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Defenderdawg : 4/21/2018 9:26 am
Giants

Schwartz NYP: Pat Shurmur planning to bring back Giants preseason tactic
https://nypost.com/2018/04/20/pat-shurmur-planning-to-bring-back-giants-preseason-tactic/amp/

Leonard NYDN: Surprised even myself with this one: Giants’ 2018 schedule is brutal, especially the start. But assuming they pick Saquon Barkley & re-sign Odell Beckham, I picked Pat Shurmur’s team to go ...12-4. I know. WEEK-BY-WEEK BREAKDOWN HERE:
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/giants-complete-2018-schedule-article-1.3943943

RV SNY: Everything you need to know about the Giants' plans for the No. 2 pick
https://www.sny.tv/giants/news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-giants-plans-for-the-no-2-pick/273075048

Ralph Vacchiano (@RVacchianoSNY)
4/20/18, 5:41 PM
Mike Mayock thinks the Giants are drafting Saquon Barkley, but added “If they fall in love with the quarterback who they think is their franchise guy for the next 10 years, that has to trump everything else regardless of fans that want Barkley. You have to take your quarterback.”

Dunleavy NJ.com: NFL mock draft 2018: Perfect Giants' 7-round projection with QB | Sam Darnold, Josh Rosen or Josh Allen?
http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2018/04/nfl_mock_draft_2018_perfect_giants_7-round_project.html

Rang NFL Draftscout: On the Clock: Team-by-team NFL Draft analysis
“TOP 5 NEEDS

1. Guard: The Giants invested heavily in their offensive line when they added Nate Solder at tackle. They also added Patrick Omameh to play left guard, but as was the case last year, the right side of their offensive line is still in flux. Ereck Flowers will compete for right tackle, but after voiding out the final year of incumbent right guard John Jerry’s contract, it’s clear that they are looking to upgrade at that spot. The Giants have guys on the roster who can play right guard, but if they can get themselves a difference maker at the position who can become part of the team’s foundation, that would behoove them more.

2. Quarterback: The current coaching staff wasn’t done any favors by the old regime that failed to give quarterback Davis Webb any significant snaps in regular-season games. While in some ways Webb is on par with the rest of the 2018 quarterback class members, the second-year man, who has been relentlessly training at the TEST Football Academy in Martinsville, N.J., does have the benefit of having one year of pro coaching experience under his belt. Webb will get his chance at the upcoming minicamp prior to the draft to make his case, but the fact remains the Giants still need to add at the position since they only have two quarterbacks on the roster, one of whom, Eli Manning, just turned 37-years-old in January.

3. Tackle: The Giants might have plucked down $62 million over four years to secure Nate Solder as their left tackle, but they need to start thinking about their long-term future at right tackle. Flowers will compete for the job, but he’s not necessarily a lock. Further complicating matters for him is that the team is unlikely to exercise the option year on his contract by the May 2 deadline. Meanwhile, the only other tackles on the roster with experience include Chad Wheeler and Adam Bisnowaty, both rookies who were underwhelming last year. One or both might still blossom into a solid candidate, but as of right now, the Giants’ depth at tackle is paper thin.

4. Cornerback: The Giants couldn’t agree on new payment terms with Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, their slot corner last year who was sent packing. They also lost Ross Cockrell, who had the ability to play the slot or outside, to the Panthers in free agency. While the Giants did add a pair of corners in B.W. Webb and Teddy Williams, they will probably want to shore up the depth even further, especially as they wait to see if projected starters Janoris Jenkins and Eli Apple bounce back from their respective struggles last year. Getting back to Rodgers-Cromartie, it also needs to be noted there were reports that the Giants envisioned a role for the veteran cornerback similar to what Tyrann Mathieu filled for the Cardinals when James Bettcher was his defensive coordinator. It’s probably safe to assume that the Giants are still on the lookout for a player who can step into that planned role, and it also probably is logical to assume that a cornerback might offer better overall v
alue.

5. Linebacker: Even though the Giants added two players (Alec Ogletree and Kareem Martin) at this position and will likely have Olivier Vernon as a part-time member of this group, the depth can still use an upgrade, especially on the inside if there are concerns about the durability of third-year man B.J. Goodson. The Giants’ current depth includes Calvin Munson, Ray-Ray Armstrong, Thurston Armbrister, Derrick Matthews and Mark Herzlich. There’s quantity there, but quality and scheme fit are different stories. The free agency activity might have lessened the priority at this spot, but after seeing how injuries wiped out the unit last year, hopefully the Giants’ brass understands how important it is to have quality depth on the roster.

THE PICKS

–BEST FIT: Quenton Nelson, G, Notre Dame. Running backs like Saquon Barkley are nice additions and yes, a team needs a quarterback to make it all happen. But unless there is solid protection up front and unless the offensive line is blowing open holes for the running game, it probably doesn’t matter as much who is playing in the backfield. Nelson, who has been compared favorably to former Giants guard Chris Snee, is clearly the cream of the crop among a deep interior offensive line class. Nelson is a guy whose college tape suggests he has the makings of becoming one of the best in his class if he stays healthy. He also fits the “hog molly” mold that general manager Dave Gettleman covets for the offensive line, and is a player who could make life a heck of a lot easier for years to come for whoever ends up the lead running back and the starting quarterback.

–Rob Rang: Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State. General manager Dave Gettlemen signaled the direction the Giants might be going with this pick back in March when he awarded former Patriots Pro Bowl left tackle Nate Solder with a four-year $62 million contract, including $35 million guaranteed, the biggest deal for an NFL offensive lineman. That’s why immediate impact prospects like Barkley (or North Carolina State’s Bradley Chubb) ultimately make more sense than drafting a quarterback to groom behind Eli Manning. Adding Barkley to a unit that already features Odell Beckham Jr., Evan Engram and Sterling Shepard and the Giants suddenly have the playmakers to compete with any offense in the NFL.

–Dane Brugler: Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State. A quarterback is going No. 1, we just don’t know which one. At No. 2, it is tough to nail down the position, let alone the player. General manager Dave Gettleman is looking for “impact” with this pick and Barkley offers that.”
http://nfldraftscout.com/on-the-clock-team-by-team-nfl-draft-analysis/

GM

Traina Forbes: How Dave Gettleman Has Revamped The New York Giants' Draft AProcess
https://www.forbes.com/sites/patriciatraina/2018/04/19/how-dave-gettleman-has-revamped-the-new-york-giants-draft-process/amp/

Duggan The Athletic: The No. 2 pick remains a mystery, but Giants GM Dave Gettleman reveals draft approach
https://theathletic.com/321938/2018/04/20/the-no-2-pick-remains-a-mystery-but-giants-gm-dave-gettleman-reveals-draft-approach/

Schwartz NYP: Giants GM thinks obsessing over shelf-life factor is ‘dangerous
https://nypost.com/2018/04/21/giants-gm-thinks-obsessing-over-shelf-life-factor-is-dangerous/

Schwartz NYP: Giants GM is loving all this — Saquon Barkley included
https://nypost.com/2018/04/19/giants-gm-is-loving-all-this-saquon-barkley-included/

Serby NYP: Dave Gettleman can’t let Barkley love cost him a franchise QB
https://nypost.com/2018/04/20/dave-gettleman-cant-let-barkley-love-cost-him-a-franchise-qb/

RV SNY: Can the Giants afford to pass on a quarterback?
https://www.sny.tv/giants/news/can-the-giants-afford-to-pass-on-a-quarterback/272969762

Stapleton The Record: How much will Dave Gettleman actually reveal about his New York Giants draft plans?
https://www.northjersey.com/story/sports/nfl/giants/2018/04/19/dave-gettleman-giants-draft-plans-saquon-barkley-bradley-chubb/528461002/

Magliocchetti Inside Football: Gettleman Says A Lot, Yet Nothing, In Pre-Draft Presser
https://insidefootball.com/gettleman-says-a-lot-yet-nothing-in-pre-draft-presser/

Politi NJ.com: The 1 word GM Dave Gettleman said about the NFL Draft that should scare Giants fans
http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2018/04/dave_gettleman_nfl_draft_giants_press_conference_p.html

QB

Leonard NYDN: Ex-Giants GM Ernie Accorsi says Eli Manning has at least two years left of ‘winning, championship football’
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/ernie-accorsi-eli-manning-good-years-left-article-1.3941716

Dunleavy NJ.com: NFL Draft 2018: Sam Darnold or Davis Webb? Who is Giants' QB of the future? Expert insights
http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2018/04/nfl_draft_2018_sam_darnold_or_davis_webb_which_qb.html

Schwartz NYP: Davis Webb has three days to influence Giants’ draft pick
https://nypost.com/2018/04/19/davis-webb-has-three-days-to-influence-giants-draft-pick/

RB

Schwartz NYP: The best Giants RB ever has a Saquon Barkley message for them
https://nypost.com/2018/04/18/the-best-giants-rb-ever-has-a-saquon-barkley-message-for-them/

RV SNY: Gettleman isn't trying to hide Giants' interest in Barkley
https://www.sny.tv/giants/news/gettleman-isnt-trying-to-hide-giants-interest-in-barkley/273001280

WR

Leonard NYDN: What an Odell Beckham contract extension could look like, and why it won't reach $20 million per year
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/odell-beckham-contract-extension-article-1.3941158

Schwartz NYP: Giants cut Brandon Marshall after failed physical
https://nypost.com/2018/04/19/giants-cut-brandon-marshall-after-failed-physical/

Lewis NYP: Giants don’t have room for two ‘alpha’ egos: Carl Banks
https://nypost.com/2018/04/20/giants-dont-have-room-for-two-alpha-egos-carl-banks/amp/

G

Raanan ESPN NY: Austin Corbett is an under-the-radar name in the 2018 NFL draft
“The Giants, with the second pick of the second round (34th overall), are a realistic landing spot. They had a private workout with Corbett earlier this month. He fits general manager Dave Gettleman's plan to bolster the interior of the offensive line through the draft.

Corbett played tackle at Nevada, but he is projected as a guard in the NFL. Some even think center might be his best fit. Gettleman is expected to go after some “hog mollies” in the draft. Corbett, whose brother played offensive line at San Diego State, fits the Giants’ mold.”
http://www.espn.com/blog/new-york-giants/post/_/id/56935/austin-corbetts-an-under-the-radar-name-in-the-2018-nfl-draft


P

Schwartz NYP: Giants get the special teams upgrade they needed
https://www.google.com/amp/s/nypost.com/2018/04/20/giants-get-the-special-teams-upgrade-they-needed/amp/

Lombardo NJ.com: Giants trade for punter Riley Dixon | What did they give up to Denver Broncos?
https://www.google.com/amp/s/articles.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2018/04/giants_trade_for_punter_riley_dixon_what_did_they.amp

NFL

King MMQB: NFL Schedule Release: Inside the Process That Gave Us the 2018 256-Game Slate
“This year, Carey instituted another quality check to the schedule: “rest disparity.” Last year, I heard the Giants were not pleased with their schedule because they felt they were too often playing teams more rested than they were. In consecutive October weeks, they played teams coming off byes, for instance. The NFL calculated a figure for every team based on the number of combined days of rest for their foes or for the team, calculating, for instance, in those two weeks, the Giants were a minus-14 (minus-seven for each of the foes, Seattle and Denver, coming off byes). In all, by my math, the Giants were a league-worst minus-22 in “rest disparity.” So Carey factored that into every schedule this year … and this year, no team was worse than minus-11. (The Giants, by my count, are minus-seven in 2018.)”
https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/04/19/schedule-release-teams-thursday-tv-mmqb-peter-king

Greenburg Washington Post: The Patriots again have the NFL's easiest schedule for 2018. Seriously.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/fancy-stats/wp/2018/04/19/the-patriots-again-have-the-nfls-easiest-schedule-for-2018-seriously/

Don Banks for Patriots.com: The 25 most compelling games of the NFL's 2018 regular season
http://www.patriots.com/news/2018/04/20/25-most-compelling-games-nfls-2018-regular-season

NFL Research (@NFLResearch)
4/20/18, 12:02 PM
Now that schedules have been released, don't forget the importance of Week 1.

- Since 1990 (current playoff format), 52.9 percent of teams who won in Week 1 went on to make the postseason

- Of the teams who lost in Week 1, only 24.8 percent went on to make the postseason


Brooks NFL.com: Aaron Rodgers deserves better; Giants won't take a QB at No. 2
“Why the Giants WON'T take a quarterback at No. 2. If you think the New York Giants are going to spend a top pick to replace Eli Manning, think again. I'm confident Big Blue will not go quarterback in Round 1. The G-Men still think No. 10 can play at a championship level for a couple more years -- and that is going to dictate the way the team selects players on draft night.

Don't believe me? Just check out the commentary from ex-Giants general manager Ernie Accorsi on the two-time Super Bowl MVP.

"I wouldn't want to put an end line on him, but I do agree with them that he can play winning, championship football for two years," Accorsi said to the New York Daily News. "Now, it may be more. I'm not saying that he can't do more. But I don't think there's any question: What I saw last year in the Philadelphia game with what he had to play with, I definitely think he could still take a team to a title. I mean, obviously he has to be surrounded with a pretty good team. But I do."

Sure, Accorsi has loving eyes for Manning. After all, he's the man who made the blockbuster move to acquire the Giants' QB1 in the 2004 draft. But that view is also shared by the team's new general manager, Dave Gettleman. Talking to a few Carolina Panthers scouts about how their former leader viewed the quarterback position, they repeatedly told me that Gettleman frequently pointed to Manning as the ideal franchise quarterback. With that in mind, I'm not surprised Gettleman's not eager to dismiss the veteran quarterback in favor of a young signal-caller in this year's draft.

"You miss on a quarterback, you've really hurt the franchise for five years," Gettleman said at a pre-draft press conference on Thursday. "It's a five-year mistake."

That's why I expect the Giants to take a non-QB with the No. 2 pick. The team is intent on taking a "gold-jacket guy" at the top of the draft -- i.e., a prospect with Hall of Fame potential. Gettleman has publicly stated as much. Looking at the quarterbacks projected to come off the board early, I don't see an HOF-type in the ranks. Yet, I could easily envision Bradley Chubb, Saquon Barkley and Quenton Nelson earning perennial All-Pro honors at their respective positions before making their way to Canton. Based on that criteria, and the words we've heard reported from those closely associated with the G-Men, I do not expect the team's quarterback of the future to come off of the board when the first-round pick is submitted next Thursday night.”
https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000927745/article/aaron-rodgers-deserves-better-giants-wont-take-a-qb-at-no-2

Benoit MMQB: Brady and Gronk Stay Home; What Does That Mean for The Patriot Way?
https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/04/20/tom-brady-rob-gronkowski-voluntary-workouts-james-harrison-hall-fame

Rosenthal NFL.com: GM power rankings: Putting the decision makers in order
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000927154/article/gm-power-rankings-howie-roseman-kevin-colbert-among-best

ARIZONA
Kent Somers (@kentsomers)
4/19/18, 12:43 AM
Cardinals haven’t beaten Packers on road since 1949. Haven’t won in ATL since ‘93. Haven’t won in Minn since ‘77, haven’t won in KC since ‘Ever

Play all on road this year.

Somers AZCentral: Arizona Cardinals' General Manager Steve Keim's NFL drafts haven't always been 'Keim Time'
https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nfl/cardinals/2018/04/20/arizona-cardinals-general-manager-steve-keims-nfl-drafts-havent-always-been-keim-time/537391002/

Somers AZ Central: Arizona Cardinals limiting Sam Bradford now in hopes of a healthier full season
https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nfl/cardinals/2018/04/19/arizona-cardinals-sam-bradford-larry-fitzgerald-steve-wilks/534533002/

Josh Weinfuss (@joshweinfuss)
4/19/18, 5:06 PM
Steve Wilks said the Cardinals' linebacking corps is Deone Bucannon at Will and Josh Bynes at Mike, which would leave Haason Reddick at Sam.

ATLANTA
Ledbetter AJC: The Bow Tie Chronicles: Falcons’ 2018 draft board is set
https://www.myajc.com/sports/football/the-bow-tie-chronicles-falcons-2018-draft-board-set/XYYa3N6qoIAxbKMjVB8QON/

BALTIMORE
Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiecsun)
4/20/18, 5:34 PM
The Ravens' offer sheet with Saints RFA WR Willie Snead is on today's NFL transaction wire. The ball is now in the Saints court. They'll have to make a decision by Wednesday on whether to match the offer. The Saints won't get compensation if they don't match.

CAROLINA
Peralta Charlotte Observer: In Panthers sale, why some of Charlotte's richest families are in for a big payday
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/business/article209326119.html

Rodrique Charlotte Observer: DL Dontari Poe is a new star in Carolina. Here's why he won't forget where he came from
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article209224674.html

Rodrigue Charlotte Observer: This safety fits the Panthers' needs. But landing him in the draft may be tough.
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article209337229.html

CHICAGO
Biggs Chicago Tribune: Bears Q& A: Best draft scenarios for the first round? Why didn't the Bears bring back receiver Dontrelle Inman?
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-spt-bears-mailbag-nfl-draft-biggs-20180419-story.html

Kane Chicago Tribune: Mitch Trubisky oozes enthusiasm to work with Bears’ ‘brilliant offensive minds’
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-spt-bears-mitch-trubisky-minicamp-20180419-story.html

Campbell Chicago Tribune: Matt Nagy relishing ups and downs of Mitch Trubisky's introduction to Bears offense
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-spt-bears-mitch-trubisky-new-offense-20180418-story.html

Wiederer Chicago Tribune: Tarik Cohen under the microscope as new Bears offense takes shape
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-spt-bears-tarik-cohen-matt-nagy-20180418-story.html

Kane Chicago Tribune: Speculation begins anew as Kevin White returns to Bears practice
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-spt-bears-kevin-white-20180418-story.html

CLEVELAND
Cabot Cleveland Plain Dealer: Why the Cleveland Browns' 2018 schedule is brutal
http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2018/04/why_the_browns_2018_schedule_i.html

Labbe Cleveland Plain Dealer: Interpreting John Dorsey: What the Browns GM said on Thursday and what it might have meant
http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2018/04/interpreting_john_dorsey_what.html

Cabot Cleveland Plain Dealer: Did Browns GM John Dorsey tip his hand on who he likes at QB?
http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2018/04/did_browns_gm_john_dorsey_tip.html

Cabot Cleveland Plain Dealer: Browns GM John Dorsey open to 'all options' at No. 1, including Saquon Barkley or a trade
http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2018/04/john_dorsey_no_1_overall.html

DALLAS
Hill Fort Worth Star Telegram: Cowboys focus on receivers intensifies with Courtland Sutton's pre-draft visit
http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nfl/dallas-cowboys/article209285469.html

DENVER
Mizell Denver Post: John Elway’s final Denver Broncos’ draft preparations focused on avoiding surprises
https://www.denverpost.com/2018/04/19/john-elways-final-denver-broncos-draft-preparations/

Mizell Denver Post: Case Keenum aims to “make a good first impression and build on that” as Denver Broncos begin voluntary workouts
https://www.denverpost.com/2018/04/17/case-keenum-first-impression-denver-broncos/

DETROIT
Birkett Detroit Free Press: Detroit Lions' 2018 NFL draft fits: 5 players to watch at No. 20
https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/04/21/detroit-lions-2018-nfl-draft/536888002/

Monarrez Detroit Free Press: Detroit Lions' Jarrad Davis says he has to improve his pass coverage
https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.freep.com/amp/525633002

Birkett Detroit Free Press: Detroit Lions linebacker Jarrad Davis welcomes new NFL helmet rule
https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/04/18/new-nfl-helmet-rule-jarred-davis-detroit-lions/530562002/

GREEN BAY
Nelson Mil JS: Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers joins Milwaukee Bucks ownership team
https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/nba/bucks/2018/04/20/green-bay-packers-quarterback-aaron-rodgers-joins-milwaukee-bucks-ownership-team/538532002/

Wood Mil JS: Packers preaching importance of depth on defensive line
https://www.packersnews.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/2018/04/20/packers-defensive-line-depth/532791002/

HOUSTON
Wilson Houston Chronicle: New Texans GM Brian Gaine feels well-prepared for first draft
https://www.chron.com/sports/texans/article/New-Texans-GM-Brian-Gaine-feels-well-prepared-for-12852465.php

INDIANAPOLIS
Zak Keefer (@zkeefer)
4/20/18, 1:49 PM
Ballard says #Colts have identified eight premium players who aren't QBs. So that'll weigh into whether or not they accept a trade offer. He's resolute to get one of those guys.

Walker Colts.com: Dwight Freeney Calling It A Career; Will Retire As A Colt
http://colts.com/news/article-1/Dwight-Freeney-Calling-It-A-Career-Will-Retire-As-A-Colt/5abba383-6f99-4187-8e62-397b88500e95

Keefer Indianapolis Star: Dwight Freeney will retire with the Indianapolis Colts
https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nfl/colts/2018/04/19/dwight-freeney-retire-indianapolis-colts/534088002/

JACKSONVILLE
O’Halloran Florida Times Union: Sunday Jaguars Insider (on a Friday night)
Coughlin says NFL "will get there," in reducing illegal hits
Leftovers from State of the Franchise
Schedule thoughts
http://www.jacksonville.com/sports/20180420/jaguars-insider-coughlin---nfl-will-get-there-in-reducing-helmet-hits

Kaye WTLV Jacksonville: Jaguars Notebook: Coughlin, Caldwell offer opinions on Lamar Jackson
“The Jaguars’ season opener against the New York Giants on Sept. 9 will be something of a homecoming for Coughlin.

Coughlin led the Giants to Super Bowl victories over New England following the 2007 season (17-14) and the 2011 season (21-17) during his 12 seasons with the franchise.

“To go to New York for the opening of the season will be an exciting atmosphere, obviously,” Coughlin said. “It’s opening day, so everybody will be excited. Everybody will look forward to the opportunity to go to New York and play against a very good football team.”
http://www.jacksonville.com/sports/20180420/jaguars-notebook-coughlin-caldwell-offer-opinions-on-lamar-jackson

Kaye WTLV Jacksonville: JAGUARS ALL-PRO DE CALAIS CAMPBELL TAKING DAWUANE SMOOT UNDER HIS WING
https://www.firstcoastnews.com/article/sports/nfl/jacksonville-jaguars/jaguars-all-pro-de-calais-campbell-taking-dawuane-smoot-under-his-wing/77-540652880

KANSAS CITY
Paylor KC Star: Defensive help could be coming for Chiefs via draft
http://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article209440049.html

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
Woike LA Times: If Chargers seek a quarterback in NFL draft, it's unlikely to be one of the top prospects
http://www.latimes.com/sports/chargers/la-sp-chargers-quarterbacks-20180418-story.html

Nick Hardwick (@hardwina)
4/18/18, 11:01 PM
The Chargers primary concern in this year’s draft should be to acquire pieces to beat the Chiefs. Chiefs have won 8 straight. Both Raiders and Broncos are rebuilding and should be easily handled. Chargers need more versatile, defensive speed to contend with fastest O in NFL.

LOS ANGELES RAMS
Farmer LA Times: All the calculations point to a lot of air time for the Rams and a lot of time in the air for Chargers
http://www.latimes.com/sports/nfl/la-sp-nfl-schedule-farmer-20180419-story.html

MIAMI
Hyde Sun Sentinel: Why Dolphins should (really) want Giants to take a QB
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/dave-hyde-blog/fl-sp-hyde5-dolphins-giants-draft-20180418-story.html

Kelly Sun Sentinel: Do Dolphins have enough to make draft-day trade happen?
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-dolphins/fl-sp-dolphins-kelly-column-20180420-story.html

Schad Palm Beach Post: Danny Amendola says Miami Dolphins must ’embrace the grind’
http://dailydolphin.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2018/04/17/danny-amendola-says-miami-dolphins-must-embrace-the-grind/

NEW ENGLAND
Corry CBS Sports: Agent's Take: Gronk's discontent can be solved with a contract that helps both TE, Patriots
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/agents-take-gronks-discontent-can-be-solved-with-a-contract-that-helps-both-te-patriots/

NEW ORLEANS
Katzenstein Nola.com: Saints' Mark Ingram switches agents heading into contract year
https://www.google.com/amp/s/articles.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2018/04/mark_ingram_agent.amp

Underhill NO Advocate: Sources: Keenan Lewis negotiating settlement in injury grievance with Saints
https://www.google.com/amp/www.theadvocate.com/new_orleans/sports/saints/article_72f5adac-4293-11e8-899f-5740a935919f.amp.html

NEW YORK JETS
Mehta NYDN: How the Jets might wind up with quarterback savior Sam Darnold after all
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/jets-wind-sam-darnold-article-1.3940026

OAKLAND
Schneidman SJ Mercury News: NFL’s first female strength coach a fan of Raiders’ Kelsey Martinez
https://www.mercurynews.com/2018/04/17/raiders-kelsey-martinez-has-a-fan-in-first-female-strength-coach-in-nfl-history/

Paul Gutierrez (@PGutierrezESPN)
4/20/18, 4:03 PM
Reggie McKenzie would not say if the Raiders would use the 5th-year option on Amari Cooper this offseason. Not with so much concentration on the draft at this point in time. "Don't want to put the cart before the horse," McKenzie said. "We like Amari."

PHILADELPHIA
Kempski Phillyvoice: Analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of the Eagles' 2018 schedule
https://www.phillyvoice.com/analyzing-advantages-and-disadvantages-eagles-2018-schedule/amp/

Berman Phil.com: Want to make a trade? The Eagles are 'open for business' one week before the draft
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/eagles/eagles-open-trade-nfl-draft-2018-20180419.html

McPherson Eagles.com: Carson Wentz: Week 1 Is Still The Goal
http://philadelphiaeagles.com/news/article-1/Carson-Wentz-Week-1-Is-Still-The-Goal/432eb46e-bd22-4d06-9b76-5cce191fc480

Rosenblatt NJ.com: NFL Draft 2018: Why Sam Darnold, Josh Rosen, Josh Allen don't stack up to Eagles' Carson Wentz
http://www.nj.com/eagles/index.ssf/2018/04/nfl_draft_carson_wentz_eagles_josh_rosen_sam_darnold_lamar_j.html

Bowen Phil.com: Zach Ertz, suddenly a veteran leader, is eager to embrace new Eagles role
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/eagles/zach-ertz-veteran-leader-philadelphia-eagles-brent-celek-20180417.html

Kempski Phillyvoice: Eagles 2018 NFL Draft preview: Safety
http://www.phillyvoice.com/eagles-2018-nfl-draft-preview-safety/

Kempski Phillyvoice: Eagles 2018 NFL Draft preview: Specialists
http://www.phillyvoice.com/eagles-2018-nfl-draft-preview-specialists/

SAN FRANCISCO
Barrows Sac Bee: Jimmy G effect: 49ers to be prime-time darlings this season
https://www.google.com/amp/amp.sacbee.com/sports/nfl/san-francisco-49ers/article209351864.html

Barrows Sac Bee: 49ers leave California twice after midseason and other quirks of the schedule
http://www.sacbee.com/sports/nfl/san-francisco-49ers/article209409459.html

Barrows Sac Bee: 49ers rework left tackle Joe Staley's contract
https://www.google.com/amp/amp.sacbee.com/sports/nfl/san-francisco-49ers/article208799049.html

Branch SF Chronicle: 49ers’ potential first-round target: Tremaine Edmunds
https://www.sfgate.com/49ers/article/49ers-potential-first-round-target-Tremaine-12844882.php

Branch SF Chronicle: Stanford’s Quenton Meeks hopes to follow Richard Sherman to 49ers
https://www.sfchronicle.com/49ers/amp/Stanford-CB-Meeks-hopes-to-follow-Sherman-to-49ers-12845946.php#click=https://t.co/6ujeYop87j

SEATTLE
Bell News Tribune: Michael Bennett joins Richard Sherman in saying Pete Carroll's Seahawks message got stale
https://www.google.com/amp/amp.thenewstribune.com/sports/nfl/seattle-seahawks/article209301829.html

TAMPA BAY
Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD)
4/20/18, 6:03 AM
I'm totally in the minority. Chubb as an edge rusher has the most value by position. Barkley would get 20-25 touches per game. Nelson will play 10 years at high level. But Barkley changes the team the most. Elite talent. 3 down back. Helps Winston.

TENNESSEE
Wyatt Titans.com: Best Player Available? Titans GM Jon Robinson Talks NFL Draft
http://titansonline.com/news/article-4/Best-Player-Available-Titans-GM-Jon-Robinson-Talks-NFL-Draft/28237c14-631e-46ef-9c9f-faf54db858e3

Pouncy The Tennessean: How Titans coach Mike Vrabel will try to get most out of Marcus Mariota
https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.tennessean.com/amp/528867002

Wolf The Tennessean: Titans' Rishard Matthews better than Dez Bryant?
https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/nfl/titans/2018/04/17/titans-rishard-matthews-more-productive-than-dez-bryant-last-three-seasons-sign-contract-extension/521032002/

Kuharsky.com: How Josh Sweat could be this year's Adoree' Jackson
https://www.paulkuharsky.com/news/how-josh-sweat-could-be-this-year-s-adoree-jackson

WASHINGTON
Bullock Washington Post: Analysis | Washington Redskins 2018 mock draft: Ideal players for each pick
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/football-insider/wp/2018/04/19/washington-redskins-2018-mock-draft-ideal-players-for-each-pick/

Allen Washington Post: "It’s always been a dream to be a Redskin": Kevin Hogan on coming home and Alex Smith
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/dc-sportsbog/wp/2018/04/18/its-always-been-a-dream-to-be-a-redskin-kevin-hogan-on-coming-home-and-alex-smith/

Czarda Redskins.com: Healing Quickly, Trent Williams Believes He's On Pace For Return
http://redskins.com/news/article-1/Healing-Quickly-Trent-Williams-Believes-Hes-On-Pace-For-Return/d2681e86-306f-4834-b4e3-9dc8a18b0cc1

Copeland Washington Post: Guard isn’t a sexy position, but the position’s value is rising and the Redskins are in need
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.washingtonpost.com/amphtml/news/football-insider/wp/2018/04/19/guard-isnt-a-sexy-position-but-the-positions-value-is-rising-and-the-redskins-are-in-need/

Copeland Washington Post: Ryan Kerrigan sees opportunity in offseason attrition on defense
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.washingtonpost.com/amphtml/news/football-insider/wp/2018/04/17/ryan-kerrigan-sees-opportunity-in-offseason-attrition-on-defense/

Draft

Volin Boston Globe: Why the NFL Draft isn’t as important as it used to be
“The biggest change in today’s NFL: Time, not money, is the scarce resource.

In the pre-2011 NFL, when teams held 50-odd full-contact practices before the start of the season and salary-cap space was tight, signing expensive free agents and eschewing the draft was the quickest way to miss the playoffs (just ask the early 2000s Redskins). There was almost no debate across the league that the best method for building a roster was to draft and develop.

“There was a correlation for many years between the teams that had the most draft picks and the teams that were the most successful — Pittsburgh, the Patriots, Eagles, Ravens,” said Banner, whose team reached the playoffs 11 times between 1995-2012. “Those were the teams that were leading the draft every year.”

But the new CBA has shifted the dynamic, making veterans more valuable and rookies less so.

The biggest reason has been the reduction in practice time. Teams used to hold full-contact practices in the offseason, two-a-days during training camp, and had no limitations on full-contact practices during the regular season.

But under the new CBA, spring practices are strictly regulated with no contact, no pads, and only four hours per day at the facility. Two-a-days in training camp have been eliminated, and teams can hold only 14 padded practices throughout the entire regular season.

These restrictions are great for the players’ health and safety, but terrible for developing young players — especially those that play in college offenses that don’t translate to the NFL.

“It’s definitely a big problem,” an NFC general manager said. “It’s just a lot harder to develop players, especially if you’re starting over with a new coaching staff and trying to implement a new system.”

Demoff said that the Rams ran a study, and concluded that it now takes players about three years to have the same amount of practice time they would have gotten in one year under the old CBA.”
https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/patriots/2018/04/18/why-nfl-draft-isn-important-used/9Tk5GkUu82JtyBX2hItrsI/story.html

Kelly The Ringer: The Anatomy of a Unique First Round
The NFL draft has followed some trends over the last several years, but this installment may be much different. Is it just an aberration or the beginning of a league-wide shift?
https://www.theringer.com/2018/4/19/17255352/nfl-draft-unique-first-round-trend

Pelissero NFL.com: Four prospects who could be surprise first-rounders
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000927113/article/nfl-draft-four-prospects-who-could-be-surprise-firstrounders

Pelissero NFL.com: Four talented draft prospects under heavy scrutiny from NFL teams
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000927620/article/2018-nfl-draft-four-talented-prospects-under-heavy-scrutiny

Mike Renner (@PFF_Mike)
4/17/18, 9:50 AM
Average of the top-10 cap hits by position for 2018 (good barometer for positional value in draft):

QB: $25.5m
RB: $7.1m
WR: $12.9m
TE: $9.5m
OT: $13.3
IOL: $11.0m

IDL: $14.1m
EDGE: $16.0m
LB: $10.8m
CB: $13.7m
S: $10.2m

K: $4.1m
P: $2.9m

Mike Renner (@PFF_Mike)
4/17/18, 9:55 AM
Few takeaways:
1. If you can draft a good QB, you should
2. If you can draft a good EDGE, you should
3. RB is as close to K as it is any position other than TE
4. You should be willing to take a center/guard top-10 if you'd take a RB/TE/LB/S there

You draft an elite QB, it's worth $18m in cap space you don't have to spend more than drafting elite RB

Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt)
4/20/18, 11:49 AM
Fastest players in @NFLDraft by weight-adjusted:

1. @MarcusJD84, UTSA
2. @Zcarter_7, UGA
3. @saquon, PSU
4. Leon Jacobs, WIS
5. @Shaquemgriffin, UCF


Kiper ESPN: Mel's mailbag: Kiper answers your 2018 NFL draft questions
http://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2018/story/_/id/23187344/mel-kiper-2018-nfl-draft-mailbag-answering-best-questions-prospects-team-picks

Rankings
Domowitch Phil.com: NFL draft: Mike Mayock's position-by-position breakdown
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/eagles/mike-mayock-nfl-draft-analysis-position-breakdown-20180417.html

Mayock NFL.com: Mayock's 2018 draft position rankings 3.0: New No. 1 WR, LB
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000927595/article/mike-mayocks-2018-nfl-draft-position-rankings-30

TSN: NFL Draft Big Board: Final ranking of best players in 2018 class
http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/news/nfl-draft-2018-rankings-prospects-big-board-best-players/p6r3hihwky7u1xy16a5ncsyq1

Nystrom Rotoworld: he most wonderful time of the year is upon us, friends. My gift to you is my top-400 big board seperated by round grades. Beneath that, you'll find my rankings by position. Think of this as your printable NFL Draft cheatsheet to bring along to your draft party. You can access my complete position rankings -- with scouting reports, athletic composite scores and player comps -- by clicking on the individual positions below
http://www.rotoworld.com/articles/cfb/79406/325/top-400-nfl-draft-big-board?ls=roto:cfb:gnav

Harris Washington Post: Analysis | The top 50 prospects for the 2018 NFL draft and the key questions they face
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/sports/wp/2018/04/20/the-top-50-prospects-for-the-2018-nfl-draft-and-the-key-questions-they-face/

Mock Drafts
Jeremiah NFL.com: DJ mock draft 3.0: Darnold to Browns, Rosen slides out of top 10
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000926808/article/jeremiah-mock-draft-30-browns-jets-broncos-bills-pick-qbs

QB
Orr MMQB: How Teams Interview Top Quarterback Prospects
https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/04/18/nfl-draft-quarterback-qb-prospect-team-interviews-bradley-chubb-saquon-barkley

Salomone Giants.com: FL Network analyst Mike Mayock breaks down the top quarterbacks in this year's NFL Draft class:
http://www.giants.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Mike-Mayock-breaks-down-this-years-QB-class/869ae4ff-a66b-4fa4-9c24-f24184018d6e

Banks The Athletic: Saquon Barkley is the surest bet in the draft, yet teams are still likely to favor flawed quarterbacks
https://theathletic.com/321756/2018/04/20/banks-saquon-barkley-is-the-surest-bet-in-the-draft-yet-teams-are-still-likely-to-favor-flawed-quarterbacks/

Darnold
Lombardo NJ.com: NFL Draft 2018: Ex-scout blasts Sam Darnold, calls USC QB 'A cow on ice'
http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2018/04/nfl_draft_2018_ex-scout_blasts_sam_darnold_calls_u.html

Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan)
4/17/18, 5:18 PM
Looking at some QB stats. This stuck out: Sam Darnold led all Division-I quarterbacks with 1,138 yards passing under pressure last year. Also near the top completing 50.4% of those passes. This is big at the next level as well and should translate.

Rosen
Pflum BBV: Josh Rosen: Undeniable talent, but odd lapses ... and nagging questions
https://www.bigblueview.com/2018/4/19/17251296/2018-nfl-draft-josh-rosen-qb-ucla-film-study-scouting-report-ny-giants-news-rumors

Will Brinson (@WillBrinson)
4/19/18, 6:52 PM
@geoffschwartz If Rosen gets past 5, one of the Colts/Bucs/Bears/49ers/Raiders is gonna get 2 firsts to move down.

Allen
King MMQB: Josh Allen Needs Patient NFL Team (Like, Say, the Cleveland Browns?) to Relieve The Pressure
https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/04/18/josh-allen-draft-cleveland-browns-mmqb-peter-king

Southorn Idaho Statesman: Former Boise State great Kellen Moore inspired one of the top QBs in NFL Draft
https://www.google.com/amp/amp.idahostatesman.com/sports/college/mountain-west/boise-state-university/boise-state-football/article209152324.html

Mayfield
Klemko MMQB: Baker Mayfield Doesn’t Have Time for Your No. 6 Pick
https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/04/18/baker-mayfield-2018-nfl-draft-quarterbacks

Costello NYP: The Drew Brees flashbacks behind Baker Mayfield’s draft rise
https://nypost.com/2018/04/19/the-drew-brees-flashbacks-behind-baker-mayfields-draft-rise/

Slater NJ.com: NFL Draft 2018: Baker Mayfield is top QB, plays like 'young Drew Brees,' says analyst
http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2018/04/nfl_draft_2018_baker_mayfield_is_top_qb_plays_like.html

Jackson
Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan)
4/17/18, 5:24 PM
Lamar Jackson was second with 1,073 passing yards under pressure. These stats are all courtesy of

Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler)
4/17/18, 5:21 PM
UCLA, Wyoming and Louisville all had below average offensive line play in 2017, but an argument could be made that USC's blocking was the worst between the four.

Lauletta
Martin Washington Post: Rising NFL draft QB Kyle Lauletta hangs on to college snubs: ‘That stuff sticks with me’
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.washingtonpost.com/amphtml/sports/redskins/rising-nfl-draft-qb-kyle-lauletta-hangs-on-to-college-snubs-that-stuff-sticks-with-me/2018/04/19/a3821110-43e0-11e8-ad8f-27a8c409298b_story.html

RB
Barkley
O’Connor ESPN: Saquon Barkley's legend runs deep in his Pennsylvania hometown
http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/23218469/saquon-barkley-hometown-superstar-2018-nfl-draft-projected-first-round-running-back?platform=amp

Baskin SI.com: Face of the NFL? Saquon Barkley Has a Plan
https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/04/18/saquon-barkley-2018-nfl-draft

Sherman The Ringer: Running Backs Aren’t Worth Top-Five NFL Draft Picks Unless They’re Named Saquon Barkley
https://www.theringer.com/2018/4/18/17244450/saquon-barkley-draft-running-back-value

Michel
Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout)
4/20/18, 6:07 PM
From an NFL scouting source: Don't be surprised if Sony Michel is the 2nd RB drafted.

Jones
Farrar SI.com: Why USC's Ronald Jones Could Be the Best Playmaking RB in the 2018 Draft
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2770531-why-uscs-ronald-jones-could-be-the-best-playmaking-rb-in-the-2018-draft

Edmonds
Serby NYP: Meet the underdog Fordham RB who’s about to fulfill NFL dream
https://nypost.com/2018/04/17/meet-the-underdog-fordham-rb-whos-about-to-fulfill-nfl-dream/

WR
Cain
Pflum BBV: 2018 NFL Draft prospect profile: Deon Cain, WR, Clemson
https://www.bigblueview.com/2018/4/17/17246488/2018-nfl-draft-prospect-profile-deon-cain-wr-clemson-scouting-report-news

Foreman
Wilson Houston Chronicle: Texans' D'Onta Foreman implores NFL to give his brother Armanti a fair shot
https://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/texas-sports-nation/texans/article/Texans-D-Onta-Foreman-implores-NFL-to-give-his-12851976.php

TE
Mays The Ringer: The First-Round Tight End Is Back in Style
https://www.theringer.com/2018/4/19/17254778/tight-end-draft-stock-mike-gesicki-dallas-goedert

Silverstein Mil JS: Pass-catching tight ends plentiful, but can they block?
https://www.packersnews.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/2018/04/18/pass-catching-tight-ends-plentiful-but-can-they-block/526541002/

Gesicki
Rutter Pittsburgh Tribune Review: Ultra-athletic Penn State product Mike Gesicki catching flak for blocking
http://triblive.com/sports/steelers/13543359-85/ultra-athletic-penn-state-product-mike-gesicki-catching-flak-for-blocking

Goedert
Seifert ESPN: Meet the FCS prospect who became the NFL draft's top TE
http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/23190025/2018-nfl-draft-how-south-dakota-state-tight-end-dallas-goedert-became-projected-first-round-pick

OL
Schwartz SB Nation: The best linemen in the 2018 NFL Draft play on the inside. Here are the top 7
https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2018/4/20/17260990/2018-nfl-draft-best-guards-centers-quenton-nelson-billy-price

T
Brandon Thorn (@VeteranScout)
3/22/18, 4:46 PM
Kolton Miller shows a persistent false step out of his stance in pass-protection. By stepping forward w/his post foot at the snap he puts himself behind the rusher’s path, forcing his base to narrow & hips to open in an attempt to recover, creating a 2-way go for the rusher.

Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz)
4/20/18, 10:43 AM
For those asking what a false step is and how it can screw your pass set, here is video on Kolton Miller. You false step in the league, and you allow sacks. He can fix this, but it’s tough and it would worry me to draft him when McGlinchey is on the board still

G
Welsh
Cohen Mil JS: Iowa offensive lineman Sean Welsh up front about bouts with depression
https://www.packersnews.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/2018/04/19/iowa-offensive-lineman-sean-welsh-up-front-bouts-depression/530255002/

DT
Reuter NFL.com: 2018 interior DL class: Most overrated, underrated; sleeper alert!
https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000926830/article/2018-nfl-draft-freakish-vita-vea-atop-shallow-interior-dl-class

DE
Davenport
Pflum BBV: 2018 NFL Draft prospect profile: Marcus Davenport, EDGE, UTSA
https://www.bigblueview.com/platform/amp/2018/4/19/17256280/2018-nfl-draft-prospect-profile-marcus-davenport-edge-utsa-scouting-report-ny-giants

Chris Burke (@ChrisBurkeNFL)
4/20/18, 1:16 PM
Phil Savage on Marcus Davenport: "To me, he fits the prototype as a DE in a 4-3. I know some people have worked him out as an outside 'backer ... His best football is ahead of him. Part I would be concerned about a bit, I thought he had a little lower body tightness."

LB
Edmonds
Edholm PFW: NFL draft profile — No. 11: Virginia Tech LB Tremaine Edmunds
http://www.profootballweekly.com/2018/04/17/nfl-draft-profile-no-11-virginia-tech-lb-tremaine-edmunds/a42uauc/

Griffin
Babb Washington Post: While Shaquem Griffin took on football with one hand, his twin brother always had his back
https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/while-shaquem-griffin-took-on-football-with-one-hand-his-twin-brother-always-had-his-back/2018/04/19/2ff5bf98-431e-11e8-bba2-0976a82b05a2_story.html

Jefferson
Jefferson
Pflum BBV: 2018 NFL Draft prospect profile: Malik Jefferson, LB, Texas
https://www.bigblueview.com/2018/4/20/17261198/2018-nfl-draft-prospect-profile-malik-jefferson-lb-texas-scouting-report-news-ny-giants

CB
Fitzpatrick
Chris Mortensen (@mortreport)
4/19/18, 3:06 PM
All of a sudden, it feels like Alabama's Minkah Fitzpatrick is most underrated DB in NFL draft. Hopefully, that's a misread on my part. He is one of three or four best players. One proven evaluator not picking in top 10: Barkley, Nelson, Fitzpatrick and Chubb are the best.

Nelson
Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet)
4/17/18, 12:37 PM
Wisconsin CB Nick Nelson had successful surgery to fix his torn meniscus today, and he received good news in the process. Dr. James Andrews did not need to fully repair the meniscus — he trimmed it & cleaned it out. That means recovery is 6 weeks, not 3-4 months. Ready for camp.

S
Harrison
S
Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo)
4/17/18, 1:46 PM
Alabama S Ronnie Harrison (No. 38 prospect on @MoveTheSticks' Top 50) had private meetings/workouts with PIT, NYG, DET, TEN, JAX, MIN, CIN, CAR, SEA, HOU, NE, and PHI. Versatile player who should go Round 2.

Former Giants News

Kenney Chicago Sun Times: John Fox: ‘Life’s too short’ to be mad at Bears, ready for ‘new chapter’ at ESPN
https://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/john-fox-bears-new-chapter-espn-analyst/

History

Duggan The Athletic: What history indicates the Giants can expect with the No. 2 pick
https://theathletic.com/316650/2018/04/17/what-history-indicates-the-giants-can-expect-with-the-no-2-pick/

Dan Duggan (@DDuggan21)
4/17/18, 9:35 AM
Trend that jumped out in this review: Front-seven players were bust-proof. Seven LBs, 3 DE and 3 DT taken No. 2 since 1981 and none classified as a bust. Included in that group: LT, Von Miller, Peppers, Suh, Neil Smith, Cornelius Bennett

Rohan MMQB: Mock Drafts: An Oral History
https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/04/20/mock-draft-oral-history-mel-kiper-joel-buchsbaum-bill-belichick-todd-mcshay

Tomasson Twincities.com: NFL draft: Vikings couldn’t land O.J. Simpson, but Ron Yary worked out just fine
“We actually tried to trade the pick to somebody so we could get O.J. the next year,’’ said Bud Grant, the hall of fame coach who was entering his second season with the Vikings in 1968. “We thought maybe we could go through the league and we could postpone the pick until the next year, but there was no avenue for us.

“It was more of a fantasy. So, we put that to bed and we all agreed Yary was the best player in the draft.”

There were no combines or pro days back then. In their evaluation of Yary, then-Vikings general manager Jim Finks and Grant relied heavily on scouts the Vikings had on the West Coast.

“I had never met him. I wouldn’t have known Ron Yary from a fence post,” Grant said. “I only saw, I think, one film on him, but we had scouts and they filed reports. It was a consensus for us that Yary was a no-lose option as a pick, and he turned out to be great for us.’’

Grant said the phone call he made to the tackle on the morning of the draft was routine.

“We just wanted to make sure he hadn’t fallen down and broken his leg the day before,” he said. “We asked him if he wanted to play for the Vikings, but that was a standard question. What’s a guy going to say?”
https://www.twincities.com/2018/04/20/nfl-draft-vikings-couldnt-land-o-j-simpson-in-1968-but-ron-yary-worked-out-just-fine/

Stroud TB Times: NFL draft confessions: The Bucs set the trap, and I took the cheese on Johnny Manziel
http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/bucs/2018/04/20/nfl-draft-confessions-the-bucs-set-the-trap-and-i-took-the-cheese-on-johnny-manziel/

Bishop SI.com: Why Jake Locker Walked Away From Football—and Why He Doesn’t Miss It
https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/04/18/jake-locker-nfl-2011-draft-tennessee-titans-why-he-quit

Volin Boston Globe: Gil Santos was a New England broadcasting icon
https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/patriots/2018/04/19/gil-santos-was-new-england-broadcasting-icon/PeJxRg4rx3WLAVnOEEMcqK/story.html

Giants Birthdays 4-21

Rick Dvorak DT/DE D3-Wichita State 1974 NYG 1974-1977 4-21-1952

Lewis Kelly T W-MIN 2005 NYG 2005 4-21-1977

Tony McGee TE W-DAL 2003 NYG 2003
4-21-1971













Correction on the John Fox link  
Defenderdawg : 4/21/2018 9:55 am : link
Former Giants News:

Kenney Chicago Sun Times: John Fox: ‘Life’s too short’ to be mad at Bears, ready for ‘new chapter’ at ESPN
https://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/john-fox-bears-new-chapter-espn-analyst/
Part 2  
Defenderdawg : 4/21/2018 10:30 am : link
Giants

Duggan The Athletic: A position-by-position breakdown of the Giants' needs entering the draft
https://theathletic.com/323260/2018/04/21/a-position-by-position-breakdown-of-the-giants-needs-entering-the-draft/

Dan Duggan (@DDuggan21)
4/21/18, 9:16 AM
Levels of need:
High: RB, OL, CB
Medium: WR, DL, OLB, ILB, K
Low: TE, Safety
QB gets its own category: If not high enough to take at 2, then low because no sense taking another mid-round QB a year after picking Webb

Dan Duggan (@DDuggan21)
4/21/18, 9:25 AM
After going through the roster, I’m more firmly in the QB or trade back camp. That Jets/Colts package would have been nice. Get a guy like Nelson, 3 seconds and maybe more since it’d be for #2

Dan Duggan (@DDuggan21)
4/21/18, 9:41 AM
I wouldn’t want to drop that far (Buffalo). Problem is there really isn’t a QB-needy team that’d be looking to trade up between 5-10 (unless Elway is full of it). Maybe Cleveland trades up from 4 for Barkley?

G
Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton)
4/21/18, 9:43 AM
I know he's been talked about, but Quenton Nelson probably has not been talked about enough as a player Giants should be targeting.
Problem is: when you start trading down thinking a guy will be there, you open the door for trouble.

But Nelson could impact NYG more than anyone.

NFL

CINCINNATI
Dehner Cin Enquirer: Cincinnati Bengals 2018 NFL Draft strategy: Should it be the next Geno or next Peko?
https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/nfl/bengals/2018/04/20/cincinnati-bengals-2018-nfl-draft-strategy-should-next-geno-next-peko/532172002/

INDIANAPOLIS
Holder Indianapolis Star: Insider: Five takeaways from Colts GM Chris Ballard's presser
https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nfl/colts/2018/04/20/insider-five-takeaways-colts-gm-chris-ballards-presser/536554002/

Keefer Indianapolis Star: NFL Draft 2018: Colts like 8 non-QBs, which means another trade down could easily happen
https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nfl/colts/2018/04/20/nfl-draft-2018-colts-like-8-non-qbs-which-means-another-trade-back-could-easily-happen/536560002/

MIAMI
Lieser Palm Beach Post: 2018 NFL Draft: Marshall QB Chase Litton a late-round option for Dolphins
http://dailydolphin.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2018/04/20/2018-nfl-draft-marshall-qb-chase-litton-a-late-round-option-for-dolphins/

MINNESOTA
Lederman Missourian: Former MU linebacker Brothers handed suspension for violation of NFL policy
https://www.google.com/amp/columbiamissourian.relaymedia.com/amp/sports/mizzou_football/former-mu-linebacker-brothers-handed-suspension-for-violation-of-nfl/article_cadd0416-44d2-11e8-8247-478169356c18.html

PHILADELPHIA
McLane Phil.com: Nick Foles, Eagles agree to reworked contract; includes signing bonus, option for 2019
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/nick-foles-eagles-reworked-contract-signing-bonus-incentives-2018-20180420.html

Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet)
4/21/18, 9:24 AM
The Eagles and QB Nick Foles agreed to terms on a $2M raise for 2018, source said, but he can earn much more. Foles can make up to $14M total in playtime, playoffs and Pro Bowl incentives. ... He’s been paid a $3M roster bonus & signing bonus of $2M. He will make a $4M salary

McLane Phil.com: Eagles once again eye running backs in NFL draft
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/eagles/eagles-nfl-draft-running-back-sony-michel-derrius-guice-donnel-pumphrey-20180420.html

PITTSBURGH
Bouchette Pittsburgh Post Gazette: The Steelers must find a replacement for Ryan Shazier
http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2018/04/20/ryan-shazier-rehab-update-steelers-nfl-draft-linebackers-leighton-vander-esch-boise-state/stories/201804200124

SEATTLE
Bell News Tribune: Still offensive line questions, so Seahawks likely to take more blockers again at NFL draft
https://www.google.com/amp/amp.thenewstribune.com/sports/nfl/seattle-seahawks/article209478474.html

WASHINGTON
Snider Washington Post: Five options for the Redskins in the first round of the NFL draft
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.washingtonpost.com/amphtml/express/wp/2018/04/20/five-options-for-the-redskins-for-the-first-round-of-the-nfl-draft/

Copeland Washington Post: Who should the Redskins draft?: Derwin James vs. Da’Ron Payne
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/football-insider/wp/2018/04/20/who-should-the-redskins-draft-derwin-james-vs-daron-payne/

Draft

Hill SB Nation: 2018 NFL Draft Value Chart
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.patspulpit.com/platform/amp/2018/4/21/17256758/2018-nfl-draft-value-chart-rich-hill

Miller B/R: Matt Miller's Scouting Notebook: When, Where Will Top QBs Land in NFL Draft?
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2771388-matt-millers-scouting-notebook-when-where-will-top-qbs-land-in-nfl-draft

Wilner AP: NFL Draft: Football and academics is tough balancing act at some schools
http://www.recordonline.com/sports/20180420/nfl-draft-football-and-academics-is-tough-balancing-act-at-some-schools

Rankings
Legwold ESPN Denver: Ranking the top 100 NFL draft prospects
http://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2018/story/_/id/23201964/2018-nfl-draft-jeff-legwold-ranking-top-100-prospects-picks

Mocks
Glauber Newsday: Bob Glauber’s NFL mock draft 2018
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.newsday.com/amp/sports/football/nfl-mock-draft-bob-glauber-2018-1.18179477

Reuter NFL.com: Reuter seven-round mock draft: Bills, Fins trade up for L.A. QBs
https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000927617/article/chad-reuter-2018-sevenround-nfl-mock-draft-round-1

Brinson CBS Sports: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Patriots land Sam Darnold in wild draft-day trade with Browns
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2018-nfl-mock-draft-patriots-land-sam-darnold-in-wild-draft-day-trade-with-browns/amp/

TE
Thomas
Rock Newsday: Former Nassau CC tight end Ian Thomas on doorstep of NFL
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.newsday.com/amp/sports/football/ian-thomas-nfl-draft-indiana-1.18181022

OL
Miller B/R: NFL Draft 400: Ranking the Draft's Top Interior OL
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2771402-nfl-draft-400-ranking-the-drafts-top-interior-ol

DL
Miller B/R: NFL Draft 400: Ranking the Draft's Top Defensive Linemen
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2771084-nfl-draft-400-ranking-the-drafts-top-defensive-linemen

LB
Griffin
Stroud TB Times: Shaquem Griffin: ‘I’m not just a feel-good story’
http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/bucs/2018/04/21/shaquem-griffin-im-not-just-a-feel-good-story/





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