I won't discuss the OL and DT until the pads go on....why bother to speculate any further.
As the roster improves, it gets tougher and tougher to get down to the final 53. The Giants will release talented players, but what directions will they take to get down to 53?
The battles will be interesting to follow. We need to consider that they will make some cuts solely on who they can stash on the practice squad vs. lose.
Our skill position as a whole both on offense and defense could be the best in the NFL. Our main concern is depth and staying healthy.
Keeping a true full back like Shane Smith even with several talented H-backs on the roster? My initial thought was no way but I am softening on that position. First, run blocking from the fullback is much different then how TEs block. Forceful drive blocking with leverage comes easier from a 6'1" 250 player then someone who is 6'5". Certainly, it depends on how well Shane Smith does and he must contribute on special teams but this idea is growing on me....especially when we need to close out games.
Harris is a true pro, very reliable and plays all 4 special teams but I want someone more explosive especially at kick and punt returner.
Is Goodson a 2 or 3 down LBer? I sure hope he is not a liability in coverage. If he excells in coverage, watch out!
The cap increases are insane. These salaries will skyrocket ..they should sign the young talent, especially to extension asap. Keeping our core of young talent is nice. Hell, having a core of young talent is nice!
The Eli era is certainly not over and I think it is funny to read that he is viewed actually as a liability by some. But my question is will he retire if we win another Super Bowl?
....That is certainly more likely with a backup plan in place.
Which leads me to the other QBs. I believe Johnson only stays if Geno and Webb fails to impress, as he does not have much of a future. Webb is doing the opposite and it seems he is making a case to only keep 2 QBs....which leads them to what do they do with Geno? Can Geno resurrect his career? Can he actually be considered a future option for the Giants? Or become a tradable commodity?
I envision that they can keep him on the practice squad. When injuries start to mount, then there is a chance he gets called up and adds a later season element.
2 of those TEs will be a freak of nature who could/should be lined up at WR (Engram) at times + Ellison, who's blocking will be a huge upgrade to this offense and can be lined up at H-back, TE, FB.
Adams/Lacosse more of your "traditional" TEs with legit 2-way potential. I highly doubt they cut one of these TEs for a FB - unless injury or 1 of these FB lights it up on special teams
Ultimately I expect Ellison to see a ton of snaps lined up all over the field - he was paid accordingly.
Eli had zero protection last season.
The defense was on the field too long last year.
Eli had zero protection last season.
The defense was on the field too long last year.
Ellison is going to make this OL look better. Yes, he's that good of a blocker.
And for as pathetic as the OL was, the TEs last year were even more disgraceful in terms of blocking. Tye/Donnell = garbage.
I would argue a true FB would be more valuable than Darkwa. Especially if he can play specials
The TEs are a big improvment and I agree Ellison will improve OL play but not convinced he can be a great fullback.
I get that Goodson is an upgrade over Shepard. But 1st and 2nd are no longer running plays only.....I hope he excells in coverage
That's a good point about the Salary Cap....let's get some of these guys signed long term.
I would like to get this TE situation sorted out. Keeping 4 TE's will cost a roster spot elsewhere. Engram/Ellison plus one of Adams/LaCosse -- 3 TE's max. If they need to fill a spot mid-season one of their cuts will likely be available, like the old Taxi Squad.
The FB's are almost a disposable item in this League. Their role is being diminished by the playbook, and some teams find other players (TE,DL ??) to take those plays. Every year there are a few decent FB that get drafted late or UDFA signed.....it's just not a long career butting heads with the DL.
As for the OL, I think there's enough OT's in camp to make for some good competition. Man Up !!
I would argue a true FB would be more valuable than Darkwa. Especially if he can play specials
I've been saying the same thing for a while now.
It's worth noting that the Giants had Goodson staying on the field in the nickel during the OTAs. We'll see if that continues over the summer.
George makes an excellent point: “First, run blocking from the fullback is much different then how TEs block. Forceful drive blocking with leverage comes easier from a 6'1" 250 player then someone who is 6’5”.”
FB’s have been minimized across the league, however the importance of converting those 3rd and 1’s is crucial.
Not having a FB minimized Mac’s options, and was part of why we were so heavily 3 WR sets.
And most importantly, anything, player, scheme, formation which will help this offensive line, I am all in on.
He made some bad decisions, I think, because the offense was not moving the ball, and he tried to get field position, when he shouldn't have....
And maybe he just had a an "off" year....
Surprised he wasn't used more as a receiver.....one catch, one TD.....
I would argue a true FB would be more valuable than Darkwa. Especially if he can play specials
A FB who can run the ball now and then and catch passes out of the backfield would make the FB-as-4th-RB option more attractive.
Quote:
With 3 RB's and keep a FB.
I would argue a true FB would be more valuable than Darkwa. Especially if he can play specials
I agree about a quality fullback being better and more useful than Darkwa. But RBs get hurt a lot.
A FB who can run the ball now and then and catch passes out of the backfield would make the FB-as-4th-RB option more attractive.
You can always stash away a back or 2 on the practice squad in case of injury. Darkwa was on the practice squad for quite some time.
You are only keeping 3 backs active normally anyway.
We are in much better position then most.
I would prefer keeping 4 TEs, 4 RBs and 1 FB....as they usually play specials.....keep only 5 LBer and 2 QBs.
I agree that I would like 5/6 corners who will start in this league.....we have 3 exceptional starters with balance only having potentional.....but we are still envied by most teams
They also took away some WR snaps from him in 2016 because he was too dinged up I guess? Either way, he made some plays in 2015 so that was a negative as well last year.
Be nice to get something out of him in the return game and not have OBJ out there if Harris can be the true threat.
You can keep a couple undrafted FA RB's on the practice squad without much of an issue.
They still get the playbook and get to practice.
Of course, there is a risk of someone grabbing them up but we could do the same in a pinch.
I would argue a true FB would be more valuable than Darkwa. Especially if he can play specials
I'd keep Darkwa over Vereen. Both have had health issues. Darkwa is younger and healthy has an upside Vereen seems on his way south. With Marshall and Engram the need for that 3rd down RB is less. And I also think Perkins soon will be better than Vereen as they 3rd down RB. Not sure his production and health justify his cap #. Gallman supposedly is a good receiver too.
You are aware that Harris was pretty banged up last year, right? On top of that McAdoo had given him the rep as the toughest guy on the team. So it's not unlikely that Harris tried to play through all that. All the bad angles and fielding were probably overcompensation. Really not that unusual. Let's see how it shakes out if he makes the team this year. Unlike you I don't think a player stops "seeing the field". I wouldn't be dismayed if Harris is the last WR in the lineup.
TBD.