Giants
Schwartz NYP: Tua Tagovailoa’s health could set off Giants’ draft boldness
https://nypost.com/2020/02/21/tua-tagovailoas-health-could-set-off-giants-draft-boldness/amp/
RB
Giants.com: Combine Flashback: Saquon Barkley's 2018 workout
The 2018 NFL Scouting Combine workout from Penn State running back Saquon Barkley. (video)
https://www.giants.com/video/penn-state-rb-saquon-barkley-2018-nfl-scouting-combine-workout-20408807
LT
Dunleavy NYP: NFL Network analyst: Giants should look to draft Mekhi Becton
“Despite a desperate need for defensive playmakers and the appeal of trading back in the first round of the NFL Draft to hoard selections and improve one of the league’s least-talented rosters, the Giants are best off using the No. 4 overall pick on offense, according to NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah.
“As an organization, your No. 1 priority is ensuring that Daniel Jones is going to grow and develop and be a success,” said Jeremiah, a former Eagles, Browns and Ravens scout. “So if I have to go through another year of watching some vanilla, boring defense lacking in playmakers, I’m going to do that if it means I can go ahead and get my left tackle that will protect this kid for the next 10 years.”
“To me, Mekhi Becton is an absolute freak,” Jeremiah said. “I’m not in the business of trading off freaks at a need position. He’s a left tackle. He’s a better version of (12-year NFL starter) Bryant McKinnie. He’s going to be that guy for the next 10 to 12 years to protect your franchise quarterback. He’s so big, so long, so athletic [that] even when he is not perfect, it doesn’t matter because nobody can get through him. He’s 6-foot-7, 370 pounds. You just don’t see guys like that come around very often.”
“I know trade-back options exist,” Jeremiah said. “I know you can take a defensive playmaker. To me, I’m not trading off that pick. I’m sitting there right there taking Mekhi Becton.”
https://nypost.com/2020/02/22/nfl-network-analyst-giants-should-look-to-draft-mekhi-becton/amp/
Rosenblatt NJ.com: Why this NFL Draft expert thinks Giants shouldn’t hesitate to pick an offensive lineman over defensive playmakers
https://www.nj.com/giants/2020/02/why-this-nfl-draft-expert-thinks-giants-shouldnt-hesitate-to-pick-an-offensive-lineman-over-defensive-playmakers.html
Defense
Traina Giantsmaven SI.com: A Deeper Look at ESPN's 'Top 5' Things the Giants Need to Do. Part 3: Add a Significant Edge Rusher
https://www.si.com/nfl/giants/news/a-deeper-look-at-espns-top-5-things-the-giants-need-to-do-part-3-add-a-significant-edge-rusher
NFL
Brooks NFL.com: Teddy's best fits; Love the next Mahomes?
https://amp.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001102695/article/teddy-bridgewaters-best-fits-jordan-love-the-next-mahomes?
ARIZONA
Odegard Cardinals.com: Sean Kugler Wants To Keep Kyler Murray Cleaner In 2020
https://www.azcardinals.com/news/sean-kugler-wants-to-keep-kyler-murray-cleaner-in-2020
ATLANTA
Cunningham AJC: Dan Quinn likes outlook at key positions, but I see two big holes for Falcons
https://www.ajc.com/blog/mike-check/quinn-likes-outlook-valuable-positions-but-see-two-big-holes-for-falcons/6TOFXO0Htfggs3bPqnd4qI/amp.html
McClure ESPN Atlanta: Austin Hooper's next deal could reset the tight end market
https://www.espn.com/blog/atlanta-falcons/post/_/id/35013/austin-hoopers-next-deal-could-reset-the-tight-end-market?
BALTIMORE
Shaffer Baltimore Sun: Ravens coach John Harbaugh won’t travel to NFL scouting combine next week after knee replacement surgery
https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/bs-sp-ravens-john-harbaugh-combine-20200220-khpi6obh5rdczg5z55el3peeey-story.html
BUFFALO
Talbot Syracuse.com: Do Buffalo Bills need to draft WR in Round 1 for immediate impact player? Here’s what Daniel Jeremiah said
https://www.syracuse.com/buffalo-bills/2020/02/do-buffalo-bills-need-to-draft-wr-in-round-1-for-immediate-impact-player-heres-what-daniel-jeremiah-said.html
Turner Cover1.net: WHICH WIDE RECEIVERS IN THE NFL DRAFT FIT JOSH ALLEN’S FAVORITE ROUTES?
https://www.cover1.net/josh-allen-2020-nfl-draft-wide-receiver-routes/
CAROLINA
Goins Panthers.com: NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah explains why he's such a big fan of Matt Rhule
https://www.panthers.com/news/nfl-network-s-daniel-jeremiah-explains-why-he-s-such-a-big-fan-of-matt-rhule
CHICAGO
Biggs Chicago Tribune: Bears release cornerback Prince Amukamara and wide receiver Taylor Gabriel, clearing $13.5 million in salary-cap space while creating 2 needs
https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/bears/ct-chicago-bears-prince-amukamara-taylor-gabriel-cut-20200221-24gnkyxu3vcc7akx5dpowkbgxq-story.html
Meyer Bears.com: Getting to know QBs coach John DeFilippo
https://www.chicagobears.com/news/getting-to-know-qb-coach-john-defilippo
CINCINNATI
Dragon Cincinnati Enquirer: David Carr believes Cincinnati Bengals should commit to running game no matter who QB is
https://amp.cincinnati.com/amp/4831135002
CLEVELAND
Cabot Cleveland Plain Dealer: With Odell Beckham Jr. & Jarvis Landry healing from surgeries, Baker Mayfield faces another challenging offseason: Browns Take
https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2020/02/with-odell-beckham-jr-jarvis-landry-undergoing-surgeries-baker-mayfield-faces-another-challenging-offseason-browns-take.html
Cabot Cleveland Plain Dealer: Jarvis Landry opts for hip surgery after all; aims for training camp return, full recovery expected for 2020
https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2020/02/jarvis-landry-reversed-field-and-had-hip-surgery-back-at-some-point-during-training-camp.html
Ulrich Akron Beacon Journal: NFL combine preview: Daniel Jeremiah identifies tackles best suited for Browns
“So if the draft sets up for the Browns to fill a glaring need at tackle, which ones are best suited for the outside zone blocking scheme Stefanski, offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt and offensive line coach Bill Callahan will install in Cleveland?
Lateral movement is essential.
"When you look at Jedrick Wills from Alabama, he can really move, and he's really good working up to the second level, shows some of his athleticism there," said Jeremiah, a former scout with the Browns, Baltimore Ravens and Philadelphia Eagles. "He's a natural knee bender. He's good in pass protection. He doesn't really get beat.
"I think he could plug right in. He played on the right side there. [Alabama had] a left-handed quarterback in Tua [Tagovailoa], so he was really protecting his blindside. I think he can play on either side. I think he'd be a wonderful fit [in the Browns'] scheme."
Southern California tackle Austin Jackson isn't as highly touted as Wills, but Jeremiah sees an ideal fit.
"I know there's a lot of people that really like Josh Jones from Houston. I think Austin Jackson is going to go ahead of him. I think he's a better player," Jeremiah said. "As we go through the combine, I think he's going to test really well, and I think you're going to start hearing his name mentioned in that top 15.
"If you want somebody to fit that [new Cleveland] offense, I don't know that anybody fits it better than him. He's only 20 years old. He's got great knee bend. He can really move laterally. He's going to get better.
"He donated his bone marrow to his sister [last year], so he lost an offseason. Obviously, it speaks to what kind of brother he is and his character. But he lost that offseason. He just needs to get physically stronger, but as a 20 year old, with that type of athletic ability, the upside is really endless, and I think he's somebody that maybe people are sleeping on a little bit.
"I have a feeling once we come out of the combine, Austin Jackson would be a name the Cleveland Browns are keeping an eye on."
In Jeremiah's first mock draft of the year, he paired the Browns with Georgia tackle Andrew Thomas at No. 10. During the conference call, though, Jeremiah conceded, "I don't know that he's a great fit for [Stefanski's outside zone] scheme."
"He is powerful. He's dominant in the run game. He can anchor in pass protection. He's very aware," Jeremiah added. "He's just on the ground a little [too much], and that was a concern — some of the balance issues. I know some teams would like him to kick over to the right side."
In Kiper's second mock, he had the Browns picking Louisville tackle Mekhi Becton at No. 10.
Jeremiah graded Becton first among tackles, one spot ahead of Wills.
"Mekhi Becton ... is an absolute freak," Jeremiah said. "... He is a left tackle. He's a better version of Bryant McKinnie. He's going to be that guy for the next 10, 12 years to protect your franchise quarterback.
"He's so big and so long and so athletic, even when he's not perfect, it doesn't matter 'cause nobody can get through him. He's 6-7, 370 pounds. You just don't see guys like that come around very often."
Iowa's Tristan Wirfs is another tackle widely projected to become a top-10 pick. The Athletic's Dane Brugler matched Wirfs with the Browns at No. 10 in his third mock.
"He's ... got a chance to be an All-Pro guard," Jeremiah said. "I know he's played tackle, he's played on the right, he's played on the left and he's a good tackle. I think he can play tackle in the NFL. I just think he's got a chance to be an elite guard. He's got some issues — oversetting. That can be cleaned up a little bit.
"But in terms of having something to gain, if he goes out there [at the combine] and puts on an athletic show, which I've heard there's a chance he does, then he can kind of put that to bed and say, 'Look, I am a tackle. I'm not sliding inside. That's what I am.' "
https://www.beaconjournal.com/sports/20200221/nfl-combine-preview-daniel-jeremiah-identifies-tackles-best-suited-for-browns?
DALLAS
Watkins Dallas Morning News: Cowboys position preview: Massive change awaits the defensive line in 2020 — a look at options in free agency, NFL draft
https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/cowboys/2020/02/21/cowboys-position-preview-uncertainty-surrounds-the-defensive-line-with-several-key-players-entering-free-agency/
DENVER
Patra NFL.com: Parks could have a market for his services as FA
“What makes Parks interesting to other teams is the still-growing player's flexibility. He can play deep safety, step into the box and stop the run, and cover the slot.
To underscore his flexibility, take a look at how certain organizations label the 25-year-old: The team's official site simply lists him as a safety. NFL.com calls him a strong safety. Next Gen Stats marks him as a free safety. And Pro Football Focus graded him as a cornerback.”
https://amp.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001102626/article/will-parks-could-have-a-market-for-his-services-as-fa?
DETROIT
Birkett Detroit Free Press: Bob Quinn: Detroit Lions 'open to any trades' with No. 3 pick in NFL draft, no talks yet
"If you trade down and come away with Derrick Brown or Okudah, that’s huge," NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah said in a conference call Friday. "Isaiah Simmons could come in there and be a big-time player as well. And then you start getting into (South Carolina defensive tackle Javon) Kinlaw. That’s probably the last one, and that would be the group where I’d say, 'OK, if you’re picking at three, I don’t know that I want to go much further than six, at the furthest seven.' If you get in that range, I think you come away with one of those guys."
https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/02/21/bob-quinn-detroit-lions-nfl-draft-trades-no-3-pick/4832373002/
Rogers Detroit News: Jeff Okudah over Derrick Brown? Analyst believes Lions building defense like Patriots
https://amp.detroitnews.com/amp/4832682002
Birkett Detroit Free Press: Lions' Damon Harrison calls pending release 'mutual,' thankful for time in Detroit
https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/02/21/detroit-lions-damon-harrison/4837547002/
GREEN BAY
Demovsky ESPN GB: Could the future (quarterback) be now? Packers GM won't rule it out
https://www.espn.com/blog/green-bay-packers/post/_/id/48692/could-the-future-quarterback-be-now-packers-gm-wont-rule-it-out?
Spofford Packers.com: 5 things learned from Packers GM Brian Gutekunst before the combine
https://www.packers.com/news/5-things-learned-from-packers-gm-brian-gutekunst-before-the-combine
INDIANAPOLIS
Glaspie Indianapolis Star: Daniel Jeremiah: Colts offense could be 'really, really fun' with Phillip Rivers
https://amp.indystar.com/amp/4836933002
Erickson Indianapolis Star: Colts miss out on extra sixth-round pick because Hairston trade conditions weren't met
https://amp.indystar.com/amp/4832051002
JACKSONVILLE
Frenette Florida Times Union: Jaguars better make right moves with Ngakoue, others this offseason
https://www.jacksonville.com/sports/20200221/gene-frenette-jaguars-better-make-right-moves-with-ngakoue-others-this-offseason
Jaguars.com: Jaguars Exercise Team Options for WR Chris Conley and S Jarrod Wilson
https://www.jaguars.com/news/jaguars-exercise-team-options-for-wr-chris-conley-and-s-jarrod-wilson
KANSAS CITY
ESPN: Chiefs OC Eric Bieniemy withdraws from Colorado coaching search
https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/28749241/chiefs-oc-eric-bieniemy-withdraws-colorado-coaching-search?
Sweeney SB Nation: Brett Veach calls Chris Jones “a priority” ahead of NFL Scouting Combine
https://www.arrowheadpride.com/platform/amp/2020/2/21/21147666/brett-veach-calls-chris-jones-a-priority-ahead-of-nfl-scouting-combine
LAS VEGAS
Gutierrez ESPN LV: Raiders should target WRs, MLBs and CBs at the combine
https://www.espn.com/blog/las-vegas-raiders/post/_/id/24084/raiders-should-target-wrs-mlbs-and-cbs-at-the-combine?
MINNESOTA
Coller Skor North: What should the Vikings do with Riley Reiff?
https://www.skornorth.com/vikings-2/2020/02/what-should-the-vikings-do-with-riley-reiff/
NEW ENGLAND
Glauber Newsday: There's a good chance Tom Brady is done with Patriots
https://www.newsday.com/amp/sports/columnists/bob-glauber/tom-brady-patriots-quarterback-1.42046391
Daniels Providence Journal: Patriots should reinforce their defensive line in 2020
https://www.providencejournal.com/sports/20200221/patriots-should-reinforce-their-defensive-line-in-2020?
NEW ORLEANS
Breer MMQB: Why It's No Surprise to See Drew Brees and Tom Brady Playing Into Their 40s
Tom House was a pitching coach for some Texas Rangers who kept throwing well into their 40s. As a throwing coach for Drew Brees and Tom Brady, he has them uniquely positioned to keep doing the same.
https://www.si.com/.amp/nfl/2020/02/20/tom-house-drew-brees-tom-brady-40s-no-surprise
NEW YORK JETS
Mehta NYDN: Jets Mailbag: Could a much tougher 2020 schedule mean 7-9 again?
https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/ny-2020-schedule-free-agency-draft-trade-20200221-uuktdpvzzndubcoi4rdead7szq-story.html
PHILADELPHIA
Domowitch Phil Inquirer: NFL scouting combine: Eagles’ needs list starts with WR and CB, but they’ll be keeping close eye on defensive linemen
https://www.inquirer.com/eagles/eagles-scouting-combine-defensive-linemen-pass-rush-shareef-miller-penn-state-sacks-fletcher-cox-malik-jackson-20200221.html
Kempski Phillyvoice: Former Eagles scout Daniel Jeremiah discusses potential Philly wide receivers and corners
https://www.phillyvoice.com/former-eagles-scout-daniel-jeremiah-discusses-potential-philly-wide-receivers-and-corners/amp/
PITTSBURGH
Dulac Pittsburgh Post Gazette: Analysis: Will Steelers answer tight end question before the draft?
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2020/02/21/steelers-offfseason-what-to-do-tight-end-draft-prospects-nfl/stories/202002210023
SAN FRANCISCO
Branch SF Chronicle: Good news for 49ers: draft teeming with talent at wide receiver, cornerback
https://www.sfchronicle.com/49ers/amp/Analyst-NFL-draft-stacked-at-49ers-areas-of-15074429.php
Branch SF Chronicle: Top five backups 49ers need to sign this offseason
https://www.sfchronicle.com/49ers/amp/49ers-would-be-wise-to-sign-these-second-string-15072957.php
Maiocco NBC Bay Area: Why 49ers could be interested in adding Taylor Gabriel to receiver mix
https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/49ers/why-49ers-could-be-interested-adding-taylor-gabriel-receiver-mix?
SEATTLE
Condotta Seattle Times: Five things for Seahawks fans to watch at the NFL scouting combine
https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/four-things-to-watch-at-the-nfl-scouting-combine/?
TAMPA BAY
Laine ESPN TB: Whom will the Bucs be watching closely at the combine?
https://tv5.espn.com/blog/tampa-bay-buccaneers/post/_/id/23427/who-will-the-bucs-be-watching-most-closely-at-the-combine?
Baker TB Times: NFL draft: Jacob Eason is a wildcard quarterback. Will the Bucs be interested?
https://www.tampabay.com/sports/bucs/2020/02/21/nfl-draft-jacob-eason-is-a-wildcard-quarterback-will-the-bucs-be-interested/?
TENNESSEE
Bacharach The Tennessean: Could Tom Brady really be bound for Titans? Here's what we know so far
https://amp.tennessean.com/amp/4835296002
WASHINGTON
Carpenter Washington Post: Redskins believe there is a strong chance Trent Williams will return
https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2020/02/21/trent-williams-return-is-strong-possibility-redskins-believe/?
XFL
Reyes USA Today: Evoking comparisons to Patrick Mahomes, QB P.J. Walker is XFL's breakout star player
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/xfl/2020/02/21/xfl-pj-walker-houston-roughnecks-sidearm-star-player/4820091002/
Dave Birkett (@davebirkett)
2/21/20, 9:29 PM
Walker to the Panthers after the XFL season makes sense, considering he played for Matt Rhule in college. But if not, Lions should give him a look as backup
Krasovic UTSD: Former Aztecs star RB Donnel Pumphrey finds his stride with XFL
https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/aztecs/story/2020-02-21/sdsu-aztecs-xfl-donnel-pumphrey-dc-defenders-philadelphia-eagles-nfl?
Colleges/Draft
Shook NFL.com: 16 new drills coming to NFL Scouting Combine
https://amp.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001102601/article/16-new-drills-coming-to-nfl-scouting-combine?
Orr SI.com: Pilates, Rugby Books and Hellcat Chargers: How Prospects Prep for the NFL Combine
https://www.si.com/nfl/2020/02/21/nfl-combine-qb-prep-thomas-okwara-henderson-davis
Miller B/R: Matt Miller's Scouting Notebook: K'Lavon Chaisson Will Dominate 2020 NFL Combine
https://syndication.bleacherreport.com/amp/2877203-matt-millers-scouting-notebook-klavon-chaisson-will-dominate-2020-nfl-combine.amp.html
Tuls The Draft Network: PROSPECTS WITH MEDICAL RED FLAGS TO WATCH AT 2020 NFL COMBINE
https://thedraftnetwork.com/articles/nfl-combine-medical-injury-red-flags
Kubena NO Advocate: 16 LSU players heading to NFL combine; See when each player's schedule, draft projection, more
https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/sports/lsu/article_8d6b7d32-54cb-11ea-912a-2f0df21f429c.amp.html
NFL.com: Jeremiah, Brooks match WR prospects with teams in AMA
https://amp.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001102716/article/jeremiah-brooks-match-wr-prospects-with-teams-in-reddit-ama?
Goodbread NFL.com: Jeremiah identifies team fits for prospects
New York Giants
The Giants' priority should be a franchise left tackle to protect last year's first-round QB selection in Daniel Jones, per the NFL Network draft guru. Jeremiah said an ideal option could be Louisville OT Mekhi Becton.
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001102702/article/2020-nfl-draft-daniel-jeremiah-identifies-team-fits-for-prospects
Reuter NFL.com: Three-round mock draft: Pats select a QB
4 NYG : PROJECTED TRADE WITH GIANTS. “In the 2016, '17 and '18 drafts, three teams pulled off trades to get a future signal-caller. Philip Rivers' departure means the Chargers are in the market, and there are multiple teams also in the hunt for Herbert's services.”
6 NYG. Mekhi Becton T Louisville
“School: Louisville | Year: Junior
PROJECTED TRADE WITH CHARGERS. GM Dave Gettleman moves down two spots to re-gain the third-round pick he sent to the Jets for Leonard Williams, plus a 2021 second-round selection. An additional asset could be included in this deal, as well, like in the Bears- 49ers trade from three years ago, when Chicago gave up two third-rounders and a fourth to move up one spot and select Mitchell Trubisky. The Giants' choice between Becton, Jedrick Wills and Andrew Thomas will be one of the more interesting storylines in the early part of the draft.”
36 NYG Justin Jefferson WR LSU
71 NYG from LAC Damon Arnette CB Ohio State
101 NYG Trevon Hill Edge Miami
RB
Pflum BBV: 2020 NFL Draft prospect profile: Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin
https://www.bigblueview.com/platform/amp/2020/2/21/21146228/2020-nfl-draft-prospect-profile-jonathan-taylor-rb-wisconsin-scouting-report-ny-giants
WR
Kelly Cover1.net: 2020 NFL DRAFT | HENRY RUGGS III IS MORE THAN JUST SPEED
https://www.cover1.net/henry-ruggs-alabama-nfl-draft/
LB
McMann Michigan Live: Michigan LB Josh Uche a strong Day 2 candidate for NFL draft, experts say
https://www.mlive.com/wolverines/2020/02/michigan-lb-josh-uche-a-strong-day-2-candidate-for-nfl-draft-experts-say.html
History
Moore AZ Republic: Don't know Marlin Briscoe? Too bad. You owe him if you're an NFL fan
https://amp.azcentral.com/amp/4829524002
Giants Birthdays 2-22
Dhani Jones LB D6-Michigan 2000 NYG 2000-2003 2-22-1978
Bill Swain LLB TR-MIN 1965 NYG 1965-1967 2-22-1941
1966 Profile
“BILL SWAIN
Linebacker
No. 52
Oregon
Bill appeared in 14 games for the Rams in 1963, 14 games for the Vikings in 1964 and 14 games for the Giants last year. His lateral movement and uncanny ability to follow a play cause trouble for opposing running backs and his good hands make him a threat to intercept a pass.”
NYT: Frederickson and Swain of Giants Undergo Surgery and Are Lost of Season; INJURIES SUFFERED IN PACKERS' GAME Fullback, Linebacker Hurt Knees in 37-10 Exhibition Defeat at Milwaukee (9-05-1966)
“The New York Giants will be playing the coming National Football League season without two of their regulars, Tucker Frederickson and Bill Swain. Both athletes were injured in Milwaukee on Saturday night as the Giants lost to the Green Bay Packers, 37-10, and both underwent surgery last night at St. Vincent's Hospital for repair of damaged knees.”
1967 Profile
“BILL SWAIN
Linebacker
No. 52
Oregon
Having played every game for the Giants from 1963 through 1965, Bill returns to action after missing all of last season. He has the speed to pursue any ball-carrier and the hands to intercept any ball thrown in his direction.”
Joe Taibi DE UDFA-Idaho 1987 NYG 1987 2-22-1963
Canavan AP: They Might Be Giants
“EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) _ Aspiring financial analysts, teachers, construction workers, minor leaguers, dreamers and even imposters. Just about a year ago, these would-be pros lived a remarkable fantasy for three weeks.
In the wink of a strike, they became the defending Super Bowl champion New York Giants.
They also may have been the worst of the NFL’s replacement teams.
″At times on the practice field things would be going terrible,″ said Jim Crocicchia, the Ivy League quarterback who become the field general of the Giants.
″We would line up wrong. The coaches would tell us it was wrong and we would go back and line up wrong again. You just had to laugh.″
The problems showed on the football field. Three games, three losses. A defense that gave up 85 points and an offense that scored just 36.
″It was amazing that we were able to suit up right and make it out onto the field,″ said Dan DeRose, the college teacher who doubled as a linebacker and owner of a semipro minor team in Pueblo, Colo. ″Sometimes I was amazed how well it came off.″
Replacement football was viewed by Giants management as a necessary evil caused by the strike.
″I’ve tried coming up with a way of getting it out of my mind,″ Giants General Manager George Young said. ″The only thing I can recall from Day 1 was how odious it was to me. But it shortened the strike and it was something I endured for the greater good.″
The strike lasted 24 days, and then the replacements went their own ways.
A year later, many still dream of playing. Some are.
Crocicchia, Edwin Lovelady, Lewis Bennett and Chris Jones all play with the New York Knights of the indoor league. DeRose and Joe Taibi are with the playoff-bound Pueblo Crusaders in Colorado.
Mike Black, Dan Morgan, Boris Byrd and Don Brown had tryouts with the New York Giants but were cut.
A great many others became hard to track down.
″I would definitely do it again,″ said Taibi, who now runs his family’s bar in Pueblo. ″It’s something I’ll always remember. It was an experience and I had a lot of fun.″
There certainly were laughs.
Defensive end Reggie Carr fell asleep on the bench in the opening game against San Francisco on national television.
Jimmy Jackson, Carr’s minor league coach with the Connecticut Giants, maintains to this day that Carr was simply closing his eyes and visualizing what he would do when he returned to the field.
There also was the Eric Jeffries imposter. Jeffries was a former University of Texas defensive back and the Giants jumped at the opportunity to sign him when they thought he was available. They even flew a man in from Texas who claimed he was Jeffries.
″He seemed to have trouble with some of the drills from the start,″ Crocicchia said. ″But when they asked him to backpedal and he didn’t know what they meant.″
Then there was Toran Smith, who decided a way to loosen up his muscles was to cover his entire body with a ″Ben Gay″-like substance. Unfortunately for him, he put on a little too much and was forced to run out of a team meeting for a quick, cooling shower.
They had fun off the field, too. One day Taibi and DeRose took a bus from their New Jersey hotel to New York City for their first visit. Both wanted to see the Empire State so when they left the Port Authority terminal, they looked up, got a glimpse of a landmark and walked there - ending up at the Chrysler Building.
Some of the miscues on the field were less amusing.
Offensive tackle Frank Sutton, one of about about 10 members of the Connecticut Giants semipro team to join the replacements, said the Giants had only about 20 players who had either been in an NFL training camp or had some pro experience, and faced teams with more.
″The coaching staff was trying to fit guys into positions where they didn’t fit,″ said Sutton, who has returned to construction work. ″Coaches were trying to put square pegs in round holes.″
Frank Nicholson, another of the Connecticut Giants, felt like one of those square pegs. He had tried to make the Giants in training camp as a defensive back. When he came into replacement camp, he got the playbook of a linebacker.
He ended up in two plays against San Francisco in the opener and then spending the final two games on special teams.
″It was a good time,″ Nicholson said. ″I just wish it had lasted a little longer. The money was good.″
On the average, replacement players received between $2,000 and $3,000 per game, more than most were used to making. It left many with the desire to return to the field, and all the former replacement Giants interviewed said they would be willing to do it again in case of another strike.
″Now that we’ve tasted the honey, we’re looking forward to tasting it again,″ said Sutton. ″I hope they strike tomorrow. I don’t wish the others anything bad. I just want to play in the NFL again some day and I hope someone will give me the chance.″
The chance may never come again and for the most part, most will remember an inept Giants replacement team that played before just 25,594 fans in two games at 77,000-plus-seat Giants Stadium.
″I have a lot of respect for guys who exposed themselves to criticism because they wanted to play,″ Young said. ″These guys loved the game. They wanted to be in the NFL and that was as close as they would get. I respect the dreams of athletes who were not good enough, but who tried.″
In Memoriam
Mickey Kobrosky QB D5-Trinity (Ct) 1937 NYG 1937 Born 2-22-1915 Died 5-29-2003
Trinity HOF
“Between 1934 and 1936, Trinity College football lost just two games, and won 19, a staggering record for any time. Thus began the storied career of Trinity coach Dan Jessee, but the underlying principle credit could easily be given to one of Trinity's most talented legends, Milton, Mickey, Kobrosky '37 (1915-2003), who was Trinity's first and only inductee into the National Football Foundation's College Football Hall of Fame this past summer.
To many contemporary Trinity students, 1936 is ancient history, although the college had already been in operation for 112 years, and the athletic program was already widely respected in the realm of collegiate sports. Mickey Kobrosky was in his senior football season in 1936, and graduated from the college in the spring of 1937 with 11 varsity letters: three in football (freshman didn't play varsity), and four each in basketball and baseball. Kobrosky excelled as a passer, runner and defensive player on teams that went 19-2 over his three varsity football seasons (1934-36). In his sophomore season, the team went undefeated.
"As far back as I can remember, my father was treated as an athletic demigod," said one of Mickey's sons, Gary Kobrosky, "Everyone in the know, throughout Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York, or anybody that followed sports in the 30's and 40's was in awe of my dad. There was this celebrity status. An incredible cachet by association for the entire family with an amazing longevity to this day."
While at Trinity, Kobrosky put up some dazzling numbers, recording 200 points (third in Trinity's all-time rankings), while rushing for 1,861 yards (ninth in Trinity history) and completing 1,000 passing yards, all in just three seasons. He earned three-time All-Connecticut and All-New England honors, and was a Jewish All-American, and an Associated Press All- East Honorable Mention.
From 1935-36, Mickey Kobrosky's abilities transcended Trinity's small -school status as Grantland Rice and Stanley Woodward named him a Major School First Team All- American his junior and senior seasons.
Kobrosky's phenomenal prowess in other sports was equally well known. As Mickey's college roommate, Daniel Alpert'37 recounted, "Once, while the Trinity baseball team (captained, of course, by Mickey Kobrosky) was playing a practice scrimmage, the coach of the track team requested that Mickey run over to the track to complete some events for the track meet. Unsurprisingly, Kobrosky threw the javelin, shot-put, and the discus, completed the long jump, winning at all four events, and returned to the baseball scrimmage without missing his turn at bat."
After graduating Trinity, Kobrosky signed a contract with the Cleveland Indians, and played briefly for their minor league affiliate before playing one season for the NFL New York Giants shortly after a spectacular performance as the star player of the Eastern Collegiate Football All-Stars exhibition against those same New York Giants. After suffering a knee injury late in the 1937 NFL season, Kobrosky opted to go to medical school, a decision that pleased his father, a scrap-metal dealer in his hometown of Springfield, Massachusetts.
The Veteran's Committee Honors Court selected Mickey Kobrosky to the NFF Hall of Fame, which has only recently begun accepting Division III athletes for induction. Additionally, the Veterans Committee may make recommendations for exceptions to eligibility that allow for the induction of players who played more than 50 years ago. Since Mickey Kobrosky had played nearly 75 years ago, this is an even more astonishing honor.
"My dad was the original embodiment of the scholar- athlete," said Gary Kobrosky, "He was a pre- med student, class president and achieving such acclaim in three sports, and following up by entering medical school. His service in the U.S. Army Medical Corps during World War II, attaining the rank of Lt. Colonel, was very valued by the Veteran's Committee."
Dr. Milton Kobrosky, who with his wife, Elaine, resided in Longmeadow, Massachusetts with their daughter, Karen and four sons, Steven, Neil, Gary, and Glen, was also highly-regarded for his community service with the Boy's Clubs of America and Springfield's public schools. He served in the Army reserves for more than a quarter-century, and displayed an unwavering care and commitment to Springfield's elderly, poor and disenfranchised.”
Football Foundation HOF
“A two-time First Team All-American, Mickey Kobrosky is considered the greatest athlete ever to play at Trinity College. "King Cobra" becomes the first Bantam player inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. Kobrosky earned 11 letters during his four years at Trinity, three in football and four each in basketball and baseball. He was a three-time All-Connecticut and All-New England selection. A member of Trinity's undefeated team in 1934, Kobrosky led the Bantams to a 19-2 mark in his three varsity seasons. Grantland Rice said that Kobrosky was the most underrated player in the country. Kobrosky led a team of College All-Stars against the New York Giants in 1937, driving the collegians to their only touchdown in a 14-7 defeat. He joined the Giants for the 1937 season after playing a season of minor league baseball. Gary suffered a knee injury in the final game of the NFL season. The injury ended his athletic career, although he was able to play one additonal season of minor league football. Kobrosky then graduated from Brandeis University's medical school and served in the Medical Corps in Italy during World War II, earning the rank of Lt. Colonel. Kobrosky continued to practice for 45 years in New England after the war. Kobrosky passed away on May 29, 2003, at age 88 in Longmeadow, Mass.”
