After reading several very solid reviews from Sy about Shane Smith, and not recalling many mentions if any (I could have missed them, of course) of Jacob Huesman, I was surprised to see Huesman on top of the depth chart there.
Is this an all-out dog fight between these two? Or does Huesman have the inside track? Again, I've read positives on Smith.
Huesman is by FAR the smaller of the two, and by all standards, a small FB at 6-1, 216 (not a typo). Smith is the same height but is listed at a more stout 247. They're each 24 years old.
What separates them at this point, then, putting a guy giving up 30-ish pounds in the apparent driver's seat?
Then a secondary question emerges when you read this quote in the NYP "optimist" article Eric posted a few minutes ago: “A lot of what I did my last couple years in college was that … actually, my senior year in college I was strictly a fullback,’’ said (TE Rhett) Ellison, a blocking ace with the Vikings.
Does Ellison's arrival and clear experience advantage in-line AND backfield blocking make the need for a blocking runningback obsolete? It might solve the ? at TE, especially if it were to come down to Tye v LaCosse. Sounds crazy but could the Giants keep 5 TEs if Ellison were to be that Mr. Diversity in the backfield and on the line?
Hell, that O-line would get the biggest boost with three TEs in the game at once (say Ellison in the backfield, with Engram and Adams - one example) on the line? Not a formation we'd see often, with no tailback, but a different look, for sure.
Anyhow, what say you all, about the FB position, what Ellison does for us, etc.
Save the roster spot for for one of the young guys that impress in camp and preseason.
I love a good fullback, but Ellison adds a lot of roster flexibility
If we only carry two QBs as I'm hoping they'll do, that opens up another spot that can be filled by a FB
Put me in the keep Shane Smith crowd. The kid is a bruiser and he can catch.
I think that it is seniority that got the other FB on the first team list. That is the most plausible explanation.
But the reasoning for there being no FB on the 53 is solid too. But then why do the Giants have these guys in camp, $hit and giggles?
He's running up those Ramapo hills with Tiki as we speak.
This guy, 6'1", 247
Video - ( New Window )
TE Ellison can line up at FB when needed to mix things up and put pressure on defenses to keep up with our much larger, much more diversified playbook as compared to last year's possibly "league worst" set of offensive plays (lack of personnel talent killed us...).
TE R. Ellison, Engram, LaCosse and Tye.
TE Ellison can line up at FB when needed to mix things up and put pressure on defenses to keep up with our much larger, much more diversified playbook as compared to last year's possibly "league worst" set of offensive plays (lack of personnel talent killed us...).
TE R. Ellison, Engram, LaCosse and Tye.
I'd switch either LaCosse or Tye for Jerrell Adams. Adams seems unlikely to be dumped so swiftly especially given his blocking prowess versus the other guys at least per Sy's reports.
Hell, why stop at two?
Add Huesman (or Engram at wing) and revive the T-formation!
I bet no defenses practiced against THAT the previous week. ;-)
Furthermore, even if Ellison can also lead block as an HB, the Giants will be more versatile if they can both line up for running downs.
Put me in the keep Shane Smith crowd. The kid is a bruiser and he can catch.
I think that it is seniority that got the other FB on the first team list. That is the most plausible explanation.
I agree that it's seniority. That looked pretty evident in a number of spots on the depth chart. In spots where there wasn't a clear pecking order, the incumbent (or at least player who has been with the team longer) was slotted higher on the depth chart.
Either way, I would rather keep Smith as a FB and maybe put LaCosse as practice squad.
I'm sure they could use him in the backfield but i dont htink that is going to be his role.
Shane Smith will be our fullback. All the reports on him are that he is a prototype blocking FB, that plays special team well.
Huesman's weight, which ive seen listed at 216 in numerous places, doesnt seem big enough to lead the way into defensive linemen and linebackers, he would have to put on at least 20-25 pounds. If hes only 216 now i doubt his frame is suited for that weight.
It also wouldnt be crazy to see one of the other tight ends converted to the FB postion. If neither Smith or Huesman impressive. Maybe try to convert one of them if the staff likes them all. just a thought.
My prediction is that Shane Smith is our FB this season.