Sunday Reading

Giants

Dunleavy NJ.com: 12 Giants with most to prove this offseason, starting with QB Davis Webb
http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2018/04/12_giants_with_most_to_prove_this_offseason_starti.html

RV SNY: Everything you need to know about the Giants' plans for the No. 2 pick

“ The Giants' "love" for Penn State running back Saquon Barkley is real

That doesn't mean he's a lock to be the pick, but there seems to be no doubt he'll be the No. 1 player on their board, and they think building around an offensive core of Barkley, tight end Evan Engram, and Odell Beckham, Jr. could make them an offensive juggernaut for years to come...

They don't seem as sure about this class as Ernie Accorsi was about Eli Manning and Ben Roethlisberger in 2004, but many people think Darnold is the one guy that has sold Gettleman....

There's no real indication the Giants are interested in Oklahoma's Baker Mayfield. Word around the league is some Giants coaches are high on Allen, but he seems too risky of a prospect for Gettleman. As for UCLA's Josh Rosen, some thought he was the Giants' favorite early in the process, and one source cautioned not to rule him out. He would seem to be behind Darnold, though, but I suppose it would be foolish to completely rule him out...

Among the core tenets of Gettleman's team-building philosophy is the old Giants' standby line of "You can never have enough pass rushers". Chubb is by far the best in the draft and would be a future anchor of their defense and a heck of a tandem with Olivier Vernon over the next couple of years. He seems more of an option if they trade down, though. If they pass on a quarterback and are choosing between Barkley and Chubb, they appear to like Barkley more...
https://www.sny.tv/giants/news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-giants-plans-for-the-no-2-pick/273075048

Healy NYDN: A primer on options facing Giants as draft week finally arrives
http://www.nydailynews.com/amp/sports/football/giants/primer-options-facing-giants-draft-week-finally-arrives-article-1.3947089

Glauber Newsday: How the Browns impact both the Jets’ and Giants’ draft fates
https://www.newsday.com/amp/sports/columnists/bob-glauber/nfl-draft-browns-giants-jets-1.18183005

Schwartz NYP: The Giants’ draft targets at quarterback and specialist
https://nypost.com/2018/04/21/the-giants-draft-targets-at-quarterback-and-specialist/amp/

Lombardo NJ.com: How improved will Eli Manning, Odell Beckham and Giants be? | 2018 game-by-game schedule predictions
http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2018/04/how_improved_will_eli_manning_odell_beckham_and_gi.html

RB

Rock Newsday: Saquon Barkley can fill the gap for Giants with No. 2 pick
https://www.newsday.com/amp/sports/football/giants/saquon-barkley-giants-nfl-draft-1.18194982

S

Rewinski Pats Pulpit: Giants/ex-Dolphins safety Michael Thomas supports Matt Slater’s fight to save the kickoff
https://www.patspulpit.com/platform/amp/2018/4/21/17265202/giants-ex-dolphins-safety-michael-thomas-supports-matt-slaters-fight-to-save-the-kickoff

P

Stapleton The Record: Giants will acquire punter Riley Dixon from Broncos for conditional draft pick
https://www.northjersey.com/story/sports/nfl/giants/2018/04/20/new-york-giants-trade-punter-riley-dixon-broncos-conditional-draft-pick/538394002/


NFL


Volin Boston Globe: Sunday Football Notes:
How teams are relying on their analytics groups on Day 3 of the NFL Draft
“& #9632; The Giants are sitting pretty at No. 2, but it’s sounding like they won’t use the pick on a quarterback. Former general manager Ernie Accorsi, who still has the ear of Giants ownership and helped consult on the hiring of GM Dave Gettleman, said he believes Eli Manning still has two years of “winning, championship football” in him.”

“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,” Accorsi said at a predraft event in New York City.

While running back Saquon Barkley might be tempting to take at No. 2, the position is terrible value that high in the draft. The smarter options are to draft pass rusher Bradley Chubb or trade the pick to a QB-desperate team...”
https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/patriots/2018/04/21/this-scouting-method-guides-handful-teams-day-nfl-draft/prZV1PxLOVAaAgp6oQIZUN/amp.html

Serby NYP: NFL legend Gil Brandt recalls the moment pro football took over
https://nypost.com/2018/04/21/nfl-legend-gil-brandt-recalls-the-moment-pro-football-took-over/amp/

CINCINNATI
Dehner Cin Enquirer: Cincinnati Bengals 2018 NFL Draft Strategy: Center a game of press your luck
https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/nfl/bengals/2018/04/22/cincinnati-bengals-2018-nfl-draft-strategy-center-game-press-your-luck/536647002/

CLEVELAND
Cabot Cleveland Plain Dealer: If Baker Mayfield isn't worthy of No. 1 to the Browns, why do other top 5 teams want him? Hey, Mary Kay!
“It's entirely possible that the Giants would draft Darnold in that scenario, which would likely make Chubb available to them at No. 4 overall. But I've also heard rumblings that the Giants like Chubb, and it wouldn't be shocking for them to take him at No. 2. Some analysts, including ESPN's Louis Riddick, like Chubb better than 2017 No. 1 overall pick Myles Garrett. However, I do think it would be hard for the Giants to pass on Darnold if he's there at 2. They brought him in for a top 30 visit and seem to like him as Eli Manning's eventual replacement.”

“It's not a no-brainer [Allen] because of his accuracy issues and 56.2 career completion percentage in college. I've talked to some NFL offensive coaches who are scared off by that, and others who attribute it to the lack of talent around him at Wyoming. The analytic on Allen are horrible, but the potential is tremendous because of his size, arm strength and mobility. The truth is, none of the top four quarterbacks in this draft are no-brainers, which makes this decision so tough. All have red flags that could make or break them in the NFL. But if the Browns believe he can fix the accuracy with his streamlined footwork, they might take a chance.”
http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2018/04/if_baker_mayfield_isnt_worthy.html

DALLAS
Dallas Morning News: Stephen Jones: Here's how I see Cowboys' offense becoming more Dak-friendly this season
https://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dallas-cowboys/cowboys/2018/04/21/stephen-jones-see-cowboys-offense-becoming-dak-friendly-season

DENVER
Kiszla Denver Post: Unless it’s Sam Darnold, is any quarterback in this draft good enough for John Elway?
https://www.denverpost.com/2018/04/21/sam-darnold-quarterback-nfl-draft/

DETROIT
Ford Detroit Free Press: Boom or bust for Lions in NFL draft? Plenty of both in history at 20th
https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.freep.com/amp/538427002

HOUSTON
McClain Houston Chronicle: History shows Texans can find draft talent in third and later rounds
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/texans/amp/History-shows-Texans-can-find-draft-talent-in-12854152.php

JACKSONVILLE
Kaye WTLV Jacksonville: JAGUARS DRAFT LUNCHEON RECAP: EVALUATION PROCESS STAYS THE SAME, TEAM HAS SPECIFIC OL STANDARDS
“The Jaguars are likely to add depth to their offensive line in this year's draft. With a looming future need at right tackle - and possibly right guard - the Jaguars could pull the trigger early at either position.

With college football's infatuation with the spread offense, linemen evaluations have become a bit more difficult for scouting departments. College teams are passing more, offering fewer opportunities to evaluate run blocking.

As with everything in the draft, a scouting department's projection prowess is vital when it comes to drafting an offensive lineman.

"I think it's gotten a little bit more difficult obviously, but you still have your standards by which you're operating," Coughlin said.

"There may be some questions but you're trying like to heck to answer them all and wherein you might have seen people that we're 50-50 run and pass, that no longer is the case, so you have to really zoom in."

Caldwell and Coughlin are looking for prospects who can fit into the Jaguars' scheme, which features a good portion of run blocking. The front office duo has a clear understanding of what they want in an offensive lineman heading into the draft.

"Well, you have to evaluate the talent, the traits first," Caldwell said.

"Once you look at the traits, then you try to implant those traits into your system. What we look for is big guys with strength and power and athleticism. If they have that, then we feel like we have a really good coaching staff that can train them, regardless of what scheme they played in college. Everyone is going to have an adjustment factor coming into the NFL anyway, but as long as they have the traits and they're smart and competitive and tough and they can adapt, then we feel like the scheme they played in college shouldn't make a huge difference."
Marrone also knows what he is looking for when it comes to offensive linemen who may need to switch positions in the NFL. College offensive tackles like Oregon's Tyrell Crosby or Georgia's Isaiah Wynn may be asked to move inside to guard because of their physical traits.

Marrone has specific preferences for players moving into the middle of the offensive line.

"I think there's numbers that when you look back at good guards, there's certain height [and] weight restrictions," Marrone said.

"I think you kind of go [into that] but each player is their own a lot of times. I think people get nervous - if you're 6-6, 6-7 - going in there, playing guard. I think it's something that just depends on how you're built. I tend to like to like people with shorter legs, 32-34 inseam. Things like that but overall, if you talk to any line coach or anyone that's done that position for a long time, they'll be different things you look for or critical areas."

Marrone said he developed his preferences for certain offensive line positions early in his career. When Marrone worked as an offensive line coach for the New York Jets, legendary executive Dick Haley would give him advice on scouting offensive line talent.

The Jaguars head coach said he typically watches three or four games to evaluate an offensive lineman. He likes watching the lineman's progress through an entire game.

Marrone also likes to watch the linemen against big school talent and small school talent to check for any inconsistencies.”
https://www.firstcoastnews.com/article/sports/nfl/jacksonville-jaguars/jaguars-draft-luncheon-recap-evaluation-process-stays-the-same-team-has-specific-ol-standards/77-543512286

KANSAS CITY
Paylor KC Star: The Star’s seven-round Kansas City Chiefs NFL draft projection, version 2.0
https://www.google.com/amp/amp.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article209519589.html

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
Woike LA Times: Chargers explore all their options when scouting for a quarterback of the future
https://www.google.com/amp/www.latimes.com/sports/chargers/la-sp-chargers-nfl-draft-20180421-story.html

LOS ANGELES RAMS
Klein LA Times: Rams don't have picks in first two rounds of NFL draft, but many a star has emerged from Round 3
https://www.google.com/amp/www.latimes.com/sports/rams/la-sp-rams-nfl-draft-20180421-story.html

MINNESOTA
Goessling Minn Star Tribune: Perfect Draft Storm for Vikings: High QB Supply, Higher Demand
http://m.startribune.com/vikings-don-t-need-to-draft-a-quarterback-but-could-benefit-from-others-run-at-elite-qb-class/480469161/

Walters Twincities.com: Will Vikings’ Danielle Hunter get franchise tag?
https://www.twincities.com/2018/04/21/charley-walters-will-vikings-danielle-hunter-get-franchise-tag/amp/

NEW ENGLAND
Guregian Boston Herald: Bill Belichick has choice opportunity
https://www.bostonherald.com/sports/patriots/2018/04/bill_belichick_has_choice_opportunity

Reiss ESPN Boston: Quick-hit thoughts and notes around the New England Patriots and NFL:
As a captain, did Gronk cross the line in playful news conference?
http://www.espn.com/blog/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4813048/as-a-captain-did-gronk-cross-the-line-in-playful-news-conference?utm_source=dlvr.it& utm_medium=twitter

Reiss ESPN Boston: Why the Patriots need to solidify a post-Brady plan at QB
http://www.espn.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/273826/why-the-patriots-need-to-solidify-a-post-brady-plan-at-qb

Hass Boston Globe: At Supercross event, Rob Gronkowski says ‘Uhh, maybe’ to returning to football
https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/patriots/2018/04/21/supercross-event-rob-gronkowski-says-uhh-maybe-returning-football/PCBM9CbctKo9JhfaeTzccO/story.html

Wetzel Yahoo Sports: Dirt-bike stunt? Rob Gronkowski is trying Bill Belichick’s patience
https://sports.yahoo.com/dirt-bike-stunt-rob-gronkowski-trying-bill-belichicks-patience-231831551.html

Reiss ESPN Boston: In need of linebacker, Patriots could be in solid position in draft
http://www.espn.com/blog/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4812961/in-need-of-linebacker-patriots-could-be-in-solid-position-in-draft

NEW ORLEANS
Underhill NO Advocate: Saints need to remain in the 'quarterback business' during this draft
https://www.google.com/amp/www.theadvocate.com/new_orleans/sports/saints/article_3ae6d28e-4585-11e8-81e9-8728820bbcd1.amp.html

NEW YORK JETS
Costello NYP: Reliving the Jets’ failures in trying to find the next Namath
https://nypost.com/2018/04/22/reliving-the-jets-failures-in-trying-to-find-the-next-namath/

Cimini ESPN NY: Life after Namath: 40 years of bad luck, J-E-T-Suffering
& #8234;http://www.espn.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/75803/life-after-joe-namath-40-years-of-bad-luck-and-perpetual-pinball-for-jets& #8236;

OAKLAND
Kawahara SF Chronicle: Rookies will have opportunities to help Raiders
https://www.sfgate.com/raiders/amp/Rookies-will-have-opportunities-to-help-Raiders-12854273.php

McDonald SJ Mercury News: Raiders’ draft preview: Can Marcus Davenport join Mack, Irvin on edge?
https://www.mercurynews.com/2018/04/21/raiders-draft-preview-can-marcus-davenport-join-mack-irvin-on-edge/amp/

PHILADELPHIA
Fierro Allentown Morning Call: Eagles looking to add to offensive line, tight end depth
https://www.google.com/amp/www.mcall.com/sports/football/eagles/mc-spt-nfl-draft-series-20180421-story.html

PITTSBURGH
Fowler ESPN Pittsburgh: Joe Haden 'training like never before' in Year 2 with Steelers
http://www.espn.com/blog/pittsburgh-steelers/post/_/id/27731/joe-haden-training-like-never-before-in-year-2-with-steelers

Rutter Pittsburgh Tribune Review: Steelers eyeing numbers at safety in NFL Draft
http://triblive.com/sports/steelers/13554963-85/steelers-eyeing-numbers-at-safety-in-nfl-draft

SEATTLE
Bell News Tribune: Sounds like Seahawks may finally draft a quarterback behind Russell Wilson
https://www.google.com/amp/amp.thenewstribune.com/sports/nfl/seattle-seahawks/article209519559.html

Draft

Costello NYP: Giants, Jets can’t crack top 10 most successful teams at draft
https://nypost.com/2018/04/21/giants-jets-cant-crack-top-10-most-successful-teams-at-draft/

Stuart Football Perspective: Nick Chubb Was The 2018 Combine Bench Press Champion
http://www.footballperspective.com/nick-chubb-was-the-2018-combine-bench-press-champion/

Kelly The Ringer: The Ringer’s 2018 NFL Mock Draft, Version 4.0
https://www.theringer.com/2018/4/17/17245210/nfl-mock-draft-4-0-josh-allen-cleveland-browns

QB
Reyes USA Today: 'My nightmare is your lesson': How former NFL QBs who struggled now coach top draft picks
https://amp.azcentral.com/amp/536706002#click=https://t.co/UE4aDxCHiV

Serby NYP: NFL experts weigh in on how the QB Class of 2018 will fare
https://nypost.com/2018/04/22/nfl-experts-weigh-in-on-how-the-qb-class-of-2018-will-fare/

Te Thomas BBV: NFL Draft Report: On potential, Josh Allen is cream of the quarterback crop
https://www.bigblueview.com/platform/amp/2018/4/21/17264242/nfl-draft-report-josh-allen-cream-of-quarterback-crop-2018-nfl-draft-sam-darnold-josh-rosen

Edholm PFW: NFL draft profile — No. 9: USC QB Sam Darnold
http://www.profootballweekly.com/2018/04/19/nfl-draft-profile-no-9-usc-qb-sam-darnold/afeq4kb/

Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan)
4/20/18, 1:45 PM
Some draft buzz: Have talked to more than a few sources that really like Lamar Jackson. Expecting five QBs to go in Top 20

Connolly The State SC: Rock Hill's Mason Rudolph loves proving people wrong. He's ready to do it again
https://www.google.com/amp/amp.heraldonline.com/sports/high-school/prep-football/article209553559.html

TE
O’Halloran Florida Times Union: Hayden Hurst’s ‘phenomenal’ journey will take new turn in NFL Draft
http://www.jacksonville.com/sports/20180421/hayden-hursts-phenomenal-journey-will-take-new-turn-in-nfl-draft

T
Santoliquito Phillyvoice: Mike McGlinchey would love to play for hometown Eagles — but will Penn Charter grad be there at No. 32?
https://www.phillyvoice.com/notre-dame-mike-mcglinchey-philadelphia-eagles-nfl-draft/amp/

Haliburton American Statesman: Luckily for Connor Williams, recruit ranks mean zip at the NFL draft
https://www.mystatesman.com/sports/college-football/luckily-for-connor-williams-recruit-ranks-mean-zip-the-nfl-draft/NoHPiVmysXiBtWgd2d2vBJ/amp.html

Sheeran Cincy Jungle: 5 plays to make a case for offensive linemen Martinas Rankin and Tyrell Crosby
These two Day 2 lineman offer pretty straight forward evaluations based on their college film. Let’s look at a few examples.
https://www.cincyjungle.com/platform/amp/2018/4/21/17255392/5-plays-make-case-ot-martinas-rankin-tyrell-crosby-nfl-draft-2018

Anastasia Phil.com: Cinnaminson graduate Matt Gono is unlikely NFL draft prospect
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/high_school/cinnaminson-matt-gono-nfl-draft-prospect-phil-anastasia-20180421.html

G
Bloomquist El Paso Times: NFL Mock Draft projections for UTEP's Will Hernandez: Where will he go?
https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.elpasotimes.com/amp/533615002

Pflum BBV: 2018 NFL Draft prospect profile: Austin Corbett, OG, Nevada
https://www.bigblueview.com/2018/3/2/17053108/2018-nfl-draft-prospect-profile-austin-corbett-og-nevada-scouting-report-ny-giants

C
Solari Detroit Free Press: MSU streak hopes: Brian Allen to NFL draft, Matt Allen to play center?
https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.freep.com/amp/539560002

DT
Edholm PFW: NFL draft profile — No. 7: Washington DL Vita Vea
http://www.profootballweekly.com/2018/04/21/nfl-draft-profile-no-7-washington-dl-vita-vea/a6kq4db/

Hall Virginian Press: U.Va.'s Andrew Brown takes long path to the NFL draft
https://www.dailypress.com/sports/uva/dp-spt-andrew-brown-uva-nfl-draft-0422-story.html

LB
Edholm PFW: NFL draft profile — No. 8: Georgia LB Roquan Smith
http://www.profootballweekly.com/2018/04/20/nfl-draft-profile-no-8-georgia-lb-roquan-smith/afqqmrb/

Pflum BBV: 2018 NFL Draft prospect profile: Leighton Vander Esch, LB, Boise State
https://www.bigblueview.com/2018/4/21/17265700/2018-nfl-draft-prospect-profile-leighton-vander-esch-lb-boise-state-scouting-report-ny-giants-news

Jacobs Connecticut Post: Oluokun could follow Yale’s dream season to NFL draft
https://www.ctpost.com/sports/jeffjacobs/amp/Jeff-Jacobs-Oluokun-could-follow-Yale-s-dream-12854143.php

CB
Edholm PFW: NFL draft profile — No. 10: Ohio State CB Denzel Ward
http://www.profootballweekly.com/2018/04/18/nfl-draft-profile-no-10-ohio-state-cb-denzel-ward/a3sycak/

S
Zrebiec Baltimore Sun: As NFL draft nears, Pasadena native Ezekiel Turner hopes his days of being overlooked are over
https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/ravens-insider/bs-sp-ezekiel-turner-nfl-draft-20180420-story.html

ST
Thompson Orlando Sentinel: UF record-setters Johnny Townsend, Eddy Piñeiro poised to make NFL draft history
https://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/florida-gators/swamp-things-blog/os-sp-gators-football-20180422-story.html

History

Young Lancaster Online: 1971 NFL draft truly built foundation of Pittsburgh Steelers dynasty
https://lancasteronline.com/sports/football/steelers/nfl-draft-truly-built-foundation-of-pittsburgh-steelers-dynasty-opinion/article_97bb6ea2-45e4-11e8-a901-ef9515d65298.html

Giants Birthdays 4-22

Danny Buggs WR D3-West Virginia 1975 NYG 1975-1976 4-22-1953

Jeff Hostetler QB D3-West Virginia 1984 NYG 1984-1992 4-22-1961

Glenn Parker LG FA-KC 2000 NYG 2000-2001 4-22-1966

Mykkele Thompson S D5-Texas 2015 NYG 2015-2016 4-22-1993

Bob Topp E D13-1954 Michigan NYG 1954 4-22-1932