Tuesday Reading

Giants

Rosenthal NFL.com: NFC East projected starters: Building a Big Blue juggernaut
“There isn't a better, more explosive young RB-WR-WR-TE quartet in football than Saquon Barkley, Odell Beckham, Sterling Shepard and Evan Engram. Shepard and Engram are the keys here. They can't be covered one-on-one, and they're going to see a lot of single coverage, because of the attention Barkley and Beckham draw.

I've seen writing on the Giants that considers Cody Latimer a lock to be the team's slot receiver. The Broncos basically begged Latimer to step into that role for four straight years, resulting in 35 career catches. I'm putting Roger Lewis as the No. 3 receiver for lack of other options. Wideout is one of a handful of positions on this roster that falls off a cliff quickly. (Cornerback and tackle are similar.)

Ereck Flowers skipped the beginning of voluntary workouts in the wake of the Giants' decision to move him to right tackle, but he's back to work now. The Giants have already tried to deal him to no avail, so he's the favorite among some unproven options at the position.

Trading Jason Pierre-Paul for little return was a big risk. While JPP wasn't a natural fit in defensive coordinator James Bettcher's new 3-4 scheme, Big Blue could struggle to generate enough pass-rush pressure outside of what Olivier Vernon provides. The team is going to need push up front, considering the secondary depth.

The Giants had one of the best cornerback groups in the league a few years ago. Now they have a 33-year-old Steelers castoff, William Gay, as the favorite for slot cornerback roles. Despite Eli Apple's tumultuous first two seasons, the Giants don't even have competition for the former first-round pick as a starter.

There is enough top-shelf defensive talent in Vernon, Landon Collins, Damon Harrison and Janoris Jenkins to give this group real upside. But it's a top-heavy roster, and it could take a year to fully make the transition to Bettcher's style of defense.”
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000932684/article/nfc-east-projected-starters-giants-power-up-eagles-locked-in

Schwartz NYP: Jerry Reese’s last draft pick is gone — as intriguing options arrive
https://nypost.com/2018/05/14/jerry-reeses-last-draft-pick-is-gone-as-intriguing-options-arrive/

Coach

Leonard NYDN: Pat Shurmur reminding Giants players that he’s in charge by calling out Landon Collins
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/pat-shurmur-reminding-giants-players-charge-article-1.3989478

QB

Battista NFL.com: Why Saquon Barkley's Giant legacy might depend on ... Kyle Lauletta?
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000932692/article/kyle-lauletta-could-be-crucial-to-giants-saquon-barkley-gamble

McCann MMQB: Why It Was the Smart Decision for Eli Manning to Settle in Memorabilia Fraud Lawsuit
https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/05/15/eli-manning-settles-memorabilia-fraud-lawsuit

RB

Lombardo NJ.com: Giants sign ex-Rutgers RB Robert Martin after impressive rookie minicamp tryout
http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2018/05/giants_sign_ex-rutgers_rb_robert_martin_after_impr.html

WR

Schmeelk Giants.com: Veteran Cody Latimer vying for third WR position
http://giants.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/WR-Cody-Latimer-vying-for-starting-role/c251ec7a-28be-4973-8630-8818aa423143

RT

Schwartz NYP: Ereck Flowers arrives in first sign of Giants hope
https://nypost.com/2018/05/14/ereck-flowers-arrives-in-first-sign-of-giants-hope/

Raanan ESPN NY: Ereck Flowers at Giants facility after trade rumors
http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/23502141/ereck-flowers-new-york-giants-facility-option-declined

C

Lombardo NJ.com: Who is Evan Brown? | Why versatile rookie center has opportunity with Giants
http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2018/05/why_rookie_center_evan_brown_has_opportunity_with.html


OLB

Healy NYDN: Lorenzo Carter, Giants rookie LB and classical music buff, making noise as Big Blue’s towering cellist
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/giants-rookie-lorenzo-carter-making-noise-towering-cellist-article-1.3989026

CB

Schwartz NYP: Veteran cornerback impresses Giants enough to stick around
https://nypost.com/2018/05/14/veteran-cornerback-impresses-giants-enough-to-stick-around/

NFL


BALTIMORE
Zrebiec Baltimore Sun: Ravens add to their undrafted free agent class, signing former UMass DE Da'Sean Downey
https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/ravens-insider/bs-sp-ravens-dasean-downey-20180514-story.html

CAROLINA
Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter)
5/15/18, 7:18 AM
Steelers’ minority owner David Tepper is expected to sign the deal today to buy the Panthers and keep them in Carolina, league sources tell @SethWickersham and me. The deal then would be expected to be approved at the owners meetings in Atlanta on May 22.

Person Charlotte Observer: Sources: Why receiver Russell Shepard asked for release from Carolina Panthers
https://www.google.com/amp/amp.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article211094469.html

CHICAGO
Campbell Chicago Tribune: Bears sign 5 tryout players after rookie minicamp concludes
https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-spt-bears-sign-tryout-rookies-roster-20180514-story.html

Kane Chicago Tribune: Bears rookie linebacker Kylie Fitts ready to put ‘run of bad luck’ behind him
https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-spt-bears-kylie-fitts-bad-luck-0180514-story.html

CINCINNATI
Judis Cincy Jungle: Bengals center Billy Price cleared to run; already showing signs of being a great leader
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2018/5/14/17352344/bengals-center-billy-price-cleared-to-run-showing-signs-great-leader-first-round-pick-nfl-draft

Minich Cincy Jungle: Film Room: Bengals CB Darius Phillips is a game-changer in the secondary
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2018/5/14/17341588/film-room-darius-phillips-game-changer-secondary

DALLAS
Lyell The Coloradoan: CSU's Michael Gallup wants to be 'like' Cowboys star Dez Bryant but not 'yet' ready to replace him
https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.coloradoan.com/amp/608122002

Machota Dallas Morning News: Ben Bloom 'confident' in new role as Cowboys' LB coach; 'I've been preparing for this for a long time'
https://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dallas-cowboys/cowboys/2018/05/14/ben-bloom-confident-new-role-cowboys-lb-coach-preparing-long-time

DENVER
Mizell Denver Post: Chad Kelly transforms from “little tubby kid” to Denver Broncos’ backup quarterback contender
https://www.denverpost.com/2018/05/14/chad-kelly-denver-broncos-backup-qb-contender/

Boniface Denver Post: Broncos’ De’Angelo Henderson “grateful to be alive” after crash involving stolen car
https://www.denverpost.com/2018/05/14/deangelo-henderson-stolen-car-crash-parker/

DETROIT
Atkins Michigan Live: How a year of film can help take Lions' Jarrad Davis where he wants to go
https://www.google.com/amp/s/articles.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2018/05/jarrad_davis_hopes_a_years_wor.amp

GREEN BAY
Cohen Mil JS: Special kind of challenge awaits Packers' rookie wide receivers
https://www.packersnews.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/2018/05/14/packers-rookie-wide-receivers-face-special-teams-challenge/608482002/

HOUSTON
Barshop ESPN Houston: K.J. Malone, son of NBA legend, retires after Texans' rookie minicamp
http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/23505452/kj-malone-houston-texans-retiring-weekend-rookie-minicamp

Wilson Houston Chronicle: Texans have very specific plan for Tyrann Mathieu
https://www.chron.com/sports/texans/amp/Texans-want-Tyrann-Mathieu-focused-playing-safety-12912612.php

INDIANAPOLIS
Dubin CBS Sports: Colts hosting two free-agent safeties, may unclog market at the position
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/colts-hosting-two-free-agent-safeties-may-unclog-market-at-the-position/amp/

JACKSONVILLE
Kaye WTLV Jacksonville: KAYE'S TAKE: TAKING A LOOK AT THE JAGUARS' ROSTER BEFORE THE START OF OTAS
https://www.firstcoastnews.com/article/sports/nfl/jacksonville-jaguars/kayes-take-taking-a-look-at-the-jaguars-roster-before-the-start-of-otas/77-551865957

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
DiGiovanna LA Times: Chargers start workouts thinking deep defensive backfield might be secondary to none
https://www.latimes.com/sports/chargers/la-sp-chargers-camp-20180514-story.html

LOS ANGELES RAMS
Chris Mortensen (@mortreport)
5/14/18, 5:36 PM
After working out a small group of QBs on Friday, the Rams are signing undrafted rookie Luis Perez the Division II Harlon Hill Trophy winner with a remarkable story.

MIAMI
Perkins Sun Sentinel: Dolphins have made big pass defense investment, now it's payoff time
https://www.google.com/amp/www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-dolphins/fl-sp-dolphins-20180514-story.html

Habib Palm Beach Post: Ultimate underdog: Miami Dolphins DE overcomes homelessness, temporary paralysis
http://dailydolphin.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2018/05/14/ultimate-underdog-miami-dolphins-de-overcomes-homelessness-temporary-paralysis/

MINNESOTA
Minn Star Tribune: Brian Robison says he will return for 12th season with Vikings
http://m.startribune.com/brian-robison-says-he-will-return-for-12th-season-with-vikings/482600681/

NEW ENGLAND
Thomas Forbes.com: Mike Gillislee's Hard-Fought 2017 Not Lost On Patriots Running Backs Coach Ivan Fears
https://www.forbes.com/sites/oliverthomas/2018/05/14/mike-gillislees-hard-fought-2017-not-lost-on-patriots-running-backs-coach-ivan-fears/amp/

NEW ORLEANS
Katzenstein Nola.com: Deon Yelder hoping to become complete tight end with Saints
https://www.google.com/amp/s/articles.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2018/05/deon_yelder_saints.amp

NEW YORK JETS
Schwartz NYP: Jets scoop up offensive lineman who once won over Patriots
https://nypost.com/2018/05/14/jets-scoop-up-offensive-lineman-who-once-won-over-patriots/

OAKLAND
Williams NBC Bay Area: Rookie Corner Nick Nelson Could Be Fine as Fourth-Round Pick
https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Rookie-Cornerback-Nick-Nelson-Could-be-Off-as-Fourth-Round-Pick-482556731.html

PITTSBURGH
Dulac Pittsburgh Post Gazette: Steelers WR James Washington credits his work ethic to growing up on a farm
http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2018/05/13/Steelers-wide-receiver-James-Washington-NFL-Draft-Martavis-Bryant/stories/201805130125

SAN FRANCISCO
Branch SF Chronicle: 49ers have NFL’s most expensive offense
https://www.sfgate.com/49ers/amp/49ers-have-NFL-s-most-expensive-offense-12913520.php

Barrows Sac Bee: Thin at tackle: The secret of 49ers lineman Joe Staley's longevity
https://www.google.com/amp/amp.sacbee.com/sports/nfl/san-francisco-49ers/article211123599.html

Fann 49ers.com: 49ers DL Jullian Taylor is an ‘Elite Talent’ with Room to Grow
https://www.49ers.com/news/49ers-dl-jullian-taylor-is-an-elite-talent-with-room-to-grow

SEATTLE
Bell News Tribune: A fifth tight end for Seahawks' offseason roster: undrafted rookie Clayton Wilson
https://www.google.com/amp/amp.thenewstribune.com/sports/nfl/seattle-seahawks/article211147374.html

TAMPA BAY
Smith Buccaneers.com: Ernsberger Looks to Beat the Odds Again
http://buccaneers.com/news/article-smith/Ernsberger-Looks-to-Beat-the-Odds-Again/87f624db-bbf5-4e60-93bb-e172e9982974

Auman TB Times: New Bucs cornerback Mark Myers went from college startup to the NFL
http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/bucs/2018/05/14/new-bucs-cornerback-mark-myers-went-from-college-startup-to-the-nfl/

WASHINGTON
Czarda Washington Post: With Focus On 'Little Things,' Daron Payne Experiences NFL For The First Time
http://redskins.com/news/article-1/With-Focus-On-Little-Things-Daron-Payne-Experiences-NFL-For-The-First-Time/d2cfb739-6e67-49a1-84ae-7f38c3b2bb0c

Copeland Washington Post: Redskins’ DeAngelo Hall ‘probably 95 percent sure’ he will retire, amending earlier statement
https://www.washingtonpost.com/amphtml/news/football-insider/wp/2018/05/14/redskins-deangelo-hall-retires-after-14-seasons/

Draft

Brooks NFL.com: Next wave of top QB prospects: 5 passers to watch
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000932687/article/next-wave-of-top-qb-prospects-justin-herbert-fits-nfl-prototype

History

John Clayton My Northwest: How I connected with Chuck Knox while covering the Seahawks
http://sports.mynorthwest.com/453821/clayton-how-i-connected-with-chuck-knox-while-covering-the-seahawks/

Judge Talk of Fame: STATE YOUR CASE: IT’S TIME WE TALKED ABOUT ROMAN GABRIEL
http://www.talkoffamenetwork.com/state-case-time-talked-roman-gabriel/

Elwood Chargers.com: Ron Mix Returns to Where It All Began
http://www.chargers.com/news/2018/05/14/ron-mix-returns-where-it-all-began

Giants Birthdays 5-15

Josh Johnson QB W-BAL 2016 NYG 2016 5-15-1986

Kregg Lumpkin RB W-SEA 2012 NYG 2012 5-15-1984

Tim McCann DT UDFA-Princeton 1969 NYG 1969 5-15-1947

Cliff Olander QB TR-SD 1980 NYG 1980 5-15-1955