Wednesday Reading

Giants

GM

Schwartz NYP: Giants’ crucial draft decision similar to the one ex-GM faced
https://nypost.com/2018/04/10/giants-crucial-draft-decision-similar-to-the-one-ex-gm-faced/amp/

Coach

Raanan ESPN NY: Giants 'set a new direction' this spring under Pat Shurmur
http://www.espn.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/273401/giants-start-to-set-a-new-direction-this-spring-under-pat-shurmur

QB

Stapleton The Record: New York Giants: UCLA quarterback Josh Rosen's audition for Big Blue continues here in NJ
https://www.northjersey.com/story/sports/nfl/giants/2018/04/10/new-york-giants-ucla-quarterback-josh-rosens-audition-big-blue-continues-here-nj/503542002/

RB
Lombardo NJ.com: NFL Draft 2018: Giants host Miami RB Mark Walton for visit, source says
http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2018/04/nfl_draft_2018_giants_host_miami_rb_mark_walton_fo.html

WR

Leonard NYDN: Odell Beckham’s next move will be crucial in determining his future with the Giants
https://www.nydailynews.com/amp/sports/football/giants/odell-beckham-move-pivotal-deciding-future-giants-article-1.3924527

Howard The Athletic: Some team will pay Odell Beckham Jr. his price, leaving the Giants little choice but to pony up (Subscription)
https://theathletic.com/308619/2018/04/11/some-team-will-pay-odell-beckham-his-price-and-if-the-giants-are-smart-it-will-be-them/

C

Salomone Giants.com: Brett Jones ready to be part of O-Line solution
http://m.giants.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Brett-Jones-ready-to-be-part-of-O-Line-solution/44d8d6f1-61fe-4f0e-9ee0-efac5d8251d4

DE

Shook NFL.com: Giants 'extremely impressed' by Bradley Chubb
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000925857/article/giants-extremely-impressed-by-bradley-chubb

NFL

King MMQB: 2018 NFL Draft: What Bill Belichick and the Patriots Will Do ... (We Think)
https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/04/11/patriots-draft-quarterback-bill-belichick-josh-mcdaniels-mmqb

ARIZONA
Urban Cardinals.com: The plan to work outside in camp — maybe
http://blog.azcardinals.com/2018/04/10/the-plan-to-work-outside-in-camp-maybe

Somers AZ Central: Arizona Cardinals' Steve Wilks says team won't rush new quarterback Sam Bradford
https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nfl/cardinals/2018/04/10/arizona-cardinals-steve-wilks-sam-bradford-plan/504270002/

ATLANTA
Ledbetter AJC: Falcons held private workout with Louisville cornerback Jaire Alexander
https://www.myajc.com/sports/football/falcons-held-private-workout-with-louisville-cornerback-jaire-alexander/tVT50w3I8qYR2lORfVKeCI/amp.html

BALTIMORE
Eisenberg Ravens.com: The Approach to Joe Flacco Has Changed
http://baltimoreravens.com/news/article-1/Eisenberg-The-Approach-to-Joe-Flacco-Has-Changed/dd15f0a7-d7b3-4a38-b60a-adee52ce4a06

BUFFALO
Rodak ESPN Buffalo: Incognito's retirement raises question: Should Bills trade up for QB or restock depleted roster?
http://www.espn.com/blog/afceast/post/_/id/87399/should-bills-trade-up-for-qb-or-restock-depleted-roster-in-draft

CAROLINA
Person Charlotte Observer: Panthers made wide receiver moves in free agency. Visits suggest they aren't done
https://www.google.com/amp/amp.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article208476449.html

CHICAGO
Finley Chicago Sun Times: Bears’ deadline to match WR Cam Meredith’s offer sheet looms Wednesday
https://www.google.com/amp/s/chicago.suntimes.com/sports/bears-cam-meredith-saints-2018/amp/

CINCINNATI
Judis Cincy Jungle: How the Bengals go beyond the NFL Scouting Combine to find quality players
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2018/4/11/17216458/how-the-bengals-go-beyond-scouting-combine-find-quality-players

Judis Cincy Jungle: How the international practice squad player will work for the Bengals
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.cincyjungle.com/platform/amp/2018/4/10/17216122/how-the-international-practice-squad-player-will-work-for-the-bengals

DALLAS
Davison Fort Worth Star Telegram: Is Jeremy Maclin still a free-agent option for the Cowboys?
https://www.google.com/amp/amp.star-telegram.com/sports/nfl/dallas-cowboys/article208459124.html

DENVER
Renck Denver Channel: Broncos draft needs include offensive guard
https://www.thedenverchannel.com/sports/broncos/broncos-draft-needs-include-offensive-guard

DETROIT
Birkett Detroit Free Press: Matthew Stafford among Detroit Lions set to cash in workout bonuses
https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.freep.com/amp/502234002

Rogers Detroit News: Lions place Emmett Cleary on reserve/retired list
https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.detroitnews.com/amp/33714035

Birkett Detroit Free Press: Detroit Lions host Frankie Luvu on visit, in 'fine-tuning stage' of draft
https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/04/10/detroit-lions-frankie-luvu-visit-nfl-draft/503535002/

GREEN BAY
Cohen Mil JS: Packers' Blake Martinez echoes Damarious Randall on need for accountability on defense
https://www.packersnews.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/2018/04/10/packers-blake-martinez-echoes-damarious-randall-need-accountability-defense/502621002/

HOUSTON
McClain Houston Chronicle: Why the Texans brought back Brandon Weeden as backup QB
https://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/texas-sports-nation/texans/amp/Why-the-Texans-brought-back-Brandon-Weeden-as-12822631.php

INDIANAPOLIS
Keefer Indianapolis Star: New Colts TE Eric Ebron knows why he's here
https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.indystar.com/amp/502721002

LOS ANGELES RAMS
Wesseling NFL.com: Snead: Rams' Aaron Donald on verge of being top-paid defender
https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000925817/article/rams-aaron-donald-on-verge-of-being-toppaid-defender

MIAMI
Salguero Miami Herald: The draft scenarios for the Miami Dolphins: So many choices and so many needs
https://www.google.com/amp/amp.miamiherald.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/armando-salguero/article208467759.html

Beasley Miami Herald: Dare to dream: Saquon Barkley in a Dolphins uniform. Stranger things have happened
https://www.google.com/amp/amp.miamiherald.com/sports/nfl/miami-dolphins/article208452319.html

MINNESOTA
Krammer Minn Star Tribune: A fourth early-round corner in six years? Why I wouldn't rule it out for the Vikings:
http://m.startribune.com/why-the-vikings-could-again-land-a-cornerback-early-in-nfl-draft/479284633/

NEW ENGLAND
Volin Boston Globe: Value is the name of the free agency game for Patriots
https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/patriots/2018/04/10/value-name-free-agency-game-for-patriots/gnaWYHadJunIIEaAD5mWBN/story.html

Reiss ESPN Boston: Patriots owner Robert Kraft OK with Tom Brady's contract
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/23103977/new-england-patriots-owner-robert-kraft-comfortable-tom-brady-contract

NEW YORK JETS
Mehta NYDN: What Sam Darnold's pre-draft visit with the Jets really means
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/sam-darnold-pre-draft-visit-jets-means-article-1.3925592

Mehta NYDN: Jets will exercise Leonard Williams' fifth-year option: source
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/jets-exercise-leonard-williams-fifth-year-option-article-1.3927563

OAKLAND
Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL)
4/9/18, 5:20 PM
Raiders waived Andrew East, team announced. Andrew DePaola the only long snapper on roster. Club also signed its five tendered exclusive-rights free agents: LB Shilique Calhoun, LB James Cowser, S Erik Harris, G-T Denver Kirkland, K Giorgio Tavecchio.

PHILADELPHIA
Berman Phil.com: Thoughts on breakout Eagles players, Wendell Smallwood, and Richard Rodgers
http://www.philly.com/philly/newsletters/eagles/eagles-breakout-players-2018-wendell-smallwood-richard-rodgers-newsletter-20180411.html

Kempski Phillyvoice: Eagles 2018 NFL Draft preview: Running back
http://www.phillyvoice.com/eagles-2018-nfl-draft-preview-running-back/

PITTSBURGH
Bouchette Pittsburgh Post Gazette: Q in my chat: “Ed, if the next franchise QB is there at 28 Steelers should take him? Ben is only one play from not playing again like Bradshaw.” My answer:
http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2018/04/10/Ed-Bouchette-Steelers-chat-4-10-18/stories/201804100073

Fowler ESPN Pittsburgh: Separating fact from fiction with Le'Veon Bell and the Steelers
http://www.espn.com/blog/pittsburgh-steelers/post/_/id/27634/separating-fact-from-fiction-with-leveon-bell-and-the-steelers

Joyce Winston Salem Journal: App State grad Parker Collins grateful for opportunity with Pittsburgh Steelers
https://www.statesville.com/sports/colleges/appalachian-state/app-state-grad-parker-collins-grateful-for-opportunity-with-pittsburgh/article_9302f964-5168-5766-a672-a0f369836e9c.amp.html

DeArdoo 247 Sports: Nat Berhe's brother clears the air on his concussion history
https://www.google.com/amp/s/247sports.com/nfl/pittsburgh-steelers/Bolt/Pittsburgh-Steelers-Nat-Berhes-brother-clears-the-air-on-his-concussion-history-117201687/Amp

SAN FRANCISCO
Barrows Sac Bee: 49ers' best draft fits: Next up, guard
https://www.google.com/amp/amp.sacbee.com/sports/nfl/san-francisco-49ers/article208453094.html

SEATTLE
Henderson ESPN Seattle: Why are the Seahawks scouting top QBs when they have Russell Wilson?
http://www.espn.com/blog/nfcwest/post/_/id/129686/why-are-the-seahawks-scouting-top-qbs-when-they-have-russell-wilson

Bob Condotta (@bcondotta)
4/10/18, 11:07 PM
The Seahawks are counting on this, that Duane Brown will make a difference both with his play and his leadership. We'll see if it works, but that's worth keeping in mind as the draft approaches that that is part of their thought process.

Rost My Northwest: What should the Seahawks do at kicker?
https://www.google.com/amp/sports.mynorthwest.com/438918/what-should-the-seahawks-do-at-kicker/amp/

TAMPA BAY
Greg Auman (@gregauman)
4/10/18, 9:58 PM
Bucs, who pick No. 7 overall, brought Notre Dame tackle Mike McGlinchey in for an official visit today. Seen by many as the best tackle in the draft.

TENNESSEE
Wolf The Tennessean: Titans' Mike Vrabel on helmet rule, concussions: 'Don't turn your helmet into a weapon'
https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/nfl/titans/2018/04/10/titans-mike-vrabel-helmet-rule-concussions-dont-turn-your-helmet-into-weapon/501534002/

Wolf The Tennessean: Titans bolster return game with former Ravens wide receiver Michael Campanaro
https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/nfl/titans/2018/04/10/titans-bolster-return-game-former-ravens-wide-receiver-michael-campanaro/501543002/

Wyatt Titans.com: Titans Coach Mike Vrabel Talks DL Logan, LB Compton
http://titansonline.com/news/article-4/Titans-Coach-Mike-Vrabel-Talks-DL-Logan-LB-Compton/8bbdd238-ab6d-4834-907e-efe05a3ba39a

WASHINGTON
Boswell Washington Post: Redskins get a C- or D+ so far this offseason
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/dc-sports-bog/wp/2018/04/10/boswell-redskins-get-a-c-or-d-so-far-this-offseason/

Schreifels Redskins.com: Phil Taylor Sr., Used To Comebacks, Prepares For Another With The Redskins
http://redskins.com/news/article-1/Phil-Taylor-Sr-Used-To-Comebacks-Prepares-For-Another-With-The-Redskins/4e95344e-0d68-4acf-8f51-f53a4919a933

Copeland Washington Post: Redskins have yet to replace what they lost in secondary
https://www.washingtonpost.com/amphtml/news/football-insider/wp/2018/04/10/redskins-have-yet-to-replace-what-they-lost-in-secondary/

Draft

Maese Washington Post: NFL draft analysis is a cottage industry — and everyone wants to join the neighborhood
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.washingtonpost.com/amphtml/sports/redskins/nfl-draft-analysis-is-a-cottage-industry--and-everyone-wants-to-join-the-neighborhood/2018/04/10/4edb07ca-399f-11e8-acd5-35eac230e514_story.html

Trapasso CBS Sports: 2018 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings: Mike Gesicki, Sony Michel and other underrated players
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2018-nfl-draft-prospect-rankings-mike-gesicki-sony-michel-and-other-underrated-players/amp/

Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt)
4/10/18, 11:21 AM
3 @AppState_FB non-combine invites on NFL radar after pro day

LB Eric Boggs (6-1, 239) 4.77 40, 30.5 VJ, 9-2 BJ, 4.25 ss, 7.08 3cn

S A.J. Howard (5-10, 203) 4.51 40, 32.5 VJ, 9-7 BJ, 4.18 ss, 7.06 3cn

OL Beau Nunn (6-3 1/2, 304) 5.01 40, 31 VJ, 8-11 BJ, 4.93 ss, 8.08 3cn

Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt)
4/10/18, 11:25 AM
2 non-combine invites from @GSU_TIGERS on NFL radar after pro day

RB Martez Carter (5-7, 210) 4.64 40, 36 VJ, 9-10 BJ, 4.50 ss, 7.52 3cn, 14 lifts

SS Montrel Meander (6-2 1/8, 215) 4.40 40, 37.5 VJ, 10-4 BJ, 4.39 ss, 7.21 3cn, 15 lifts

Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt)
4/10/18, 11:17 AM
2 non-combine invites from @NevadaFootball on NFL radar after pro day:

DE Patrick Choudja (6-3, 255) 4.89/4.99 40, 4.68 ss (on wood hoops court), 7.56 3cn, 24 lifts

LB Travis Wilson (6-1, 213) 4.60/4.62 40, 38 VJ, 10-7 BJ, 4.37 ss, 7.25 3cn. Worked out at safety.

QB
Evan Silva (@evansilva)
4/10/18, 2:26 PM
“I’m getting more & more vibes that Sam Darnold is not gonna be the first pick. Josh Allen is not just smoke. It’s a very real thing. People I’m hearing this from, I trust." -- LanceZierlein on fduffy3's show:
https://phieagles.akamaized.net/PHI/audios/dct/video_audio/2018/04-April/JTTD-104-Zierlein.mp3

Benoit MMQB: Josh Allen: What He Could Be, and What He Is Now
https://www.google.com/amp/amp.si.com/nfl/2018/04/10/josh-allen-wyoming-draft-scouting-report-pro-day-arm-strength-mobility-accuracy

Maiorana Rochester Democrat: Opinions vary on QB Josh Allen, who may be the ultimate risk-reward boom or bust pick
https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.democratandchronicle.com/amp/500494002

Edholm PFW: NFL draft profile — No. 17: Louisville QB Lamar Jackson
http://www.profootballweekly.com/2018/04/10/nfl-draft-profile-no-17-louisville-qb-lamar-jackson/azdbm69/

Birkett Detroit Free Press: Finally healthy, Eastern Michigan QB Brogan Roback is among those headed to Allen Park for the workout
https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/04/10/eastern-michigan-detroit-lions-brogan-roback/505425002/

RB
Reuter NFL.com: RB overview: Top 5 prospects, teams with greatest need at position
https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000925760/article/2018-nfl-draft-saquon-barkley-leads-deep-rb-class

Fran Duffy (@fduffy3)
4/10/18, 8:36 PM
Sony Michel is one of the best pass protectors in the draft. Solid receiver. Above average speed in the open field. If things are defined for him up front he can do a lot of damage. He will make a lot of plays in the right hands

WR
Heilman Florida Times Union: FSU receiver Auden Tate hoping to offer big production to NFL team
http://www.jacksonville.com/sports/20180410/fsu-receiver-auden-tate-hoping-to-offer-big-production-to-nfl-team

Knight TB Times: Draft prospect Marquez Valdes-Scantling puts hands, heart on display
http://www.tbo.com/sports/usf-bulls/2018/04/10/draft-prospect-marquez-valdes-scantling-puts-hands-heart-on-display/

T
Rost My Northwest: Brock Huard’s 2018 NFL Draft preview: Notre Dame OT Mike McGlinchey
https://www.google.com/amp/sports.mynorthwest.com/438852/brock-huards-2018-nfl-draft-preview-notre-dame-ot-mike-mcglinchey/amp/

DT
Pflum BBV: 2018 NFL Draft prospect profile: Vita Vea, DT, Washington
https://www.bigblueview.com/2018/4/10/17218880/2018-nfl-draft-prospect-profile-vita-vea-dt-washington-scouting-report-ny-giants

DE
Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout)
4/10/18, 10:12 PM
Bradley Chubb is my favorite defensive player to watch in this class. Dude wrecks offenses. Big, athletic, high-motored and smart.

Tanier B/R: 'What's Wrong with NFL Draft Prospect Marcus Davenport?' Is the Wrong Question
https://www.google.com/amp/s/syndication.bleacherreport.com/amp/2764898-whats-wrong-with-nfl-draft-prospect-marcus-davenport-is-the-wrong-question.amp.html

LB
Brugler for the Dallas Morning News: NFL draft prospect Leighton Vander Esch is just scratching the surface of his football potential
https://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dallas-cowboys/cowboys/2018/04/10/nfl-draft-prospect-leighton-vander-esch-just-scratching-surface-football-potential

History

RIP Former Giants OL and DL and LS Jim Pietrzak who has passed away at the age of 65.

EMUEagles.com: E-Club Hall of Fame Member Jim Pietrzak Passes Away
http://www.emueagles.com/news/2018/4/10/football-e-club-hall-of-fame-member-jim-pietrzak-passes-away.aspx

He was drafted in the 6th round out of Eastern Michigan in 1974, spent 6 years with the Giants and 12 years on the NFL.

Initially he saw time at center and tackle on offense and DT on defense under Giants Coach Bill Arnsparger.

From the Giants Media Guide in 1975: "Big Jim was the No. 6 draft choice of the Giants last year and turned out to be a versatile young man. He worked at offensive tackle through the preseason, then moved to defensive tackle in the regular season, playing all 14 games as a special team man and starting a half-dozen at tackle, as well as snapping for punts on occasion. A hard worker with fine potential, he tied for the team lead in enemy fumble recoveries with two.
Pietrzak played center, guard and tackle during his three seasons at Eastern Michigan, winning college division All-American honors by Kodak, AP and the Football News. The big guy also won varsity letters in in wrestling and in track as a weight thrower. He was vice-president of the Alpha Phi Omega fraternity and majored in marketing research.
He was born in Hamtramck, Michigan and was a three-sport star at University of Detroit High School in Detroit. He plays the guitar and aspires to a career in public relations."

Eventually being a LS was what kept Pietrzak in the league and he was regarded as one of the best.

Punter Dave Jennings said of Pietrzak: “Jimmy has the toughest job in football,” says Jennings, one of the best punters in the league. “I've got the easiest job. Upside down, Jimmy has to throw the ball backwards through his legs. Not too many guys can do that. Jimmy is so darn consistent at it. In five years with him, I think I've had one bad snap to four or five hundred good ones.”

PK Joe Danelo added: “He's super,” says Danelo, one of the best place& #8208;kickers. “And when you think of the punishment he has to take, it's really an accomplishment that he's so consistent.”

Pietrzak earned his share of hard knocks as a LS, “I remember one game at the Yale Bowl,” says Jennings, “when Jimmy's helmet was knocked to one side and it had grass coming out of it.”

Pietrzak added: “My first game as a rookie,” “I was really excited. I made the team and was wearing my first pair of white football shoes, and I was on national TV. go out there, my family is in the stands.

“Out of the blue, Rusty Tillman of the Redskins hit me so hard the next thing I knew it was the fourth quarter.”

“My rookie year, ““I led the league in ammonia capsules, and ‘I've gotten burns on my behind from being knocked over. A few teams assign guy to destroy the snapper. We were playing Green Bay and an old college friend of mine, Dave Pureifory, was lined up opposite me.

“Dave has a forearm that's 25 inches wide. He can carry four microwave ovens in one hand. Now I don't care how brave you are, you hate getting beat in the head.

“But one time, nothing happened so headed downfield to help on coverage. was so happy. Then suddenly, I got hit so hard I was knocked off the field right in front of Bill Arnsparger. It was Pureifory. He let me go downfield so he could get me later.”

He also ran into the notoriously dirty Conrad Dobler. In the 1974 season finale as the game clock wound down, Pietrzak extended his hand to Dobler to wish the Cards G good luck in the playoffs. “Thanks,” answered Dobler, punching him in the throat.

Katz NYT: When Giants Meet Redskins, Keep an Eye on the Long Snapper
https://mobile.nytimes.com/1979/09/16/archives/when-giants-meet-redskins-keep-an-eye-on-the-long-snapper-first.html

Pietrzak shook off back surgery which kept him out during the 1976 season, and being waived by the Giants, Patriots, and Broncos in 1977 training camp, as he was re-signed by the Giants before the 1977 season.

Pietrzak would join the Saints after being waived by the Giants and remained in the league until 1975.

Gosset Fort Worth Star Telegram: Hall of Famer Kellen Winslow talks NFL draft, CTE, and 'catch rule'
https://www.google.com/amp/amp.star-telegram.com/sports/nfl/dallas-cowboys/article208361389.html

Giants Birthdays 4-11

Jesse Campbell FS/SS W-PHI 1992 NYG 1992-1996 4-11-1969

Terry Cousin FS/SS FA-CAR 2004 NYG 2004 4-11-1975

Ben Edwards WR UDFA-Richmond 2014 NYG 2015 4-11-1992

Charles Stackhouse FB UDFA-Mississippi 2002 NYG 2002-2003 4-11-1980