Friday Reading

Giants

Giants.com: Fact or Fiction: Players to watch at Training Camp
https://www.giants.com/news/fact-or-fiction-players-to-watch-at-training-camp

Johnson The Trentonian: Impact rookies to watch at Giants training camp
https://www.trentonian.com/sports/impact-rookies-to-watch-at-giants-training-camp/article_c34fcbe6-a405-11e9-99b0-23b0a9018e7b.html

QB

Leonard NYDN: Daniel Jones is one of five unsigned first-round draft picks
https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/ny-notebook-daniel-jones-unsigned-saquon-barkley-luke-keuchly-20190711-7qoea62yj5gdvdgutqg2tpbeza-story.html

RB

Valentine BBV: Giants’ 90-man roster: RB Rod Smith bidding for key backup role
https://www.bigblueview.com/platform/amp/2019/7/11/20681814/giants-90-man-roster-rb-rod-smith-bidding-for-key-backup-role

WR

Bergman NFL.com: Tate weighs in on Jones vs. Eli QB battle
https://amp.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001035598/article/golden-tate-giants-have-a-really-good-problem-at-qb?

Dan Schneier (@DanSchneierNFL)
7/11/19, 12:44 PM
It amazes me how many Giants fans want the team to draft a WR in Rd. 1 of the 2020 NFL Draft
1. Did we not learn ANYTHING from the Jerry Reese era?
2. Have you seen the bust rate for Rd. 1 WRs?
3. Did you not see the team guarantee Shepard and Tate's $ for 2020?
4. Re-read No. 1

C

Traina Football Maven: Training Camp Roster Preview: Spencer Pulley
https://footballmaven.io/nygiants/api/amp/nygiants/news/training-camp-roster-preview-spencer-pulley-B5DUjMJSrkeAXXgH3V5hpg/

LT

Valentine BBV: Giants’ 90-man roster: Nate Solder solid, unspectacular at left tackle
https://www.bigblueview.com/platform/amp/2019/7/12/20682120/ny-giants-90-man-roster-preview-nate-solder

NT/DT

Traina Football Maven: Training Camp Roster Preview: Olsen Pierre
https://footballmaven.io/nygiants/api/amp/nygiants/news/training-camp-roster-preview-olsen-pierre-K47zVfcuzU6q-LFZ3lHFng/

SS

Schwartz NYP: Giants’ special teams eying dynamic boost from Jabrill Peppers
https://nypost.com/2019/07/11/giants-special-teams-eying-dynamic-boost-from-jabrill-peppers/amp/

Giants.com: 30 Questions in 30 Days: Jabrill Peppers best skills
https://www.giants.com/news/30-questions-in-30-days-jabrill-peppers-best-skills

NFL

Kelly The Draft Network: RANKING THE NFL ROSTERS: TEAMS #32 - #25

“31. NEW YORK GIANTS
The Giants have just 8 wins over the past two seasons, and proceeded to trade their best player in the offseason. While Saquon Barkley is a legit stud and they have nice pass-catching weapons in Evan Engram, Golden Tate and Sterling Shepherd, they’re lacking in other areas. The offensive line has some promise, but will need to come together better this season. Eli Manning and his mini-me is an uninspiring quarterback room.
On the defensive line, New York will be relying heavily on young and unproven talent in B.J. Hill, Dexter Lawrence and Lorenzo Carter. Their linebacking core fails to move the needle, and their secondary lacks depth. Jabrill Peppers will help mask the loss of Landon Collins, but their cornerbacks have a lot to prove.”

https://thedraftnetwork.com/articles/ranking-the-nfl-rosters--teams-32-25

Wesseling NFL.com: NFL's deepest position groups in 2019
https://amp.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001035484/article/nfls-deepest-position-groups-in-2019-ravens-secondary-on-top?

Mays The Ringer: Which NFL Players Could Realistically (and Not So Realistically) Still Be Traded This Summer?

“Whitney Mercilus, OLB, Texans
Mercilus missed most of the 2017 season with a torn pectoral muscle and was slowed during the early part of last season by a lingering hamstring issue. From Week 9 on, though, he tallied 27 disrupted dropbacks (according to Pro Football Focus) and was among the most effective pass rushers in the league on a per-snap basis. Even in the back half of his career, Mercilus is a versatile piece who’s just as comfortable rushing on the interior as the edge—and he’ll make only $5.8 million in 2019, the final year of his deal.

The soon-to-be 29-year-old pass rusher is a holdover from Rick Smith’s time as general manager, and he arrived in Houston before head coach Bill O’Brien’s tenure began. The Texans will likely prioritize bringing Jadeveon Clowney (who’s currently on the franchise tag) back on a long-term deal next spring, and with Clowney and J.J. Watt on the roster, the Texans are loaded with pass rushers. Rather than watch Mercilus walk in free agency next year, O’Brien and the team’s makeshift front office could look to recoup some value from one of the league’s many pass-rush-needy teams.

Possible landing spot: Giants. After dealing Olivier Vernon to the Browns earlier this offseason, the Giants are desperate for pass-rushing help. Mercilus fits the outside linebacker role in defensive coordinator James Bettcher’s scheme, and he’d represent a massive improvement on New York’s current edge-rushing options.”

https://www.theringer.com/platform/amp/nfl/2019/7/11/20689754/possible-nfl-summer-trades-marcus-peters-kenyan-drake-aj-green#click=https://t.co/Lf50Y95tDA

Farrar Touchdownwire USA Today: The NFL's 11 best running backs

1. Saquon Barkley, New York Giants
“People gave Giants general manager Dave Gettleman a lot of static when he made the decision to select Penn State running back Saquon Barkley with the second pick in the 2018 draft—after all, this is not an era in which running backs are that highly prized. As is his wont, Gettleman was defiant, insisting that any notion of a positional value overdraft was a “crock.”
Gettleman has made more than his share of mistakes as a GM both with the Panthers (Steve Smith says “Hi”) and with Big Blue, but it’s hard to argue against the Barkley pick, especially given the production Barkley was able to put up around a passing game that seemed to devolve a little bit more every week. Barkley led the NFL with 2,028 yards from scrimmage, had 15 total touchdowns, and proved to be an evolved player as both a running back and receiver from Day 1.
Down after down, Barkley will impress as no other current back does with his ability to create separation in small spaces and read openings to bigger plays. And if he’s running a draw play and you’ve already committed to your defensive reads, good luck catching up to him as he blows right by you. If you foil Barkley between the guards, you’d better be ready for a two-gap jump cut that will leave your linebackers out of place, and though he was limited by the Giants’ quarterback situation i.e. Eli Manning’s regression), he’s proven able to win against coverage from just about anywhere on the field.
It takes a lot to put a rookie at the top of any positional list, but Barkley earned it.”

https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2019/07/11/the-nfls-11-best-running-backs/amp/#click=https://t.co/jUpzmLh2hG

ARIZONA
Solak The Draft Network: JALEN THOMPSON PROVES ARIZONA'S INVESTMENT IN COVER SAFETIES
https://thedraftnetwork.com/articles/jalen-thompson-proves-arizona-s-investment-in-cover-safeties

ATLANTA
Ledbetter AJC: Falcons’ Simpson has a master plan for the defensive line 
https://www.ajc.com/sports/football/falcons-preview-2019-simpson-has-master-plan-for-the-defensive-line/rrvceqtF753UFgIKUmsN9M/

BALTIMORE
Hensley ESPN Baltimore: As huge payday looms, Matthew Judon uncertain about future with Ravens
https://www.espn.com/blog/baltimore-ravens/post/_/id/50038/as-huge-payday-looms-matthew-judon-uncertain-about-future-with-ravens?

CLEVELAND
Freeman B/R: Love Him or Hate Him, Odell Beckham Jr. Is the True Face of Today's NFL
https://syndication.bleacherreport.com/amp/2845104-love-him-or-hate-him-odell-beckham-jr-is-the-true-face-of-todays-nfl.amp.html

Burns Cleveland Plain Dealer: 5 plays that show what the Cleveland Browns are getting in Demetrius Harris
https://expo.cleveland.com/sports/g66l-2019/07/d367c1138c8297/5-plays-that-show-what-the-cleveland-browns-are-getting-in-demetrius-harris.html

Burns Cleveland Plain Dealer: David Njoku's strong second half: 5 plays that show the tight end is ready to break out in 2019
https://expo.cleveland.com/sports/g66l-2019/07/bd4bcdbb205199/david-njokus-strong-second-half-5-plays-that-show-the-tight-end-is-ready-to-break-out-in-2019.html

Burns Cleveland Plain Dealer: How Seth DeValve can keep a roster spot with the Cleveland Browns in 2019
https://expo.cleveland.com/sports/g66l-2019/07/ce318768a76719/how-seth-devalve-can-keep-a-roster-spot-with-the-cleveland-browns-in-2019.html

Shook Browns.com: Browns 2019 training camp preview: Analyzing the defensive tackles
https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/browns-2019-training-camp-preview-analyzing-the-defensive-tackles

DALLAS
Helman Cowboys.com: Why’s There So Much Buzz About Jon’Vea Johnson?
https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/why-s-there-so-much-buzz-about-jon-vea-johnson

DENVER
O’Halloran Denver Post: Broncos Position Preview: Committee approach appears to be plan at running back
https://www.denverpost.com/2019/07/11/broncos-position-preview-2019-running-backs/amp/

Klis 9News Denver: Broncos roster preview: McManus dependable from inside 50 but returner again a question
https://www.9news.com/article/news/broncos-roster-preview-mcmanus-is-nails-from-inside-50-but-returner-is-once-again-a-question-mark/73-fbc606b0-036b-46bb-bb09-639559319d55

INDIANAPOLIS
Walker Colts.com: 2019 Colts Burning Questions: Center
https://www.colts.com/news/2019-colts-burning-questions-center

JACKSONVILLE
Reid Florida Times Union: Jaguars sign WR Marcus Simms
https://www.jacksonville.com/sports/20190711/jaguars-sign-wr-marcus-simms?

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
Schefter ESPN: Agent: Chargers' Gordon wants trade if no deal
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/27167616/agent-chargers-gordon-wants-trade-no-deal?platform=amp#click=https://t.co/EakhJBGHSc

Kilgore Washington Post: Melvin Gordon is the latest NFL running back in a standoff with his team. He won’t be the last
https://beta.washingtonpost.com/sports/2019/07/11/melvin-gordon-is-latest-nfl-running-back-standoff-with-his-team-he-wont-be-last/?

LOS ANGELES RAMS
Simmons Rams.com: Countdown to Camp: Rams returning group of tight ends
https://www.therams.com/news/countdown-to-camp-rams-returning-group-of-tight-ends

Geoff Schwartz SB Nation: How Sean McVay makes the tight end sneak play his own
https://www.sbnation.com/platform/amp/nfl/2019/7/11/20690271/sean-mcvay-film-breakdown-cooper-kupp-sneak-play-vs-rams

NEW ORLEANS
AP Nola.com: Report: Saints player sentenced to jail after plea rejected in 2018 alleged sexual assaults
https://www.nola.com/news/courts/article_e5f6915c-a3f6-11e9-87fb-ab9b94592341.amp.html

NEW YORK JETS
Mehta NYDN: Mehta’s Top 20 Jets Countdown: No. 6 DL Quinnen Williams
https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/ny-quinnen-williams-countdown-20190712-ydh7r7wmmffaznlhcknmdwdsl4-story.html

PHILADELPHIA
Kempski Phillyvoice: Eagles training camp preview: Tight end
https://www.phillyvoice.com/eagles-training-camp-preview-tight-end-2019/amp/#click=https://t.co/kYAp1UsIki

Kempski Phillyvoice: Eagles training camp preview: Offensive tackle
https://www.phillyvoice.com/eagles-training-camp-preview-offensive-tackle-2019/amp/

PITTSBURGH
Adamski Pittsburgh Tribune Review: Steelers rookie linemen Derwin Gray, Damian Prince share lifelong bond
https://triblive.com/sports/steelers-rookie-linemen-derwin-gray-damian-prince-share-lifelong-bond/

Adamski Pittsburgh Tribune Review: Steelers 2-a-days: Veteran Steven Nelson, rookie Alexander Myres among cornerbacks added
https://triblive.com/sports/steelers-2-a-days-veteran-steven-nelson-rookie-alexander-myres-among-cornerbacks-added/

SEATTLE
Schwab Yahoo Sports: 2019 NFL preview: Old school football still exists, just ask the Seahawks
https://sports.yahoo.com/2019-nfl-preview-old-school-football-still-exists-just-ask-the-seahawks-123320158.html

WASHINGTON
Rank NFL.com: State of the Franchise: Can Redskins surprise?
https://amp.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001035551/article/state-of-the-franchise-redskins-to-stun-in-topheavy-division?

Bullock The Athletic: Here is why the Redskins should sign guard Brandon Scherff to an extension
https://theathletic.com/1068069/2019/07/12/here-is-why-the-redskins-should-sign-guard-brandon-scherff-to-an-extension/?amp

Colleges/Draft

Miller B/R: Matt Miller's Way Early 2020 Top 5 NFL Mock Draft
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2845049-matt-millers-way-early-2020-top-5-nfl-mock-draft

QB
Bugler The Athletic: NFL Draft Summer Scouting: Tagovailoa, Herbert lead quarterback conversation
https://theathletic.com/1069518/2019/07/11/nfl-draft-summer-scouting-tagovailoa-herbert-lead-quarterback-conversation/

Breer MMQB: The NFL Awaits the Arrival of Trevor Lawrence
https://amp.si.com/nfl/2019/07/11/trevor-lawrence-clemson-2021-nfl-draft

OL
Reid The Draft Network: WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN SCOUTING: OFFENSIVE LINE
https://thedraftnetwork.com/articles/what-to-look-for-when-scouting--offensive-line

CB
Reid The Draft Network: PROSPECT MICROSCOPE: MEET MISSISSIPPI STATE CB CAM DANTZLER
https://thedraftnetwork.com/articles/prospect-microscope--mississippi-state-cb-cam-dantzler

History

Stuart Football Perspective: Best Players in Pro Football History: 81-90, by Brad Oremland
http://www.footballperspective.com/best-players-in-pro-football-history-81-90-by-brad-oremland/

Schneier 247 Sports: Assembling the New York Giants' All-Time Depth Chart (Offense)
https://247sports.com/nfl/new-york-giants/Article/New-York-Giants-depth-chart-all-time-offense-133594648/Amp/

Litsky NYT: Walt Michaels, Outspoken Coach of the Jets, Is Dead at 89

“Walt played fullback and linebacker at Washington and Lee University, in Lexington, Va., and earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 1951. One of his brothers, Lou, was a defensive lineman and kicker for four National Football League teams.
Walt was chosen by the Cleveland Browns in the seventh round of the 1951 draft and then traded to the Green Bay Packers, where he played for one season. He was then traded back to the Browns, where he flourished as one of the league’s top linebackers.
He began his coaching career in 1962 with the Oakland Raiders and joined the Jets the next year as a defensive coach under the head coach, Weeb Ewbank. (Because of a shortage of linebackers, he was also activated as a player for the first game.)
As the Jets’ defensive coordinator until 1972, he expected to succeed Ewbank. But when Ewbank named Charley Winner, his son-in-law, as his successor, Michaels left to join the Philadelphia Eagles in 1973 as defensive coordinator. He returned to the Jets in 1976 in the same position under Holtz.
Holtz’s resignation before the final game of the season led the team to hire Michaels as head coach...”

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/11/sports/football/walt-michaels-dead.amp.html

Klingaman Baltimore Sun: John Sykes, former City, Morgan State football star, dies at 70
https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/college/football/bs-sp-obit-sykes-20190711-j5yhi4eus5hlfn4ex5tyllfktu-story.html

Giants Birthdays 7-12

Carl Barisich NT W-MIA 1981 NYG 1981 7-12-1951

Jasper Brinkley MLB FA-MIN 2015 NYG 2015 7-12-1985

Sam Garnes SS D5-Cincinnati 1997 NYG 1997-2001 7-12-1974

In Memoriam

Paul Stenn T UDFA-Villanova 1942 NYG 1942 Born 7-12-1918 Died 8-02-2003

NYT 9-02-1942 “FOOTBALL GIANTS REVEAL PRECISION; Squad Impressive in First Drill at Polo Grounds -- Reserves Are Lacking OWEN PRAISES NEW MEN Stenn, Adams, Cantor, Trocolar Rated Highly -- Leemans Key Back in T Formation”

Wash Post (9-28-1942)
“Two jolting maneuvers which produced touchdowns and nullified a 58-minute statistical beating earned a 14-7 triumph for the New York Giants over the luckless Redskins yesterday in a pro football puzzler for the figure-Philberts. A crowd of 34,700 started with the wind and mud-marred contest in Griffith Stadium, but more than 10,000 sought the comforts of the fireside long before the final gun...

the Redskins could not push over the tying marker in the fourth period, although Todd was hacking away for yardage, nearly away twice and Baugh was shooting at his receivers with remarkable accuracy. Todd reached one long pass and made a great try for it, but it evaded his grasp. Al Kreuger and Bob Titchenal came in with dry hands for a last chance, but Baugh was rushed while passing by Paul Stenn and Chickerno intercepted to end it all.”

Bill Svoboda LLB TR-CHI CARDS 1954 NYG 1954-1958 Born 7-12-1928 Died 6-20-1980

NYDN Nov 1956:
Svoboda and Svare Rugged Linebackers

"Linebackers are the tongue-twisting duo Bill Svoboda and Harland Svare. Svoboda, who once played for the Cards, will be after them extra hard Sunday. He's only 210, but great at diving through the interference to stop end runs. Tied with Tunnell this season for most interceptions. Svare is almost the duplicate of Svoboda, though Bill's experience makes him defensive captain. "Middle guard Sam Huff is the only starting rookie. From West Virginia, he has been the real find. He's big, at 230 pounds but as fast as the smaller linebackers, which means he can chase down quarterbacks who decide to run instead of pass.”