Thursday Reading

Giants

Leonard NYDN: Giants intend to build through NFL Draft but can’t be done with free agency yet
https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/ny-free-agency-nfl-draft-offensive-line-safety-darryl-williams-20200319-j3zo5xfgwjcufmzghkekbkkgra-story.html

Rosenblatt NJ.com: Why Giants are front-loading the James Bradberry, Blake Martinez contracts and what it means for rest of free agency
https://www.nj.com/giants/2020/03/why-giants-are-front-loading-the-james-bradberry-blake-martinez-contracts-and-what-it-means-for-rest-of-free-agency.html

RV SNY: Where things stand with Giants' salary cap situation after free agent signings
Breaking down how Dave Gettleman already spent most of his room
https://www.sny.tv/giants/news/where-things-stand-with-giants-salary-cup-situation-after-free-agents-signings/313076886

Schwartz NYP: NFL free agency: Where Giants stand after measured spending spree
https://nypost.com/2020/03/18/nfl-free-agency-where-giants-stand-after-measured-spending-spree/amp/

Schneier/Falato Big Blue Banter Podcast: Dan Schneier and Nick Falato break down the most recent turn of events in NFL free agency including the Giants' decision to sign Kyler Fackrell, save cap space by not picking up Antoine Bethea's option, and what free agents they might target next. They also break down the Giants' biggest remaining roster needs. Lastly, Dan and Nick dive into the Giants decision to front-load these contracts with roster bonuses -- why they did it and what it means moving forward (Audio)
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/big-blue-banter-a-new-york-giants-football-podcast/id1387339234?i=1000468805743

Duggan The New York Football Podcast: Tim McMaster and Dan Duggan have you covered with all of the Giants’ free agent moves. They break down the addition of James Bradberry (6:54) and Blake Martinez (12:50). Plus, hear their thoughts on the deals for Kyler Fackrell (17:41) and Levine Toilolo (22:06). They wrap by discussing Leonard Williams and the franchise tag (26:54) as well as the new CBA (33:00) (Audio)
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/new-york-football-podcast-show-about-new-york-giants/id1477129658?i=1000468815192

QB

Schwartz NYP: Giants eyeing Matt Moore as possible backup quarterback
https://nypost.com/2020/03/18/giants-eyeing-matt-moore-as-possible-backup-quarterback/amp/

TE

Bobby Skinner (@BobbySkinner_)
3/18/20, 6:50 PM
Giants TE Levine Toilolo was obviously brought in for his blocking skills at 6’8” 265 lbs.

Noticing that while he is good in the run game... he’s awesome as a pass blocker which is rare for a TE. Does a great job mirroring Carlos Dunlap

RT

Schwartz NYP: Giants adding Cameron Fleming in telling free agency move
https://nypost.com/2020/03/19/giants-adding-cameron-fleming-in-telling-free-agency-move/amp/

Rosenblatt NJ.com: Giants sign Cowboys’ Cameron Fleming to shore up O-Line: 3 instant takeaways | Is he good enough to start?
https://www.nj.com/giants/2020/03/nfl-rumors-giants-sign-cowboys-cameron-fleming-to-shore-up-o-line-3-instant-takeaways-is-he-good-enough-to-start.html

Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan)
3/18/20, 9:06 PM
This is a one-year deal for Fleming. He had another strong suitor but Giants potentially give him an opportunity to start at right tackle and reunites him with Jason Garrett and Marc Colombo from Dallas and Joe Judge from New England

PFF NY Giants (@PFF_Giants)
3/18/20, 9:41 PM
Cam Fleming’s best seasons came in ‘16 and ‘17 with the Patriots, recording a 74 grade each of those years.

Last season he allowed 13 pressures on 154 pass blocking snaps at Left Tackle.

Fleming is the 3rd former Stanford player to sign with Giants this offseason

Rosenblatt NJ.com: Why Giants still need serious offensive line upgrades after signing Cowboys’ Cameron Fleming (and who they can target)
https://www.nj.com/giants/2020/03/why-giants-still-need-serious-offensive-line-upgrades-after-signing-cowboys-cameron-fleming-and-who-they-can-target.html

ILB

Falato BBV: Film study: What will Blake Martinez bring to Giants’ defense?
Let’s break down what Martinez can and can’t do
https://www.bigblueview.com/2020/3/18/21184543/film-study-blake-martinez-ny-giants-defense

Bobby Skinner (@BobbySkinner_)
3/18/20, 9:37 AM
Blake Martinez’s struggles in zone coverage seem to come against heavy RPO teams (Bears/Eagles).

He looks fine in man coverage but can get caught over playing a route combo. Eagles game was bad but others were fine. Still more to watch but Martinez is a damn good player

OLB

Nick Falato (@nickfalato)
3/18/20, 1:31 PM
Under Patrick Graham, who was the linebackers coach/run game coordinator, Kyler Fackrell had 10.5 sacks in 2018. He won in multiple ways: speed/dip up arc, push-pulls, inside counters, and hustle/effort sacks. For 1 year $4.6 million, this is a good signing

Nick Falato (@nickfalato)
3/18/20, 2:33 PM
⁦‪Scott McCurley was the OLB coach 2018 for the Packers, but since Graham was a run game coordinator, I'm sure he worked with Fackrell in some capacity. Also, in team periods, outside of EDDs, I would imagine they worked together

CB

Rock Newsday: Giants signing a 'dream' come true in cornerback James Bradberry

““With James’ height and his size and his overall athletic ability and natural instinct, he’s a dream of what people are looking for to play corner,” Hatcher said on Wednesday. “He looks like a linebacker or a safety.”
But at 6-1 and 212 pounds, he also has the agility to lock up on opposing receivers.
“I mean, he’s been starting at corner in the NFL for four years,” Hatcher scoffed. “He’s played at a high level for quite some time and those receivers that he had to go against each and every week in the division he was in [the NFC South] is not an easy task.”
There is one thing, however, that many elite cornerbacks in the NFL do that Bradberry does not.
At a position that generally brings out the bravado from players, whether it be on-the-field trash talk or social media jabs, Bradberry stays away from the action. He’s more comfortable getting in someone’s face as part of press coverage than he is doing so after a play...”

https://www.newsday.com/sports/football/giants/james-bradberry-giants-nfl-free-agency-1.43290863

FS

Lombardo NJ.com: NFL Draft 2020: Who are the best safeties who could fill pressing need for Giants? | Ranking Xavier McKinney, Grant Delpit, Antoine Winfield Jr., more
https://www.nj.com/giants/2020/03/nfl-draft-2020-who-are-the-best-safeties-who-could-fill-pressing-need-for-giants-ranking-xavier-mckinney-grant-delpit-antoine-winfield-jr-more.html

ST

Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet)
3/19/20, 7:18 AM
The Giants are bringing in a familiar face for coach Joe Judge, as former Patriots special teams ace Nate Ebner is set to join NYG, source said. The ex-rugby star had been with New England since 2012

Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton)
3/19/20, 7:22 AM
Ebner fits a similar profile to Giants special teams captain Mike Thomas, who is a free agent, so we'll see what that means for his return

PFF (@PFF)
3/19/20, 7:32 AM
Per ⁦‪RapSheet‬⁩ the Giants are signing Nate Ebner

Ebner: PFF Special Teams grade of 70+ in 6 straight seasons

Ben Volin (@BenVolin)
3/19/20, 7:27 AM
Ebner was a Belichick favorite. Now he’ll help Joe Judge get his program in New York established

NFL

Seifert ESPN: 2020 NFL free-agency winners and losers: Why Dak Prescott, Kyler Murray and Browns fans are happy
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/28921248/2020-nfl-free-agency-winners-losers-why-dak-prescott-kyler-murray-browns-fans-happy

Prisco CBS Sports: 2020 NFL Free Agency Grades: Tom Brady to Bucs gets an 'A,' while Colts get 'B+' for Philip Rivers addition
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2020-nfl-free-agency-grades-tom-brady-to-bucs-gets-an-a-while-colts-get-b-for-philip-rivers-addition/amp/

Schofield/Farrar Touchdownwire USA Today:
Free-agency grades for every NFL team (so far)

“Giants general manager Dave Gettleman made a couple of strong moves to build up a defense in desperate need, signing ex-Panthers cornerback James Bradberry and former Packers linebacker Blake Martinez. Bradberry immediately becomes Big Blue’s best cornerback (a low bar, to be sure), while Martinez, who was miscast as a coverage ‘backer in Green Bay, will likely be tasked to be more of a forward-facing run-stopper. A good start for a team with needs all over the place.
Grade: B”

https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2020/03/18/free-agency-grades-for-every-nfl-team-so-far/

ATLANTA
Ledbetter AJC: Falcons to sign Dante Fowler to three-year, $48 million deal 
https://www.ajc.com/sports/football/report-falcons-sign-dante-fowler/GQ9bclPRFN4GZrTOPN9hIN/amp.html

BALTIMORE
Hensley ESPN Baltimore: Ravens decline DB Brandon Carr's contract option
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/28922709/ravens-decline-db-brandon-carr-contract-option

BUFFALO
Brown Bills.com: Reports | Bills add three defensive linemen, a linebacker and two special teams stalwarts in free agency
https://www.buffalobills.com/news/reports-bills-add-three-defensive-linemen-a-linebacker-and-two-special-teams-sta

Parrino Syracuse.com: 5 thoughts and a grade on Buffalo Bills signing DL Quinton Jefferson
https://www.syracuse.com/buffalo-bills/2020/03/5-thoughts-and-a-grade-on-buffalo-bills-signing-dl-quinton-jefferson.html

Parrino Syracuse.com: 5 thoughts and a grade on Buffalo Bills signing EDGE Mario Addison
https://www.syracuse.com/buffalo-bills/2020/03/5-thoughts-and-a-grade-on-buffalo-bills-signing-edge-mario-addison.html

CAROLINA
Newton ESPN Charlotte: The Panthers have released safety Eric Reid, who was scheduled to count $8 million against the cap this season. He had two more years left on the three-year deal he signed last year. He will save the team $5.5 million in cap space with a post-June 1 designation. His statement on Twitter: "It’s been a pleasure Carolina! I enjoyed my time and the support I received from the fans, media, teammates, and staff there will be remembered. Looking forward to furthering my career in another city!"

CHICAGO
Pompei The Athletic: Ryan Pace acknowledges mistakes with early free-agent signings
https://theathletic.com/1682028/2020/03/18/pompei-ryan-pace-acknowledges-mistakes-with-early-free-agent-signings/

Kane Chicago Tribune: What does Nick Foles’ arrival mean for Mitch Trubisky? We await word from Bears GM Ryan Pace.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/bears/ct-chicago-bears-mitch-trubisky-nick-foles-20200319-eqrzmnmm45gwlfunbnbi4vqoki-story.html

Wiederer Chicago Tribune: Nick Foles has a proven track record of being a calm and steady rescue artist. Isn’t that exactly what the Bears needed?
https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/bears/ct-chicago-bears-nick-foles-matt-nagy-20200319-kfm3653gmvcrrpyqaq7vge4szi-story.html

Wiederer Chicago Tribune: Releasing Leonard Floyd was the logical move for Ryan Pace and the Bears. But their latest high-profile failure helps explain why they’re stuck in mediocrity.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/bears/ct-chicago-bears-leonard-floyd-ryan-pace-20200318-t2rxkk4qrrfplmpx45hgow7ioa-story.html

CINCINNATI
ESPN: Bengals release cornerback B.W. Webb and guard John Miller
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/28920882/bengals-release-cornerback-bw-webb?

CLEVELAND
Patsko Cleveland Plain Dealer: Andy Janovich traded to Browns: 3 things to know about the fullback
https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2020/03/andy-janovich-traded-to-browns-3-things-to-know-about-the-fullback.html

Cabot Cleveland Plain Dealer: Browns agree to terms with Raiders safety Karl Joseph and Packers LB B.J. Goodson on 1-year deals
https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2020/03/browns-agree-to-terms-with-packers-lb-bj-goodson.html

DALLAS
Archer ESPN Dallas: The Cowboys and center/guard Joe Looney have agreed on a one-year deal, according to multiple sources. Looney has started 20 games in his four seasons with the Cowboys, including all 16 in 2018 when he took over for Travis Frederick. Looney can play multiple spots on the offensive line, which is a plus, and showed two years ago he can be a full-time player.

Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan)
3/18/20, 8:53 PM
Giants had interest for Looney to reunite with Jason Garrett and ex-line coach Marc Colombo as the possible starting center in NY. He elected to stay in Dallas

Watkins Dallas Morning News: Cowboys strike deal with Panthers DL Gerald McCoy, who fits what they are looking for on the defensive line
https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/cowboys/2020/03/18/report-cowboys-sign-panthers-dl-gerald-mccoy/

DENVER
Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet)
3/18/20, 11:47 AM
With the Broncos acquiring a big salary in #Titans DT Jurrell Casey, the Joe Flacco situation — likely a release — should be resolved today, source said. Another backup QB on the market

Newman Denver Post: Cornerback A.J. Bouye excited to showcase skills with Broncos: “I know I can hold my own”
https://www.denverpost.com/2020/03/18/broncos-cornerback-aj-bouye-introduced/amp/

DETROIT
Birkett Detroit Free Press: Detroit Lions' free-agent haul isn't awful, but it doesn't inspire, either
https://amp.freep.com/amp/2870002001

Rogers Detroit News: Lions get more help up front, agreeing to deal with nose tackle Danny Shelton
https://amp.detroitnews.com/amp/2863780001

Sabin Detroit Free Press: How Jamie Collins became the leader Detroit Lions coach Matt Patricia needs
https://amp.freep.com/amp/2871198001

ESPN: Lions give CB Desmond Trufant 2-year, $21M deal, source says
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/28923391/lions-give-cb-desmond-trufant-2-year-21m-deal-source-says?

Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero)
3/19/20, 7:26 AM
The Lions are signing former Vikings S Jayron Kearse to a one-year, $2.75 million deal, source said

GREEN BAY
Wood Mil JS: Marcedes Lewis' return gives Packers solid blocker at tight end
https://www.packersnews.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/2020/03/18/marcedes-lewis-return-gives-green-bay-packers-solid-blocker-tight-end/2872513001/

HOUSTON
Wilson Houston Chronicle: Inside the friction between Bill O’Brien, DeAndre Hopkins
https://www.houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-nation/texans/article/Inside-the-friction-between-Bill-O-Brien-15141860.php

Wilson Houston Chronicle: Texans don't tender tackle Roderick Johnson
https://www.chron.com/sports/texans/article/Texans-don-t-tender-tackle-Roderick-Johnson-15141206.php

INDIANAPOLIS
Erickson Indianapolis Star: DeForest Buckner's ready to be the pillar for the Colts that he was for 49ers
https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nfl/colts/2020/03/18/deforest-buckner-ready-pillar-colts-49-ers/2872191001/

JACKSONVILLE
Frenette Florida Times Union: Nick Foles’ departure symptom of disturbing trend for rebuilding Jaguars
https://www.jacksonville.com/sports/20200318/gene-frenette-nick-folesrsquo-departure-symptom-of-disturbing-trend-for-rebuilding-Jaguars

LAS VEGAS
Gutierrez ESPN LV: In agreeing to terms with Eli Apple, the Raiders are getting the big (6-foot-1, 203 pounds) and rangy cover corner they covet and he would figure to start opposite Trayvon Mullen. It also means the Raiders may be content to move on from Daryl Worley, or that if the re-sign him, he continues the transition into more of a hybrid safety-corner-linebacker. Apple is not exactly a ballhawk with 3 interceptions in four years, but Raiders CBs only had 3 INTs last season (Gareon Conley had one).

Bair NBC Bay Area: Karl Joseph leaves Raiders, agrees to terms with Browns
https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/raiders/nfl-rumors-karl-joseph-leaves-raiders-agrees-terms-browns

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
Patra NFL.com: Taylor, draft in plans for Chargers at QB
https://amp.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001106847/article/chargers-not-expected-to-sign-or-trade-for-veteran-qb?

Miller LA Times: Chargers agree to terms with veteran defensive tackle Linval Joseph
https://www.latimes.com/sports/chargers/story/2020-03-18/chargers-agree-to-terms-with-veteran-defensive-tackle-linval-joseph?

LOS ANGELES RAMS
Klein LA Times: Rams add Leonard Floyd and A’Shawn Robinson, re-sign Andrew Whitworth
https://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/story/2020-03-18/rams-add-leonard-floyd-and-ashawn-robinson-re-sign-andrew-whitworth?

MIAMI
Kelly Sun Sentinel: Steve Ross’ spending spree puts Dolphins in healthy spot heading into draft
https://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-dolphins/fl-sp-dolphins-kelly-column-20200318-24fmnce6pncoxmp4jaifa3hpey-story.html

Beasley Miami Herald: Patriot Sway: How Brian Flores stocked Miami Dolphins’ new-look roster with former Pats
https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nfl/miami-dolphins/article241299821.html

Salguero Miami Herald: Miami Dolphins keep eyes on the prize. But there is a rival who intends to take it
https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/armando-salguero/article241310096.html

Clemons SI.com: From Bust to Boom: Why Former Giants Castoff Ereck Flowers Found NFL Success
https://www.si.com/nfl/giants/news/from-bust-to-boom-why-former-giants-castoff-ereck-flowers-found-nfl-success

Jackson Miami Herald: Insight into the pricey, unique approach the Dolphins are taking in key defensive area

“How much do Dolphins value playing guys that can cover? They're paying by far the most in league for 2020 cornerbacks, trying unique 2-cornerback pairing at safety and played 6 DBs on field 29 percent of time last year (league average was 12 percent)

https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/barry-jackson/article241299351.html

NEW ENGLAND
Curran NBC Sports Boston: Tom Brady fallout: Patriots need to halt the spin cycle
https://www.nbcsports.com/boston/patriots/tom-brady-fallout-patriots-need-halt-spin-cycle?

Perry NBC Sports Boston: "I think that the Patriots realized that it's time for them to get on with their future, which is Jarrett Stidham."
Mike Lombardi thinks there's a succession plan in place in Foxboro. Is he right?
https://www.nbcsports.com/boston/patriots/source-calls-patriots-jarrett-stidham-their-future-qb-after-tom-brady

Callahan Boston Herald: Patriots defense must suddenly reload after several free agency losses
https://www.bostonherald.com/2020/03/19/patriots-defense-must-suddenly-reload-after-several-free-agency-losses/amp/

NEW ORLEANS
Just Nola.com: Michael Thomas, Terron Armstead agree to restructured contracts with Saints: source
https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/article_d2d10062-6953-11ea-865c-13f8f012cdfb.amp.html

Johnson Nola.com: Former Saints CB Eli Apple reached an agreement with the Las Vegas Raiders: source

“When he was on the field, Apple fluctuated between strong and poor play. He also struggled with penalties at times, committing a team-high 11 infractions in 2019 (though three were either called back or were ruled off-setting).
Still, Apple played 27 of a possible 29 games for New Orleans (including the playoffs) the last two years, intercepting two passes, breaking up 13 and recording 100 tackles.”

https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/article_fcb28018-694e-11ea-8759-372b87e50178.html

NEW YORK JETS
Cimini ESPN NY: Jets W2W4: The spotlight is on WR Robby Anderson, the team's top unsigned player. The Jets believe they're still in it. Anderson's market hasn't materialized, in part because it's a receiver-rich draft. Perhaps the lower-than-expected salary cap also caused suitors to adjust ... LB Jordan Jenkins wants to return, I'm told, but he deems the Jets' offer unacceptable ...Names to watch: G Greg Van Roten, WR Phillip Dorsett, G Brian Winters and CB Darryl Roberts.

Thompson SNY: Robby Anderson's lack of free agent market works heavily in Jets' favor
https://www.sny.tv/jets/news/robby-andersons-lack-of-free-agent-market-works-heavily-in-jets-favor/313084900

PHILADELPHIA
Domowitch Phil Inquirer: The Eagles like Javon Hargrave a lot more than you do right now
https://www.inquirer.com/eagles/philadelphia-eagles-jason-hargrave-nfl-free-agency-cornerback-byron-jones-malcolm-jenkins-20200319.html

Bowen Phil Inquirer: The Eagles aren’t landing a big free agent fix for their secondary; don’t expect great improvement in 2020
https://www.inquirer.com/eagles/eagles-nfl-free-agency-howie-roseman-secondary-cornerback-20200319.html

Shorr-Parks WIP Philadelphia: Report: Eagles close to trading for Darius Slay
https://94wip.radio.com/blogs/eliot-shorr-parks/report-eagles-close-to-trading-for-darius-slay

McKane Phil Inquirer: A day after the Eagles and Malcolm Jenkins part ways, the safety finds a home with the Saints
https://www.inquirer.com/eagles/malcolm-jenkins-saints-contract-eagles-sean-payton-20200318.html

SAN FRANCISCO
Branch SF Chronicle: Source: 49ers to bring back Ben Garland on one-year deal

Weston Richburg in ...
2017: missed final 12 games with concussion
2018: missed one game while playing most of season with knee/quad injury that required surgery
2019: missed 6 games (including payoffs) with torn patellar tendon)

https://www.sfchronicle.com/49ers/article/Source-49ers-bring-back-Ben-Garland-on-one-year-15140625.php

Branch SF Chronicle: 49ers’ Armstead talks extension and Brady rumors; Buckner passes physical
https://www.sfchronicle.com/49ers/article/49ers-Armstead-talks-extension-and-Brady-15141495.php

SEATTLE
Condotta Seattle Times: Seahawks re-sign old friend Bruce Irvin to help pass rush as Jadeveon Clowney considers his options
https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/while-seahawks-wait-things-out-with-clowney-they-re-sign-bruce-irvin-to-help-pass-rush/?

Dianna (@diannaESPN)
3/18/20, 6:40 PM
Sources say Jadeveon Clowney wants about $20mill per year. Interested teams aren’t coming up that high as of now. Look at the players in his position who were tagged, Judon, Dupree, Barrett, Yannick. Teams don’t want to pay $5mill more than the franchise tag

Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN)
3/18/20, 8:41 PM
As Jadeveon Clowney continues to wait, I'm told he's considering options, including a potential shorter term deal w/ a chance to re-enter market in a year or two. Many people around league expect him back in Seattle. A $20M price tag has been steep for teams, per ⁦‪@diannaESPN‬⁩

Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet)
3/18/20, 6:47 PM
Seattle #Seahawks starting free safety Tedric Thompson has been given permission to seek a trade, source said. Would likely be for a late-round draft pick

Brady Henderson (@BradyHenderson)
3/18/20, 11:06 PM
Some context I can add to ⁦‪@RapSheet‬⁩'s report that the Seahawks have given FS Tedric Thompson permission to seek a trade: There was a market for Thompson before the deadline last year, from what I've been told. A trade seems unlikely now that he's coming off labrum surgery

Brady Henderson (@BradyHenderson)
3/18/20, 11:07 PM
... and just got a CBA-mandated raise to $2.133M, which any team trading for him would inherit. But there was trade interest last year. Thompson is entering the final year of his rookie deal and no longer projects as a starter for the Seahawks now that they have Quandre Diggs

TAMPA BAY
Shipgel NYT: Tom Brady in Tampa Bay? It’s Not as Weird as It Sounds
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/18/sports/football/tom-brady-tampa-bay-buccaneers.amp.html?0p19G=2870

Dulac Pittsburgh Post Gazette: QB guru Bruce Arians acquires perhaps his most prized pupil
Tampa Bay coach has mentored Ben Roethlisberger and others to great success. Now Tom Brady is set to join the fold
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2020/03/18/bruce-arians-tom-brady-tampa-bay-buccaneers-ben-roethlisberger-steelers/stories/202003180118

Sullivan Boston Globe: Tom Brady has something to prove, but there is risk involved
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/03/18/sports/tom-brady-has-something-prove-there-is-risk-involved/

Princiotti Boston Globe: What type of situation would Tom Brady be getting into with the Buccaneers?
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/03/18/sports/what-type-situation-would-tom-brady-getting-into-with-buccaneers/

Josh Dubow (@JoshDubowAP)
3/18/20, 11:12 AM
If Tom Brady throws INTs on his next 171 pass attempts, he would still have a lower career INT rate than Jameis Winston had in 5 seasons with Tampa Bay

TENNESSEE
Estes The Tennessean: As he joins Las Vegas Raiders, Marcus Mariota leaves a unique legacy in Tennessee
https://amp.tennessean.com/amp/5070943002

Bacharach The Tennessean: Now that Jack Conklin is Cleveland-bound, Titans' Dennis Kelly in position to start
https://amp.tennessean.com/amp/5063864002

Bacharach The Tennessean: Titans trade defensive tackle Jurrell Casey to Denver Broncos, source confirms
https://amp.tennessean.com/amp/5063902002

Davenport ESPN Nashville: Can confirm the report by Mike Kliss that Jurrell Casey has been traded to the Broncos for a day 3 pick in the 2020 draft. The move saves the Titans over $10 million in cap space. They could be gearing up to make another move for an edge rusher

WASHINGTON
Carpenter Washington Post: Redskins are moving carefully in free agency, but there could be more deals to come
https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2020/03/18/redskins-are-moving-carefully-free-agency-there-could-be-more-deals-come/?

Keim ESPN Washington: By signing running back J.D. McKissic, the Redskins officially ended Chris Thompson's seven-year tenure in Washington. The reality is that both sides knew it was over before free agency began. While the Redskins loved Thompson, his lack of durability was a big issue. Thompson was dynamic as a receiver in the open field, but he missed a combined 17 games the past three years. He averaged 13.1 yards per catch in 2017, but his season ended with a broken leg in Week 11.

Bullock The Athletic: What offensive lineman Wes Schweitzer brings to the Redskins
https://theathletic.com/1682438/2020/03/18/what-offensive-lineman-wes-schweitzer-brings-to-the-redskins/

XFL

Moore Bucks County Courier Times: Cherokee's Jake Powell hoping to turn solid XFL season into spot in NFL camp
https://amp.courierpostonline.com/amp/2871947001

Colleges/Draft

QB
Klassen Football Outsiders: The upside with Utah State QB Jordan Love is clear, but when a QB's primary concerns are reading the field and decision making, I have a lot of pause about what we should realistically expect from that player. Why Love is a risky first-round option
https://www.footballoutsiders.com/futures/2020/futures-utah-state-qb-jordan-love

WR
McGonigal Pittsburgh Post Gazette: No pro day, no problem: How Pitt WR Maurice Ffrench is readying for NFL amid pandemic
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/Pitt/2020/03/18/Pitt-football-Maurice-Ffrench-NFL-draft-pro-day-covid-19-coronavirus-larry-fitzgerald/stories/202003180105

T
Edholm Yahoo Sports: 48. Boise State OT Ezra Cleveland 
6-foot-6, 311 pounds 

“Yahoo Sports draft grade: 5.90
TL;DR scouting report: Highly athletic, smooth-moving tackle whose stock has soared following injury-affected final season
The skinny: Cleveland was a standout high school wrestler and 2-star Rivals recruit from the Bethel School in Spanaway, Washington, who received two Pac-12 offers (Oregon State and Washington State) but was also being recruited by the likes of Air Force, Hawaii and Nevada before choosing the Broncos. He redshirted his freshman season and converted from his high school position of defensive tackle to the offensive line.
Cleveland earned the starting left tackle spot (pushing an incumbent to right tackle) as a redshirt freshman in 2017, and he started 40 career games over three seasons. After earning honorable mention All-Mountain West honors his first year, Cleveland was named first-team all-conference as both a sophomore and a junior, missing his only career game (against Portland State) in 2019 following a toe injury.
Cleveland, who turns 22 years old in May, declared early for the 2020 NFL draft with one season of eligibility remaining. He performed every drill at the NFL scouting combine and was one of the clear standouts at his position for his work in Indianapolis.
Upside: Tough, smart and dependable — one missed start in three seasons. Returned to action 14 days after suffering painful injury against Marshall and would play games without being able to practice during the week prior to the bowl game. 
Battled through 112-snap effort against Florida State in 90-plus degrees and high humidity, allowing one pressure on 62 pass-block snaps. Not known as a great short-yardage blocker but blasted a giant hole on a short-yardage, go-ahead TD run, which was the Broncos’ 100th offensive snap of the game. Cleveland also made a great hustle play early in that game — watch him tackle FSU’s Hamsah Nasirildeen, a possible 2021 first-round safety, from behind and save a touchdown:

Highly athletic — tested in the 86th percentile or higher among combine offensive tackles over the past 20-plus years in the 40-yard dash (4.93 seconds), vertical jump (30 inches), 3-cone drill (7.26 seconds — faster than eight combine wide receivers!), 20-yard shuttle (4.46 seconds) and the bench press (30 reps). Also turned in a very good broad jump (111 inches) and performed well in OL positional drills in Indy.
Ideal for wide-zone and screen-heavy offense. Reaches second level with ease and doesn’t overshoot landmarks. Keeps hips squared and ready to strike when moving laterally. Sinks hips and maintains good pad level for taller tackle. 
Nice footwork and balance in run blocking and pass sets. Can be used as extra tackle in heavy formations — took snaps as a blocking tight end. Gives good, consistent effort. Disciplined — flagged for only seven penalties over nearly career 3,000 snaps, and only one penalty in 915 snaps in 2019. Pretty refined technique overall. Known for likable and humble personality and should fit seamlessly in any locker room.
Downside: Not a mauler. Lacks lower-body drive and power. More of a get-in-the-way blocker than a raw finisher. Power ends and stunting tackles can knock him back and get him to lose leverage. Doesn’t match strength for strength in ground game. 
Not especially long for his height — below-average arm length for tackles and very small hands. Less room for error. Lean frame that likely requires some strength development and added bulk.
Opens up and presents a big target — gives up his chest and will let defenders long-arm him. Can stall his feet on contact and “catch” too many blocks. Watch here as Cleveland, who received chip-block help, lets the Hawaii rusher come to him and doesn’t finish off the block, allowing his quarterback to be hit:

Quick punch but can misfire. Hands need to be heavier — gets them slapped down by stronger, more aggressive defenders. Won’t anchor a run game. Efficient but hardly dominant. Has been pegged as a possible guard by some teams (even though most we’ve spoken with would try him at tackle first). 
Most of 2019 tape is hard to judge while playing hurt. Faced below-average pass-rush competition and not many NFL-caliber rushers in Mountain West — best matchups likely were in practice vs. teammate Curtis Weaver. The Broncos’ line struggled as a unit in 2019, and Cleveland lined up next to another NFL prospect, John Molchon, for two seasons.
Best-suited destination: Cleveland fits best with a zone-heavy run scheme as a left tackle candidate for a team that won’t throw him to the wolves against top pass rushers right out of the gate. Among the teams that could be interested in his services include the Seattle Seahawks, Miami Dolphins, Cleveland Browns, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Los Angeles Rams, Chicago Bears, Los Angeles Chargers, Arizona Cardinals, New York Giants, Washington Redskins and New York Jets.
Did you know: Cleveland was born three-plus weeks premature but still weighed 11 pounds (!) at birth. His mother being 6-feet tall might have had something to do with it. But he entered high school as a 5-foot-10, 180-pounder and didn’t pass her height until the summer before his junior year, when he had a massive growth spurt that made him one of the tallest kids in his class.
They said it: “Quirky kid. Smart. I like him. [Coaches praised him for] working through the foot injury and just doing his job. He moves well, is coachable and has some upside. He was a pretty easy write-up for me. Just needs to get stronger and [play with] a better base.” — NFC area scout
Player comp: Cleveland compares favorably to Philadelphia Eagles 2019 first-rounder Andre Dillard, who appeared to be a bit overwhelmed by the physical demands of playing left tackle in the NFL in Year 1 but who projects to be an ascending player the more time he receives.
Expected draft range: Following an excellent combine, Cleveland’s name has received a lot of buzz. He could land late in Round 1 and likely won’t slip past the early portion of Round 2.”

https://sports.yahoo.com/amphtml/yahoo-sports-top-2020-nfl-draft-prospects-no-48-boise-state-ot-ezra-cleveland-194048880.html

G
Guskey Muncie Star Press: Ball State football's Danny Pinter not overwhelmed by NFL Draft process, and here’s why
https://amp.thestarpress.com/amp/5072088002

History

O’Hara Lions.com: Catching up with Billy Sims -- which nobody could do when he ran the ball for the Detroit Lions. I say he's Hall of Fame worthy, but check out where he is now.
https://www.detroitlions.com/news/where-are-they-now-billy-sims

Giants Birthdays 3-19

Ahmad Bradshaw RB D7-Marshall 2007 NYG 2007-2012 3-19-1986

Barry Cofield NT/LDT D4-Northwestern 2006 NYG 2006-2010 3-19-18

Julian Love FS D4-Notre Dame 2019 NYG 2019 3-19-1998

In Memoriam

Nello Falaschi BB TR-WAS 1938 NYG 1938-1941 Born 3-19-1913 Died 7-29-1986

Nello Falaschi had been a QB at Santa Clara, leading his team to a stunning upset of LSU in the 1937 Sugar Bowl. He joined the Giants in 1938 where his primary role was as a blocking back on offense and a linebacker on defense. After the Giants loss in the 1941 Championship game, Falaschi and 25 other Giants joined the military. For Falaschi it would mark the end of his pro football career, after the war he became a contractor. He is in the College Football Hall of Fame.

College HOF: “According to all the experts, little Santa Clara was a decided underdog going against Louisiana State in the 1937 Sugar Bowl. However, Santa Clara was led by a genius quarterback, Nello "Flash" Falaschi. The Broncos took the lead against the undefeated LSU Tigers on a Falaschi TD pass. Falaschi later sealed the Bronco victory by recovering a fumble in the end zone for the final Santa Clara score in the 21-14 upset. The victory left Santa Clara with a final 8-1 record with the only loss coming against Sammy Baugh and Texas Christian. Falaschi received considerable All-America recognition following the 1936 season. The All-America Board of Football had this to say about Falaschi: "No coach in the world of football would dare pick another quarterback. Brill & Pinckert may rate with Falaschi in the art of blocking, but no modern player approaches his devastating performance. When needed, he can deliver yardage as a ball carrier, but his vicious blocking and generalship are the factors largely responsible for Santa Clara's season." Falaschi later played professionally with the New York Giants before establishing a construction company in Oakland, California.”

Frederick Maryland News 2-22-1938:

“Meanwhile. George Marshall was returning home today somewhat satisfied that he had gotten the better of the New York Giants, despite the fact that the latter would not talk trade for Tuffy Leemans. His feeling was the result of a straight player trade in which he secured the right to George Karamatic, described by Stanford's Tiny Thomhill as the "best player on the Pacific Coast last Fali." in exchange for Nello Falaschi. Santa Clara's quarterback of 1936.”

WASH TIMES: @Then there was the time Nello Falaschi decided to wipe his feet off on the Redskins' Willie Wilkin.
Falaschi, a rugged blocking back, had been Washington's No. 2 draft pick in 1937. But he decided to stay at Santa Clara to finish his degree, and the Redskins eventually traded him to the Giants for fullback George Karamatic, a first-rounder in '38. Karamatic played only one season in the NFL; "Flash" Falaschi, meanwhile, tormented the Redskins for the rest of his career.
"I could show you movies of games where Falaschi never missed a block or tackle," Giants coach Steve Owen said. "But he was the lousiest pass catcher I ever saw in my life."
Late in the '41 season, the Redskins were at the Polo Grounds again, trying to keep their title hopes alive. The game was tied 13-13 with less than five minutes left when the Giants' Jim Poole returned an interception for a touchdown, clinching the division crown for New York. On the ensuing kickoff, Falaschi, who sometimes tried to break up the wedge by going in knees-first, altered his technique ever so sadistically. This time, he went in feet-first, plunging his metal cleats into Wilkin's chest.
A player who inspected the damage years later said, "It looked like three white stripes on his chest, the scar tissue from the cleats."
The incident was far from over, however. "Falaschi had a bar out in Santa Clara," former Redskin Roy Zimmerman once told me, "and the story goes that Willie went into the bar and enticed Nello to come outside -- and just beat the living daylights out of him. Left him in the gutter. And nobody could do anything about it as far as football was concerned, because it was the offseason."

NYT 7-7-1944

PWhile [Jim] Poole is the only one [Wellington] Mara saw, he mentioned what he knew of other Giants..."Nello Falaschi is doing a great job on some island in the South Pacific...”

Leon McQuay RB D5-Tampa 1973 NYG 1974 Born 3-19-1950 Died 11-29-1995

TAMPA ATHLETICS: “Played on the football team for three seasons from 1968 to 1970. He was the first black athlete to receive a scholarship to UT. McQuay rushed for 3,039 yards, scored 37 touchdowns and was a two time small college All-American in three seasons at Tampa. He rushed for 1,362 yards and scored 22 TDs as a junior. He went on to sign with the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League in 1971. He took the CFL by storm, rushing for 977 yards and a 7.1 yard per carry average. He was an all-star and runner up for the CFL’s Most Outstanding Player Award. He also played for the New York Giants and the New Orleans Saints
of the National Football League.”

Gregg: The saga of Leon McQuay
http://www.andrewgregg.ca/2012/11/19/the-saga-of-leon-mcquay/

1974 New York Giants Leon McQuay's best game in the NFL (Video)
https://youtu.be/lHgDC_JPMfY