. While Marshall's arrival should add some spice to the lineup as a big-bodied pass catcher with a knack for putting the ball in the paint (82 TD receptions in 11 seasons), the team desperately needed to find an electric playmaker to make splash plays over the middle.
That's why I believe Engram is the missing piece to the Giants' offensive puzzle. The 6-foot-3, 234-pound tight end is an athletic freak with 4.42 speed and a 36-inch vertical jump. He enters the NFL after putting the finishing touches on an impressive résumé at Ole Miss as the Rebels' all-time leader in receptions (162), receiving yards (2,320) and TD catches (15) by a tight end. The two-time team captain, who finished with 42 career starts, is a polished tight end with all of the tools to be an impact player in his first season.
"The thing that is really intriguing about Evan is the speed component," Giants offensive coordinator Mike Sullivan recently said during rookie minicamp. "This is a legitimate vertical threat, but he's not just a receiver. ... There is a versatility that he has that we're hoping can create some problems for the defense from a matchup standpoint because of his speed, and because of the way he runs his routes like a wide receiver."
Studying the tape, I was convinced Engram was the most polished route runner of the 2017 tight end class. He exhibits outstanding timing, patience and body control at the top of his routes to create separation from defenders in tight coverage. Engram has a feel for finding voids in coverage but is also crafty enough to win consistently against linebackers and safeties in man-to-man. Given his spectacular combination of size, speed, athleticism and route-running ability, Engram is a "new-school" tight end capable of aligning anywhere on the field, from out wide to in the slot or in a more traditional hand-in-the-dirt position.
Interestingly, the Giants have attempted to downplay Engram's potential as a "big" receiver, but reports out of rookie minicamp suggest the rookie pass catcher is slated to have a big role as a "move" tight end in the team's offense. In the Giants' version of the West Coast offense, Engram will learn the Y and U (flex tight end) positions before mastering other roles. However, the multiplicity of the scheme allows the team to place the Y or U in a number of slot or out-wide positions depending personnel groupings.
For instance, the U lines up opposite the Y or as a wing on the same side. He can also align in the slot or out wide based on the call. Thus, the Giants can position Engram as a receiver by simply calling a designated formation that places him in a displaced position. Considering how each of the Giants' receivers is expected to know multiple positions, the team has the potential to make Engram a Jordan Reed-like playmaker by shuffling the deck with players at different spots on any given play.
For a team that prefers to throw the ball all over the yard (63:37 pass-run ratio in 2016), the Giants need their young tight end to eventually command enough respect so defensive coordinators can't double team Beckham (and Marshall) on most downs. If Engram emerges as the Giants' deep-middle threat, he could push them over the top in the NFC East."

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000809945/article/evan-engram-the-giants-missing-piece-kaepernick-fits-in-seattle

Klemko MMQB: Alex Smith Can Handle the Arrival of Patrick Mahomes
The Chiefs’ QB has been in this situation before. Plus, Belichick dishes on strategy, why the Rams shouldn’t expect much out of Tavon Austin: Deep Threat, and Devonta Freeman with an early entry for ‘Quote of the Offseason’
http://mmqb.si.com/mmqb/2017/05/19/nfl-alex-smith-patrick-mahomes-kansas-city-chiefs

Volin Boston Globe: Exploding offers, life-changing decisions made in an instant. The UDFA process is the wildest 5 minutes in the NFL
http://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/patriots/2017/05/18/signing-undrafted-free-agent-fastest-five-minutes-football/Rd0WmnOuOtnsp2w4jz3tdP/story.html

Davenport B/R: Grading Every Team's Undrafted Free-Agent Haul
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2710171-grading-every-teams-undrafted-free-agent-haul

Bouchette Pitt Post Gazette: NFL officials have deep roots in Western Pennsylvania
http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2017/05/19/NFL-officials-Western-Pennsylvania-Dale-Hamer-Mark-Pellis/stories/201705190003

Santoloquito Phillyvoice: An oral history of trash talk in the NFL – and why there's less now than ever
http://www.phillyvoice.com/how-nfl-has-taken-trash-out-trash-talking/

ARIZONA
Urban Cardinals.com: Grooming Part Of Cardinals' Front-Office Plan
http://azcardinals.com/news-and-events/article-2/Grooming-Part-Of-Cardinals-Front-Office-Plan/560de8d9-05f1-4201-b468-d5ea1fb83731

ATLANTA
Ledbetter AJC: Freeman fighting to rebound from Super Bowl loss, blunder
http://www.ajc.com/sports/football/freeman-fighting-rebound-from-super-bowl-loss-blunder/ti4XtGPJlKXWTxEXF5Pm1I/

McClure ESPN Atlanta: Falcons banking on another under-the-radar signing: A nutritionist
http://www.espn.com/blog/atlanta-falcons/post/_/id/27011

BUFFALO
Sullivan Buffalo News: Sully's Mailbag: Bills are on right track, but hold the Kool-Aid
http://buffalonews.com/2017/05/19/sullys-mailbag-bills-right-track-hold-kool-aid/

Skurski Buffalo News: Ex-Dolphins GM Dennis Hickey among five new scouts hired by Bills
http://buffalonews.com/2017/05/19/ex-dolphins-gm-dennis-hickey-among-five-new-scouts-hired-bills/

Thomasson PFF: RAGLAND GEARING UP FOR TRAINING CAMP RETURN
https://www.profootballfocus.com/pro-ragland-gearing-up-for-training-camp-return/

Skurski Buffalo News: Tre'Davious White's first big purchase after signing contract: A house for mom
http://buffalonews.com/2017/05/18/bills-cb-tredavious-whites-first-big-purchase-signing-rookie-contract-will-house-mom/

Skurski Buffalo News: Danny Crossman has staying power as Bills' special teams coordinator
http://buffalonews.com/2017/05/19/danny-crossman-staying-power-bills-special-teams-coordinator/

CAROLINA
Person Charlotte Observer: Panthers like NFL legacies – and Christian McCaffrey is just one of them
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article151575857.html

Person Charlotte Observer: Panthers undrafted rookie DE Bryan Cox Jr. shares similarities with his dad, minus the crazy.
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article151570342.html

CHICAGO
Wiederer Chicago Tribune: How a covert visit to Chapel Hill solidified the Bears' conviction in Mitch Trubisky
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-mitch-trubisky-bears-chicago-hope-spt-0521-20170519-story.html

Finley Chicago Sun Times: Downhill, then uphill, climb for the Bears' 28-year-old rookie kicker
http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/downhill-then-uphill-climb-for-the-bears-28-year-old-rookie-kicker/

CINCINNATI
Howe Cincy Jungle: National media is wrong about Bengals’ locker room culture
http://www.cincyjungle.com/2017/5/19/15659168/bengals-locker-room-culture-adam-jones-national-media

Schulze Cincy Jungle: How will A.J. Green and John Ross compare to Bengals’ all-time wide receiver tandems
http://www.cincyjungle.com/2017/5/19/15657466/how-will-a-j-green-and-john-ross-compare-to-bengals-all-time-wide-receiver-tandems?utm_campaign=cincyjungle& utm_content=chorus& utm_medium=social& utm_source=twitter

Clark Cincinnati Enquirer: Domata Peko: 'Over here, we’re talking about winning championships
http://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/nfl/bengals/2017/05/19/domata-peko-over-here-were-talking-winning-championships/332559001/

CLEVELAND
Labbe Cleveland Plain Dealer: Browns claim Chris Barker off waivers, waive Gabe Wright
http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2017/05/browns_claim_chris_barker_off.html

Cabot Cleveland Plain Dealer: Browns' Myles Garrett signs 4-year rookie $30.4 million deal to 'Kiss from a Rose'
http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2017/05/myles_garrett_signs_his_browns.html

Cabot Cleveland Plain Dealer: Browns sign 6th-rounder Caleb Brantley, who was cleared in battery case
http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2017/05/browns_sign_6th-rounder_caleb.html

DALLAS
Archer ESPN Dallas: Ryan Switzer brings some fearlessness to the Cowboys
http://www.espn.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/237901/ryan-switzer-brings-some-fearlessness-to-the-cowboys

DENVER
Legwold ESPN Denver: Questions at quarterback and left tackle? Broncos still confident they are playoff team
http://www.espn.com/blog/denver-broncos/post/_/id/26191/despite-questions-broncos-believe-not-much-room-on-a-pretty-good-football-team

Mile High Sports: From dirt roads to Denver, De’Angelo Henderson ready for the NFL
http://milehighsports.com/dirt-roads-denver-deangelo-henderson-ready-nfl/

Mason Broncos.com: Together, Derek Wolfe and Domata Peko plan to handle Broncos' D-line leadership
http://denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Together-Derek-Wolfe-and-Domata-Peko-plan-to-handle-Broncos-D-line-leadership/72ff5871-13e3-4fc9-b7f4-be1c29d7dfaa

DETROIT
Samuelsen Detroit Free Press: Lions doing all they can to stick with young running backs for 2017
http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2017/05/20/jamie-samuelsens-blog-detroit-lions/334087001/

Rogers Detroit News: Lions' 1st-pick Jarrad Davis will learn, then lead
http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2017/05/19/lions-st-pick-jarrad-davis-will-learn-lead/101883052/

Birkett Detroit Free Press: Detroit Lions rookie CB Teez Tabor: 'I play football, I don't run track'
http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2017/05/19/detroit-lions-teez-tabor/332874001/

GREEN BAY
Wood Mil JS: Packers' cornerback jobs up for grabs
http://www.packersnews.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/2017/05/19/packers-cornerback-jobs-up-grabs/101834874/

HOUSTON
Wilson Houston Chronicle: Texans rookie corner Treston Decoud wants to impose his will
http://chron.com/sports/texans/article/Texans-rookie-corner-Treston-Decoud-impose-will-11159169.php

JACKSONVILLE
Frenette Fla Times Union: Forget Albert drama, competition for Jaguars LT is what matters
http://jacksonville.com/sports/columnists/gene-frenette/2017-05-19/gene-frenette-forget-albert-drama-competition-jaguars-lt

Kaye WTLV Jacksonville: Jonathan Woodard: The Jaguars have been waiting a year to see what I can bring to the team
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/mb/sports/nfl/jacksonville-jaguars/jaguars-de-woodard-fully-cleared-to-participate-in-offseason-program-already-going-full-speed/440941440

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
Henne Chargers.com: Geremy Davis Looking to Emerge in Loaded WR Corps
http://www.chargers.com/news/2017/05/19/geremy-davis-looking-emerge-loaded-wr-corps

Williams ESPN LA: Chargers' Brandon Mebane calls Gus Bradley 'the white Ice Cube'
http://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles-chargers/post/_/id/20461/the-white-ice-cube-chargers-dt-brandon-mebane-praises-gus-bradleys-swag

LOS ANGELES RAMS
Cahill PFF: GERALD EVERETT BRINGS NEW DIMENSION TO THE RAMS OFFENSE
https://www.profootballfocus.com/pro-gerald-everett-brings-new-dimension-to-the-rams-offense/

MIAMI
Lieser Palm Beach Post: One year in, Dolphins clicking with Gase, Tannenbaum, Grier at top
http://dailydolphin.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2017/05/19/one-year-in-dolphins-clicking-with-gase-tannenbaum-grier-at-top/

Beasley Miami Herald: DeVante Parker, fed up with always being injured, is expecting ‘a big season’
http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nfl/miami-dolphins/article151490467.html

Hellman PFF: DOLPHINS C MIKE POUNCEY COULD MISS ENTIRE PRESEASON
https://www.profootballfocus.com/pro-dolphins-c-mike-pouncey-could-miss-entire-preseason/

Perkins Sun Sentinel: Dolphins safety T.J. McDonald sees 'a lot of hits' between him and Reshad Jones
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-dolphins/fl-sp-dolphins-mcdonald-20170519-story.html

MINNESOTA
Tomasson Twincities.com: No longer a ‘celebrity,’ WR Moritz Bohringer striving to make Vikings’ roster
http://www.twincities.com/2017/05/19/no-longer-a-celebrity-wr-moritz-bohringer-striving-to-make-vikings-roster/

NEW ENGLAND
Boston Herald: Agent: ‘Tom (Brady) was not diagnosed with a concussion last year‘
http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/patriots/the_blitz/2017/05/agent_tom_brady_was_not_diagnosed_with_a_concussion_last_year

Hewitt Boston Herald: Patriots notebook: Deatrich Wise feels right at home in Foxboro
http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/patriots/2017/05/patriots_notebook_deatrich_wise_feels_right_at_home_in_foxboro

NEW ORLEANS
Duncan Nola.com: 1,500 yards? 10 TDs? Adrian Peterson's 'incentives' are a joke
http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2017/05/adrian_peterson_saints_column.html

Katzenstein Nola.com: Saints rookie Justin Thomas hoping to impress at WR after switch from QB
http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2017/05/saints_rookie_justin_thomas_ho.html

Sugura AJC: Ravens’ Reynolds’ advice to Justin Thomas on switching to wide receiver
http://www.myajc.com/sports/college/ravens-reynolds-advice-justin-thomas-switching-wide-receiver/XZ0xejBIezXTGSW7TyZopJ/

Holder Nola.com: 10 Saints defensive players to watch in OTAs, minicamp
http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2017/05/10_saints_defensive_players_to.html

OAKLAND
Bair CSN Bay Area: MCKENZIE: MARSHAWN LYNCH 'ALREADY ENTRENCHED' IN RAIDERS LOCKER ROOM
http://www.csnbayarea.com/raiders/mckenzie-marshawn-lynch-already-entrenched-raiders-locker-room

Williams NBC Bay Area: Raiders' Edwards Looks Fit and Focused
http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Edwards-Looks-Fit-and-Focused-423165484.html

PHILADELPHIA
Berman Phil.com: Philadelphia Eagles positional reviews: QB Carson Wentz is entrenched as starter with better support for Year 2
http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/sports/eagles/Philadelphia-Eagles-Carson-Wentz-quarterback-positional-reviews.html

Kempski Phillyvoice: Eagles' offense is improved, but still far from great
http://www.phillyvoice.com/eagles-offense-improved-still-far-great/

McLane Phil.com: Blount gives Eagles balance in the backfield
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/eagles/LeGarrette_Blount_Eagles_offense_backfield_Jeff_McLane.html

PITTSBURGH
Fittipaldo Pitt Post Gazette: What Ladarius Green's departure means for the Steelers offense
http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2017/05/19/Ladarius-Green-released-JuJu-Smith-Schuster-Jesse-James-tight-ends/stories/201705200019

Fowler ESPN Pittsburgh: Steelers' TE plan after Ladarius Green: More Jesse James, more receivers
http://www.espn.com/blog/pittsburgh-steelers/post/_/id/23779/steelers-te-plan-after-ladarius-green-more-jesse-james-more-receivers

SAN FRANCISCO
Branch SF Chronicle: 49ers add Carthon to front office
http://sfgate.com/49ers/article/49ers-add-Carthon-to-front-office-11159335.php

NFL.com: After falling off Rams' draft board, Joe Williams eager to play LA
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000809886/article/after-falling-off-rams-draft-board-joe-williams-eager-to-play-la

Williams NBC Bay Area: 49ers' Garnett Ready to Take Big Step Forward in Year Two
http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Garnett-Ready-to-Take-Big-Step-Forward-in-Year-2-423170344.html

Barrows Sac Bee: 49ers eying veteran Kedric Golston for d-line depth
http://www.sacbee.com/sports/nfl/san-francisco-49ers/article151506562.html

SEATTLE
Kapadia ESPN Seattle: Pete Carroll: Seahawks 'definitely will' run the ball more in 2017
http://www.espn.com/blog/seattle-seahawks/post/_/id/25682/pete-carroll-seahawks-definitely-will-run-the-ball-more-in-2017

Dugar Seattle PI: Seahawks' top pick doesn't talk much; he's all about pass rush
http://seattlepi.com/sports/football/article/Malik-McDowell-11154179.php

TAMPA BAY
Stroud TB Times: Bucs opt for experience behind Winston, sign Fitzpatrick
http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/bucs/bucs-opt-for-experience-behind-winston-sign-fitzpatrick/2324506

Stroud TB Times: What the Ryan Fitzpatrick signing says about the Bucs' expectations
http://www.tampabay.com/sports/football/bucs/what-the-ryan-fitzpatrick-signing-says-about-the-bucs-expectations/2324610

Bassinger TB Times: Why the Buccaneers hope new backup Ryan Fitzpatrick never has to throw a pass
http://www.tampabay.com/sports/football/bucs/why-the-buccaneers-hope-new-backup-ryan-fitzpatrick-never-has-to-throw-a/2324568

TENNESSEE
Kuharsky ESPN Nashville: New WRs won't change Titans' offensive personnel philosophy
http://www.espn.com/blog/tennessee-titans/post/_/id/22503/new-wrs-wont-change-titans-offensive-personnel-philosophy

Wyatt Titans.com: Rookie Adoree' Jackson Aims to Earn Trust of Titans Teammates
http://bit.ly/2rCgO2f

WASHINGTON
Czarda Redskins.com: Despite Limited High School Work, Robert Davis Thrived In College
http://redskins.com/news/article-1/Despite-Limited-High-School-Work-Robert-Davis-Thrived-In-College/47425185-c3dd-4d7a-90df-853c6b41c194

Jones Wash Post: After two ACL tears, Joshua Holsey gave football one last shot. Now he’s in the NFL with the Redskins.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/football-insider/wp/2017/05/19/after-two-acl-tears-joshua-holsey-gave-football-one-last-shot-now-hes-in-the-nfl-with-the-redskins/?utm_term=.2ff2811b1162

Draft

QB
Goodbread NFL.com: UCLA's Josh Rosen draws comparison to Giants' Eli Manning
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000809465/article/uclas-josh-rosen-draws-comparison-to-giants-eli-manning

Stephens Bowling Green Daily News: Sanford: 'There's no question' WKY QB White has NFL tools
http://www.bgdailynews.com/sports/wku/sanford-there-s-no-question-qb-white-has-nfl-tools/article_1cfa7f22-0c98-548b-badd-7d66b9297842.html

TE
Russo AP Seattle Times: After stint running campaign, UMass’ Breneman on NFL radar
http://www.seattletimes.com/sports/after-stint-running-campaign-umass-breneman-on-nfl-radar/

T
Jude Seattle Times: ESPN’s Mel Kiper projects UW left tackle Trey Adams as a 2018 first-round pick
http://www.seattletimes.com/sports/uw-husky-football/espns-mel-kiper-projects-uw-left-tackle-trey-adams-as-a-2018-first-round-pick/?

OLB
Kleinpeter Nola.com: Arden Key top underclassman in 2018 NFL Draft position rankings: Kiper
http://www.nola.com/lsu/index.ssf/2017/05/arden_key_top_underclassman_in.html


History

Dow Detroit Free Press: Former Detroit Lions great LB/K Wayne Walker dies at 80 years old
http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2017/05/19/detroit-lions-wayne-walker-die/333416001/

Lions.com: Lions Legend Wayne Walker passes away at age 80
"As a Lion, he was selected to three Pro Bowls (1964-66), and he ranks eighth on the team's list for career points scored (345), which includes two return touchdowns (one interception and one fumble), 53 field goals and 172 PATs. He led Detroit in scoring in 1962, 1964 and 1965. As a linebacker, he recorded 14 interceptions for 163 return yards.
In 1958, the rookie linebacker returned both an interception and fumble for touchdowns and established himself as one of the young stars in the NFL.
He later went on to receive the team's defensive MVP award in 1968. In 2008, Walker was named to the franchise's 75th season All-Time Team."
http://detroitlions.com/news/news-short/article-1/Lions-Legend-Wayne-Walker-passes-away-at-age-80/bf6af077-d43b-4ccf-b4ac-cc9a82f1fa61

Giants Birthdays 5-20

Tramain Jacobs CB W-BAL 2015 NYG 2015 5-20-1992
Chris Ogbonnaya RB W-CAR 2014 NYG 2014 5-20-1986
Bucky Brooks is a GENIUS!  
Klaatu : 5/20/2017 10:07 am : link
"What makes Odell so tough to tackle?"  
est1986 : 5/20/2017 11:12 am : link

..You can't tackle what you can't catch.
Wayne Walker was an helluva LB  
Big Blue '56 : 5/20/2017 11:44 am : link
and a more than decent PK..RIP
This is what bugs me about guys like Leonard:  
Klaatu : 5/20/2017 1:51 pm : link
Quote:
I am with you on being confused about the Giants not moving up slightly for Alabama tight end O.J. Howard, who fell to the Tampa Bay Bucs at 19. I believe the Giants liked him enough that if Reese weren’t so stubborn about trading in the draft, it might have happened. I will say, though, that Engram is a highly-regarded player who was simply ranked third in a stacked tight end class. You’re right, though: It remains a concern that no matter how athletic he is, it’s unknown how well he’ll adapt in a more traditional tight end role when that hasn’t been his position at Ole Miss (more in the slot or as an H-back).


First of all prospect rankings by "experts" whose livelihood doesn't depend on them being right...just on them being read...doesn't mean squat to me. Some of us actually preferred Engram to Howard or Njoku for a variety of reasons.

Second, even if the Giants had Howard ranked higher than Engram, they clearly didn't feel it was such a great difference that it was worth trading up for him. It's not about Reese being stubborn, it's about maximizing the value of each pick. To me, it simply wasn't worth trading up for Howard when Engram was there for the taking. It seems to me that the Giants felt the same way.

Also, although Engram played the majority of his snaps in the slot at Ole Miss, if Leonard had bothered to pay attention during the Senior Bowl practices (I'll assume he watched them), he would have seen Engram lining up as a traditional in-line TE, and acquitting himself rather nicely in that role. And as robbieballs has pointed out, just because he wasn't asked to do something in college on a regular basis doesn't mean he won't be able to do it as a pro.

Finally, the Giants didn't need another 250+ pound TE to assist in run-blocking and pass-protection. That's why they signed Rhett Ellison. That's why they'll continue to develop Jerell Adams, and that's also why I hope they'll keep FB Shane Smith. What they lacked was exactly what Evan Engram brings to the table - good size, tremendous speed and athleticism, precise route-running, and excellent hands. He's a weapon, the likes of which they haven't had in a long time. If Leonard can't see that, "then maybe he needs a career change." (hat tip, Dennis Farina in Striking Distance).
RE: This is what bugs me about guys like Leonard:  
SGMen : 5/20/2017 8:17 pm : link
In comment 13477145 Klaatu said:
Quote:


Quote:


I am with you on being confused about the Giants not moving up slightly for Alabama tight end O.J. Howard, who fell to the Tampa Bay Bucs at 19. I believe the Giants liked him enough that if Reese weren’t so stubborn about trading in the draft, it might have happened. I will say, though, that Engram is a highly-regarded player who was simply ranked third in a stacked tight end class. You’re right, though: It remains a concern that no matter how athletic he is, it’s unknown how well he’ll adapt in a more traditional tight end role when that hasn’t been his position at Ole Miss (more in the slot or as an H-back).



First of all prospect rankings by "experts" whose livelihood doesn't depend on them being right...just on them being read...doesn't mean squat to me. Some of us actually preferred Engram to Howard or Njoku for a variety of reasons.

Second, even if the Giants had Howard ranked higher than Engram, they clearly didn't feel it was such a great difference that it was worth trading up for him. It's not about Reese being stubborn, it's about maximizing the value of each pick. To me, it simply wasn't worth trading up for Howard when Engram was there for the taking. It seems to me that the Giants felt the same way.

Also, although Engram played the majority of his snaps in the slot at Ole Miss, if Leonard had bothered to pay attention during the Senior Bowl practices (I'll assume he watched them), he would have seen Engram lining up as a traditional in-line TE, and acquitting himself rather nicely in that role. And as robbieballs has pointed out, just because he wasn't asked to do something in college on a regular basis doesn't mean he won't be able to do it as a pro.

Finally, the Giants didn't need another 250+ pound TE to assist in run-blocking and pass-protection. That's why they signed Rhett Ellison. That's why they'll continue to develop Jerell Adams, and that's also why I hope they'll keep FB Shane Smith. What they lacked was exactly what Evan Engram brings to the table - good size, tremendous speed and athleticism, precise route-running, and excellent hands. He's a weapon, the likes of which they haven't had in a long time. If Leonard can't see that, "then maybe he needs a career change." (hat tip, Dennis Farina in Striking Distance).
There is no doubt in my mind that the Giants stuck with whom they valued and decided not to trade up or down with SF for more picks. I truly, truly believe Engram will create mis-matches for us even as a rookie. You can't teach 4.40 speed at 234 pounds. As for his inline blocking, as long as he is serviceable we'll be fine and as you noted, when called to do it Engram acquitted himself quite well.
We had a great off-season last year, one of the best EVER as I believe our draft picks will develop into a top notch group THIS YEAR.
I'm an optimist but I think this year's draft crop will produce as well. I think Engram & Tomlinson play a lot right out of the gates and the rest develop as the year goes on and certainly into next year.
Or...maybe Reese is just too stubborn to trade up in the draft  
Jimmy Googs : 5/20/2017 9:44 pm : link
and Howard does becomes a stud...
RE: Or...maybe Reese is just too stubborn to trade up in the draft  
djm : 5/20/2017 11:34 pm : link
In comment 13477311 Jimmy Googs said:
Quote:
and Howard does becomes a stud...


Or Reese has in fact traded up in the draft. So.. moving on...
RE: Or...maybe Reese is just too stubborn to trade up in the draft  
SGMen : 5/21/2017 3:45 am : link
In comment 13477311 Jimmy Googs said:
Quote:
and Howard does becomes a stud...
I don't think you'd have gone wrong with either Howard or Engram. Maybe both become studs. Engram has that rare deep, down the middle speed that you can't teach. I just have a good feeling this kid creates mis-matches game 1 and helps Eli and this offense immensely. Howard may take more time to develop and be really useful.
RE: Or...maybe Reese is just too stubborn to trade up in the draft  
SGMen : 5/21/2017 3:45 am : link
In comment 13477311 Jimmy Googs said:
Quote:
and Howard does becomes a stud...
I don't think you'd have gone wrong with either Howard or Engram. Maybe both become studs. Engram has that rare deep, down the middle speed that you can't teach. I just have a good feeling this kid creates mis-matches game 1 and helps Eli and this offense immensely. Howard may take more time to develop and be really useful.
RE: Or...maybe Reese is just too stubborn to trade up in the draft  
SGMen : 5/21/2017 3:46 am : link
In comment 13477311 Jimmy Googs said:
Quote:
and Howard does becomes a stud...
I don't think you'd have gone wrong with either Howard or Engram. Maybe both become studs. Engram has that rare deep, down the middle speed that you can't teach. I just have a good feeling this kid creates mis-matches game 1 and helps Eli and this offense immensely. Howard may take more time to develop and be really useful.
RE: Or...maybe Reese is just too stubborn to trade up in the draft  
SGMen : 5/21/2017 4:16 am : link
In comment 13477311 Jimmy Googs said:
Quote:
and Howard does becomes a stud...
I don't think you'd have gone wrong with either Howard or Engram. Maybe both become studs. Engram has that rare deep, down the middle speed that you can't teach. I just have a good feeling this kid creates mis-matches game 1 and helps Eli and this offense immensely. Howard may take more time to develop and be really useful.
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