Friday Reading

Giants

Giants.com: Watch highlights: Giants announce free agent signings
Highlights from LB Blake Martinez, CB James Bradberry, CB James Bradberry, LB Kyler Fackrell, TE Levine Toilolo, WR Cody Core, OT Cam Fleming, S Nate Ebner, and QB Colt McCoy (Video)
https://www.giants.com/video/watch-highlights-giants-announce-free-agent-signings

Raanan ESPN NY: This week’s BreakingBigBlue is a free agency extravaganza topped with a monster 15-question GiantsAfterDark. How everything went down, what’s next and what does it all mean (Audio)
[url] https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/breaking-big-blue-with-jordan-raanan/id1300714083#episodeGuid=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.espn.com%2Fespnradio%2Fpodcast%3Fid%3D28958690[/url]

Schmeelk Giants.com: We welcome back CarlBanks for a new episode of the Giants Rewind Podcast where Carl and I discuss the Giants reported moves in free agency and what they mean for the team (Audio)
https://www.giants.com/podcasts/giants-rewind-with-carl-banks-free-agency-review

Lindsay GBN: Giants interview post

“With the draft now just a month away, the volume of mail from anxious Giants’ fans worried about what will happen with the 4th pick and beyond continues unabated. Rather than try and answer them all individually, IGGI ‘the bear’ who’s been with me since before I became a Giants fan in 1958, has compiled a list of the oft-asked, pertinent Giants-related queries and has graciously agreed to serve as moderator for the first of what we hope will be several pre-draft interviews...”

“IGGI: Could the Giants get their OT in the second round if they went defense in the opening round.
CL: Not likely. I mean they’ll be some OTs available, but they are all going to be longshots at least as LT candidates. The problem is that if you want to get an OT with legit LT potential, you pretty much have to get them in the first round. And the additional problem for the Giants is that if they don’t get one this year, unless they get horribly lucky with a later round pick, they will almost be forced to get one early next year.”

https://gbnreport.com/the-giants-pre-draft-interview/

QB

Serby NYP: Eli Manning on Tom Brady surprise, his coronavirus reality, everything Giants

“Q: What do you know about new Giants linebacker Blake Martinez?
A: I think he’s a good player. I haven’t studied him extremely well, but he makes a ton of tackles, and he’s around the ball, so I think he will be a good fit and make a lot of plays. I don’t know much about just from a leadership standpoint and all those things, so hopefully he’ll be a great leader and be able to get the defense back on track.
Q: New No. 1 Giants cornerback James Bradberry?
A: He does a good job making plays on the ball. It seems like he’s a smart guy reading things and kind of knowing when he can be aggressive and jump certain routes. I feel he is a good player who should be able to fit into the system and play well.
Q: What was your reaction when Jason Garrett was hired as Giants offensive coordinator?
A: Coach Garrett’s been successful and has a good offensive mind. Obviously has ties to the Giants and to New Jersey and this area, and so I think it’ll be a good fit for him. He’s had some very successful offenses over his entire career with Dallas. He’ll do a good job and work hard, and I think probably excited to get back into calling the plays and being involved in implementing that offense and putting his offense in.
Q: Do you think Daniel Jones’ second-year leap could be interrupted?
A: It has the potential to be. A couple of things could make it difficult in the fact that it’s gonna be a new offense that he’s gotta learn, and things get pushed back and you’re not there to be around your teammates. It’s not just him learning it, it’s kind of everybody learning it together. Hopefully they can get back soon and he can grow as a leader of the team.
Q: New defensive coordinator Patrick Graham?
A: I think Patrick’s a hard worker, and been around great defenses and great teams before. So I think he knows what it takes and what you have to do to gameplan and not just run the same defense but attack offenses and how to slow ’em down. I think he’ll do a good job.”

https://nypost.com/2020/03/26/eli-manning-on-tom-brady-surprise-his-coronavirus-reality-everything-giants/amp/

Defense

Lombardo NJ.com: Did free agency set Giants up to retain dubious mark as one of NFL’s worst cover defenses?
https://www.nj.com/giants/2020/03/did-free-agency-set-giants-up-to-retain-dubious-mark-as-one-of-nfls-worst-cover-defenses.html

DT

Lombardo NJ.com: NFL rumors: Giants sign N.J.’s Austin Johnson | Are more moves along defensive line coming?
https://www.nj.com/giants/2020/03/nfl-rumors-giants-sign-njs-austin-johnson-are-more-moves-along-defensive-line-coming.html

Dunleavy NYP: Giants’ new defensive tackle Austin Johnson has staff ties
https://nypost.com/2020/03/27/giants-new-defensive-tackle-austin-johnson-has-staff-ties/amp/

Another familiar face for the coaching staff. Johnson played 323 snaps in 2019 for TEN. Has 2.5 sacks, 4 TFL, and 5 QB hits in his four seasons with the #Titans
nickfalato⁩

Giants DT Austin Johnson
6’4” 314 lbs. 26 y/o

2017: 29% snap share
24 tackles 1 sack 1 TFL
2018: 38% snap share
22 tackles 1 sack 1 TFL
2019: 29% snap share
23 tackles 0 sacks 1 TFL
Bobby Skinner
⁦‪@BobbySkinner_‬⁩
Johnson is known more for his run stopping ability, with a career run defense grade of 68.8 and pass rush grade of 51.9 through his first 3 seasons
PFF NY Giants
⁦‪@PFF_Giants‬⁩

DE

RB SNY: Is it crazy to think Giants GM Dave Gettleman would pull the franchise tag from Leonard Williams?
It might be, but Gettleman did it to Josh Norman four years ago
https://www.sny.tv/giants/news/is-it-crazy-to-think-giants-gm-dave-gettleman-would-pull-the-franchise-tag-from-leonard-williams/313141884

ILB

Dunleavy NYP: Ryan Connelly’s Giants rehab being altered due to coronavirus

““I’ll be ready to go for training camp,” Connelly told The Post. “I think I would’ve been able to do some limited participation in OTAs. I was excited to do individual periods and get reps, but who knows if I will get that chance given the scheduling changes due to the coronavirus.”

https://nypost.com/2020/03/26/ryan-connellys-giants-rehab-being-altered-due-to-coronavirus/amp/

CB
DeAndre Baker showed legitimate improvement towards the end of his rookie season.

First 10 games:

Completion Percentage: 70.4%
Yards per Target: 11.2 yards
Passer Rating: 131.9

Final 6 games:

Completion Percentage: 47.1%
Yards per Target: 7.3 yards
Passer Rating: 91.3
Vincent Rapisardi
⁦‪@VinceRapisardi‬⁩

SS
Want to hear something random and useless?

Jabrill Peppers V Landon Collins in coverage:

Peppers: 63.9 completion %, 389 yards and 1 TD allowed (projected over 16 games, played in only 11)

Collins: 70.1 completion %, 467 yards and 5 TDs over 16 games

Those TD #s tho
Alex Wilson
⁦‪@AlexWilsonESM‬⁩

Michael Thomas ‬⁩ is the ⁦‪Giants‬⁩ 2019 recipient of the Ed Block Courage Award. While his on the field contributions are numerous, they pale in comparison to Mike’s work off the field

Ed Block Foundation
⁦‪@EdBlock‬⁩

NFL

Leonard NYDN: NFL Draft on as scheduled; Roger Goodell warns against public criticisms
https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/ny-nfl-draft-coronavirus-roger-goodell-20200327-jucripujuzhffgmercytd4anb4-story.html

Breer MMQB: How NFL Players Are Handling an Unusual Offseason Amid Coronavirus
Kyle Allen is social distancing with Josh Allen and Sam Darnold. Richard Sherman and Mitch Schwartz give their veteran perspectives on the shutdown. Plus, a mini-mock draft and what this time is like for draft prospects

“4) Giants: LB Isaiah Simmons, Clemson. GM Dave Gettleman stays true to his ways, stays put at 4, and gets himself a front-seven war daddy. Simmons is also a perfect fit for the Patriot-style defense that Joe Judge’s DC, Patrick Graham, plans to implement in New York—the Swiss army sort of linebacker who can play all over the defense”

https://www.si.com/nfl/2020/03/26/nfl-player-offseason-coronavirus-kyle-allen

Schofield Touchdownwire USA Today: 11 best deals and biggest steals in free agency so far

Nate Ebner, S, New York Giants

“We’re talking about special teams?”
Yes, we are talking about special teams.
It is fascinating to watch branches of the Bill Belichick coaching tree strike out on their own. Two branches off that solid oak, the Matt Patricia and the Bill O’Brien branches, made some…questionable moves this free agency period. Two others seem to be going in a different direction, building their rosters out in a mold of their creation. One is Brian Flores down in South Beach, who is assembling a pressure style defense with acquisitions like Kyle Van Noy, Shaq Lawson and Byron Jones.
Then there is Joe Judge. The former special teams coach with the New England Patriots certainly understands the value of all three phases of the game, something Belichick himself likes to stress anytime he gets a microphone in front of him. That is way it should not have been a surprise when Judge added Nate Ebner, the safety and core special teams player, via free agency.
For the past few seasons, Ebner has been one of two mainstays in the third phase of the game in New England, along with wide receiver Matthew Slater. While Slater is known for his work as a gunner, Ebner has been a rock on the interior, as the personal protector on the punt team, as a core member of the kickoff coverage team, as an interior player on the punt block team, and on the kickoff return team as well. Ebner can be to New York what Slater has been to the Patriots for years: That special teams’ captain who serves as a coach on the field for those units.

In a league based upon parity, where special teams plays often mean the difference between winning and losing, there is no price you can put on that kind of player.”

https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2020/03/26/the-11-best-deals-and-biggest-steals-in-free-agency-so-far/

ARIZONA
Urban Cardinals.com: Cardinals Keeping Marcus Gilbert; Kenyan Drake Signs Tender
https://www.azcardinals.com/news/cardinals-keeping-marcus-gilbert-kenyan-drake-signs-tender

ATLANTA
McClure ESPN Atlanta: Todd Gurley not dwelling on lack of touches with Rams
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/28960013/todd-gurley-not-dwelling-lack-touches-rams?

Ledbetter AJC: LaRoy Reynolds ready for second tour of duty with Falcons 
https://www.ajc.com/sports/football/reynolds-ready-for-second-tour-duty-with-falcons/pkXFSBCId2et38nHTlGdDM/

BALTIMORE
Walker Baltimore Sun: Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson sues Amazon for selling products bearing his likeness, catch phrases
https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/bs-sp-ravens-lamar-jackson-amazon-lawsuit-20200326-2b46tcj57zgjpmci7ol5izdqsi-story.html

Brown Ravens.com: Calais Campbell Views Ravens as Right Fit, Right Time
https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/calais-campbell-views-ravens-as-right-fit-right-time

The Ravens announce they won’t sign Michael Brockers as a free agent after being unable to come to an agreement on terms of a contract. A high-ankle sprain from late in the season was flagged on a physical, and the two sides couldn’t agree on how the contract would be altered.
Ian Rapoport
⁦‪@RapSheet‬⁩

The Ravens have signed long snapper Nick Moore, who played for the XFL's Tampa Bay Vipers this season.

Moore spent four years in the Boston Red Sox's minor league system, so while he's not a Morgan Cox replacement, he is a Hayden Hurst replacement.

Kind of.
Jonas Shaffer
⁦‪@jonas_shaffer‬⁩

BUFFALO
Maiorana Rochester Democrat: Bills agree to sign offensive lineman Daryl Williams to one-year deal
https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/sports/football/nfl/bills/2020/03/26/daryl-williams-agrees-one-year-deal-buffalo-bills/2922913001/

Free agent CB EJ Gaines has agreed to a 1-year deal with the #Bills, source said. A good player when healthy and a solid history with the team — starting 11 games in 2017. Should challenge for a starting spot at CB, either outside or nickel
Ian Rapoport
⁦‪@RapSheet‬⁩

CAROLINA
Omg - Teddy Bridgewater says playing Madden as the Panthers is actually helping him get a better feel for some of the guys on the roster from afar - “and also, the Internet helps with that” LMAO
Jourdan Rodrigue
⁦‪@JourdanRodrigue‬⁩

CLEVELAND
Patsko Cleveland Plain Dealer: How Browns’ free-agency moves stack up against the Bengals, Steelers, Ravens
https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2020/03/how-browns-free-agency-moves-stack-up-against-the-bengals-steelers-ravens.html

ESPN: Source: Browns' Chris Hubbard agrees to big pay cut
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/28958525/source-browns-chris-hubbard-agrees-take-pay-cut?

Keatley Brownswire USA Today: Evan Brown: What the Browns are getting in their new center
https://brownswire.usatoday.com/2020/03/27/evan-brown-scouting-report-cleveland-browns-free-agency/amp/

DALLAS
A source on Cowboys negotiations with QB Dak Prescott wouldn’t describe a contract resolution as close but said discussions not contentious and Prescott will emerge as highest-paid NFL player. Fact April 6 offseason start postponed is factor in that it eliminated team deadline
Ed Werder
⁦‪@WerderEdESPN‬⁩

Wisconsin EDGE/LB Zack Baun is ⁦‪@LanceZierlein‬⁩'s 17th-ranked player in the 2020.

Don't let anyone tell you that he would be a reach for #Cowboys in the first round.
Marcus Mosher
⁦‪@Marcus_Mosher‬⁩

DENVER
O’Halloran Denver Post: New Broncos backup QB Jeff Driskel looking forward to serving as support system for Drew Lock
https://www.denverpost.com/2020/03/26/broncos-backup-jeff-driskel/amp/

Heilman Denver Post: Broncos draft film study: What if John Elway waits to pick a wide receiver?
https://www.denverpost.com/2020/03/26/broncos-draft-film-study-receivers/

DETROIT
Birkett Detroit Free Press: Detroit Lions agree to terms with WR Geremy Davis. Here's how he could help
https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/03/26/geremy-davis-detroit-lions-special-teams/2916391001/

Birkett Detroit Free Press: New Detroit Lions CB Desmond Trufant says injuries behind him, he's 'ready to get to work'
https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/03/27/detroit-lions-cornerback-desmond-trufant-nfl-free-agency/2920777001/

GREEN BAY
Demovsky ESPN GB: Packers' 2021 decisions: David Bakhtiari or Aaron Jones? Kenny Clark or Kevin King?
https://www.espn.com/blog/green-bay-packers/post/_/id/48787/packers-2021-decisions-david-bakhtiari-or-aaron-jones-kenny-clark-or-kevin-king?

Wilde State Journal: For Packers, Devin Funchess fits the Brian Gutekunst prototype: A big guy with potential
https://madison.com/sports/football/professional/for-packers-devin-funchess-fits-the-brian-gutekunst-prototype-a/article_2e724759-0116-5e58-9dcd-e4eb825621e2.amp.html

HOUSTON
Wilson Houston Chronicle: Eagles GM: Texans' terms in DeAndre Hopkins trade talks different than Cardinals
https://www.houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-nation/texans/amp/Eagles-Texans-Hopkins-trade-different-Cardinals-15158987.php

INDIANAPOLIS
Four days after cutting Pierre Desir, the Colts add cornerback help in the form of former Vikings' All-Pro Xavier Rhodes, per ⁦‪@AdamSchefter‬⁩. This is the type of veteran addition I expected them to make
Zak Keefer
⁦‪@zkeefer‬⁩

JACKSONVILLE
Reid Florida Times Union: Jaguars forced to change plans, unable to finalize contract with CB Darquez Dennard
https://www.jacksonville.com/sports/20200326/jaguars-forced-to-change-plans-unable-to-finalize-contract-with-cb-darquez-dennard?& lt;

KANSAS CITY
McMullen Chiefs.com: Five Things to Know About New Chiefs' OL Mike Remmers
https://www.chiefs.com/news/five-things-to-know-about-new-chiefs-ol-mike-remmers

MIke Remmers signed a veteran salary benefit contract, therefore he's ineligible to become a compensatory free agent.

That's good news for the Chiefs, who have both of their 2021 comp picks for losing Kendall Fuller & Emmanuel Ogbah back on the board

LAS VEGAS
McDonald Marin Independent Journal: Raiders sign another ex-Cowboy in Daniel Ross
https://www.marinij.com/2020/03/26/raiders-sign-another-ex-cowboy-in-daniel-ross/amp/

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
Thiry ESPN LA: Chargers stacked at every position except quarterback
https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles-chargers/post/_/id/27363/chargers-appear-stacked-at-every-position-except-quarterback?

LOS ANGELES RAMS
Jackson Rams.com: Remaining Rams' offseason needs, potential target after the first week of free agency
https://www.therams.com/news/daily-dose-remaining-rams-offseason-needs-free-agency-target

MIAMI
Deen Sun Sentinel: Here’s how Ryan Fitzpatrick fits into Dolphins’ plan to add new QB in 2020 NFL draft
https://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-dolphins/fl-sp-draft-dolphins-deen-qb-20200326-gzez7dpgmjcvvfm33vxmlxjxym-story.html

Habib Palm Beach Post: Coronavirus Florida: Ereck Flowers explains why shutdown could affect Miami Dolphins more than most
https://www.palmbeachpost.com/sports/20200326/coronavirus-florida-ereck-flowers-explains-why-shutdown-could-affect-miami-dolphins-more-than-most

Hyde Sun Sentinel: New Dolphin Byron Jones talks the way you want a star to talk
https://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-dolphins/fl-sp-hyde-dolphins-thursday-20200326-zweaoduyqzcb3ioasbxlgqjesy-story.html

MINNESOTA
Tomasson Twincities.com: Vikings to re-sign center Brett Jones to one-year contract
https://www.twincities.com/2020/03/26/vikings-to-re-sign-center-brett-jones-to-one-year-contract/

Vikings have expressed interest in CB Darryl Roberts, cut by Jets last Saturday. But they haven't made an offer and other teams might be higher on his potential list. Roberts, a four-year veteran, had a career-high 11 tackles vs Vikings in 2018, 2 for loss, and 2 passes defended
Chris Tomasson
⁦‪@christomasson‬⁩

NEW ENGLAND
Daniels Providence Journal: Finding cap space should be the Patriots’ top priority
https://www.providencejournal.com/sports/20200326/finding-cap-space-should-be-patriotsrsquo-top-priority

Reiss ESPN Boston: Outside of Tom Brady, Patriots' departures are business as usual

“Nate Ebner, safety
New team/terms: New York Giants/1 year, $2 million (fully guaranteed)
Patriots' view: A valuable core special-teamer who didn't factor in any defensive packages, Ebner is 31, and a fully guaranteed $2 million is a bit rich -- especially at a time when the Patriots finished 2019 as the oldest team in the NFL, and with the most players age 30 or older (with 17).
Who steps in: Ideally, free-agent signing Adrian Phillips can provide double bang for the buck -- more value on defense and a similar special-teams presence. If it's a one-for-one exchange of solely core special-teamers, free-agent Cody Davis is a candidate at a $1.5 million cap charge. Terrence Brooks, who is already on the roster, is another”

https://www.espn.com/blog/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4819600/outside-of-tom-brady-patriots-departures-are-business-as-usual

Staple of Bill Belichick D spread to his defensive coaching tree: rushing 3.

DET, MIA, and NE ranked 1st, 2nd, & 5th in Rush 3 % in 2019 per ⁦‪@SportsInfo_SIS‬⁩

But disconnect on how it's done. EPA per play allowed when rushing 3:

DET: 0.1
MIA: 0.2
NE: -0.14
Dan Pizzuta
⁦‪@DanPizzuta‬⁩

NE countered this by also blitzing on 30% of plays, which was the seventh-highest rate in the league.

Meanwhile, the Lions blitzed at a league-low 12%.
Dan Pizzuta
⁦‪@DanPizzuta‬⁩

NE, DET, and MIA also among top-7 teams in Dime+ personnel, per ⁦‪SportsInfo SIS

For a team that might rush 3 or rush 5 like NE, that gives a sense of pre-snap disguise.

But for DET, who rushed 3 or 4, there's not a lot of deception, which is how the effectiveness gets lost
Dan Pizzuta
⁦‪@DanPizzuta‬⁩

PHILADELPHIA
Bowen Phil Inquirer: Eagles’ Howie Roseman explains his WR thinking, and defends ‘elephant in the room’ Alshon Jeffery
https://www.inquirer.com/eagles/eagles-howie-roseman-alshon-jeffery-receivers-nfl-free-agency-draft-20200326.html

Roseman on need to add big-$ CB: "When you draft guys in the 2nd and 3rd round and you’re now in the 4th year, you obviously want them to contribute. If they don’t contribute, then you’re dealing with a situation where you have to go outside the organization. Let’s be honest."
Zach Berman
⁦‪@ZBerm‬⁩

Roseman on "positionless" DBs: " The game has just changed. It's gotten a lot faster and we have to be able to adjust some of our evaluations. ...Try to figure out where the next wave is coming where maybe something is undervalued right now and 2-3 years from now we’ll be ahead."
Zach Berman
⁦‪@ZBerm‬⁩

PITTSBURGH
Graves AP: Watt eager for fresh start, family reunion in Pittsburgh
https://apnews.com/060e0e87c1a0bef737942ac7d9a8b414?

Batko Pittsburgh Post Gazette: The Steelers recently signed a local offensive lineman who's been an NFL journeyman, but how many people around here are even aware of John Wetzel?
Brashear product is the only City League alum in the NFL, has started 24 games and is now ready for Year 8
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/high-school-football/2020/03/26/John-Wetzel-Pittsburgh-City-League-NFL-Brashear-football-Atlanta-Falcons/stories/202003270003

SAN FRANCISCO
There’s a strong case to be made that Arik Armstead outperformed DeForest Buckner in 2019. Much better run defense grade, slightly better pass rush grade, and screen coverage was on point. The question is obviously one of dependability, where Buckner’s track record is perfect
David Lombardi
⁦‪@LombardiHimself‬⁩

That being said, Armstead has now been absolutely dependable for two straight seasons. And he was already surging toward a very high level of play in 2018, his first full season. So the suggestion that the 49ers rewarded Armstead based on just one season of play is simply false
David Lombardi
⁦‪@LombardiHimself‬⁩

That being said, should still be emphasized Armstead and Buckner play different positions, so a direct comparison is ultimately fruitless. The fact that AA is a combo player and DB is a 3T is essential to understanding the 49ers’ move. But this is impt in eval of AA reliability
David Lombardi
⁦‪@LombardiHimself‬⁩

SEATTLE
Condotta Seattle Times: Analysis: As Seattle loads up on offensive linemen, reviewing how each may fit on the roster in 2020
https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/analysis-as-seattle-loads-up-on-offensive-linemen-reviewing-how-each-may-fit-on-the-roster-in-2020/

TAMPA BAY
Stroud TB Times: Bucs coach Bruce Arians: Receiver Antonio Brown ‘not a fit in our locker room’
https://www.tampabay.com/sports/bucs/2020/03/27/bucs-coach-bruce-arians-receiver-antonio-brown-not-a-fit-in-our-locker-room/

TENNESSEE
Boclair Titanswire USA Today: Little Remains of Jon Robinson's First Draft Class

“Austin Johnson, DL (second round, 43 overall): Never missed a game because of injury and appeared in all 48 over the past three seasons. He never managed to carve out a significant role for himself behind Jurrell Casey, DaQuan Jones and several others who started on the defensive line the last four seasons. Current status: Free agent, 2020 – agreed to terms with N.Y. Giants.”

https://www.si.com/.amp-titans/nfl/titans/news/tennessee-titans-jon-robinson-2016-draft-class

Wyatt Titans.com: Titans Agree to Terms with Special Teams Ace Nick Dzubnar
https://www.titansonline.com/news/titans-agree-to-terms-with-special-teams-ace-nick-dzubnar

WASHINGTON
Patra NFL.com: Rivera: Haskins is starter, 'Skins QBs 'competing'
https://amp.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001107629/article/rivera-haskins-is-starter-but-redskins-qbs-competing?

Carpenter Washington Post: After Trent Williams and Ron Rivera met, the coach was optimistic and player decided to move on
https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2020/03/26/trent-williams-trade-ron-rivera-redskins-surprise/?

Colleges/Draft

Baird Cleveland Plain Dealer: Ohio State football coach Ryan Day sees an NFL solution to a Big Ten spring lost to coronavirus
https://www.cleveland.com/osu/2020/03/ohio-state-football-coach-ryan-day-sees-an-nfl-solution-to-a-big-ten-spring-lost-to-coronavirus.html

Crabbs The Draft Network: WHICH TEAMS SHOULD TRADE DOWN IN THE 2020 NFL DRAFT'S FIRST ROUND?

“NEW YORK GIANTS
The New York Giants should be the team that takes advantage of the quarterback thirsty teams in front of them in the draft order. Whether it is the Miami Dolphins or Los Angeles Chargers, the Giants are effectively guaranteed to pick the same player at No. 5 or No. 6 versus who they'd be taking at No. 4. Considering it's a swap for a quarterback, New York should be able to turn around a pretty decent return for sliding down one or two spots.
Can Dave Gettleman actually figure this out? I have no idea, but it feels like a no-brainer to try to execute this move and create some added picks — especially when there's a need to replace the early third-round pick in that odd move for defensive tackle Leonard Williams at the 2019 trade deadline.”

https://thedraftnetwork.com/articles/nfl-draft-2020-trade-down-candidates

Traina Locked on Giants Podcast: Switching gears, let's hear from @LJSLaw, co-host of LockedOnBama about the various Alabama draft prospects (Audio)
https://dcs.megaphone.fm/LKN5319311921.mp3?key=c6082866ebf9773b59d927bb4a6260e7

QB
Minich Cincy Jungle: NFL Draft Film Room: The best throws of Joe Burrow’s historic 2019 season
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2020/3/27/21165338/cincinnati-bengals-nfl-draft-film-room-joe-burrows-best-throws-2019

Edge
Pauline PFN: 2020 NFL Draft Scouting Report
Yetur Gross-Matos, DE, Penn State
https://www.profootballnetwork.com/penn-state-yetur-gross-matos-scouting-report-2020-nfl-draft/

Pflum BBV: 2020 NFL Draft prospect profile: Jonathan Greenard, EDGE, Florida
https://www.bigblueview.com/2020/3/26/21193896/2020-nfl-draft-prospect-profile-jonathan-greenard-edge-florida-scouting-report-ny-giants

LB
Kelly The Draft Network: LOOKING AHEAD: MICAH PARSONS IS (POTENTIALLY) THE BEST LINEBACKER PROSPECT SINCE LUKE KUECHLY
https://www.cover1.net/micah-parsons-nfl-draft-penn-state/

S
I consider myself (and I think everyone that knows my process would agree) a pretty critical grader of prospects. But I've watched a ton of this safety class, and I'll prob have 9-11 guys with Round 1-3 grades.

Not a lot of elite talent, but a lot of guys who can really play
Jon Ledyard
⁦‪@LedyardNFLDraft‬⁩

Life

Rosenblatt NJ.com: Dumpster Dan’ the Giants fan: How this 89-year-old is coping with coronavirus quarantine through football
https://www.nj.com/giants/2020/03/dumpster-dan-the-giants-fan-how-this-89-year-old-is-coping-with-coronavirus-quarantine-through-football.html

History

Tomasson Twincities.com: Terry Tausch, Vikings starting guard in the 1980s, dies at 61
https://www.twincities.com/2020/03/26/terry-tausch-vikings-starting-guard-in-the-1980s-dies-at-61/

Giants Birthdays 3-27

Joe Taffoni RT TR-LA Rams 1971 NYG 1972-1973 3-27-1945

Cleveland Plain Dealer: Browns nip Cincy
10-11-1970

“CLEVELAND, Ohio - The second round - and the first one that counted - went to the Browns yesterday, but it didn't come easily.
Blanton Collier's team rallied from a 10-point deficit to edge the Cincinnati Bengals, 30-27, before another standing-room crowd of 83,520 on a gray, mild day at the Stadium.
The decision still was in doubt until the late seconds, however, Bill Nelsen, who started and went the distance at quarterback, led the winners to a pair of first downs and used up all but 10 seconds of the clock to preserve the lead.
Only two seconds remained when Paul Brown's team finally regained the ball. The defense then finished things off in smashing fashion, with end Jack Gregory slamming through to drop passer Virgil Carter for a 12-yard loss as time ran out.
Indicating that the Cleveland players realized that this was more than just another ball game, the Browns presented Art Modell with the game ball in the dressing room.
Once again there was no handshake after the game between Brown and Collier, something that caused quite a furor following the Bengals' exhibition victory last August in Cincinnati. The two coaches did speak briefly before the kickoff, however.

A special commendation must go to Nelsen, Leroy Kelly and Bo Scott. All played despite injuries that might have kept some performers on the bench.
The trio appears to come through in good shape, although Nelsen had that sore knee belted once during the second half, and it seemed that he might have to come out. He shook off that pain, however, and was in through the finish.
Scott finally went to the sideline in the final period, but seemed all right after the game. It isn't believed that his sore knee is any worse than it was at the start.
The fullback hit for a yard and the Browns' final touchdown in the last quarter. Bo also carried 10 times and averaged 4.4 yards, and caught two passes for 29 yards.
Leroy, who worked little during the week because of a very sore ankle, carried the ball 29 times and gained 84 yards and scored twice. He also pulled in five passes for 79 yards and one of those - a screen pass good for 55 yards - set up the Browns' second touchdown in the second quarter.
The halfback opened the scoring for Cleveland by taking a 3-yard pass from Nelsen. That put the eventual winners right back in the game after Cincinnati jumped to the front on Horst Muhlmann's 50-yard field goal and a 2-yard plunge for six points in the last period.

The Browns' other touchdown came in the second quarter on a 4-yard pass from Nelsen to Milt Morin. It was a third-down play with the aerial being good for 4 yards.
First two points for the Browns came in the first quarter, when huge Walter Johnson bulled though to down Virgil Carter in the Cincinnati end zone for a safety. That was one of the few mistakes made by Cater, who hit on his first nine passes and on 20 of 28 for the day.
The Cleveland defense, somewhat erratic that first half, harassed the former Chicago signal-caller, making his first start for Paul Brown's team. They downed him five times for 36 yards, and veteran Erich Barnes picked off a fourth-quarter pass and returned 20 yards to the 6-yard line.

Two plays later, Scott hit behind Gene Hickerson and Joe Taffoni for the touchdown which eventually proved to be the winning points...”

https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2019/12/this-is-what-happened-when-paul-browns-bengals-played-cleveland-for-the-first-time-browns-flashback.html

NYT 8-23-1971

“The New Yorkers had other personnel news today. They made a straight player exchange with the Los Angeles Rams, giving Dick Buzin for Joe Taffoni. Both are offensive right tackles. Only yesterday Taffoni had been traded from the Cleveland Browns after he had left the Browns’ camp. Taffoni, a first stringer last year, had been unhappy when the Browns made him a second stringer this season.”

Furfari Times West Virginian: Joe Taffoni was standout in 1960s (9-01-2013)

After graduating with a degree in history in 1967, Joe was drafted in the third round of the NFL draft by Cleveland. “I played five years with the Browns (at 260 pounds) and three with the New York Giants.”
He called it quits as a player in 1976. Then he launched a lengthy coaching career, joining Joe Morrison at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga because he played with him in New York.
After a five-year stint there, he got out of coaching and went into the business world.
But Taffoni still found time to teach and coach at Holy Cross High School in Delran, N.J.”

https://www.timeswv.com/sports/furfari-column-joe-taffoni-was-standout-in-s/article_9bdea9a0-6d5c-5f02-b924-11682eea21e1.html

1972 Giants Preview

OFFENSIVE LINE
"There are some holes here. Greg Larson will probably be at center if he isn't displaced by ex-Bear Bob Hyland, who the Giants feel is the center in their future. Hyland will play guard if he doesn't take the center job. Doug Van Horn or Charlie Harper figure to man the other guard spot. Willie Young is the left tackle, but there will be a fight for the right tackle slot among ex-Ram Joe Tafoni (who disappeared from the Giant camp last summer after being traded to New York), Wayne Walton and Dick Hanson."

-John Devaney, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1972 Edition

1973 Giants Preview

OFFENSIVE LINE
"The Giant quarterback was dumped only 10 times, the third lowest total in NFL history. Add to that the fact that the Giants were the seventh-best rushing team in the conference and you know the Giants have a strong forward wall. The tackles are Joe Tafoni and Willie Young, the guards Dick Enderele and Doug Van Horn, and the center Greg Larson. Guard Mark Ellison and tackle John Hill, two rookies last season, are in reserve."

John Devaney, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1973 Edition

In Memoriam

Rex Boggan RDT D20-Mississippi 1952 NYG 1955 3-27-1930 Died 12-08-1985

The Delta Democrat (9-24-1954)

“Boggan, a six-foot-four native of Memphis, has returned to Mississippi after a two-year hitch in the Marines, and Rebel fans are sure the big redhead will more than plug up the hole in the Mississippi line left by the graduation of All American guard Crawford Mims. The 21 year old senior earned two letter at Mississippi in 1950 and 1951. Following the 51 season Boggon was drafted by the New York Giants. Boggan's football career wasn't hindered in Ihe Marines, and he was voted lo the all service team last year. Boggan has unusual speed for his size and can play bolh ways with equal success. "I'd like to have a whole line full of Boggans," Misssisippi Coach Johnny Vaughl said. If Boggan lives up to his great expectations, he'll join a flock of other great Rebel linemen thai includes tackle Bruiser Klnard, end Barney Poole, tackle Kine Gilbert and Mims.”