Wednesday Reading

Giants

Traina Locked on Giants Podcast: Jason_OTC joins me on this show to discuss the changes to the cap in the final league year & some potential Giants related contract issues on the horizon (Audio)
https://dcs-b.megaphone.fm/LKN7935550641.mp3?key=a0324839ee582f253d7fa7f6c9cdab26

Traina Forbes.com: Three Potential Low-Cost Free Agent Options That Might Fit The Giants’ Biggest Needs
https://www.forbes.com/sites/patriciatraina/2020/02/18/three-potential-low-cost-free-agent-options-that-might-fit-the-giants-biggest-needs/amp/

Slater NJ.com: NFL Draft 2020: What is Giants’ best option at No. 4? Cornerback? Offensive tackle? Trade down? Latest 7-round mock projection
https://www.nj.com/giants/2020/02/giants-need-a-backup-for-daniel-jones-case-keenum-jalen-hurts-what-they-should-do-at-quarterback-beat-writer-breakdown.html

Patricia Traina (@Patricia_Traina)
2/18/20, 3:47 PM
This wasn't announced by the Giants, but since I had a few questions about it, they retained Aaron Wellman as their S& C coordinator and Pratik Patel as their Director of Performance Nutrition

Patricia Traina (@Patricia_Traina)
2/18/20, 3:47 PM
They added Thomas Stallworth as the assistant S& C coach and Sam Coad as a performance manager/assistant strength coach.

RB

Giants.com: Behind the Bench: Best of Saquon Barkley Mic'd up
Go behind the Giants bench and listen to the best of Saquon Barkley mic'd up during the 2019 season (Video)
https://www.giants.com/video/behind-the-bench-best-of-saquon-barkley-mic-d-up

WR

Derek Brown (@DBro_FFB)
2/9/20, 7:05 AM
Darius Slayton was Good as a Rookie

Vs. Coverages:

(Catch% - Td - Passer Rating)
———————————
Zone: 70% - 2 - 106.9

Man: 57.1% - 3- 107.3

Press: 66.7% - 3 - 126.2
———————————-

Dan Schneier (@DanSchneierNFL)
2/18/20, 8:08 PM
I don’t think everyone realizes how good ⁦‪Young Slay2‬⁩ was, for a rookie who missed practice reps until Week 3. We can scratch the rookie qualifier. There’s more than a couple clips out there of him breaking DB ankles with the separation he created at the LOS

Derek Brown (@DBro_FFB)
2/18/20, 8:12 PM
⁦‪ Slayton is a boss. A burner who crushed all forms of coverage. Give him volume. Pls Garrett

Dan Schneier (@DanSchneierNFL)
2/18/20, 8:14 PM
⁦I can’t say enough positive things. He won in so many ways with his route running and after the catch ability. Hands were much better than advertised. Body control in the air matches his impressive testing.
I like his fit with Garrett based on some past WRs who have succeeded

TE

Rosenblatt NJ.com: NFL rumors: Why Cowboys’ Jason Witten to Giants is a long shot | Updated timeline for a decision
https://www.nj.com/giants/2020/02/nfl-rumors-why-cowboys-jason-witten-to-giants-is-a-long-shot-updated-timeline-for-a-decision.html

RG

Ragazzo SI.com: Kevin Zeitler Recalls Wild First Year as a Giant
https://www.si.com/.amp-nygiants/nfl/giants/news/kevin-zeitler-recalls-wild-first-year-as-a-giant

C

Valentine BBV: 2020 NFL free agency: Connor McGovern an option at center for Giants?
https://www.bigblueview.com/2020/2/19/21142260/2020-nfl-free-agency-connor-mcgovern-an-option-at-center-for-giants

Defense

Rosenblatt NJ.com: NFL rumors: Chances of Bret Bielema leaving Joe Judge’s Giants coaching staff just improved
https://www.nj.com/giants/2020/02/nfl-rumors-why-chances-of-bret-bielema-leaving-joe-judges-giants-coaching-staff-just-improved.html

DE/DT

Duggan The Athletic: ICYMI, a breakdown of the financial implications of tagging Leonard Williams, why the Giants will be keeping an eye on Christian McCaffrey's extension negotiations and thoughts on Bret Bielema's ongoing flirtations with college HC jobs
https://theathletic.com/1614508/2020/02/18/where-things-stand-with-leonard-williams-and-more-giants-notes-as-the-combine-approaches/

S

Rosenblatt NJ.com: Should Giants pursue Patriots’ Devin McCourty? Someone else at safety in free agency or NFL Draft? Beat writer breakdown
https://www.nj.com/giants/2020/02/giants-need-a-backup-for-daniel-jones-case-keenum-jalen-hurts-what-they-should-do-at-quarterback-beat-writer-breakdown.html

NFL

Barnwell ESPN: Five 2020 offseason moves for NFC teams: Bill Barnwell predicts trades, free agency, cuts

“New York Giants
Projected 2020 cap space: $61.3 million
1. Free up additional room. While the Giants can afford to go into free agency without making any cuts, there are some logical moves they should consider to free up both cap space and cash in their offseason budget. Alec Ogletree hasn't lived up to expectations in New York, while fellow linebacker Kareem Martin missed virtually all of 2019 with a knee injury. Cutting those two would free up just over $13 million.
Rhett Ellison is an underrated player who would be a useful part on a more cohesive offense, but he's likely going to be the third tight end behind Evan Engram and Kaden Smith, and that's without considering a possible Witten signing. Ellison's $7.2 million cap hit for 2020 is generous, and while I would encourage the Giants to try to bring him back at a lower number, releasing him would free up an additional $5 million in cap space. The three veterans also account for $19.2 million in base salaries they can likely put to better use elsewhere.
2. Franchise tag Leonard Williams. I went into the argument on Thursday surrounding Mitchell Trubisky and why picking up his fifth-year option makes sense if you believe in him the way Ryan Pace does. Likewise, while the Giants' trade for Williams made no sense at the time and looks even worse after general manager Dave Gettleman attempted to explain its logic. They clearly think Williams is a franchise defensive lineman, though, and if you work with that assumption, the best way for them to keep him around before negotiating a long-term deal is to use the franchise tag.
3. Add a significant edge rusher. The Giants' two-game winning streak over Miami and Washington in December took them out of the Chase Young sweepstakes at the top of the draft, which is the sort of Pyrrhic victory the recent editions of this team seem to inflict on themselves every season. Edge rusher Markus Golden had a quietly impressive bounce-back season on a one-year contract, racking up 10 sacks and 27 knockdowns, but he's a free agent.

A reunion with Golden on a multiyear deal would make sense, but the Giants shouldn't be stopping there. Guys like Lorenzo Carter and Oshane Ximines have shown some potential, but there's no reason to count on them as likely long-term starters. Gettleman should be looking at the top of the market, and this team should conceivably be in the Clowney hunt. With longtime Panthers standout Mario Addison hitting free agency, the long-underrated end could also be in the conversation for New York.
4. Solve the right tackle problem. Gettleman's attempts to fix the offensive line have only been upgrades if you consider just how bad the Giants' line was before he arrived. Left tackle Nate Solder has been a massive disappointment. Former Panthers starter Mike Remmers wasn't effective last season. Patrick Omameh didn't even last a full season after signing a three-year, $15 million deal, while incumbent Ereck Flowers was also cut in midseason in 2018. Kevin Zeitler was his usually solid self last season, but second-round pick Will Hernandez has been inconsistent through his first two years.
The Giants could try utility lineman Nick Gates at right tackle in 2020, but having him as the first lineman off the bench is a better option for a team with perennial depth issues up front. They need to do a meaningful job of addressing the right tackle spot this offseason instead of plugging in a short-term solution like Flowers or Remmers. Bryan Bulaga, Jack Conklin and Germain Ifedi are all free agents, and guys like Chris Hubbard and Rick Wagner could become cap casualties.
It wouldn't shock me if the Giants made an even bigger investment and used the fourth overall pick on a tackle such as Alabama's Jedrick Wills or Iowa's Tristan Wirfs. Those guys could step in immediately on the right side and then possibly transition over to the left side in 2021 if Solder continues to disappoint. Gettleman loves talking about hog mollies, but he needs to do a better job of actually finding some to protect Daniel Jones this offseason.
5. Fix the secondary. While things got better in the second half, this defense was embarrassing in coverage at points during the 2019 season. While I can't fault the Giants for moving on from Janoris Jenkins after he tweeted out a slur from the team facility and refused to apologize, Jenkins was also their only effective cornerback for most of the season. First-round pick DeAndre Baker looked overmatched in his rookie season.

The Giants likely need to add at least one veteran cornerback to push Baker, Grant Haley, Julian Love and supplemental pick Sam Beal, who has played six games in two season. Gettleman might need to do even more at safety, where Michael Thomas is a free agent and Antoine Bethea, 35, is a likely candidate for release. Jabrill Peppers will start at strong safety, but adding a free safety should be one of the many leaks Gettleman tries to plug in the weeks to come.”

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/28648779/five-2020-offseason-moves-nfc-teams-bill-barnwell-predicts-trades-free-agency-cuts?

Traina Giantsmaven SI.com: A Deeper Look at ESPN's 'Top 5' Things the Giants Need to Do. Part 1: Free Up Additional Cap Space
ESPN's Bill Barnwell anticipates that the Giants will be making some cap cuts before the start of free agency.  Here's a look at who he suggested and who we think he missed
https://www.si.com/nfl/giants/news/a-deeper-look-at-espns-top-5-things-the-giants-need-to-do-part-1-free-up-additional-cap-space

Rosenthal NFL.com: 7 no-brainer franchise tag candidates

“NO-BRAINERS

3) Chris Jones, DT, Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs have some salary cap issues and a handful of needs that must be addressed on defense. Letting their best defensive player leave would only make matters worse, so general manager Brett Veach should look for savings elsewhere in order to keep Jones.
4) Justin Simmons, S, Denver Broncos: Simmons was a beautiful match for coach Vic Fangio's defense. It's a rebuilding unit, but retaining Simmons as a core piece to build around makes too much sense.
5) Shaq Barrett, OLB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Bruce Arians said that Barrett "ain't going anywhere," whereas the coach's feelings for Jameis Winston are far more conflicted. If a long-term deal can't be reached and the Bucs have to choose between the two, I think they'd take the risk of Winston walking the plank.
7) Yannick Ngakoue, DE, Jacksonville Jaguars: Owner Shad Khan said he's spoken with Ngakoue and the team "very much" wants him back. If the Jags shed some onerous contracts elsewhere on defense, there should be room to tag their former third-rounder

SAY YES

1) Bud Dupree, OLB, Pittsburgh Steelers: Dupree had a Dee Ford-like breakout in his contract year. That will make it particularly difficult for Pittsburgh to sign him to a long-term deal -- and even tougher for Pittsburgh to let him leave. Dupree and T.J. Watt formed one the best edge tandems in football last year.
3) Matthew Judon, OLB, Baltimore Ravens: GM Eric DeCosta has said that he's tired of losing quality homegrown players. Even if Judon stays, the Ravens have a pass rush need. That makes retaining him a relatively easy choice.
4) Anthony Castonzo, OT, Indianapolis Colts: Castonzo is a tough player to project. He could either retire or be the top free-agent tackle available. The upward trajectory of the 31-year-old's career, however, makes it nearly impossible to imagine the Colts allowing him to leave for another team.
9) Bryan Bulaga, OT, Green Bay Packers: Bulaga enjoyed a strong bounce-back season in 2019. I've gone back and forth on this one, but it just doesn't make sense to allow a quality right tackle to leave when the team has the cap space to afford him.

NO PROJECTED TAG

2-3) Dante Fowler Jr. and Cory Littleton, OLB and ILB, Los Angeles Rams: The Rams signed Fowler to a prove-it deal last year and he proved it. Littleton has evolved into a difference-maker, as well, now one of the premier coverage linebackers in football. If the Rams had more cap room, I'd be more optimistic about using the tag on one of these quality starters
5) Anthony Harris, S, Minnesota Vikings: I love Harris. I think Minnesota should tag him rather than continue to pay some bigger-name Vikings defenders, but it just doesn't appear this roster has the cap flexibility to do so. A few big moves -- or trades -- could change that.

UNLIKELY TO BE TAGGED

1-2) Devin McCourty and Joe Thuney, S and OG, New England Patriots: The Patriots didn't tag McCourty back in 2015 at the height of McCourty's powers, so it doesn't sound like a Bill Belichick type of move now. Thuney is one of the better guards in football, but the Pats are already paying Shaq Mason big bucks. New England usually believes in developing linemen on the cheap.
3) Vonn Bell, S, New Orleans Saints: The safety market bounced back in free agency last season, so Bell should do very well if he's allowed to hit the market. The Saints' somewhat-stretched cap dollars figure to be spent elsewhere.
5) Jack Conklin, OT, Tennessee Titans: General manager Jon Robinson's decision to not assign the fifth-year option to Conklin's rookie contract is shaping up to be an unforced error that could seriously hurt the Titans' offense.
6) Byron Jones, CB, Dallas Cowboys: Like Conklin in Tennessee, Jones has two higher-profile teammates who appear likely to box him out for a potential tag. This is a great thing for Jones' bank account.”

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001102300/article/2020-nfl-franchisetransition-tag-primer-nobrainer-candidates

ARIZONA
Fitzgerald AZ Republic: D.J. Humphries optimistic about future of Arizona Cardinals as he re-signs with team
https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nfl/cardinals/2020/02/18/humphries-optimistic-future-cardinals-he-re-signs-team/4800564002/

BALTIMORE
Kasinitz Penn Live: Baltimore Ravens free agents: How much will Michael Pierce earn on his next contract?
https://www.pennlive.com/baltimore-ravens/2020/02/baltimore-ravens-free-agents-how-much-will-michael-pierce-earn-on-his-next-contract.html

Shaffer Baltimore Sun: The Ravens have a franchise tag decision to make. Matthew Judon’s already shown his true value

“Pro: The Ravens’ system and secondary don’t account for Judon’s success.
The Ravens blitzed more than any defense in the NFL last season, sending five or more pass rushers on 54.9% of their plays, according to Pro-Football-Reference. They had maybe the NFL’s best secondary, with three All-Pro selections in cornerbacks Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Peters and safety Earl Thomas III.

Both attributes have been used to discredit Judon’s 2019. Because the Ravens brought so much pressure under coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale, the thinking goes, Judon had more one-on-one pass-rush opportunities. And because of the team’s airtight secondary, quarterbacks surely held the ball for longer on pass plays, right?
The stats and film tell a different story. According to ESPN, Judon beat his block within 2.5 seconds on 20% of plays last season, the 18th-best such rate in the NFL. (Judon ranked in the top 10 for much of the season before fading in December, perhaps in part because of a workload that included a career-high eight games of 50-plus defensive snaps.)

As expected, he had company on his most effective pass rushes. A review of 2019 film found that the Ravens brought an average of 5.1 pass rushers on plays in which Judon registered a quarterback hit. During outside linebacker Za’Darius Smith’s 2018 Ravens season, it was 4.8 pass rushers. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Shaquill Barrett, the NFL’s sack leader, and the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Bud Dupree, another franchise tag candidate, were among 4.5 and 4.2 pass rushers, respectively, per quarterback hit.
But the Ravens’ pressure rate should not diminish Judon’s accomplishments. He finished fourth in the NFL in quarterback hits (sacks included) on just 439 pass-rush snaps, according to Pro Football Focus, among the fewest of any Pro Bowl edge rusher last season. And when he pressured the quarterback, it was more often because he’d defeated a block than because he was in the right place at the right time.
Of his 33 hits, 17 came after successful pass-rush moves, typically an outside rush against an offensive tackle or tight end. On 11 hits, he was unblocked, though five of those appeared intentional, as they came on play-action and bootleg designs. His last five hits came on clean-up duty, in which he pursued the quarterback on broken plays.
Those rates compare favorably with his peers’. While Barrett racked up 26 of his 37 hits on pass-rush moves, Smith was 14-for-24 in his final Ravens season, and Dupree had just eight of 17 last year.
Added time didn’t appear to be a significant factor, either. According to the NFL’s Next Gen Stats, in the Ravens’ 15 games against qualifying passers, just eight quarterbacks took longer to throw, on average, than their season-ending mark. The Ravens’ talented pass defense didn’t typically give Judon more time to collapse the pocket; it just forced quarterbacks to throw into tighter windows.

Con: There are still some red flags in his production.
Judon would not be such a polarizing franchise tag possibility if the Ravens’ apparent weaknesses weren’t so pronounced. He was the best pass rusher on a not-great pass-rushing team. How valuable could he really be?
Opinions vary. While Judon fared well in ESPN’s Pass Rush Win Rate, his “win rate” at PFF was mediocre, ranking just 51st among edge rushers, and the site said he struggled in one-on-one scenarios.
In other areas of his game, he left room for improvement. Most notably, Judon graded out poorly in PFF’s run-defense grades. His 14.3% missed-tackle rate was the highest of any regular contributor to the Ravens’ front seven, according to Pro-Football-Reference, and his failure to drop Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry behind the line of scrimmage helped spring a game-changing 66-yard run in the third quarter of the Ravens’ playoff loss.

Elsewhere, a year after ranking among PFF’s highest-graded edge rushers in coverage, Judon allowed almost twice as many yards per target (7.1), though it was a rather small sample size (just 11 targets overall)...

Last season, the Ravens had Judon and not much else. In Baltimore, there’s hope that a more seasoned Jaylon Ferguson can emerge. Fellow outside linebacker Tyus Bowser took a step forward in his third year. But if the Ravens let Judon get away — and get nothing in return — their pass rush will have even more questions than answers. Given their 2020 aspirations, that’s not something they can afford.”

https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/bs-sp-ravens-matthew-judon-franchise-tag-20200219-t7loyjaxyrh2bjzs2yxwsy32x4-story.html

Seth Walder (@SethWalder)
1/14/20, 1:59 PM
Here's the top 10 (well, 11) of sacks created for you!

Za'Darius Smith 20
Danielle Hunter 18
Cameron Jordan 17
Shaquil Barrett 17
Khalil Mack 16
Dante Fowler 14
T.J. Watt 14
Chandler Jones 12
Bud Dupree 12
Harold Landry 12
Matt Judon 12

CINCINNATI
Heifetz The Ringer: Is Joe Burrow Already Trying to Break Up With the Bengals?
https://www.theringer.com/nfl/2020/2/18/21142422/joe-burrow-cincinnati-bengals-carson-palmer

CLEVELAND
Cabot Cleveland Plain Dealer: Browns remain committed to Baker Mayfield despite tempting big-name QBs available
https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2020/02/browns-remain-committed-to-baker-mayfield-despite-all-the-tempting-big-name-qbs-coming-available.html

Cabot Cleveland Plain Dealer: Browns LB coach Jason Tarver glad to be reunited with Joe Woods; Ben Bloom back as senior defensive aide
https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2020/02/browns-lb-coach-jason-tarver-glad-to-be-reunited-with-joe-woods-ben-bloom-back-as-senior-defensive-assistant.html

DALLAS
Archer ESPN Dallas: Cowboys' Jason Witten wants to play in '20, open to other teams
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/28732695/cowboys-jason-witten-wants-play-20-open-other-teams?

Moore Dallas Morning News: Jason Witten hopes to return to the Cowboys, but has accepted the reality that his next opportunity may come elsewhere

“It’s Witten’s belief that his future with the club will be determined soon after club officials return from next week’s scouting combine in Indianapolis.”

https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/cowboys/2020/02/19/jason-witten-reiterates-he-wants-to-play-in-2020-hopes-to-return-to-the-cowboys/?utm_source=pushly/

Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr)
2/18/20, 8:29 PM
It doesn't look like Jason Witten will be back with the Cowboys. He hopes they will make a decision on his future in the next couple of weeks. Shortly after the combine. He wants to return but will play elsewhere if he has to. He is committed to playing

DENVER
Marino The Draft Network: 2020 FREE AGENT PROFILE: S
https://thedraftnetwork.com/articles/justin-simmons-free-agency-nfl-team-fits

GREEN BAY
Silverstein Mil JS: Packers' use of safety at nickel linebacker gets exposed
https://amp.greenbaypressgazette.com/amp/4726274002

LOS ANGELES RAMS
Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL)
2/18/20, 2:43 PM
Rams LT Andrew Whitworth
• 14 years
• 221 starts including playoffs (190 at LT + 31 at LG)
• 4x Pro Bowler
• 3x All-Pro (2x 1st team)
• 2006 2nd round pick (55th)
• 2x 1st Team All-SEC at LSU
• 52 collegiate starts (0 missed games or practices)..

Tuls The Draft Network: 2020 FREE AGENT PROFILE: LINEBACKER CORY LITTLETON
https://thedraftnetwork.com/articles/cory-littleton-free-agency-nfl-team-fits

Jackson Rams.com: Cornerback set to be a strength again for Rams in 2020
https://www.therams.com/news/cornerback-set-to-be-a-strength-again-for-rams-in-2020

MINNESOTA
Young Vikings.com: Gary Kubiak Wants to Build on Vikings 2019 Offensive Identity
https://www.vikings.com/news/vikings-offensive-coordinator-gary-kubiak-wants-to-build-2019-offensive-identity

Jason OTC: Trading Diggs would free up $5.5M in cap space for the Vikings. A team would need to take on $11.5M in salary
https://overthecap.com/player/stefon-diggs/3994

NEW ENGLAND
D’Onofrio Boston.com: Long-term NFL planning is often overrated. Why that benefits Bill Belichick and the Patriots
https://www.boston.com/sports/new-england-patriots/2020/02/18/bill-belichick-patriots-offseason/amp

Dunne NBC Sports Boston: Patriots have the NFL's toughest schedule next season
https://www.nbcsports.com/boston/patriots/patriots-have-nfls-toughest-schedule-next-season

Volin Boston Globe: Nine moves the Patriots should make this offseason

8. Decline Jason McCourty’s option
He struggled with injuries last year, and the Patriots have great depth at cornerback with Stephon Gilmore, J.C. Jackson, Jonathan Jones, and Joejuan Williams. Declining McCourty’s option before the start of the league year will save the Patriots $4 million in cash and create about $3.75 million in cap space.

https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/patriots/2020/02/18/here-are-moves-patriots-should-make-this-offseason/BWljw46ICfSJvfWIGDNPIP/story.html

Princiotti Boston Globe: Why things are looking good for Nate Ebner these days
https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/patriots/2020/02/18/why-things-are-looking-good-for-nate-ebner-these-days/hKnVVkWZ1tseSSj3DseFPJ/story.html

NEW ORLEANS
Johnson Nola.com: Drew Brees is coming back to the Saints ... now what? Some questions still need answers
https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/article_5d7df0ee-527a-11ea-a2b8-37fa58f35c14.amp.html

PHILADELPHIA
McLane Phil Inquirer: Eagles decline linebacker Nigel Bradham’s 2020 option
https://www.inquirer.com/eagles/nigel-bradham-eagles-decline-option-20200218.html

Les Bowen (@LesBowen)
2/18/20, 2:44 PM
The Eagles linebacking thing is interesting. Everybody's like "yeah, move on from that guy," like with Jordan Hicks last year, but you have to sign/draft someone as good or better to replace him. The Eagles didn't do that when Hicks left. Are they gonna be better without Bradham?

PITTSBURGH
Rutter Pittsburgh Tribune Review: Steelers linebacker Bud Dupree seeks new agent as free agency looms
https://triblive.com/sports/steelers-linebacker-bud-dupree-seeks-new-agent-as-free-agency-looms/

SAN FRANCISCO
Wagoner ESPN SF: No rest for 'grieving' 49ers as attention turns to offseason
https://www.espn.com/blog/san-francisco-49ers/post/_/id/36023/no-rest-for-the-grieving-49ers-as-attention-turns-to-offseason?

SEATTLE
Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter)
2/18/20, 5:33 PM
Former Panthers’ TE Greg Olsen is signing a one-year, $7 million deal that includes $5.5M gtd with the Seahawks, per source. Olsen visited and negotiated with Buffalo, Seattle and Washington but felt most comfortable with the Seahawks

Condotta Seattle Times: Seahawks reel in veteran tight end Greg Olsen with one-year, $7 million deal
https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/seahawks-reel-in-veteran-tight-end-greg-olsen-with-one-year-7-million-deal/?

TAMPA BAY
Stroud TB Times: Start your Bucs quarterback speculation as Drew Brees returns to Saints
https://www.tampabay.com/sports/bucs/2020/02/18/start-your-bucs-quarterback-speculation-as-drew-brees-returns-to-saints/?

WASHINGTON
Stackpole Redskins.com: Ron Rivera Explains Recent Roster Moves: 'It's An Opportunity To Establish A New Core'
https://www.redskins.com/news/ron-rivera-explains-release-josh-norman-paul-richardson

Keim ESPN Washington: Former Redskins TE Logan Paulsen joined John to talk about Jordan Reed, the best free agent TE's available and some draftable rookies at the position. Plus he talks about being in the booth for the first season of the XFL (Audio)
http://johnkeimreport.libsyn.com/logan-paulsen-joins-the-jk-report

Colleges/Draft

NFL.com: Charley Casserly mock draft 1.0: Six WRs in top 24

4. “NY Giants - Mekhi Becton School: Louisville | Year: Junior Rebuilding the offensive line -- especially at tackle -- is essential to protecting second-year QB Daniel Jones. Won't surprise me if the G-Men take Alabama OT Jedrick Wills instead.”

https://amp.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001102266/article/charley-casserlys-2020-nfl-mock-draft-10-herbert-to-chargers?

QB
Gosselin Football Maven: No denying North Texas QB Mason Fine as NFL prospect despite combine snub
https://mavensports.io/nfl/talkoffame/nfl/no-denying-north-texas-qb-mason-fine-as-nfl-prospect-despite-combine-snub-XHf6blH5vkW7JmNEB5ExRQ

T
Benjamin Solak (@BenjaminSolak)
2/18/20, 9:09 AM
I don’t get how someone can watch Jedrick Wills’ film and think he is limited in any capacity

Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout)
2/18/20, 8:57 AM
I have it Wills, Wirfs, Becton/Thomas tied, Jones then Austin Jackson.

What’s really notable is many believe Wills, Wirfs and Thomas aren’t left tackles

Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout)
2/18/20, 8:57 AM
So the combine will be informative. I do think the tackle stock in this class seems to be declining as teams dig in more BUT the needs are there early in RD1

Chris Pflum (@RaptormkII)
2/18/20, 9:33 AM
⁦‪I'm not sure why you say you're not sure if they can be an LT if you think they can be a RT.

It's not like Von Miller or J.J. Watt are slouches

Chris Pflum (@RaptormkII)
2/18/20, 9:38 AM
⁦‪It's amazing and makes no sense. Either you're an OT or you aren't. Defenses have great EDGEs on both sides nowadays

DE
Sikkema The Draft Network: FOOTBALL IN MOTION: KENDALL COLEMAN DRAWS INSPIRATION FROM ART
https://thedraftnetwork.com/articles/kendall-coleman-nfl-draft-interviews

LB
Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks)
2/19/20, 2:24 AM
LSU LB Patrick Queen is an incredible athlete. His ability on this play to keep his balance, stay off the ground and finish is...well, ridiculous. Outstanding prospect

CB
Tuls The Draft Network: FIGHTING IRISH: TROY PRIDE JR. IS 2020 NFL DRAFT'S MOST UNDERRATED CB
https://thedraftnetwork.com/articles/troy-pride-jr-nfl-draft-analysis

History

Don Shula Dolphins.com: In My Own Words | 50 Years Later: Dolphins Hire Don Shula
https://www.miamidolphins.com/news/in-my-own-words-50-years-later-dolphins-hire-don-shula

Stuart Football Prespective: The 100-Year History of Black Quarterbacks in the NFL
http://www.footballperspective.com/the-100-year-history-of-black-quarterbacks-in-the-nfl/

Giants Birthdays 2-19

Jim Crocicchia QB UDFA-Penn 1987 NYG 1987 2-19-1964

"He [Crocicchia] did not have NFL aspirations when his college career ended in 1986. He was an Ivy League quarterback with a degree in economics and a map to Wall Street. He certainly never dreamed that in 1987, mere months after the New York Giants won a Super Bowl, coach Bill Parcells' team would come calling.
The Giants had a glut of receivers that spring and didn't want to wear down the arm of Phil Simms. So an old coach recommended Crocicchia to the Giants, and he threw a few footballs and thought that was it.
He made it to the preseason and was one of the final cuts. A month later, he was called back during the strike. Some teams took the replacement games very seriously and plotted their fallback rosters in advance of the strike. The Giants wanted to be respectful of their players and weren't nearly as aggressive. Crocicchia estimated that, at the age of 23 and with just a few preseason games under his belt, he was one of the most experienced players on the replacement team.
"One reporter asked me after the first game, 'What was the game plan? How were you feeling?'" Crocicchia said. "Well, I looked around the huddle at my offensive linemen, and our strategy became to stay in the huddle for as long as we possibly could because they could not catch their breath.
"I mean, it was one of those things where they were just not in game shape. We had a number of mental mistakes that were going to happen."
Crocicchia's NFL debut came on Oct. 5, 1987, a "Monday Night Football" game against the San Francisco 49ers. He knew what the guys in the booth would say, how it wasn't pro football, how some of Crocicchia's teammates came from semipro teams that were the equivalent of beer-league softball. But when they ran out of the tunnel that night, it was for real, and the team was stoked.
The football was, at the very least, entertaining. Bill Walsh broke out the wishbone and shrugged at a smiling Parcells. Crocicchia uncorked an underthrown pass to Lewis Bennett, who made a circus catch in the end zone. The 46-yard touchdown is still considered one of the best catches in the history of "Monday Night Football." The New York Times wrote about a sign that hung in the stadium. "Stay on Strike. We Get Better Seats."
The touchdown ended up being Crocicchia's last. He hurt his elbow in the fourth quarter, giving way to Mike Busch. Busch reportedly was bagging groceries for $4 an hour before joining the Giants."
http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?

Kareem Martin OLB FA-AZ 2018 NYG 2018-2019 2-19-1992

In Memoriam

Len Dugan C UDFA-Wichita State 1936 NYG 1936 Born 2-19-1910 Died 6-20-1967

Stacy Robinson WR D2-North Dakota State 1985 NYG 1985-1990 Born 2-19-1962 Died 5-08-2012

Howie Yeager WB UDFA-Cal State Santa Barbara 1938 NYG 1941 Born 2-19-1915 Died 7-22-2000

UCSB HOF:

Howard Yeager
Football, Track & Field (1935-37)
“UCSB record holder in the 100 broad jump and low hurdles...Named a Little All-American in football in 1937...Played professionally for the New York Giants in 1941.”

NYT: YEAGER, LOCKE ADDED IN GIANTS' BACKFIELD; Record Squad Planned by Mara--Kuzma Signed by Dodgers (7-31-1938

NYT: PRO GIANTS LOSE FALASCHI, YEAGERR; Hard Scrimmage May Cost the Services of Both Players for All-Star Battle Fusia Excels in Kicking (9-01-1938)

It is very doubtful that Flash Falaschi, sensational recruit quarterback from Santa Clara, and Howie Yeager, speedy halfback from Santa Barbara, will be ready for action when the New York Football Giants battle the Eastern All-Stars at the Polo Grounds next Wednesday night.

Howie Yeager 1938 Jersey City Giants

Wash Post: Giants' Ten Points in 55 Seconds Defeat Redskins, 20-13, to Win Eastern Division (11-24-1941)

“The New York Giants scored 10 vital points within 55 seconds of the fading minutes of a punch-packed ball game in the Polo Grounds mud today to clinch their sixth Eastern pro championship with a smashing 20-to-13 triumph over the Washington Redskins.
Before 49,317 fans, pro football's largest crowd of the season, the power-laden New Yorkers thus knocked the Redskins out of the race before the final game for the first time since 1936, and qualified as the East's representative in next month's championship playoff.
The Redskins bounced back from three scoreless quarters to overcome a 10-0 Giant lead with 13 points of their own early in the fourth quarter, but with less than five minutes to play the dethroned champs watched Ward Cuff kick a tying field goal and George Franck score a winning touchdown to knock both Washington and the idle Brooklyn Dodgers out of title contention... The Giants were out-first downed, 15 to 13, and trailed by 14 yards on total yardage, although, on the ground only Seymour and occasionally Farkas could effectively match the GIant ground-gaining crew of Franck, Cuff, Yeager, Rakin and Tuffy Leemans.”

“The 1941 backfield had talent galore. Beside Danowski and Leemans, as passers they had Marion Pugh and Kay Eakin. Other A formation backs that year were Len Eshmont, Andy Marefos, Frank Reagan, and Soar for the #3 and #4 spots. Wingback was still Cuff with help from All-American George Franck and Howie Yeager. Dom Principe joined Shaffer and Falaschi at blocking back.”

http://profootballresearchers.com/archives/Website_Files/Coffin_Corner/05-06-145.pdf