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Friday Reading

Defenderdawg : 2/14/2020 8:47 am
Giants

Duggan The Athletic: Here’s how abundant cap space offers the Giants a chance to escape the dead money cycle
https://theathletic.com/1606557/2020/02/14/heres-how-abundant-cap-space-offers-the-giants-a-chance-to-escape-the-dead-money-cycle/?

Giants.com: Giants Huddle | Conversations with Victor Cruz
Victor Cruz sits down with three of last year's rookies: Dexter Lawrence, Darius Slayton, and DeAndre Baker (
https://www.giants.com/podcasts/giants-huddle-rookie-conversations-with-victor-cruz

Leonard NYDN: Giants Mailbag: What will define the offseason, free agent spending, XFL takeaways and more
https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/ny-giants-mailbag-free-agent-xfl-20200213-lrj6wqgkuvgljcv5wvhgh4j2yi-story.html

Pflum BBV: The Chris and Joe Show - Khalil Mack, Mekhi Becton, trades, and more in our weekly mailbag (Audio)
https://www.bigblueview.com/big-blue-view-radio/2020/2/14/21136838/the-chris-and-joe-show-2-14-2020-mailbag-mekhi-becton-khalil-mack-leonard-williams-podcast-ny-giants

Offense

Williamson BBV: A new way to look at turnovers is even worse for the 2019 New York Giants
https://www.bigblueview.com/platform/amp/2020/2/13/21135732/a-new-way-to-look-at-turnovers-is-even-worse-for-the-2019-new-york-giants

QB

Bobby Skinner (@BobbySkinner_)
2/13/20, 9:02 AM
Daniel Jones home v. away

Home 6 games
61.1% 6.0 Y/A 6 TD 9 INT
26 carries 166 yards

Away 6 games
62.6% 7.2 Y/A 18 TD 3 INT
19 carries 113 yards 2 TD

What does this mean? No clue. Road warrior?

Bobby Skinner (@BobbySkinner_)
2/13/20, 5:31 PM
MetLife stadium might have a part in this but remember the Jets game was on the road

MetLife 7 games
61.7% 6.3 Y/A 10 TD 9 INT

Outside MetLife 5 games
62.1% 7.0 Y/A 14 TD 3 INT

Still better stats away from MetLife but for some context

RB

NJ.com: Should Giants sign Kenyan Drake? Dion Lewis? What to do behind Saquon Barkley at running back | Beat writer breakdown
https://www.nj.com/giants/2020/02/should-giants-sign-kenyan-drake-dion-lewis-what-to-do-behind-saquon-barkley-at-running-back-beat-writer-breakdown.html

OLB

Clemons SI.com: Film Analysis | How Lorenzo Carter Has Been Misused in the Giants Defense
https://www.si.com/nfl/giants/film/film-analysis-how-lorenzo-carter-has-been-misused-in-the-giants-defense

NFL

NFL.com: Ranking all 32 rookie classes of 2019: Pats 31st

4. NY Giants A-

“Shook: The Giants made the most of their haul from the Odell Beckham trade, which landed them, in part, the 17th overall pick, by selecting Lawrence, who had a solid rookie season. New York also might have found its franchise QB in Jones, answering a huge question for the team's foundation. Baker had a tough start but finished strong and stands to make a significant improvement in Year 2. Ximines was effective in his first season despite making just two starts, recording 4.5 sacks. Love is an exciting young player for the back end of New York's defense. Darius Slayton was an excellent find in the fifth round. Ballentine struggled with a position change to the slot, but he could improve with more time.”

https://amp.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001102008/article/2019-nfl-rookie-report-card-ranking-each-teams-class-1-to-32?

Dubin CBS Sports.com: 2020 NFL Free Agency: Ranking the 10 best free agent offensive tackles; led by Anthony Castonzo, Jack Conklin

“Anthony Castonzo
IND • T • 74
Castonzo is an incredibly consistent performer at left tackle and has been for years. He's turning 32 before the start of next season, but he's also coming off a year where he ranked seventh out of 101 qualifying tackles in Pro Football Focus' grading, and other tackles have shown it's possible to succeed well into your mid-30s. Castonzo also doesn't have very many injury issues, having played nearly 92 percent of all possible games during his nine-year career. The contract that just expired was a four-year, $42 million extension signed back in 2015, and he should garner a considerably larger deal this time around.

Jack Conklin
TEN • T • 78
Conklin is not the most notable Titans free agent this offseason (that would be Derrick Henry or Ryan Tannehill), but he seems like the one most likely to command a big-money, long-term deal. A former first-round pick and stalwart right tackle, he's only going to be 26 years old next season and is coming off a bounceback year after he was limited to only nine games in 2018. Conklin ranked 14th among the same group of 101 tackles in PFF's grading, indicating he is back at or near the peak of his powers. Given the importance of Tennessee's offensive line to its style of play, he will likely be a priority for the Titans this offseason. 

Bryan Bulaga
GB • T • 75
Bulaga is like the right tackle version of Castonzo. He's going to be 31 this offseason and is a former first-round pick who has developed into a very solid annual performer on his side of the line. Bulaga has dealt with a bit more injury issues than Castonzo, playing only 72 percent of possible games in his career thanks to his missing the entire 2013 campaign due to injury. But he's been a consistently above-average performer for Green Bay and was again last season, ranking 15th in PFF's grading among the 101 qualifying tackles. Green Bay has shelled out a lot of money the past few offseasons to upgrade its defense and has a major need at wide receiver, and so Bulaga might actually be available to some other team this winter. 

Matt Feiler
PIT • T • 71
The Steelers sent Marcus Gilbert packing this offseason and handed the full-time right tackle job to Feiler, who acquitted himself pretty nicely, checking in 21st among those 101 tackles in PFF's grading system. He allowed 25 pressures this season so there is some room for improvement, but that number is actually one less than Dallas' La'el Collins, for example, and Collins was widely praised as having had a breakout year. Feiler turns 28 years old this summer and should be a solid, affordable option for either Pittsburgh or another team looking to solidify the right side of its line.

Jason Peters
PHI • T • 71
Peters is 38 years old and the nine-time Pro Bowler has been on the Eagles roster since 2009, so if he comes back, it will likely be for one more go-round in Philly. He has been increasingly susceptible to injuries over the past several years but when he's on the field, he is still one of the best in the game, as exemplified by his ranking sixth in PFF's grading system this past year. 

Andrew Whitworth
LAR • T • 77
Whitworth is in the same boat as Peters, only he didn't perform quite as well this season as we're used to. He at least is far less injury-challenged than Peters, which makes him a bit more reliable when building out your team. Whitworth has already said he's going to be back for one more season, and it's all but certain that season will be played in Los Angeles. 

D.J. Humphries
ARI • T • 74
Humphries has had an up-and-down career in Arizona, but he is also still only 26 years old despite having been in the NFL for five seasons. He's played on both sides of the line with varying degrees of success, but the poor play of Arizona's offensive line in general last season could lead the Cardinals to let him walk in favor of another option in free agency or the draft. With a relative paucity of top-flight options in this year's market, a team could be willing to take a chance on tapping into the potential he showed as a 2015 first-round pick. 

Kelvin Beachum
NYJ • T • 68
Beachum seems like your standard-issue league-average left tackle. He's not a star and he's not going to kill you up front, either. Next season will be his age-31 campaign and the Jets would presumably like to bring him back considering they don't have another strong option to protect Sam Darnold's blindside, but if they think they'd rather find a long-term left tackle in the draft, perhaps they decide to let him walk in free agency. 

Halapoulivaati Vaitai
PHI • T • 72
If Peters decides to return for one more season, it's possible Vaitai could elect to look elsewhere rather than come back to be Philly's swing tackle again. He's shown himself to be a capable starter when either Peters or Lane Johnson has been out over the past few seasons, though notably, he was not quite as solid this season as he was in 2017 and 2018. Still, Vaitai is going to be 27 this offseason and has shown the ability to play on either end of the offensive line, making him an attractive option in a somewhat thin market. 

Dennis Kelly
TEN • T • 71
The best pass-catching tackle on the list, as exemplified by his postseason touchdown against the Chiefs, Kelly has been a solid fill-in tackle for the Eagles and Titans throughout his career. He played pretty well when counted on this year and ranked 34th among 101 qualifiers in PFF's grading system. He's 30 years old so there's not a ton of upside here, but there might be enough for a team to decide that he's a starter rather than a rotational backup.”

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2020-nfl-free-agency-ranking-the-10-best-free-agent-offensive-tackles-led-by-anthony-castonzo-jack-conklin/amp/

Bell USA Today: Colin Kaepernick speaks: On his new memoir and why he still wants to play in the NFL
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/columnist/bell/2020/02/13/colin-kaepernick-interview-new-memoir-publishing-company-nfl-return/4736086002/

BALTIMORE
Walker Baltimore Sun: Ravens position review: After record-setting season, running backs look to finish stronger in 2020
https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/bs-sp-ravens-position-review-running-backs-20200213-frd6nni2ojbqbbgtogitvcb3pq-story.html

Preston Baltimore Sun: The Ravens’ lack of athleticism in the trenches could come back to bite them again
https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/analysis/preston/bs-sp-ravens-need-athletes-in-trenches-20200214-6stvexqtjreullx7daiq2xdnia-story.html

Kasinitz Penn Live: Baltimore Ravens free agents: How much could Patrick Onwuasor make on the open market?
https://www.pennlive.com/baltimore-ravens/2020/02/baltimore-ravens-free-agents-how-much-could-patrick-onwuasor-make-on-the-open-market.html

BUFFALO
Wolf Buffalo News: Beyond the numbers: Bills Mafia, analysts at odds on social media over Josh Allen
https://buffalonews.com/2020/02/13/buffalo-bills-josh-allen-baker-mayfield-pff-pro-football-focus-football-outsiders-billsmafia-analytics-nfl-draft-2020/

CHICAGO
Dickerson ESPN Chicago: Bears defining roles for Matt Nagy's new offensive staff
https://www.espn.com/blog/chicago-bears/post/_/id/4709679/bears-defining-roles-for-matt-nagys-new-offensive-staff?

CLEVELAND
Cabot Cleveland Plain Dealer: Former Browns exec Ryan Grigson an advisor to GM Andrew Berry; likely to be hired full-time after NFL draft
https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2020/02/former-browns-exec-ryan-grigson-serving-as-an-advisor-to-gm-andrew-berry-will-likely-be-hired-full-time-after-the-nfl-draft.html

Cabot Cleveland Plain Dealer: Browns hire Scott Peters as assistant OL coach to Bill Callahan

“A fourth-round pick out of Arizona State in 2002, Peters played for the Eagles, Panthers, 49ers, Giants and Cardinals, and wrapped up his career with a trip to the Super Bowl XLIII, where the Cardinals lost to the Steelers.”

https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2020/02/browns-hire-scott-peters-as-assistant-ol-coach-to-bill-callahan.html

Gribble Browns.com: Chris Kiffin named Browns defensive line coach
https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/chris-kiffin-named-browns-defensive-line-coach

Cabot Cleveland Plain Dealer: Myles Garrett tells ESPN that Mason Rudolph called him ‘a stupid N-word’; hints at NFL audio cover-up
https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2020/02/myles-garrett-mason-rudolph-called-him-a-stupid-n-word-he-tells-espn.html

Williams Cleveland Plain Dealer: NFL Draft 2020: Day 2 linebackers who could fit in the Cleveland Browns’ front seven -- Film Review
https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2020/02/nfl-draft-2020-day-2-linebackers-who-could-fit-in-the-cleveland-browns-front-seven-film-review.html

DALLAS
Reyes USA Today: Dez Bryant wants to go 'home,' play for Cowboys again, but he doesn't want to play in XFL
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/cowboys/2020/02/13/dez-bryant-wants-play-cowboys-again-doesnt-want-go-xfl/4750213002/

DENVER
O’Halloran Denver Post: Denver Broncos 7-round NFL mock draft 1.0: Should John Elway pick up a receiver in the first round?

Holding five of the top 100 picks and nine overall, Broncos general manager John Elway has plenty of capital in April’s draft to add to his team’s young nucleus

https://www.denverpost.com/2020/02/13/denver-broncos-7-round-nfl-mock-draft-2020/

DETROIT
Rothstein ESPN Detroit: Back or gone: What could happen with Lions' free agents
https://www.espn.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/36288/back-or-gone-what-could-happen-with-lions-free-agents?

INDIANAPOLIS
Walker Colts.com: Matt Eberflus Talks Defensive Evaluations, Darius Leonard, Rookie Performances
https://www.colts.com/news/matt-eberflus-darius-leonard-bobby-okereke-colts-podcast

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
Williams ESPN LA: Tyrod Taylor could earn starting spot, Chargers coach Anthony Lynn says
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/28694641/tyrod-taylor-earn-starting-spot-chargers-coach-anthony-lynn-says?

LOS ANGELES RAMS
Thiry ESPN LA: Rams' Sean McVay finds an assistant who 'might be sicker than I am'
https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles-rams/post/_/id/41373/rams-sean-mcvay-finds-an-assistant-that-might-be-sicker-than-i-am?

Jackson Rams.com: Habits from playing career shape Kevin O'Connell's coaching career
https://www.therams.com/news/habits-playing-career-shape-kevin-o-connell-coaching-career

MIAMI
Salguero Miami Herald: Miami Dolphins pivotal decision atop NFL Draft comes with 3 choices & #8288;— only 2 are QBS

“But on its face — at the top of the draft — the Dolphins face a monumental decision whose scope is narrow. The Dolphins might do one of three things with that pick:
Find a way to pick Tagovailoa, either with a trade up or at No. 5 overall. Sure, Tagovailoa is talented, has elite accuracy and shows great leadership. But his extensive injury history and size are reasons for concern.
Find a way to pick Herbert, either with a trade up or at No. 5 overall. Sure, Herbert looks the part at 6-6 and and 237 pounds, has a strong arm, is very mobile, very athletic and is smart. But his accuracy issues in college are real.

So decide, Miami Dolphins. Which one?
Tagovailoa or Herbert? Those two are your only choices at the top of the coming draft if you want a QB there. That’s it.
But there is one other choice: No QB at all atop the draft.
That’s the only other possibility.

The Dolphins might decide to fill another position — like offensive tackle — and wait for QB not named Tua or Justin later. Or perhaps the Dolphins trade down to add to their already sizable draft treasure.
But make no mistake ... picking a player at another position or trading down beyond a couple of spots will almost definitely mean the Dolphins will not get either Tagovailoa or Herbert. Because those two are generally considered the best available beyond Burrow. And QBs generally get overdrafted.
So, according to multiple NFL personnel sources, neither is likely to last past the No. 7-8ish spots in the first round.
Someone will pull the trigger if not Miami...”

https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/armando-salguero/article240231161.html

MINNESOTA
Cronin ESPN Minn: Vikings eyeing 'collaborative effort' to take defense to the next level
https://www.espn.com/blog/minnesota-vikings/post/_/id/29517/vikings-eyeing-collaborative-effort-to-take-defense-to-the-next-level?

NEW ENGLAND
Curran NBC Sports Boston: Looking back at Patriots' releases of Ben Coates and Bruce Armstrong that were 'just business'
https://www.nbcsports.com/boston/patriots/looking-back-patriots-releases-ben-coates-and-bruce-armstrong-were-just-business

Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL)
2/13/20, 4:07 PM
Thuney is the ideal example of what having top-notch AA WITH extremely efficient movement/technique/use of leverage/angles/hands looks like and how those can overcome a lack of size/girth/raw strength/power. Such a FUN player to study & has consistently improved each year.

Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL)
2/13/20, 4:00 PM
Thuney fluidly working off multiple threats after releasing to the 2nd level on the screen, ID'ing MDM, and springing the TD run. This clip is representative of what Thuney has brought to the table the last several years: efficient angles + excellent AA = elite play speed

Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL)
2/13/20, 4:04 PM
Thuney is giving up about 30 pounds give or take vs. Billings here plus a lot of power, but his top traits as a player win the rep anyway = very good hand usage, pad level, competitive toughness, & use of leverage. Great job using those to anchor & give Brady room to throw the TD

Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL)
2/13/20, 11:35 PM
Yeah, Thuney is going to make BANK on the open market. This is where Froholdt/Cajuste/Karras come in for NE. Will be really interesting to see how it plays out, especially considering Scar won't be there to help the development process. Having Andrews back will be big though.

Callahan Boston Herald: The Patriots’ best defensive prospect fits in the 2020 NFL Draft
https://www.bostonherald.com/2020/02/14/the-patriots-best-defensive-prospect-fits-in-the-2020-nfl-draft/

PHILADELPHIA
Kempski Phillyvoice: Projecting what the Eagles' free agents will make in free agency, and their compensatory pick values
https://www.phillyvoice.com/projecting-what-eagles-free-agents-will-make-free-agency-and-their-compensatory-pick-values-2020/

Kempski Phillyvoice: The draft or free agency: Where are the Eagles likely to improve each position this offseason?
https://www.phillyvoice.com/draft-or-free-agency-where-are-eagles-likely-improve-each-position-offseason-2020/

PITTSBURGH
Kaboly The Athletic: Kevin Colbert assesses Ben Roethlisberger: ‘We don’t think he’s at the end of the road’
https://theathletic.com/1606278/2020/02/13/kevin-colbert-assesses-ben-roethlisberger-we-dont-think-hes-at-the-end-of-the-road/

SAN FRANCISCO
Madson 49erswire USA Today: Deebo Samuel nearly made NFL rushing history in 2019
https://ninerswire.usatoday.com/2020/02/13/deebo-samuel-stats-nfl-rushing-history/

Corry CBS Sports.com: Agent's Take: Why George Kittle could break the bank in what could be a banner offseason for tight ends
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/agents-take-why-george-kittle-could-break-the-bank-in-what-could-be-a-banner-offseason-for-tight-ends/

Chan NBC Bay Area: 49ers' Weston Richburg already excited to get back to work for 2020
https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/49ers/49ers-weston-richburg-already-excited-get-back-work-2020

TAMPA BAY
Stroud TB Times: Bruce Arians says Bucs still undecided on Jameis Winston
https://www.tampabay.com/sports/bucs/2020/02/13/bruce-arians-says-bucs-still-undecided-on-jameis-winston-and-quarterback/

TENNESSEE
TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL)
2/13/20, 1:08 PM
#Titans sign TE Anthony Firkser to a one-year deal. He was set to become an exclusive rights free agent in March. Firkser had 14 catches for 204 yards and a TD during 2019 regular season and 3 three rec for 45 yards and 2 TDs in 3 playoff games this year.

WASHINGTON
Keim ESPN Washington: Redskins offseason dilemma: Draft Chase Young or trade No. 2 pick
https://www.espn.com/blog/washington-redskins/post/_/id/39594/redskins-offseason-dilemma-draft-chase-young-or-trade-no-2-pick?

XFL

RV SNY: Q& A: Former Giants coach Kevin Gilbride discusses new role leading XFL's New York Guardians
https://www.sny.tv/giants/news/qa-former-giants-coach-kevin-gilbride-discusses-new-role-leading-xfls-new-york-guardians/312727980

Knight TB Times: Vipers quarterback Quinton Flowers could face fellow USF alum B.J. Daniels
https://www.tampabay.com/sports/vipers/2020/02/13/vipers-qb-quinton-flowers-could-face-fellow-usf-alum-bj-daniels/

XFL.com: EALY: WHY I'M NOT IN THE NFL ANYMORE
https://www.xfl.com/en-US/teams/houston/roughnecks-articles/kony-ealy-nfl

Colleges/Draft

QB
Edelson Asbury Park Press: Monmouth's Kenji Bahar hopes to be latest FCS quarterback to make it in NFL
https://www.app.com/story/sports/college/monmouth-university/2020/02/13/monmouths-bahar-hopes-latest-fcs-quarterback-make-nfl/4643642002/

RB
Edholm Yahoo Sports: 2020 NFL scouting combine preview: running backs
https://sports.yahoo.com/amphtml/2020-nfl-scouting-combine-preview-running-backs-130001657.html

Kamrani The Athletic: Zack Moss is transforming from Utah legend to perfect NFL running back
https://theathletic.com/1574768/2020/02/13/zack-moss-transformation-utah-to-nfl/

WR
Pflum BBV: 2020 NFL Draft prospect profile: Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State
https://www.bigblueview.com/2020/2/13/21136145/2020-nfl-draft-prospect-profile-brandon-aiyuk-wr-arizona-state-scouting-report-ny-giants

Wagner Baltimore Sun: Navy football’s Malcolm Perry preparing for NFL Combine after receiving coveted invitation
https://www.capitalgazette.com/sports/navy/ac-cs-malcolm-perry-nfl-combine-0214-20200213-2fys4xbtlrdcboh6eei3aert5q-story.html

T
Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL)
2/13/20, 3:28 PM
UofLFootball MekhiBecton is a helluva prospect that has tremendous size and yet can move that big body. Who doesn’t want Large People to build their offensive line around. I promise to do lots of film work on this player over the next 8 weeks.

Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks)
2/13/20, 1:25 PM
I usually just watch the endzone copy of all-22 when studying OL. However, I have to watch the SL copy when studying Louisville LT Mekhi Becton because he keeps blocking defenders off the screen

History

Giants Birthdays 2-14

Willie Ponder WR D6-SE Missouri State 2003 NYG 2003-2006 2-14-1980

James Sims RB UDFA-Washington 2006 NYG 2006 2-14-1983

Anthony Wright QB FA-CIN 2007 NYG 2007 2-14-1976

In Memoriam

Dave Brown FB/WB D25-Alabama 1943 NYG 1943, 1946-1947 Born 2-14-1920 Died 8-18-2000

Dave Lewis FB W-ATL 1966 NYG 1966 Born 2-14-1936 3-6-2015

Jared Lorenzen QB UDFA-Kentucky 2006 NYG 2006-2007 Born 2-14-1981 Died 7-03-2019
The Athletic is a subscription page.  
Big Blue '56 : 2/14/2020 8:52 am : link
I couldn’t get in.
That cap article by Duggan is great  
Steve in ATL : 2/14/2020 8:56 am : link
The Athletic is worth every penny.
Just signed up for it  
Payasdaddy : 2/14/2020 5:10 pm : link
$36 for the yr
Keep reading on how its the best out there.
Will give it a shot for the yr.
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