BBI 2017 Pre-Training Camp Podcast: Previewing the Defense

that it cannot be understated how important it is that Okwara has an impact this season.

The Giants need to rotate the DL better this year, and if Okwara can develop further (or look like he did against Dallas), that will be a huge step.

Moss is intriguing, but you cannot expect much from a rookie.

the podcast discussed secondary depth, which is a concern.

the depth is sitting out there unsigned...Leon Hall.

I don't actually know where it's from, but I half expected Capt. Kangaroo and Mr. Greenjeans to start dancing across my screen.

nope

Robert Thomas may be the favorite to start next to Snacks this year, but he did not have a good camp or preseason with the Giants last year as you said in the podcast. They claimed him off waivers on September 4th, one day after he was waived by Carolina, and after the final preseason game had already been played. Four days later they shut him down due to an undisclosed illness, and he didn't see any action until October 16th, against Baltimore.

Kicking and screaming, my guess is that the Giants would like to reduce the number of snaps played by JPP and OV, especially early in the year, and that includes lining up inside as well. I figure they're looking to get more pressure up the gut from their DTs, first and foremost.

As for their back-up DEs, I don't think you can say enough about how quickly Okwara developed last year. He still has much to learn, but he's only 22 and he already beat long odds just to make the team in 2016. I figure he's only going to get better as he gets more playing time.

Avery Moss reminds me of a guy I was hoping the Giants would draft a few years ago - Vinny Curry. I hope he keeps his nose clean because he definitely has talent. I don't really expect too much from him this year outside of special teams, but you never know.

In comment 13538518 Klaatu said:

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Robert Thomas may be the favorite to start next to Snacks this year, but he did not have a good camp or preseason with the Giants last year as you said in the podcast. They claimed him off waivers on September 4th, one day after he was waived by Carolina, and after the final preseason game had already been played. Four days later they shut him down due to an undisclosed illness, and he didn't see any action until October 16th, against Baltimore.

Thanks Klaatu...I did know that and I was noting his strong preseason that he had with Carolina. When he was cut...it was widely known he was going to be on someone's week 1 53 man roster. He got caught in the numbers game there..and I thin CAR ended up regretting that they let him walk.

In comment 13538541 Sy'56 said:

Quote:

In comment 13538518 Klaatu said: Quote: Robert Thomas may be the favorite to start next to Snacks this year, but he did not have a good camp or preseason with the Giants last year as you said in the podcast. They claimed him off waivers on September 4th, one day after he was waived by Carolina, and after the final preseason game had already been played. Four days later they shut him down due to an undisclosed illness, and he didn't see any action until October 16th, against Baltimore. Thanks Klaatu...I did know that and I was noting his strong preseason that he had with Carolina. When he was cut...it was widely known he was going to be on someone's week 1 53 man roster. He got caught in the numbers game there..and I thin CAR ended up regretting that they let him walk.

I was surprised the Giants cut Montori Hughes, whom I thought did have a decent preseason with us last year (for that matter, so did Jay Bromley). I think they brought Hughes back for a couple of games while Thomas was still dealing with his illness.

There are other 4-3 teams that don't hesitate to draft them relatively early. Maybe some day JR's thoughts on drafting LBs will change, as it has in recent years with regard to offensive linemen, and as it did last year with regard to TEs.

For failing to mention FS Jadar Johnson and SS/LB/CB Eric Pinkins. Criminally negligent on your collective parts!

Criminally bad on my part.

nope

In comment 13538552 Klaatu said:

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There are other 4-3 teams that don't hesitate to draft them relatively early. Maybe some day JR's thoughts on drafting LBs will change, as it has in recent years with regard to offensive linemen, and as it did last year with regard to TEs.

what's this Linebacker position you keep referring cbolf@alixpartners.com>
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Linebacker...what the hell is a linebacker for? I thought I heard that all other positions are more important so teams can typically go decades without drafting these types...

And is returning all but two starters - Hankins and Sheppard - has so many jobs up for grabs this summer. Yes, most of those jobs are for back-up roles, but still. Health is always a major concern, especially for guys with poor track records in that department. I just hope that last year's relatively good health turns out to be the norm, and not just an aberration after three years of getting decimated.

but it looks like I edited out a key part of the intro to the DE position where Sy is describing the size of Taylor and Okwara - and having a combo of big DEs with them on the line for Spagnuola's Nascar package - Eric later references that with the Brady forest comment during the events leading to the 2007 Superbowl

sorry about that -- working with new software on this one -- we're getting there quality wise

What about the music?

In comment 13538914 Klaatu said:

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What about the music?

What about it - I'm waiting for someone to claim their prize.

theme song?!

In comment 13539136 Simms11 said:

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theme song?!

Lol -- I may have to change it to Hell's Bells

In comment 13539152 gidiefor said:

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In comment 13539136 Simms11 said: Quote: theme song?! Lol -- I may have to change it to Hell's Bells

LOL

There is no doubt in my mind that we can easily have a Top 3 defense despite the schedule. The talent is there BUT we have to stay healthy; get healthy (D. Thompson esp.; maybe JT Thomas if he can come back 100%; etc.); and hope the youth really develop (Okwara, Goodson, D. Thompson, Adams, Apple, Tomlinson the rookie).

Don't really like the, "just gonna have to take the good with the bad" vibe re: new kicker. The position could win or lose a few games this year.

Reese took the same approach with the punter position in 2010 and we know how that turned out. Dodge easily cost the Giants at least 1 game (possibly more) and a playoff spot.

Personally, I'd rather keep 2 QBs and 2 PK (veteran insurance) vs 3 QBs and 1 unknown PK.

In comment 13539951 WillVAB said:

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Don't really like the, "just gonna have to take the good with the bad" vibe re: new kicker. The position could win or lose a few games this year. Reese took the same approach with the punter position in 2010 and we know how that turned out. Dodge easily cost the Giants at least 1 game (possibly more) and a playoff spot. Personally, I'd rather keep 2 QBs and 2 PK (veteran insurance) vs 3 QBs and 1 unknown PK.

Oddly, I think this kid has a strong leg and will work out. I'm not saying he'll be a top 5 or even top 10 kicker, but top 15 (middle of the pack) - why not? Hope for better.