I really like both of these guys. They're getting a lot of kudos from both the head coach and the media. I've watched some tape on Shane and he really lays the hit on people in the hole. Giants haven't had a pure fullback like him in quite a while (watch the hit he puts on Casillas). Seems to have soft hands as well. Watched his workouts on his twitter feed and you can't help but be impressed by how hard he works and how much power and dexterity he has for a kid his size.
Having said that I'm also a big fan of LaCosse. Barring injury, he deserves a spot on this squad as well. Very impressive in the passing game at camp so far this year.
Question: Is it possible for both of these guys to make the team? Does carrying a fullback reduce the number of tight ends you'll keep? Does taking Smith doom LaCosse's chances or vice-versa?
p.s. In the event they take a fullback, I don't see Huesman making it over Smith.
Milton, I like LaCosse, he's got more experience at his position than Smith has and I think you're right, but I'm questioning whether we want to go into the season again without a true fullback, especially one that can actually block.
Is there more value in carrying a fourth tight end at the expense of the fullback position?
Is there more value in carrying a fourth tight end at the expense of the fullback position?
The thing about both Huesman and Smith is that both should be plenty safe on the practice squad, so they would be available for a promotion when the bodies start to fall. If the Giants keep four TE's, the likelihood is that at least one of them will be on IR before the season's end. It's a brutal position.
If the Giants only keep 3 TE's and LaCosse is among them, I can see it.
Quote:
Milton, I like LaCosse, he's got more experience at his position than Smith has and I think you're right, but I'm questioning whether we want to go into the season again without a true fullback,
especially one that can actually block.
Is there more value in carrying a fourth tight end at the expense of the fullback position?
I think McAdoo is comfortable with Ellison taking the fullback snaps. What they may lose in "pop" compared to a guy like Smith, they gain in unpredictability/flexibility because Ellison can line up inline at TE pre-snap before going into motion and landing at the FB position. Also, Tye was taking a lot of snaps at FB today, so he is another TE with the body type that lends itself to playing FB as well. None of these guys are ball-carriers, but then again neither is Shane Smith based on reports so far.
The thing about both Huesman and Smith is that both should be plenty safe on the practice squad, so they would be available for a promotion when the bodies start to fall. If the Giants keep four TE's, the likelihood is that at least one of them will be on IR before the season's end. It's a brutal position.
Sorry Milton, I've seen too much of Tye already. One of the worst blocking tight ends short of Donnell I've ever seen. No separation on his routes. Don't have any confidence in his ability to block out of the backfield. I've seen him get blown-up too many times already. Agree on Ellison and maybe, unfortunately for Smith, that's the way it'll break.
Sorry Milton, I've seen too much of Tye already. One of the worst blocking tight ends short of Donnell I've ever seen. No separation on his routes. Don't have any confidence in his ability to block out of the backfield. I've seen him get blown-up too many times already.