Friday Reading

Giants

Schneier CBS Sports.com: Giants 2020 offseason central: Key dates, free agency scorecard, NFL draft news, latest updates and more
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/giants-2020-offseason-central-key-dates-free-agency-scorecard-nfl-draft-news-latest-updates-and-more/

Giglio NJ.com: How new NFL CBA should change Giants offseason plan

“The time is now.
That should be the Giants thinking if the NFL does fully ratify a new collective bargaining agreement for the 2020 season, which would include the expansion of the regular season to 17 games (although this wouldn’t happen until 2021 at the earliest) and a move to seven playoff teams in each conference.

https://www.nj.com/giants/2020/02/how-new-nfl-cba-should-change-giants-offseason-plan.html

Joe & Evan WFAN: Florio: Giants Should Be Looking To Trade Down From No. 4 Pick In Draft (Audio)

“Depending on how the first three picks play out, if there’s still a quarterback there, if Tua (Tagovailoa) is still there at four, and everyone expects him to go to the Dolphins at five, that’s where you open things up for somebody who wants to spring up and get Tua,” said Florio. “Anytime you can take that one lottery ticket at No. 4 and parlay it into more opportunities to pick guys who, if you do the right thing and make the right decision, are going to become contributors for you … I would be looking to trade down if I was the Giants.”

https://wfan.radio.com/articles/florio-giants-should-be-looking-to-trade-down-in-nfl-draft

Leonard NYDN: Giants mailbag: Expanded postseason, plus where will Slay, Peppers, Clowney end up?

“I do know the Giants have provided some feedback to players, but so far there hasn’t been any sign of negotiations yet with Golden, 28, who posted 10 sacks in an impressive comeback season on a one-year deal in 2019. I think the Giants are going to try to keep Golden, but only if they don’t have to pay him like a No. 1 pass rusher. If he gets that kind of money elsewhere, he’ll be gone. If they can keep him on a reasonable contract, they’d like to.
Strong safety Michael Thomas, fullback Eli Penny (restricted free agent) and linebacker David Mayo are free agents the Giants value at the right price. Leonard Williams and Mike Remmers are question marks, and I lean toward no on Remmers. Wideout Cody Core, a valuable special teamer, is a player the Giants like but who could fetch more money elsewhere. To name a few.”

https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/ny-mailbag-playoff-format-darius-slay-lions-jabrill-peppers-20200220-2ljbs2obyrhnnfssoaajzjby3e-story.html

Traina Locked on Giants Podcast: It's a new edition of the LockedOn Giants podcast. Our Lads Dan Shonka joins the program to help preview the upcoming combine (Audio)
https://dcs-b.megaphone.fm/LKN2243074021.mp3?key=164c40009fbb185de63f1e4a4b78967d


QB

Giants.com: Combine Flashback: Daniel Jones' full workout
Watch Duke quarterback Daniel Jones' full 2019 NFL Scouting Combine workout (Video)
https://www.giants.com/video/duke-quarterback-daniel-jones-full-2019-nfl-scouting-combine-workout

Thompson SNY: Giants should consider these 5 quarterbacks to back up Daniel Jones next season
https://www.sny.tv/giants/news/giants-should-consider-these-5-quarterbacks-to-back-up-daniel-jones-next-season/312820364

RB

Bobby Skinner (@BobbySkinner_)
2/20/20, 8:44 AM
I’m not a fan of Wayne Gallman being the #2 RB in 2020.

Last 2 seasons:
80 carries 286 yards 3.6 YPC

That is flat out horrible production for a backup and he’s had 3 fumbles in those two seasons. Would rather take a flier on day 3 or an UDFA

OL

RV SNY: Source: With eyes on adding offensive line help this offseason, Giants 'love' Iowa's Tristan Wirfs
https://www.sny.tv/giants/news/source-with-eyes-on-adding-offensive-line-help-this-offseason-giants-love-iowas-tristan-wirfs/312826860

Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton)
2/21/20, 7:36 AM
Don't fall for the hog molly in the tailpipe when assessing Giants' needs.

Yes, the OL needs upgrades. We've been through this.

But desperation should be attached to the defense. That should be priority No. 1.

That goes for bringing in new talent and coaching what's here.

CB

NJ.com: Should Giants pay Byron Jones $16 million per season? Draft Ohio State’s Jeffrey Okudah? What they should do at corner | Beat writer breakdown
https://www.nj.com/giants/2020/02/should-giants-pay-byron-jones-16-million-per-season-draft-jeffrey-okudah-what-they-should-do-at-corner-beat-writer-breakdown.html

NFL

Shipgel NYT: N.F.L. Owners Approve Bargaining Agreement and Await Vote by Players
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/20/sports/football/nfl-cba-meaning.amp.html?0p19G=2870

Leonard NYDN: NFL owners’ silent exit from CBA vote dares players to ratify or speak up
https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/cba-owners-labor-agreement-vote-cba-schedule-20200221-4qowd6cjzfcwjj2wzzya5g2ti4-story.html

Glazer The Athletic: Glazer’s NFL Mailbag: What’s the story with Joe Burrow and the Bengals?
https://theathletic.com/1622868/2020/02/21/glazers-nfl-mailbag-whats-the-story-with-joe-burrow-and-the-bengals/?

Joel Corry (@corryjoel)
2/20/20, 11:41 AM
The Colts have a league most $41.577M in carryover salary cap room. The Browns are 2nd with $31.809M. The 2 teams had the most last year but the order was reversed. Indy is breaking Cleveland's 3 year streak of having the most to carryover

Linsey PFF: Every NFL team’s most improved player in 2019

“New York Giants: LB David Mayo
Mayo earned the first extended starting role of his career in 2019 with the Giants after several ineffective seasons as a reserve for the Panthers. It was a tale of two phases of the game — run defense and coverage. Mayo was outstanding as a run defender, earning a run-defense grade of 90.1 that ranked second among all linebackers. In coverage, though, he was among the worst at the position, as his 48.8 coverage grade during the 2019 season ranked 70th among 89 qualifying linebackers. Obviously, you would rather have your linebackers excelling in the more valuable facet of the game (coverage), but the fact that Mayo was able to give elite play in run support in a starting role was a solid improvement.”

https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-every-nfl-teams-most-improved-player-in-2019

Benjamin CBS Sports.com: 2020 NFL Free Agency: Bashaud Breeland leads list of five most underrated free agents, projected bargains

“DE Markus Golden (New York Giants)
Golden hasn't been nearly as steady as Howard, but he's got a similar story in terms of durability and team swaps lowering his perceived value, going from promising pass-rushing prospect -- complete with a 12.5-sack breakout in 2016 -- to an Arizona Cardinals castoff, forced into a one-year prove-it deal with the 2019 New York Giants.
The Giants' 2019 defense, of course, was nothing short of awful for much of the year, and Golden returning to double-digit sacks (10) as a full-time starter for Big Blue has been overshadowed by the fact he missed 17 games from 2017-2018. But if you're looking for a high-upside edge presence, especially as part of an already-solid rotation, you could do a heck of a lot worse. The fact he looked a lot like his 2016 self in New York after all the injury woes should be reason alone to give him a look, and he went long stretches as arguably the most consistent piece of the Giants' defense.”

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2020-nfl-free-agency-bashaud-breeland-leads-list-of-five-most-underrated-free-agents-projected-bargains/amp/

McGinest NFL.com: McGinest: 10 pass rushers to target in FA/draft
https://amp.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001102492/article/ten-pass-rushers-worth-pursuing-in-free-agency2020-nfl-draft?

BALTIMORE
Kasinitz Penn Live: Three Baltimore Ravens roster-building tendencies to consider as free agency, draft near
https://www.pennlive.com/baltimore-ravens/2020/02/three-baltimore-ravens-roster-building-tendencies-to-consider-as-free-agency-draft-near.html

CAROLINA
Nguyen The Athletic: Ted’s Film Room: Core concepts from LSU that OC Joe Brady may use in Carolina
https://theathletic.com/1606403/2020/02/20/teds-film-room-core-concepts-from-lsu-that-oc-joe-brady-may-use-in-carolina/

CHICAGO
Kane Chicago Tribune: Bears sign tight end Demetrius Harris to a 1-year contract
https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/bears/ct-chicago-bears-demetrius-harris-20200219-6o574hodzrgjtmf5zqqvx3vpkm-story.html

CINCINNATI
Baby ESPN Cincinnati: How the Bengals can set up Joe Burrow to succeed as a rookie
https://www.espn.com/blog/cincinnati-bengals/post/_/id/31998/how-the-bengals-can-set-up-joe-burrow-up-for-success-as-a-rookie?

Hobson Bengals.com: Quick Hits: Big Willie Has His Say; John Ross Burrows Into Workouts
https://www.bengals.com/news/big-willie-has-his-say-john-ross-burrows-into-workouts

CLEVELAND
Patsko Cleveland Plain Dealer: How Andrew Berry might use NFL combine drills, based on his Browns past
https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2020/02/how-andrew-berry-might-use-nfl-combine-drills-based-on-his-browns-past.html

Williams Cleveland Plain Dealer: Browns shouldn’t let Kareem Hunt go, because Kevin Stefanski can rejuvenate his career -- Film Review
https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2020/02/browns-shouldnt-let-kareem-hunt-go-because-kevin-stefanski-can-rejuvenate-his-career-film-review.html

Williams Cleveland Plain Dealer: How the Cleveland Browns attack the 2020 NFL Draft if they can land Isaiah Simmons at No. 10
https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2020/02/how-the-cleveland-browns-attack-the-2020-nfl-draft-if-they-can-land-isaiah-simmons-at-no-10.html

DALLAS
Gehlken Dallas Morning News: A possible game-changing twist could soon alter the Dallas Cowboys’ offseason agenda
Here’s how a new collective bargaining agreement could affect negotiations with Dak Prescott and Amari Cooper
https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/cowboys/2020/02/20/cowboys-may-lose-option-with-amari-cooper-as-cba-moves-forward/

DENVER
O’Halloran Denver Post: NFL Journal: Broncos have picks, cap space, need to trade for Minnesota receiver Stefon Diggs
https://www.denverpost.com/2020/02/21/broncos-stefon-diggs-trade-vikings/amp/

DETROIT
Birkett Detroit Free Press: Detroit Lions to release Damon Harrison, have much work to do on defensive line
https://amp.freep.com/amp/4826150002

Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero)
2/20/20, 8:33 PM
After weighing retirement at the end of last season, DT Damon “Snacks” Harrison wants to keep playing, source said. Released by the #Lions, Snacks now hits the free-agent market

Treash PFF: Top trade destinations for Detroit Lions cornerback Darius Slay

“NEW YORK GIANTS
The Giants' secondary was a genuine liability in 2019. Granted, the players within the secondary are all young and still developing, but the contingency plan should probably start getting ironed out. Overall, the Giants were 30th among the 32 teams in coverage grade, and they're set to return only two players who played at least 100 coverage snaps on the outside in 2019 in DeAndre Baker and Sam Beal. Baker was a rookie in 2019 and produced a 45.4 coverage grade on the outside, and over a quarter of his targets at the alignment resulted in an explosive play of 15 or more yards. It's way too early to call him a “bust,” but the man clearly needs some help. The same should be said for Beal. While he earned a poor PFF coverage grade in the 50s at outside corner, he missed the entire 2018 season due to injury and had limited reps in 2019 overall.
New York is once again in position to land a promising first-round cornerback, with Jeff Okudah being the likely target come April. The Ohio State standout is one of the best press-man corners in this draft; he didn't allow a single explosive play in press coverage in 2019 and was the highest-graded draft-eligible cornerback on those reps. In an ideal world, the Giants would get Okudah at Pick 4 and make a deal for Slay at the same time, giving the Giants a potential lockdown man-coverage duo.”

https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-top-trade-destinations-for-detroit-lions-cornerback-darius-slay

HOUSTON
Wilson Houston Chronicle: Texans' J.J. Watt on owners' CBA proposal: 'Hard no'
https://www.houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-nation/texans/amp/Texans-J-J-Watt-on-owners-CBA-proposal-Hard-15072656.php

JACKSONVILLE
Reid Florida Times Union: Jaguars RB Leonard Fournette not in favor of proposed 17-game regular season
https://www.jacksonville.com/sports/20200220/jaguars-rb-leonard-fournette-not-in-favor-of-proposed-17-game-regular-season?

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
Popper The Athletic: The Legend of Philip Rivers: Tales from an epic Chargers career
https://theathletic.com/1620684/2020/02/20/the-legend-of-philip-rivers-tales-from-an-epic-chargers-career/

ig: josinaanderson (@JosinaAnderson)
A source tells me that #Chargers LT Russell Okung has expressed his uncertainty in the direction of the organization. While the team has attempted to reassure him, Okung remains skeptical of the team's direction and his future with the team.

Eric Williams (@eric_d_williams)
2/20/20, 12:22 PM
Interesting development here as revamping OL a top priority for Chargers this offseason. When healthy, Okung has been an anchor as team's blindside protector and glue guy for that group

LOS ANGELES RAMS
Long Rams.com: Jared Goff's strong finish a good sign for 2020
https://www.therams.com/news/jared-goff-s-strong-finish-a-good-sign-for-2020

MIAMI
Beasley Miami Herald: Miami Dolphins coach Brian Flores has a new top lieutenant, and he’s a familiar name
https://amp.miamiherald.com/sports/nfl/miami-dolphins/article240491596.html

Deen Sun Sentinel: Dolphins, quarterbacks and NFL combine: Tagovailoa’s hip evaluation and top of draft order loom large
https://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-dolphins/fl-sp-draft-dolphins-quarterbacks-nfl-combine-20200220-w26beeprqrcwrj3mb4vwpr57ve-story.html

MINNESOTA
Cronin ESPN Minn: The Vikings' defense could look very different in 2020
https://www.espn.com/blog/minnesota-vikings/post/_/id/29531/the-vikings-defense-could-look-very-different-in-2020

Ben Goessling (@GoesslingStrib)
2/20/20, 9:07 AM
Now that Everson Griffen -- who sources said has voided the final 3 years of his deal -- is set to hit free agency, we'll see if he is interested in returning to the Vikings or testing his market. Keep an eye on Seattle: Griffen could reunite with Pete Carroll (his college coach)

Ben Goessling (@GoesslingStrib)
2/20/20, 9:50 AM
It's entirely possible Griffen could wind up back in Minnesota on a new deal; he said at the end of the season he wants to "be a Viking for life." But it also makes business sense for him to exercise the control of his situation his camp worked to get after he had none last year

Ben Goessling (@GoesslingStrib)
2/20/20, 12:50 PM
⁦‪@tompage‬⁩ It was unlikely the Vikings were going to keep him on his current deal; this gives him the option to test the market, and weigh the Vikings' offers against others. Also means he's a free agent at the start of the league year, not Day 3, which is important

NEW ENGLAND
Callahan Boston Herald: Two Patriots veterans back free agencies of Tom Brady, Devin McCourty
https://www.bostonherald.com/2020/02/20/two-patriots-veterans-back-free-agencies-of-tom-brady-devin-mccourty/

NEW ORLEANS
Saints.com: Sean Payton discusses Drew Brees' decision to return, Taysom Hill's future
https://www.neworleanssaints.com/news/sean-payton-discusses-drew-brees-decision-to-return-tayom-hill-s-future

Johnson Nola.com: Key salary cap questions for the Saints this offseason: Who's in line for a pay day?
https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/article_5f21d116-5466-11ea-99cc-2ba1334023c4.amp.html

Tanier B/R: Teddy Bridgewater Not Biggest Name on NFL FA QB Market, but He Could Be the Best
https://syndication.bleacherreport.com/amp/2877045-teddy-bridgewater-not-biggest-name-on-nfl-fa-qb-market-but-he-could-be-the-best.amp.html

PHILADELPHIA
Gallen Penn Live: Checking in on 13 Philadelphia Eagles who ended the season on injured reserve
https://www.pennlive.com/philadelphiaeagles/2020/02/checking-in-on-13-philadelphia-eagles-who-ended-the-season-on-injured-reserve.html

McLane s Phil.com: What the Eagles’ handling of Zach Ertz’s contract will say about Dallas Goedert and their plans at tight end
https://www.inquirer.com/eagles/zach-ertz-eagles-contract-tight-end-dallas-goedert-20200221.html

SAN FRANCISCO
Maiocco NBC Bay Area: 49ers roster analysis: Signing George Kittle to new contract top focus
https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/49ers/49ers-roster-analysis-signing-george-kittle-new-contract-top-focus

SEATTLE
Seattle Times: Yes, that was Marshawn Lynch in HBO’s ‘Westworld’ trailer
https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/yes-that-was-marshawn-lynch-in-the-westworld-trailer/

Condotta Seattle Times: Could the Seahawks sign defensive end Everson Griffen or former UW Husky Danny Shelton?
https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/could-seahawks-be-a-new-home-for-everson-griffen-what-about-danny-shelton/?

TAMPA BAY
Stroud TB Times: Why it’s open season on Jameis Winston and all available quarterbacks
https://www.tampabay.com/sports/bucs/2020/02/20/why-its-open-season-on-jameis-winston-and-all-available-quarterbacks/?

Stroud TB Times: Gerald McCoy’s storybook ending? Playing in Super Bowl 55
https://www.tampabay.com/sports/bucs/2020/02/21/gerald-mccoys-storybook-ending-playing-in-super-bowl-55/?

TENNESSEE
Estes The Tennessean: Even after playoff run, Titans need to improve this offseason, not just stay same
https://amp.tennessean.com/amp/4695460002

Benjamin CBS Sports.com: Titans likely to cut Dion Lewis if Derrick Henry returns, while Giants and Lions expected to have interest
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/titans-likely-to-cut-dion-lewis-if-derrick-henry-returns-while-giants-and-lions-expected-to-have-interest/amp/

WASHINGTON
Copeland Washington Post: Redskins release tight end Jordan Reed, ending his seven-year stint with the team
https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2020/02/20/jordan-reed-released-redskins/

Keim ESPN Washington: Washington Redskins release Jordan Reed
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/28745306/washington-redskins-release-jordan-reed

Mark Bullock (@MarkBullockNFL)
2/20/20, 4:37 PM
Was expected, cap space was too valuable. Such a fantastic weapon when healthy. Can see him thriving with a contender like the Pats. Hope he can stay healthy. One of my favorite players to study over the years

Mark Bullock (@MarkBullockNFL)
2/20/20, 4:41 PM
49ers would make sense too, Shanahan was the OC when he was drafted. Rams would be a great fit, McVay was Reed’s TE coach his rookie year before becoming the OC under Jay Gruden.

Still feel he was the best route running TE when healthy. He ran choice routes better than most WRs

Keim ESPN Washington: Extending Ryan Kerrigan, other moves could give Redskins big cap space
https://www.espn.com/blog/washington-redskins/post/_/id/39616/extending-ryan-kerrigan-other-moves-could-give-redskins-big-cap-space

Colleges/Draft

Wilner Seattle Times: Analysis: Can the Pac-12 reverse the trend of top recruits leaving the West?
https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/uw-husky-football/analysis-can-the-pac-12-reverse-the-trend-of-top-recruits-leaving-the-west/

Troy Renck (@TroyRenck)
2/20/20, 8:50 PM
Source confirms plan now is for CUBuffs to widen net for football coach candidates. They are expected to resume search in earnest on Monday when they would start setting up and traveling for interviews again

Farrar Touchdownwire USA Today: Touchdown Wire's pre-combine mock draft: Chase Young, Jerry Jeudy are pivot points

4. New York Giants (4-12): Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville

“Two sure things about Giants general manager Dave Gettleman: He loves him some “Hog Mollies,” and he doesn’t give a rat’s posterior what anybody thinks about his picks. So, were Gettleman to take Becton, a 6-foot-7, 369-pound mauler and eraser in the run game with high potential for his frame in his pass sets, don’t be surprised. Becton might not be from the “Build Your Ideal Left Tackle” factory in the modern NFL, but as Gettleman has made clear on multiple occasions, he’s not scouting and signing for the modern NFL, anyway.”

https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2020/02/20/touchdown-wires-pre-combine-mock-draft-chase-young-jerry-jeudy-are-pivot-points/

QB
NFL.com: Tagovailoa reveals ideal scenario, updates rehab
https://amp.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001102618/article/tua-tagovailoa-reveals-ideal-scenario-updates-rehab?

WR
Pflum BBV: 2020 NFL Draft prospect profile: Quartney Davis, WR, Texas A& M
https://www.bigblueview.com/platform/amp/2020/2/20/21144589/2020-nfl-draft-prospect-profile-quartney-davis-wr-texas-a-m-scouting-report-ny-giants

T
Rock Newsday: Prince Tega Wanogho could be on Jets' and Giants' radar in NFL Draft
https://www.newsday.com/amp/sports/football/nfl-draft-giants-jets-prince-tega-wanogho-1.42013609

DT
Brugler The Athletic: Pre-Combine NFL Draft rankings: DT class is much more than just Brown, Kinlaw
https://theathletic.com/1621485/2020/02/20/pre-combine-nfl-draft-rankings-dt-class-is-much-more-than-just-brown-kinlaw/

Edholm Yahoo Sports: 2020 NFL scouting combine preview: Defensive linemen
https://sports.yahoo.com/2020-nfl-scouting-combine-preview-defensive-linemen-140009011.html

LB
Edholm Yahoo Sports: 2020 NFL scouting combine preview: Linebackers
https://sports.yahoo.com/2020-nfl-scouting-combine-preview-linebackers-130026799.html

Matt Bowen (@MattBowen41)
2/20/20, 12:39 PM
Watching more film on Isaiah Simmons...

• Traits are there to develop quickly as an impact safety in the pros

• Long frame, range, closing speed

• Play Quarters, 1 Robber, Cover 3

• Added versatility in nickel/dime packages to blitz or match TEs

PFF Draft (@PFF_College)
2/20/20, 5:30 PM
Isaiah Simmons pressured the QB on 32.9% of pass-rushes.

The highest rate of any power-five defender

S
Fairburn The Athletic: The first-round draft talent no one in the NFL saw coming
A year ago, hardly anybody in the NFL knew who Kyle Dugger was. Now he has a chance to be the first Division 2 player drafted in the first round since 1999. And the Bills are among the teams that have scouted him most heavily
https://theathletic.com/1619483/2020/02/20/the-first-round-draft-talent-no-one-in-the-nfl-saw-coming/

Ledbetter AJC: NFL combine invitee: Kyle Dugger, DB, Lenoir-Rhyne, (Whitewater HS)
https://www.ajc.com/sports/football/nfl-combine-invitee-kyle-dugger-lenoir-rhyne-whitewater/C1dvkw2zcDVlgJNoPHhEUL/amp.html

ST
Trapasso CBS Sports: 2020 NFL Draft kicker and punter rankings: Georgia's Rodrigo Blankenship headlines the group
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-kicker-and-punter-rankings-georgias-rodrigo-blankenship-headlines-the-group/amp/

History

Werner Touchdownwire USA Today: Tua Tagovailoa looks to join 22 lefty quarterbacks who played in the NFL
https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2020/02/20/tua-tagovailoa-looks-to-join-22-lefty-quarterbacks-who-played-in-the-nfl/

Giants Birthdays 2-21

Clint Sintim OLB D2-Virginia 2009 NYG 2009-2011 2-21-1986

The Daily Progress: Virginia hires Clint Sintim as defensive line coach (2-15-2020)
https://www.dailyprogress.com/cavalierinsider/virginia-hires-clint-sintim-as-defensive-line-coach/article_92fbfc3b-e29b-5a2c-b355-7ddadd1a4d5d.amp.html

Reggie Stephens CB UDFA-Rutgers 1999; W-KC 2002 NYG 1999-2000, 2002 2-21-1975

In Memoriam

Tom Longo SS W-PHI 1969 NYG 1969-1970 Born 2-21-1942 Died 7-02-2015

ND Insider: “After shifting from quarterback and running back to cornerback later in his Notre Dame career, Longo helped lead the Irish to a 9-1 record in 1964 and a 7-2-1 record in 1965. He was selected in the 14th round, 188th overall, in the 1965 NFL Draft, and went on to play three years in the NFL with the New York Giants and St. Louis Cardinals.
In 1970, as a safety for the Giants, Longo started all 14 games, intercepting two passes and recovering three fumbles.”

NYT (10-06-1971) “Telling Tom Longo he was no longer a New York Giant was the hardest task Coach Alex Webster had yesterday. A series of circumstances stemming from the acquisition of Reggie Rucker bumped Longo off the taxi squad, where he had been since he injured an ankle in the second exhibition game almost two months ago.
“This is the toughest part of a coach's job,” said Webster. “Here's a guy of the type you wish you had 40 on your team. He's here at the stadium working out, busting his back, on a day off for everybody else. And he's a local kid everybody likes. But you just can't afford sentiment in these situations.”
The situation, as Webster spells it out, boils down to this: Longo is a good strongside safety, but is not as versatile as other Giant defensive hacks. Put on the scales against those who could be useful at more than one position, Longo turned up expendable.

“You take all kinds of factors into consideration,” Webster explained. “Pete Athas can play all four backfield positions. Joe Green is a good safety and very, very important to the special teams. Actually, we're short one offensive lineman, and we have a surplus of defensive backs.”

The Giants have Spider Lockhart and Willie Williams, wellestablished regulars; Bennie McRae, recently acquired from the Chicago Bears, and Scott Eaton, recuperating on the taxi squad, in addition to Athas and Green.
So Longo was placed on waivers. If no one claims him, he can be re‐signed by the Giants within 10 days—provided, of course, the Giants drop someone else to make room for him at that Lime.
“You never know,” said Webster. “Suppose someone got hurt in the next game, and we needed a defensive back again.”

That's the routine midweek business of football. Dropping a popular player is not routine. Longo, a Notre Dame star and a native of New Jersey, joined the Giants as a free agent in 1969 after a year with their 1968 farm club, the Westchester Bulls.”

https://www.nytimes.com/1971/10/06/archives/giants-waive-longo-defensive-back.html

Jim Pietrzak T/DT/LS D6-Eastern Michigan 1974 NYG 1974-1979 Born 2-21-1953 Died 4-05-2018

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 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.