Monday Reading

Giants

RV SNY: Five Giant questions heading into second wave of free agency
https://www.sny.tv/giants/news/five-giant-questions-heading-into-second-wave-of-free-agency/219021324

Serritella Metro: Philadelphia, New York area prospects on radar for Giants, Jets
http://www.metro.us/new-york/philadelphia-new-york-area-prospects-on-radar-for-giants-jets/zsJqcl---70hppL7IHAwFQ/

QB

Duggan NJ.com: Why it wouldn't make sense for the Giants to restructure Eli Manning's contract
http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2017/03/why_it_doesnt_make_sense_for_the_giants_to_restruc.html

WR

Slater NJ.com: Can ex-Jets WR Brandon Marshall make himself a Hall of Famer with Giants?
http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2017/03/can_ex-jets_wr_brandon_marshall_make_himself_a_hal.html

TE

Tomasson Twincities.com: Rhett Ellison’s father says free agents leaving Vikings because of ‘toxic leadership’
http://www.twincities.com/2017/03/12/rhett-ellisons-father-says-free-agents-leaving-vikings-because-of-toxic-leadership/

RG
Eisen Giants.com: New York Giants sign Free Agent OL D.J. Fluker
http://www.giants.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/New-York-Giants-sign-Free-Agent-OL-DJ-Fluker/7798a385-b915-418e-8d0e-40023e223139

Cohen Giants.com: 5 things you need to know about OL D.J. Fluker
http://www.giants.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/5-things-you-need-to-know-about-OL-DJ-FLuker/7594a83b-c621-4c41-b55f-ec4650fc144d

Duggan NJ.com: 5 things to know about new Giant D.J. Fluker, including a crazy path to NFL
http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2017/03/5_things_to_know_about_new_giants_ol_dj_fluker.html

Schwartz NYP: The trouble with Giants’ massive offensive line addition
http://nypost.com/2017/03/13/the-trouble-with-giants-massive-offensive-line-addition/

Rock Newsday: D.J. Fluker looking forward to fresh start with Giants
http://www.newsday.com/sports/d-j-fluker-looking-forward-to-fresh-start-with-giants-1.13248809

NFL

King MMQB: A Free Agency Free-For-All
After four frenzied days of signings, trades and rumors, here’s a look at the most impactful moves, including the Patriots’ deals, the innovative Houston-Cleveland swap, the five-million-dollar fullback and much more
http://mmqb.si.com/mmqb/2017/03/13/nfl-free-agency-patriots-browns-49ers-peter-king

Benoit MMQB: Free Agency’s First Days: Making Sense of All the Movement

Code:

"NEW YORK GIANTS Added: WR Brandon Marshall (NYJ), TE Rhett Ellison (MIN), OL D.J. Fluker (SD/LAC) Lost: OL Marshall Newhouse (OAK), WR Victor Cruz (released), RB Rashad Jennings (released) Instead of speculating (read: guessing) about what Marshall will mean for the locker room, let’s focus on something we’re actually privy to seeing: what he can mean on the field. It’s doubtful Marshall’s presence will impact New York’s incumbent superstar, Odell Beckham; it’s still a no-brainer for defenses to double Beckham. Marshall has a chance to be extremely productive. Not only will he see more single coverage downfield, but in New York’s system he’ll get to run a lot of slant patterns—something his body type and skill set is well-suited for."

http://mmqb.si.com/mmqb/2017/03/12/nfl-free-agency-team-team-analysis

Barnwell ESPN: Barnwell grades the big free-agent deals

Code:

"This is a fascinating signing, and it runs the full gamut of possibilities. Marshall could be a masterstroke for the Giants; he could also help bring the team down from the inside out. It's a high-risk, high-reward deal for a player who looked like one of the best receivers in football as recently as 2015. The money in the deal seems reasonable, given that his $6 million average is in line with the likes of Travis Benjamin and Golden Tate, and while Marshall shined brilliantly before quickly wearing out his welcome in prior stops, the Giants should be able to get out of this deal after one year if things go south. (We'll know more when the full contract terms come out.) Ben McAdoo plays virtually every offensive snap in 11 personnel, with one running back, one tight end and three wideouts. After releasing Victor Cruz, the Giants needed a wide receiver, but Marshall isn't a like-for-like replacement. He occasionally travels into the slot, enjoying some success there against the Patriots in 2015, but the 11-year NFL veteran is likely going to spend most of his time outside. The Giants will occasionally line Odell Beckham Jr. in the slot to get him away from No. 1 cornerbacks and create more space for him to run fades and go routes, but this should primarily free up the slot for second-year wideout Sterling Shepard, where the Oklahoma product is at his best. On the other hand, it's also fair to wonder whether 2015 was Marshall's last gasp as a star wideout. Ryan Fitzpatrick and his fellow quarterbacks didn't do the Jets' receivers any favors last year, but Marshall was a stud with Fitzpatrick in 2015 and fell off dramatically last season. After posting 109 catches for 1,502 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns in 2015, Marshall caught just 59 passes for 788 yards and three scores last season. I went back and looked at every wideout who played 10 or more games for the same team during their age-31 (Marshall's 2015) and age-32 (2016) campaigns since 1970. Marshall's drop-off was one of the largest ever. On a percentage basis, Marshall ranked in the top four in terms of receptions lost, receiving yards lost and touchdowns lost. The players who were around him don't resemble Marshall in style, but they didn't do much more in the NFL. Santana Moss was a relative nonfactor after 31. Troy Brown moved into a backup role. Roddy White never bounced back to his previous level of play. Maybe Marshall will be the exception to the rule. Joey Galloway was able to turn the jets back on. But given how the Giants desperately need to upgrade their running game and offensive line while attempting to keep together their defensive line, Marshall might be a luxury purchase. The Giants aren't as close to a Super Bowl as they seem; they were 11-5 last year, but with an 8.8-win Pythagorean expectation, which suggests they grossly outperformed their actual level of play. They were 8-3 in one-score games, narrowly beating the likes of the Rams, Eagles, Bengals and Bears to push their way into the playoffs, and while their defense was excellent after making several free-agent additions, they were among the healthiest units in the league. It's not difficult to imagine a scenario in which the Giants disappoint and regress toward the mean with Marshall, perhaps unfairly, blamed for the decline."

http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/page/Barnwellx2017FAgrades/bill-barnwell-grades-big-2017-free-agent-deals-nfl

Monson PFF: GRADING EVERY DEAL OF 2017 NFL FREE AGENCY

Code:

Brandon Marshall Grade: A "Brandon Marshall saw a significant drop in production and PFF grade in 2016, but he was one of only two players to score a touchdown against Seahawks CB Richard Sherman all season, and still showed plenty of high-quality play. The Giants are betting the downturn was due more to disastrous QB play than it was to Marshall himself, and they’re not betting a lot to find out." Rhett Ellison Grade: D "Rhett Ellison’s play has steadily declined since his rookie year in 2012, where he was best as a fullback and not a TE for the Vikings. 2016 saw him play just 260 snaps, the lowest figure of his career."

https://www.profootballfocus.com/pro-grading-every-deal-of-2017-nfl-free-agency/?utm_content=buffer8ce1e& utm_medium=social& utm_source=twitter.com& utm_campaign=nfl

BALTIMORE
Hensley ESPN Bal: Ravens spend more in one week in free agency than last two years combined
http://www.espn.com/blog/baltimore-ravens/post/_/id/34383/ravens-have-spent-more-in-one-week-than-last-two-years-in-free-agency-combined

BUFFALO
Carucci Buffalo News: Bills sign receiver Philly Brown
https://buffalonews.com/2017/03/12/bills-sign-receiver-philly-brown/

Carucci Buffalo News: Versatile Hyde says Bills' coaches relaying 'playoff mentality' message to players
http://buffalonews.com/2017/03/12/versatile-hyde-says-bills-coaches-relaying-playoff-mentality-message-players/

CHICAGO
Campbell Chicago Tribune: Loading up? Assessing the Bears' playmaking ability on offense
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-bears-offensive-playmakers-spt-0313-20170312-story.html

LeGere Chicago Daily Herald: Chicago Bears' Amukamara says just look at the film
http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20170312/sports/170319676/

CINCINNATI
Hobson Bengals.com: Peko departure signals shift in defense; Bengals eye vets and rookies
http://www.bengals.com/news/article-1/Peko-departure-signals-shift-in-defense-Bengals-eye-vets-and-rookies/1dec6ef6-d92c-49cc-b302-2748c13ab82c

Terrell ESPN Cin: Connor Barwin to visit the Bengals on Monday
http://www.espn.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/233467/connor-barwin-to-visit-the-bengals-on-monday

CLEVELAND
Cabot Cleve Plain Dealer: Terrelle Pryor gave the Browns a chance after Redskins offer afterall, source says
http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2017/03/terrelle_pryor_came_back_to_th.html

Phelps Cincy Jungle: Kevin Zeitler explains decision to sign with Browns; says Bengals will bounce back
http://www.cincyjungle.com/2017/3/12/14881768/kevin-zeitler-decision-sign-browns

DALLAS
Dallas Morning news: 10 things to know about Cowboys' free agency (so far): How keeping Williams, losing Free could affect draft
http://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dallas-cowboys/cowboys/2017/03/13/10-things-know-cowboys-free-agency-far-keeping-williams-losing-free-affect-draft

Machota Dallas Morning News: Analyzing NFC East offseasons: why Giants could be division front-runners over Cowboys
http://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dallas-cowboys/cowboys/2017/03/12/analyzing-nfc-east-offseasons-cowboys-biggest-challenge-giants-division-front-runners

Dallas Morning News: Former Cowboy Greg Hardy on fall from grace: 'I took it away from myself. Now I’m nobody'
http://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dallas-cowboys/cowboys/2017/03/12/former-cowboy-greg-hardy-fall-grace-took-away-now-nobody

Davison Fort Worth Star Telegram: Jeff Heath is the Cowboys’ strong safety with Church, Wilcox gone
http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nfl/dallas-cowboys/cowboys-corner-blog/article137932078.html

DENVER
Jhabalva Denver Post: OT Donald Stephenson restructures contract with Broncos
http://www.denverpost.com/2017/03/12/donald-stephenson-restructures-contract-broncos/

DETROIT
Birkett Detroit Free Press: New Lions OG T.J. Lang: We can have one of best OLs in the NFL
http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2017/03/12/tj-lang-detroit-lions-visit/99091440/

GREEN BAY
Demovsky ESPN GB: Packers have no clear-cut replacement after losing T.J. Lang to Lions
http://www.espn.com/blog/green-bay-packers/post/_/id/37908/packers-have-no-clear-cut-replacement-after-losing-t-j-lang-to-lions

Silverstein Mil JS: Lang goes home with better deal from Lions
http://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/2017/03/12/tj-lang-ready-make-decision/99091908/

HOUSTON
McClain Houston Chronicle: Texans' Bill O'Brien on Osweiler: 'We wish Brock the best, but we're moving on'
http://www.chron.com/sports/texans/article/Texans-Bill-O-Brien-on-Osweiler-We-wish-Brock-10996584.php?cmpid=twitter-desktop

INDIANAPOLIS
Holder Ind Star: Insider: Poe, Colts can't strike a deal, but signing still possible
http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nfl/colts/2017/03/12/insider-poe-colts-cant-strike-deal-but-signing-still-possible/99102422/

JACKSONVILLE
Kaye WLTV Jack: It all starts up front: Jaguars looking to forge fearsome front on defense
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/sports/nfl/jacksonville-jaguars/jaguars-free-agency-draft-pass-rushers-defensive-line-upgrades/421969753

O'Halloran Fla Times Union: Jaguars release nose tackle Roy Miller
http://jacksonville.com/sports/jaguars/2017-03-12/jaguars-release-nose-tackle-roy-miller

LOS ANGELES RAMS
Gonzalez ESPN LA: CB Kayvon Webster is paying Rams a visit
http://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles-rams/post/_/id/33253/cb-kayvon-webster-paying-rams-a-visit

MIAMI
Lieser Palm Beach Post: 2017 NFL free agents: Nothing flashy from Dolphins, but sound moves
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/sports/football/2017-nfl-free-agents-nothing-flashy-from-dolphins-but-sound-moves/ElX4zPmOJsglod0uYERaiI/

Salguero Miami Herald: Miami Dolphins back at free agency Monday: Time for Dontari Poe, Dont’a Hightower?
http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/armando-salguero/article138139743.html

Jackson Miami Herald: Dolphins offense rounding into form; Dolphins expecting big things from Thomas
http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/barry-jackson/article138064328.html

Perkins Sun Sentinel: Dolphins working to shore up last season's disappointing run defense
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-dolphins/fl-sp-dolphins-20170312-story.html

Lieser Palm Beach Post: Report: Free agent defensive tackle Dontari Poe to visit Miami Dolphins
http://dailydolphin.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2017/03/12/report-free-agent-defensive-tackle-dontari-poe-to-visit-miami-dolphins/

MINNESOTA
Tomasson Twincities.com: RB Eddie Lacy concludes visit to Vikings with no indication deal reached
http://www.twincities.com/2017/03/12/rb-eddie-lacy-concludes-visit-to-vikings-with-no-indication-deal-reached/

NEW ENGLAND
Howe Boston Herald: Aggressive Patriots still have free-agent business at hand
http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/patriots/2017/03/aggressive_patriots_still_have_free_agent_business_at_hand

Guregian Boston Herald: Patriots clearly banking on Jimmy Garoppolo — one way or another
http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/patriots/2017/03/guregian_patriots_clearly_banking_on_jimmy_garoppolo_one_way_or_another

Reiss ESPN Boston: Would Dont'a Hightower really consider signing with the Jets?
http://www.espn.com/blog/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4801799/would-donta-hightower-really-consider-signing-with-the-jets

Breech CBS Sports.com: Agent for Patriots' star cornerback is trying to get his client out of New England
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/agent-for-patriots-star-cornerback-is-trying-to-get-his-client-out-of-new-england/

NEW YORK JETS
Schwartz NYP: Jets battling with Patriots to steal the prize of free agency
http://nypost.com/2017/03/12/jets-battling-with-patriots-to-steal-the-prize-of-free-agency/

OAKLAND
Almond SJ Mercury News: Ronnie Lott tells Raiders fans to keep up pressure on NFL
http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/03/12/ronnie-lott-tells-raiders-fans-to-keep-up-pressure-on-nfl/

PHILADELPHIA
Murphy Phil.com: Howie Roseman put his job on line with Alshon Jeffery deal
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/eagles/20170313_Murphy__Howie_put_his_job_on_line_with_Jeffery_deal.html

Brookover Phil.com: Eagles' O-line appears to be a Roseman obsession
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/eagles/20170313_Eagles__O-line_appears_to_be_a_Roseman_obsession.html

Berman Phil.com: Chance Warmack glad to reunite with line coach on Eagles
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/eagles/20170313_Chance_Warmack_glad_to_reunite_with_line_coach_on_Eagles.html

Kempski Phillyvoice: Eagles say they're comfortable going very young at cornerback
http://www.phillyvoice.com/eagles-say-theyre-comfortable-going-very-young-cornerback/

Bowen Phil.com: The Eagles offered Malcolm Jenkins for Cooks? Say what?
http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/sports/eagles/The-Eagles-offered-Malcolm-Jenkins-Say-What.html

PITTSBURGH
Dulac Pitt Post Gazette: Analysis: Deja vu again for Steelers and cornerbacks
http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2017/03/12/Deja-vu-again/stories/201703120195

Ian Rapoport& #8207;@RapSheet
Ex-Packers and Jaguars CB Davon House is on a plane to Pittsburgh to visit with Steelers today, source said. His market is heating up.

SAN FRANCISCO
Branch SF Chronicle: 49ers’ new fullback can play many positions
http://www.sfgate.com/49ers/article/49ers-Juszczyk-has-IQ-to-handle-duties-as-OW-10994956.php

Aaron Wilson& #8207;@AaronWilson
Robbie Gould 49ers deal: $4M, $500K signing bonus, $1M gtd, salaries $1.5M ($500K of it full gtd), $2M

SEATTLE
Kapadia ESPN Seattle: Seahawks to host Adrian Peterson on free-agent visit
http://www.espn.com/blog/seattle-seahawks/post/_/id/24748/seahawks-to-host-adrian-peterson-on-free-agent-visit

TAMPA BAY
Laine ESPN TB: Bucs' 9-7 season helping them become winners in free agency
http://www.espn.com/blog/tampa-bay-buccaneers/post/_/id/16499/bucs-9-7-season-helping-them-become-winners-in-free-agency

Auman TB Times: Licht sees progress in Bucs free agents signing elsewhere
http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/bucs/licht-sees-progress-in-bucs-free-agents-signing-elsewhere/2316328

Smith Buccaneers.com: Bucs Will Have Fierce Competition at Safety
http://www.buccaneers.com/news/article-smith/Bucs-Will-Have-Fierce-Competition-at-Safety/5c334a99-9fe0-4287-8c91-abb07ea419f8

TENNESSEE
Wolf The Tennessean: Titans appear set to draft receiver in first round
http://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/nfl/titans/2017/03/12/titans-poised-draft-receiver-first-round-john-ross-mike-williams-corey-davis/99092896/

WASHINGTON
Cillizza Wash Post: The Washington Redskins hit a new low this week. And that’s saying something.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2017/03/12/the-washington-redskins-hit-a-new-low-this-week-and-thats-saying-something/?utm_term=.640c8326b492

Boswell Wash Post: Now’s the time: Redskins fans should give their hearts to the other local teams
https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/redskins/nows-the-time-redskins-fans-should-consider-checking-out-other-nfl-teams/2017/03/12/50470c56-0748-11e7-93dc-00f9bdd74ed1_story.html?utm_term=.17812b4cf442

Cole Redskins.com: Vernon Davis Talks Redskins Return And Kirk Cousins On 'Good Morning Football'
http://www.redskins.com/news/blog/article-1/Vernon-Davis-Talks-Redskins-Return-And-Kirk-Cousins-On-Good-Morning-Football/436a1a2c-72bb-4d1f-b509-7d0dcbafac9f

Testfatsion Wash Post: 'It’s going to be good': Terrell McClain is focused on competing, not Redskins drama
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/football-insider/wp/2017/03/12/its-going-to-be-good-terrell-mcclain-is-focused-on-competing-not-redskins-drama/?utm_term=.313a50c35d34


Draft

RB
PFF: PFF SCOUTING REPORT: D’ONTA FOREMAN, RB, TEXAS
https://www.profootballfocus.com/draft-pff-scouting-report-donta-foreman-rb-texas/

OLB
Edholm Yahoo Sports: NFL draft profile: 46. Alabama pass rusher Tim Williams, talented edge specialist
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nfl-draft-profile-46-alabama-pass-rusher-tim-williams-talented-edge-specialist-181200597.html

S
Wilson Houston Chronicle: UConn safety Obi Melifonwu to visit Steelers, Seahawks, Saints
http://www.chron.com/sports/texans/article/UConn-safety-Obi-Melifonwu-to-visit-Steelers-10996180.php

PFF: PFF SCOUTING REPORT: NATHAN GERRY, S, NEBRASKA
https://www.profootballfocus.com/draft-pff-scouting-report-nathan-gerry-s-nebraska/

History

Giants Birthdays 3-13

Cliff Chatman RB D4-Central Oklahoma 1981 NYG IR 1981, NYG 1982 3-13-1959
D.J. Fluker G/T W-LA CHARGERS 2016 NYG 2016 3-13-1991
Brian Saxton TE UDFA-Boston College 1996 NYG 1996 3-13-1972