On defense, all but two starters from last year remain. Gone are LB Kelvin Sheppard and DT Johnathan Hankins. But while B.J. Goodson is the clear favorite to start at MLB this year, there is no clear favorite to start at DT next to Damon Harrison. I'm very anxious to see who gets that job, and also who'll be the first DT to come in for the big run-stuffer (who only played 61% of the defensive snaps last year), although that role may be filled by a DE in obvious passing situations.
Speaking of which, the competition for back-ups to JPP and OV should be fierce, too. Is Okwara the real deal? Is Devin Taylor ready to show the rest of the league that they made a mistake by passing up the chance to sign him? Where does Moss fit into the mix, and what about Wynn and OO? A few questions there which I hope will be answered relatively quickly.
The situation at FS with Andrew Adams and Darian Thompson has been discussed in several recent threads, and of course Landon Collins is a lock, but after those three two questions remain: One, how many Safeties will the Giants keep? Four, which they usually do, or five, which is what I'd like them to. And who will take those one or two spots?
At CB, it looks like Michael Hunter has the inside track to become the 4th one after DRC, Jenkins, and Apple, but he's certainly not a lock. And if the Giants keep five, who else will make the squad? Blake, Deayon, one of the UDFAs, or can Mykkele Thompson make a successful transition?
On offense, although I'd like the Giants to keep only two QBs, the odds are that they'll keep three. The battle between Geno Smith and Josh Johnson may not be an epic one, but it should be an interesting one.
I figure four out of five OL spots are already locked down. From left to right, Flowers, Pugh, Richburg, and Jerry look to be secure. The one battle I'm most anxious to see is at RT, where I think Adam Bisnowaty can give Bobby Hart a run for his money, with the loser riding the pine. After that, two or three back-up spots will be up for grabs.
With the skill positions, which have been discussed at length, I think it primarily comes down to a numbers game. How many RBs, TEs, and WRs will the Giants keep? We know who's going to start at RB and WR, but assuming four and six for each (and you know I'd go with three and six, but, whatever), several spots should be up for grabs. I'm anxious to see who takes those spots.
With the TEs, I'll assume that four are kept. To me, Ellison, Engram, and Adams are no-brainers. The real battle will be between the incumbent Tye and the oft-injured LaCosse for that fourth spot.
To conclude, there are two battles I'm most excited to see this summer: First, at DT, and second, at RT.
How about you?
Without sounding like the late, lamented Jerry-troll, I think it would take a monumental effort on D.J. Fluker's part to unseat John Jerry at RG. The Giants seem to like Jerry a lot more than most of us do. Why? I have no idea.
3rd CB
right side of OL
TE's
QB back-up
3rd and 4th DEs
2nd DT
4th-5th or 6th WR
Not clear to me if Goodson has a serious competitor at MLB -- probably just his to lose.
But JT Thomas was a good cover LB before the injuries started creeping up on him. If he fully recovers, is he the superior cover LB over Casillas? Because if he isn't, I think he could get cut outright for cap savings.
LaCosse, Mykkele Thompson, Darien Thompson and even Geno.
My next group are the rookies who will be on the 53 and I think eventually WILL start but the question is "how soon?".
Lastly, who among the undrafted will topple an incumbent for the 53? If Jadar can learn to tackle this summer, he has a chance. Can Travis Rudolph climb the ladder and stick? Will an "unknown" RB steal a spot?
These are the battles I will be watching.
3rd CB
right side of OL
TE's
QB back-up
3rd and 4th DEs
2nd DT
4th-5th or 6th WR
Not clear to me if Goodson has a serious competitor at MLB -- probably just his to lose.
I am guessing you mean 4th corner?
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fights for his NFL life and is competitive for either spot on the right side of the o-line. Jerry and Hart would both be well served by having to fight for their starting jobs.
Fluker has always been physically gifted but apparently has always lacked the "mental" part of the game. He may not be lazy just lacking in mental acumen (ex. picking up stunts cause he just doesn't see them developing?) and such.
If a change of scenery and some great coaching helps him become the top backup at RG/RT, I'd be ecstatic. I like Bisnotway a lot too, he'll compete at RT for sure. Again, we should have some good competition.
We may be saying the same thing, but I have a slightly different take on DJ. With only interviews to go by (and I'm not a psychologist) I sense that Fluker LEARNS differently.
It could be that in college his superior physical skills covered any other faults. The pro game of course is very different and it would not surprise me that the disfunctional Chargers did not handle him properly. The Giants have the luxury of time to bring him along.
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In comment 13523618 ktinsc said:
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fights for his NFL life and is competitive for either spot on the right side of the o-line. Jerry and Hart would both be well served by having to fight for their starting jobs.
Fluker has always been physically gifted but apparently has always lacked the "mental" part of the game. He may not be lazy just lacking in mental acumen (ex. picking up stunts cause he just doesn't see them developing?) and such.
If a change of scenery and some great coaching helps him become the top backup at RG/RT, I'd be ecstatic. I like Bisnotway a lot too, he'll compete at RT for sure. Again, we should have some good competition.
We may be saying the same thing, but I have a slightly different take on DJ. With only interviews to go by (and I'm not a psychologist) I sense that Fluker LEARNS differently.
It could be that in college his superior physical skills covered any other faults. The pro game of course is very different and it would not surprise me that the disfunctional Chargers did not handle him properly. The Giants have the luxury of time to bring him along.
If Fluker outright wins the RG job or even RT because he finally figures it out, well, this team improves overnight. Jerry had a solid year last year which is why the Giants gave him a deal at season's end. We didn't try to keep Newhouse as I understand it.
I don't know what is going to happen on the right side, but I think Fluker has a good shot to be a strong back-up at RG and RT possibly. He's played both spots in his career. But he has the physical make-up to be a mauling RG. He just needs help from coach Solari and others to get the mental aspects down so he doesn't get Eli killed by missing a stunt or whatever else he struggles with. Jerry is at least steady.
At worst, maybe Fluker becomes and 3rd/4th and a yard blocker; the goal line blocker. I don't know, but he does have physical tools so anything is possible if he can just learn.
Tomlinson vs. Bromley - starting second defensive tackle
Jerry vs. Fluker - starting right guard
Hart vs. Fluker vs. Bisnowaty - starting right offensive tackle
Tye vs. Lacosse - tight-end depth
...versus Ereck Flowers.
(:-)
...versus Ereck Flowers.
(:-)
As for Draughn being an "all around back," well, he's been "all around" the league, that's for sure. He's on, what, his eighth team in eight years? As for his "reputation for having a nose for the end zone," does one decent year where he scored six of his seven career TDs (four rushing, two receiving) qualify one for a "reputation?" I think his career 3.2 rushing average says more about him than his TDs.
However, I will admit that he has a chance to bump Shane Vereen off the roster because their skillsets are similar, but Vereen is without question the more accomplished back, and for the two years prior to last year's injury-plagued season, Vereen didn't miss a game.
Finally, as I've said repeatedly this offseason, I'd rather go with three RBs and one FB instead of four RBs. I don't like the idea of having to activate a 4th RB just to play specials, not when you could get more bang for the buck, so to speak, with an additional DB or WR. If the Giants ever need another RB, I'm sure they can find one on their practice squad, on some other team's practice squad, or on his couch.
Klaatu, how much weight have you lost?
As for Draughn being an "all around back," well, he's been "all around" the league, that's for sure. He's on, what, his eighth team in eight years? As for his "reputation for having a nose for the end zone," does one decent year where he scored six of his seven career TDs (four rushing, two receiving) qualify one for a "reputation?" I think his career 3.2 rushing average says more about him than his TDs.
However, I will admit that he has a chance to bump Shane Vereen off the roster because their skillsets are similar, but Vereen is without question the more accomplished back, and for the two years prior to last year's injury-plagued season, Vereen didn't miss a game.
Finally, as I've said repeatedly this offseason, I'd rather go with three RBs and one FB instead of four RBs. I don't like the idea of having to activate a 4th RB just to play specials, not when you could get more bang for the buck, so to speak, with an additional DB or WR. If the Giants ever need another RB, I'm sure they can find one on their practice squad, on some other team's practice squad, or on his couch.
Your argument against Draughn applies 100-fold for Darkwa and 1000-fold for Gallman. One, a guy with <100 career carries in 4 years, the other a rookie. I like Darkwa more than Draughn and Gallman more than Darkwa but arguing against him based on experience undermines your argument.
I also hope we keep a FB instead anyway. Huesman seems like a perfect fit imo.
Klaatu, how much weight have you lost?
I'm down to 255, so about 70 pounds or so since my heart attack.
Had to give up the rice pudding, though. I'm fairly certain that Kozy Shack stock has taken a big hit because of me.
Me too. Just, don't think dogging Draughn for his experience is fair.
And Smith seems like favorite based on the camp reports. But, Huesman seems like a better guy offensively beyond pure blocking ability. Converted from QB to RB to FB. I think he could actually run the ball in short yardage. Smith is really a moveable blocker. Either guy has qualities we could use though.
Quite frankly Bromley has never shown what Thomas has
Quite frankly Bromley has never shown what Thomas has
Interesting sentiment regarding D. Tomlinson being similar to Fletcher-Cox, who ain't a bad player. I don't think anyone else has made that comparison. One thing I do know about D. Tomlinson is that is supposedly very strong which is a plus, always, for any DL.
Cox is definitely a better athlete than Tomlinson but they are both huge country strong SOBs
Cox is definitely a better athlete than Tomlinson but they are both huge country strong SOBs
I think D. Tomlinson will be a strong starter in this league. Not an All-Pro but just a strong player who does his job.
Its a question imho. I don't have a vested interest and certainly don't feel strongly enough to argue for it but I do have RB as a concern.
Even in a pass first offense between the 80 and 20, when it comes to the red zone and comes to closing out games and it comes to rain games and winter games...running is a capability that is a necessity. Not calling for a run based offense. I am reminding us that we still have to run well to win a playoff spot and beyond
His six TDs came last year, when he was with San Francisco, where my guess is his 2.6 ypc was not just a product of short-yardage situations. His longest run was 18 yards, against Carolina, Game 2. Frankly, he was much better as a receiver out of the backfield in his two years with the 49ers, which is why I say that he might- might, not will - give Vereen a run for his money.
Its a question imho. I don't have a vested interest and certainly don't feel strongly enough to argue for it but I do have RB as a concern.
Even in a pass first offense between the 80 and 20, when it comes to the red zone and comes to closing out games and it comes to rain games and winter games...running is a capability that is a necessity. Not calling for a run based offense. I am reminding us that we still have to run well to win a playoff spot and beyond
There was an article picking the 5 best OL's in the NFC East. LT was Trent Williams, LG was Justin Pugh, than Travis Frederick at OC and RT Lane. I forget the other guard.
I think Flowers and Pugh can be well above average run blockers. TE Ellison can run block on the right. We have a shot to move the ball on the ground fairly well this year. Not Top 10 like our passing game, but maybe in that 14 to 18 range, average but good?
Quite frankly Bromley has never shown what Thomas has
No one is sleeping on Thomas, but since he and Bromley were both splitting time with the first team in the spring (base 4-3 and nickel), I don't think either of them - or Tomlinson, Bryant, or anyone else - is "slated" to start next to Snacks, regardless of where Eric has them in his Depth Chart. The competition will be open, and it should be fierce.
I don't know if you're being serious or not, but I actually like Pinkins. He can play the LB/S role in the Deone Buchanan mode, and the Giants even had him fill in at CB in the spring. He played sparingly last year, almost all of his snaps came on STs, but I hope the Giants find a way to keep him around.
That acknowledged, imho, our collection of running backs still concern me going into the season.
Not the top concern. But I wish we had more capability on OL and RB.
Take care
Otherwise the LB, S, and CB battles are also interesting. Pinkins seems like he could be a dark horse for the 53.
3rd TE - Tye vs Lacosse vs Adams
FB - Smith vs Huessman
4th & 5th WR Lewis vs King vs Norwood vs Harris ?
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seemed to me mostly head-to-head battles, this year it seems like hoping that someone will set themselves apart out of a pack of hopefuls:
3rd CB
right side of OL
TE's
QB back-up
3rd and 4th DEs
2nd DT
4th-5th or 6th WR
Not clear to me if Goodson has a serious competitor at MLB -- probably just his to lose.
I am guessing you mean 4th corner?
Well I'm treat the slot (DRC) not as a corner.
RT - most likely Hart but Bisnotway, Fluker are in the mix
RG - most likely Jerry but Fluker has a shot
TE - do we keep 3 or 4?
RB - do we keep 3 or 4?
QB - some think Webb may be the #2 with a strong camp? Nah...
FB - if we carry 3 TE's, will we carry a pure FB? Smith...
DT - R. Thomas, J. Bromley, Bryant, just who wins the job?
CB - 4th CB V. Blake, M. Thompson, M. Hunter?
FS - Adams or D. Thompson?
SS - Pinkins or Behre?
Lots of battles due to quality depth. I can't recall a list this long in maybe all my years following the Giants (1978 until now). Just praying we get healthy, stay healthy and come out of the gates on fire. I truly believe a great start is needed for us to finish with a #2 seed and a bye. I'm getting ahead of myself I know, but I believe this defense can shut most anyone down if healthy. That will keep us in every early game.
And the offense has some serious skill position players. All we need is for the OL to develop and come through.
I give the edge to R. Thomas to start due to his size and experience in the defense. J. Bromley will spell him (and Snacks) a bit. D. Tomlinson will watch and learn early and work his way into the rotation as the season moves along.
The board seems to have given up on him, I'm not optimistic but I also don't think we're necessary "in trouble" if he starts...He was also projected as a three technique and a disruptor, so he'd match up well across from Snacks.
It's also year three for the kid from Syracuse, aboiut the time you'd expect him to emerge...IE if it's ever going to happen. Another interesting note for pre-season gazing.
The board seems to have given up on him, I'm not optimistic but I also don't think we're necessary "in trouble" if he starts...He was also projected as a three technique and a disruptor, so he'd match up well across from Snacks.
It's also year three for the kid from Syracuse, aboiut the time you'd expect him to emerge...IE if it's ever going to happen. Another interesting note for pre-season gazing.
Plus - as Klaatu mentioned - he doesn't think his head hitting should be something concerning. 4th safety is potentially a really interesting battle. If Jadar Johnson takes to the coaching...