Monday Reading

Giants

Duggan The Athletic: Giants notebook: Joe Judge and the coaching staff adapt to virtual offseason
https://theathletic.com/1725982/2020/04/06/giants-notebook-joe-judge-and-the-coaching-staff-adapt-to-virtual-offseason/

Thompson SI.com: How the Newest Giants Are Trying to Stay Physically and Mentally Conditioned Amid the COVID-19 Restrictions
https://www.si.com/.amp-nygiants/nfl/giants/news/how-the-newest-giants-are-trying-to-stay-physically-and-mentally-conditioned-amid-the-covid-19-restrictions

Rosenblatt NJ.com: NFL Draft 2020: Have Giants narrowed it down to these 2 prospects for the No. 4 pick?
https://www.nj.com/giants/2020/04/nfl-draft-2020-have-giants-narrowed-it-down-to-these-2-prospects-for-the-no-4-pick.html

Rosenblatt NJ.com: NFL Draft 2020: Giants pick Clemson’s Isaiah Simmons or Iowa’s Tristan Wirfs at No. 4? Wide receiver early? Latest 7-round mock projection
https://www.nj.com/giants/2020/04/nfl-draft-2020-isaiah-simmons-or-tristan-wirfs-at-no-4-wide-receiver-early-latest-7-round-mock-projection.html

Trains Locked on Giants Podcast: NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) joins today's podcast to talk draft (Audio)
https://dcs.megaphone.fm/LKN3509046331.mp3?key=ed6369f8f83c33cb36767df4d0299841

Schneier/Falato Big Blue Banter Podcast: Had a great time catching up and talking draft with ryanwilson CBS on the latest episode of the Big Blue Banter podcast.
My favorite part: Ryan has an OT1 (Jedrick Wills) and he does an excellent job of breaking down why: (Audio)
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/big-blue-banter-a-new-york-giants-football-podcast/id1387339234?i=1000470594535

Offense

Vincent Rapisardi@VincentRapisardi

Jason Garrett's offense was 3rd in Yards Before Catch per Reception last season.

The Giants were 16th under Pat Shurmur.

It's not just a philosophical thing, it's a personnel thing, too.

I'd expect them to take a Darius Slayton-like player in the middle rounds of the draft.

RB

Canavan AP: Dion Lewis in familiar role as Barkley’s backup
https://www.recorder.com/Giants-Dion-Lewis-33712529

T

Dan Schneier@DanSchneierNFL
Jedrick Wills has emerged as my OT1 in this class and he perfectly fits what the Giants need, but I'm still torn on whether he's head and shoulders above the other three OTs.
Is it better to sit at 4 and take Wills, or trade back, acquire key assets, and maybe land your OT2?

C

Slater NJ.com: NFL Draft 2020: Could Giants pick N.J.’s Cesar Ruiz to be Daniel Jones’ long-term center?
https://www.nj.com/giants/2020/04/nfl-draft-2020-could-giants-pick-njs-cesar-ruiz-to-be-daniel-jones-long-term-center.html

DL

Schwartz NYP: Defensive line glut will put Giants’ ‘hog mollies’ love to NFL Draft test
https://nypost.com/2020/04/05/defensive-line-glut-will-put-giants-hog-mollies-love-to-nfl-draft-test/amp/

NFL

King FMIA: Amidst Stunning 2020 Draft Possibilities, How One NFL Team Cuts Through The Mayhem To Get Ready

“Brandt’s 16 top-rated players, the players he thinks should comprise the first half of the first round April 23, along with his comments:
1. Joe Burrow, QB, LSU. Came farther than any player I can remember in his last year of college football.
2. Chase Young, edge rusher, Ohio State. The best football player in the draft.
3. Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson. Played safety, slot corner and linebacker at Clemson. What’s amazing is he had 23 pressures last year on 70 pass-rushes.
4. Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon. So much going for him. Very smart, better speed (4.68 in the 40) than you think. Strong arm.

5. Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama. A left-handed Drew Brees. Longevity more than anything is the concern. You’ve got to trust your doctor.
6. Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn. Stayed in school when he could have been a high pick last year. Wish he was a little faster than 5.12 seconds in the 40.
7. Jedrick Wills, T, Alabama. Only played right tackle, but I think he can be a guard or left tackle. Quick and athletic.
8. Tristan Wirfs, T, Iowa. Small-town Iowa kid, three-year starter, long arms, good explosion for a guy his size. He’ll get stronger.
9. Andrew Thomas, T, Georgia. Started 41 straight games at a high level of competition. Played 1,021 passing snaps in three years, allowed five sacks.
10. Mekhi Becton, T, Louisville. Another one of these freaky athletic guys, and huge. Started at both left and right tackle. Size/speed combination is great.
11. CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma. Dez Bryant-type. Strong, tall, complete receiver.
12. Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama. Excellent route-runner. Plays a lot like Antonio Brown, without the baggage.
13. Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State. Shutdown corner with big upside. I probably have him too low.
14. C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida. Good speed (4.39), and a starter against top competition. Will play a long time in the NFL.
15. Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina. Tore up the Senior Bowl. Productive three-year starter. Very strong. Will play early and could dominate.
16. Henry Ruggs, WR, Alabama. You can teach a guy to catch better, but you can’t teach speed like he has. Ran a 4.27 40 at the combine.”

https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2020/04/06/nfl-draft-combined-telecast-colts-fmia-peter-king/

Breer MMQB: Jeffrey Lurie and Robert Kraft Step Up; Trouble With Canceled Physicals; Draft Notes
How two prominent NFL owners are doing their part to help the country get through the coronavirus pandemic. Plus, a former team doctor explains the process on players who can't get physicals, notes from scouts and executives on the draft and much more

“My belief is that, really, 11 players are sort of hovering around the top of the class—three quarterbacks (Joe Burrow, Tua Tagovailoa and Justin Herbert), four defensive players (Chase Young, Jeff Okudah, Derrick Brown and Isaiah Simmons) and four tackles (Mekhi Becton, Tristan Wirfs, Andrew Thomas and Jedrick Wills). South Carolina DL Javon Kinlaw or one of the top two receivers might sneak into that crowd on draft day, based on different teams’ preferences, but that’s what I see as the top group.”

“Also, my feeling is that a lot of teams would have Burrow and the four defensive guys as the top five players in the class. Young is the best non-quarterback—and for some, it’s not close. But I did get at least one piece of pushback on that the last couple days, from one college scouting director who sees something pretty cool in Simmons: “He’s dynamic, but he’s also safe. Great character, he’s smart, and does everything and he’s a freak athlete. He’s damn close to Chase Young for me. And I would take him before Okudah. Depending on your scheme, he could be as impactful as anyone on your team. He can do so much. He can cover, rush, run and hit. I love him.” One thing there’s agreement on with Simmons is that he needs to go to a defense that will move him around like the coaches at Clemson did. The interesting thing about that? That would be a Patriot-type of defense, and there are three of those picking in the top five (Lions at 3, Giants at 4, Dolphins at 5). Okudah will probably go somewhere in that range too, and all four could be gone by 7, with the Panthers lurking as a possibility to snap Brown up.”

“The tackles could all be gone by 11, with the Jets and Browns both having needs and sitting right there on the fringe of the top 10. What’s interesting is how they’re each bringing something different to the table. Becton’s a freakish left-side type, with what one scout called “Jason Peters potential.” Thomas is solid, and also projects to play on the left, but is unspectacular. Wills is sort of a prototype right tackle, who can swing left. And Wirfs is a very good athlete who everyone sees a little differently (some like him as a guard), and is probably a little more scheme-specific (he’d be best with a zone team) than the others.”

“The COVID-19 affect? One director told me he thinks teams will play it safer this year, and playing it safer, in his mind, means taking big people. That, he continued, should open the door for USC’s Austin Jackson and Houston’s Josh Jones to sneak into the first round. Louisiana’s Robert Hunt is another guy who might go earlier than expected. And it’s possible the top center/guards, LSU’s Lloyd Cushenberry and Michigan’s Cesar Ruiz, merit consideration at the bottom of the round as well.”

https://www.si.com/nfl/2020/04/06/jeffrey-lurie-robert-kraft-coronavirus-draft-notes

Pelissero NFL.com: The NFL and NFLPA are still hammering out details of “virtual” offseason, so Phase 1 — which would’ve begun today for teams with new head coaches — is delayed at least a week. For now, teams may send players iPads, tablets, etc., for voluntary use on their own away from facility

Schefter ESPN: Today would have been the start of offseason workouts for teams with new head coaches - Mike McCarthy in Dallas, Kevin Stefanski in Cleveland, Joe Judge in NY, Matt Rhule in Carolina and Ron Rivera in Washington. But only virtual off-season work now

BALTIMORE
Shaffer Baltimore Sun: Ravens draft preview: Patrick Queen, Kenneth Murray or someone else at inside linebacker?
https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/bs-sp-ravens-draft-linebacker-patrick-queen-kenneth-murray-20200406-tbbupkfqynbwddfdezafxoo34q-story.html

CHICAGO
Biggs Chicago Tribune: Nick Foles cut the base value of his contract by more than half in a ‘crazy’ restructuring that makes sense for the Bears — and their new QB
https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/bears/ct-chicago-bears-nick-foles-contract-brad-biggs-20200406-npquvzq6e5eilh6nzrz2li6q24-story.html

CINCINNATI
Sheeran CincyJungle: Bengals can reunite Denzel Mims with former position coach Bob Bicknell
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2020/4/6/21208842/cincinnati-bengals-bob-bicknell-baylor-wr-denzel-mims-2020-nfl-draft

DENVER
Keeler Denver Post: If John Elway doesn’t draft Garett Bolles’ replacement, it’s a slap in the face of Broncos fans
https://www.denverpost.com/2020/04/05/john-elway-garett-bolles-denver-broncos-nfl-draft-2020-replacement/amp/

Newman Denver Post: Broncos Insider: With Jurrell Casey added and Bradley Chubb healthy again, Denver’s run defense will be formidable
https://www.denverpost.com/2020/04/05/broncos-insider-run-defense-projection-jurrell-casey-bradley-chubb/

INDIANAPOLIS
Ayello Indianapolis Star: Frank Reich wants backup Jacoby Brissett to play in 2020, so what might that look like?
https://amp.indystar.com/amp/2948610001

KANSAS CITY
Fedotin Forbes.com: Jordan Ta’amu Has Unique Connection To The Kansas City Chiefs
https://www.forbes.com/sites/jefffedotin/2020/04/06/jordan-taamu-has-unique-connection-to-the-kansas-city-chiefs/amp/

MIAMI
Hyde Sun Sentinel: Belichick’s scouted demands at positions — and how Dolphins fit

“1. Quarterback. Belichick’s idea: “#1 is to make good decisions - then arm, size, physically tough, leadership. Guys look up to and have confidence, a real competitors. Accurate rather than guy with a cannon. Emphasis on our game will be on decision, timing, accuracy - guy needs to be confident. Intelligence is important but not as much so as field awareness and judgment. Can’t be sloppy fundamentally unsound guy w/ball handling, techs, etc. Footwork, drops, release, etc - QB has to be able to throw the ball with accuracy.”

Dolphins fit: Do you notice the word repeated three times -accuracy. Couple that with the top requirement of “good decisions” and you see what Belichick wants in a quarterback. This, of course, fits Ryan Fitzpatrick perfectly. As do most of these ideals right down to his leadership ability. Let’s not get carried away here. Part of Fitzpatrick’s appeal was on a bad team. Can he lead a good team? Well, he’s been on a lot of bad to mediocre teams. He doesn’t have a playoff win. However, if you’re looking at Belichick’s traits Fitzpatrick fits a lot of them. (As an aside, that describes Tom Brady well, doesn’t it? And also explains why the Patriots might depend on second-year Jarrett Stidham this year.)
2. Tight ends. Belichick’s idea: “#1 has to be a catcher ... don’t need the offensive line type guy in a TE’s jersey. Take what we can get from him on the blocking. Just gets in the way and tie up. We can work around is blocking ability. Catch, run, block. #2 or #3 TE needs to be the blocker for situational running situations ... (underlined for emphasis) Don’t let the lack of blocking ability eliminate a good player.”


Dolphins fit: This seems handwritten for the Dolphins and Mike Gesicki. He’s such a pass-catching tight end that he’s more a slot receiver. That should be fine if he’s used that way. Used better (and coached better) in his second season, Gesicki caught 51 passes and five touchdowns. Is he a great blocker? No, but the Dolphins knew that in drafting him in the second round. He can “get in the way and tie up,'' as Belichick’s notes say. For it to work, though, Gesicki has to keep making strides as a receiver. He has to build on his good second season. The athleticism is there. You can see his role from Belichick’s belief of the position.

3. Wide receivers. Belichick’s idea: “#1 has to be able to get off (line of scrimmage) whether w/size, speed, quicks or any combination of the three, then has to catch. Can improve hands to some degree. has to be able to run disciplined routes, not necessarily smart, just disciplined. Receiver needs good running ability after the watch. Want to hit the receivers on the run & let them run with ball either over, elude or by with speed. Speed only enters the equation in relation to players’ ability to escape the (line of scrimmage)."

Dolphins fit: Devante Parker isn’t a disciplined route runner. That’s the prime reason he fell off with Adam Gase and Ryan Tannehill. He can, however, go down the field and win jump balls, as he showed last season. Preston Williams showed development in his small sample size as a rookie before being hurt. But, again, he’s not there as a disciplined route runner. Isaiah Ford and Allen Hurns do run disciplined routes. They aren’t first or second receivers, though. So while the Dolphins have talent at receiver, their best receivers don’t fit this idea of disciplined route running.

4. Running backs. Belichick’s idea: The report says then-Cleveland running back Kevin Mack is, “ideal, tuff inside, (north/south) guy, has enough to bounce it outside, needs to be able to catch the ball, has to be able to step up and take on the blitz. Also need a third down back like (then Browns running back Eric Metcalf) and also a (short-yardage/goal line) back (could be your starter or just a situational type guy, can also be a special teams guy).”
Dolphins fit: Well, they signed Jordan Howard in free agency and he’s a classic north/south guy who averaged 4.4 yards in a part-time role (119 carries) last year in Philadelphia. Short-yardage? He did that a lot his first two years in Chicago in carrying on third or fourth down with one or two yards to go for a first down. In 2016, he had 12 such carries for 32 yards (2.7-yard average). In 2017, he had 17 carries for 58 yards *(3.4 average). Last year, he carried four such times for 16 yards - with a long of 15. So he had three carries for one yard. More than anything, Belichick’s ideals can be applied to the draft to see in gauging running backs.
5. Offensive line: Belichick’s idea: “Big guys who are strong, powerful players, guys who have the frame to get bigger - knock someone off the ball and keep defender on (line of scrimmage) vs. pass. Big guards vs 3-4 linebackers - OT’s who can get their hands on people, not necessarily have to be great athletes due to quick, 5-step passing game. Can use a slightly dumber guy who is a good athlete. He needs to be able to block the right guy, need to recognize fronts and be smart enough to block the right guy. Guys who get penalized a lot oare not what we want - big strong, physical, nasty, smart.”

Dolphins fit: Well, the Dolphins offensive line is again in flux. Newly signed guard Ereck Flowers fits the idea of a big guard. Jesse Davis played well at right tackle. Ted Karras could win a job at guard or center depending on how the rest of it shakes out. We’ll have to revisit this when we get through the draft and into what the lineup could look like.”

https://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/dave-hyde/fl-sp-hyde5-belichick-dolphins-20200406-tsgkysnxvrdlrgv47f4s3yxuh4-story.html

NEW ENGLAND
Hill Pats Pulpit: Not as simple as "hit/miss". Ras-I is the second-worst second round pick since 2000 (Malik McDowell).

Jackson, Hill, Wheatley, Brace, Dawson, Jones, Johnson, Dobson, and Richards are also notably unfruitful picks.

Patriots rank 30th in expected AV from 2nd rounders since '00

Second round picks AV vs expected since 2000:

1. CIN +16.7
2. SEA +13.4
3. NYG +12.8
4. NO +10.2
5. JAX +9.6
...
28. OAK -11.1
29. WAS -13.7
30. NE -14.2
31. DET -16.6
32. NYJ -18.2

Like, when the Patriots hit in the second round, they /hit/, with Gronk, Light, Vollmer, and Collins (and to a lesser extent Garoppolo, Chung, and Branch), but the misses are enormous

NEW YORK JETS
Costello NYP: NFL Draft 2020: This Jets trend may be coming to an end
https://nypost.com/2020/04/06/this-jets-nfl-draft-trend-may-be-coming-to-an-end/amp/

PHILADELPHIA
Kempski Phillyvoice: Eagles new player (or current player with new role) series: Genard Avery edition
https://www.phillyvoice.com/eagles-new-player-or-current-player-new-role-series-genard-avery-edition/

PITTSBURGH
Adamski Pittsburgh Tribune Review: Steelers on to Plan D or E [in long quest to find tight end to succeed Heath Miller
https://triblive.com/sports/steelers-on-to-plan-d-or-e-in-long-quest-to-find-tight-end-to-succeed-heath-miller/

SAN FRANCISCO
David Lombardi The Athletic: 49ers current spending breakdown (% of salary-cap space by position group)…

DL: 23%
DB: 17%
OL: 16%
QB: 15%
RB: 11%
WR/TE: 9%
LB: 5%
Specialists: 4%

(I calculated this based on the fact that only the top-51 contracts count against the cap in the offseason.)

SEATTLE
Condotta Seattle Times: Examining the defensive line as the Seahawks wait to sign Jadeveon Clowney, or someone else
https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/analysis-examining-seattles-defensive-line-as-seahawks-wait-to-sign-jadeveon-clowney-or-someone-else-to-take-his-place/?

WASHINGTON
Keim ESPN Washington: Podcast: new Redskins RB J.D. McKissic Joins me. We go over his transition from WR to RB and how that helps him etc. .. my thoughts on the draft; what to believe and what not to (Audio)
http://johnkeimreport.libsyn.com/jd-mckissic-joins-the-jk-report

Paras Washington Times: After taking pay cut, Darby sees Redskins as new opportunity to prove himself again
https://amp.washingtontimes.com/news/2020/apr/5/ronald-darby-hoping-restore-value-redskins/


Colleges/Draft

Treash PFF: The best returning player for all 130 FBS teams ahead of the 2020 college football season
https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-the-best-returning-player-for-all-130-fbs-teams-ahead-of-the-2020-college-football-season

Reid The Draft Network: My 1st-Round Grades (23):

• QB: Burrow, Tua, Herbert, Love
• RB: Swift
• WR: Jeudy, Lamb, Ruggs, Jefferson
• TE: None
• OL: Wills, Wirfs, Becton, A. Thomas
• DL: Young, Kinlaw, Brown, Chaisson
• LB: Simmons, Queen, Murray
• CB: Okudah, Henderson
• S: McKinney

From what I’ve been told, most NFL teams have anywhere from 15-25 first-round graded prospects on their board, but of course, everyone’s process is different

5 Players I’ll Be Higher On Than Most:

• Cam Akers
• Jabari Zuniga
• Noah Igbinoghene
• Darrell Taylor
• Antonio Gibson

Dan Schneier CBS Sports: My Wisconsin bias may* be coming in, but I don't have any first-round grades on a RB, but my RB1 is Jonathan Taylor. I think he's a much stronger, faster, and smoother runner, and while Shift has the shiftiness, he also lacks the home run speed. Wonder how teams will see it.

I think a lot of teams will have JT as RB1 and it wouldn’t surprise me if he’s the first RB selected. I like Swift’s involvement in the passing game a bit more though.

Dan Schneier CBS Sports: Yup. A big thing will be if Taylor can be like Melvin in that regard. Gordon didn’t have much work at all in the pass game and evolved that skill set with the chargers. I think Taylor has the athleticism and work ethic to pick it up. Showed a little in 2019, too. Time will tell.

QB
McKenna USA Today: Take a quick look inside the Dallas Cowboys' pre-NFL draft meeting with Jalen Hurts
https://amp.usatoday.com/amp/41563369

RB
Edholm Yahoo Sports: 28. Ohio State RB J.K. Dobbins
5-foot-9, 209 pounds 
Yahoo Sports draft grade: 6.00

“TL;DR scouting report: Workhorse back who showed in bounceback season that he can be a special performer — especially in big moments
The skinny: J'Kaylin “J.K.” Dobbins was a 4-star Rivals recruit (and top 100 nationally) who picked the Buckeyes over a slew of top-tier programs.
In 2017, Dobbins earned second-team all-Big Ten honors with 1,412 rush yards and seven TDs rushing in 14 starts, also adding 22 catches for 135 yards receiving. He was named Most Valuable Player of the Big Ten Championship Game, running for 174 yards vs. Wisconsin.
Dobbins took a small step back as a sophomore in 2018 but bounced back in 2019 as a junior, earning second-team AP All-American mention and beating out Wisconsin’s Jonathan Taylor for Big Ten Running Back of the Year. Dobbins ran for 2,003 yards and 21 touchdowns, adding 23 catches for 247 yards and two TDs in 14 starts. Dobbins, who turns 22 years old in December, opted to declare early for the 2020 NFL draft. He attended the NFL scouting combine but only performed the bench press (23 reps) while still nursing the ankle injury he suffered in the semifinal playoff loss to Clemson.
Upside: Great inside rusher — outstanding instincts to pick through holes with great burst. Anticipates openings and reads blocks well. Seldom guesses or makes bad decisions. Trusts his blockers and play design. Cranked out 22 gains of 20 yards or more last season, tied for fifth-most in the country.
Great vision and excellent footwork in tight spaces — little wasted movement. North-south runner who gets downhill and doesn't get cute with lateral movement. But still flashes some elusiveness in the open field.
Watch as Dobbins shows patience to allow his blocks to develop, finds the small crease to squirt through and then tack on some extra yards as the cherry on top with a sharp cut to make the Wisconsin defender miss in the open field:

Nice, compact build. Surprising pop in his pads. Churns his legs through contact and maintains excellent pad level.
Good contact balance to pinball off tackle attempts and always seems to be falling forward. Squeezes extra yardage, even a few inches, out of almost every run. Very good ball security most of his career — keeps ball high and tight against his frame. Improved in pass protection over three years — unafraid to take on bigger blitzers.
Profiles as an every-down back. Flashes hands as a receiver. Above-average to excellent in every aspect of the position. Ran well in just about every type of run play and blocking scheme — Buckeyes mixed gap and zone concepts. Three 1,000-yard rushing seasons with three different starting quarterbacks under two different head coaches.
Showed athletic and conditioning improvement under the eye of one of the best strength coaches in the nation (Mickey Marotti). Ready for rigors of an NFL strength program. Workhorse potential — carried the ball combined 100 times over three games in a 14-day span to end the conference season (vs. Penn State, Michigan and Wisconsin).
Downside: Might lack home-run power in NFL — long speed appears to be just OK and might be more of a singles and doubles hitter in the league. Not an overly creative runner. Won't win a ton of races to the corner against fast defenses. Lacks elite balance when tightroping sideline.
Lot of his yards are manufactured — often saw two-lane highways to run through. Ran behind top-shelf offensive line and worked with elite talent. Doesn't consistently create his own yardage. Operated under two of the best offensive minds in college football in Urban Meyer and Ryan Day. Fumbled in back-to-back games against Penn State and Michigan after only three fumbles on first 678 touches.
Smaller frame might not hold up long term. Runs a bit high and offers a big target zone for a compact back. Enters NFL with nearly 800 touches, wearing a bit of the tread off his tires at around 210 pounds. Might need to keep weight higher.
Pass protection still needs more work — check out this play against Florida Atlantic where Dobbins needs to just run interference on No. 11 to give the screen play enough time to develop, but he can't quite do it:

Heroic, inspiring effort in semifinal loss to Clemson, coming back from ankle injury, but also dropped an easy screen that hit him in the hands and let another potential pass slip through his fingers. Wasn't able to run or test at combine with lingering injury. Brings limited special-teams value.
Best-suited destination: We believe Dobbins is a very high-floor prospect who should be an excellent addition to a backfield. He might be best served growing into a three-down role over time.
Among the teams that could be interested in his services include the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Miami Dolphins, Los Angeles Chargers, Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, Washington Redskins and Los Angeles Rams.
Did you know: When Dobbins entered La Grange (Tex.) High School, he had a name to live up to. His father, Lawrence, also was a star running back at the school, leading the team to the 1997 state semifinals. In that loss to Sealy HS, the elder Dobbins ran for touchdowns of 70 and 74 yards at the Astrodome. He later went on to play at Blinn Junior College before giving up the sport, but Lawrence was also a track & field star, earning a spot as a sprinter at Lincoln University outside of Philadelphia.
But Dobbins' father wasn't around long enough to see his son emerge as one of the best backs in the country. Lawrence Dobbins died in prison at the age of 33 — when JK was only 15 years old — back in 2014. He suffered a stroke after suffering from heart issues for many years.
Lawrence was in prison for theft and was due to be released later that year. JK and Lawrence were close before his death, and the father left his son with a lasting memory of how he should carry himself as an adult.
“When my dad was alive he would tell me no matter what, have a smile on your face," Dobbins told Cleveland.com in 2018. "No matter how you're feeling, you're living and you should be able to smile ... It was not easy. I cried myself to sleep. It's something you can't explain to lose a parent, and I was close with my dad. I loved my dad. 
“I have a positive outlook on life because I'm still living and I can appreciate more things in life. You'll see me smiling. I might still be thinking about it, or in pain, but you will never know because I'm never gonna show it. That's how I am and that's how my family is. You gotta keep working hard and don't let something hold you back.”
They said it: “Definitely my vision. I think I have vision that's out of this world. It's definitely a God-given talent. I think that's the best thing about my game.” 
— Dobbins at the combine, on his best trait as a runner
Player comp: Devonta Freeman
Expected draft range: Round 2”

https://sports.yahoo.com/amphtml/yahoo-sports-top-2020-nfl-draft-prospects-no-28-ohio-state-rb-jk-dobbins-200422348.html

DT
Costello NYP: Javon Kinlaw’s journey from homelessness to coveted NFL Draft prospect
https://nypost.com/2020/04/05/nfl-draft-2020-javon-kinlaw-went-from-homeless-to-top-prospect/amp/

LB
Trapasso CBS Sports.com: Raved about Colorado LB Davion Taylor yesterday. Two things I really like beyond his explosiveness:

- He was flexed out as a CB *a lot* and more than held his own.

- He's not raw taking on/shedding blocks. Very aggressive/active with his hands.

Pittsburgh Tribune Review: Penn State linebacker Cam Brown confident he fits in today’s NFL
https://triblive.com/sports/penn-state-linebacker-cam-brown-confident-he-fits-in-todays-nfl/

S
Jones CBS Sports.com: NFL Draft 2020: Small-school prospect Kyle Dugger making the most of new pre-draft reality
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/nfl-draft-2020-small-school-prospect-kyle-dugger-making-the-most-of-new-pre-draft-reality/amp/

History

NYT: Bobby Mitchell, Hall of Famer and the Redskins’ First Black Star, Dies at 84

“Mitchell played four seasons with the Cleveland Browns and seven with the Redskins, the last N.F.L. team of his time to integrate.
Fast, elusive and versatile, he scored 91 touchdowns, amassed more than 14,000 net yards, was named to the Pro Bowl four times and was voted to the N.F.L.’s all-decade team for the 1960s.

When he retired after the 1968 season, Mitchell became a Redskins scout and later their assistant general manager. But in his 34 years in the front office, he was passed over for the general manager’s post when there were vacancies.

“Bobby Mitchell was one of the greatest all-around ballplayers,” Lenny Moore of the Baltimore Colts, a contemporary and fellow Hall of Famer, was quoted as saying on the Redskins’ website. “Anybody who can transition himself and be one of the best in the business at both positions, that’s saying something.”

The Redskins were floundering when Mitchell joined them. Their owner, George Preston Marshall, who grew up in Washington and attended segregated schools, had refused to improve his team’s fortunes by obtaining black players; he was unwilling to jeopardize revenue from the Redskins’ TV and radio broadcasts, which were carried by dozens of stations in the segregated South in the years before the N.F.L. had national TV contracts.
“We take most of our players out of Southern colleges and are trying to appeal to Southern people,” Marshall told The New York Times in 1961. “Those colleges don’t have any Negro players.”
When President John F. Kennedy took office in January 1961, the Redskins were preparing to leave Griffith Stadium, their longtime home, and move into the new D.C. Stadium (later named for Robert F. Kennedy), which was built on land affiliated with the Interior Department’s national park system.
When Stewart L. Udall, the interior secretary, threatened to revoke the Redskins’ lease if they did not obey federal anti-discrimination laws, Marshall promised to obtain black players, and the N.F.L. gave him a year to comply.

The Redskins selected Ernie Davis, the Heisman Trophy-winning running back from Syracuse, who was black, as the first overall pick in the N.F.L. draft for the 1962 season. Fearing Davis’s prospective salary demands, Marshall traded his signing rights to the Browns, getting Mitchell as the key acquisition in the deal.
When the Redskins opened their 1962 season, Mitchell was among three black players taking the field for them, but the only marquee figure in that group. He caught two touchdown passes in the Redskins’ first home game, a 24-14 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals, and went on to lead the N.F.L. in receptions (72) and receiving yards (1,384).
Davis never played pro football. He was found to have leukemia in the summer of 1962 and died the following May.

Mitchell was “received enthusiastically and with open arms” by his teammates, said Norm Snead, the Redskins’ quarterback when Mitchell joined them, in Thomas G. Smith’s “Showdown” (2011), an account of the team’s racial controversy.

Snead “was just great, he just wanted to throw the ball to a guy who could go get it,” Mitchell said. But the pressures to perform amid the racial turmoil weighed heavily on Mitchell, and he felt that some teammates were jealous of his being the Redskins’ highest-paid player.
In Alan H. Levy’s “Tackling Jim Crow” (2003), Mitchell recalled racial taunts from some Redskin fans. “It affected me greatly,” he said. “I haven’t forgotten them.”

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/05/sports/football/bobby-mitchell-dead.amp.html

Tony Grossi: Besides being a great player, Mitchell was a key figure in the eventual firing of Paul Brown by Art Modell. PB traded Mitchell w/o Modell knowing it shortly after Modell bought Browns. In return, PB drafted Ernie Davis, who contracted leukemia and also widened rift with Modell.

Modell learned of the trade from Redskins owner George Preston Marshall, who scolded Modell, "don't ever let that happen again. You own the team."

Dan Daly: Bobby Mitchell, 84. Talk about a gut punch. Bobby, after all, was so much more than just a HOF football player. He was like an astronaut, helping to integrate the Redskins, the #NFL's last all-white team, in 1962. And the way he would lend his celebrity to worthy causes.

Would it sound strange if I said Bobby was never -- OK, rarely -- properly appreciated as a player/historical figure? It's true. I mean, he didn't get into Canton until his 10th year of eligibility. Crazy. Especially since he played at the Pro Bowl level at 2 positions (RB, WR).

This might surprise you: When Bobby retired in 1968, he was the only player in NFL history with 2,500+ rushing yards and 7,500+ receiving yards. 52 years later, he's STILL the only player in league history who's reached both those totals.

This might surprise you: When Bobby retired in 1968, he was the only player in #NFL history with 2,500+ rushing yards and 7,500+ receiving yards. 52 years later, he's STILL the only player in league history who's reached both those totals.

Had he come along, say, 4 decades later, Bobby might have stayed at RB and had a Marshall Faulk-type career -- instead of playing RB for the Browns for his first 4 seasons and switching to wideout with the #Redskins for his last 7.

Another cool Bobby stat: His top rushing game in Cleveland was 232 yards (vs. the #Redskins, coincidentally). His top receiving game in Washington was 218. You know how many NFL players have had that big a rushing day *and* that big a receiving day? Answer: Only Bobby Mitchell.

I throw these numbers at you to give you a sense not just of Bobby's greatness but of his uniqueness. It's hard to think of anybody quite like him. In his own era, Lenny Moore and Ollie Matson had terrific run/catch ability, but they never made the position change Bobby did.

And Bobby's stats would likely be even better if he hadn't had to share the ball during his Browns days with Jim Brown and during his Redskins days with Charley Taylor and Jerry Smith. His consistency was mind-blowing.

Finally, I'm not sure any receiver ever hit the NFL with the bang Bobby did in 1962, the season he transitioned to wideout

I'll do the math for you: Bobby had 39 receptions for 872 yards & 10 TDs & averaged 22.4 yards a catch. Note, too, the 5 games with 135+ yards. Guess how many NFL receivers have had that many 135-yard days in the first 7 games of a season. All together now: only Bobby Mitchell.

I remember being at the the infamous 72-41 victory over the Giants in 1966, he had a 45 yard rushing TD in the 4th quarter of that game, he never let up

Watched that game on TV. Remember the play well. It would be cool if it was the last rushing TD of Bobby's career, but he had another one the next year vs. the Giants -- on a day he also rushed for 110 yards. Made him the Redskins' oldest 100-yard rusher until Riggo came along.

All right, I'm gonna stop now. I'm not even going to talk about Bobby's 8 return TDs -- 3 on punts, 5 on kickoffs. It almost seems like overkill. The man was a giant. R.I.P.

Great games vs NYG:

12-18-1960 CLE rush 2-7-0 rec 9-133-2
10-28-1962 WAS rush 0-0-0 rec 5-158-2
12-08-1963 WAS rush 0-0-0 rec 8-197-1
12-12-1965 WAS rush 0-0-0 rec 8-118-1
10-01-1967 WAS rush 22-110-1 rec 4-24-0

Gosselin Talk of Fame: Need a playmaker? Look beyond the first round

“Ronde was the other Barber in the 1997 NFL draft. His twin brother Tiki was the prize.
Tiki was the All-America running back at Virginia, the ACC Offensive Player of the Year. Ronde was an All-ACC cornerback but his size (5-9) and speed (4.63 40) didn’t excite NFL talent evaluators. So Tiki was selected high in the second round with the 36th overall selection by the New York Giants. Ronde slid into the third round where he went on the 66th overall pick to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Giants didn’t miss on Tiki. He went to three Pro Bowls and retired as the franchise’s all-time leading rusher. But the NFL missed mightily on Ronde. He wound up playing 16 seasons, intercepting 47 passes, going to five Pro Bowls and helping the Buccaneers win a Super Bowl. Ronde has been a Hall of Fame semifinalist each of the last two years.
In Ronde’s case, NFL talent evaluators placed too much emphasis on the measurables and not enough on the game tape. Ronde was a playmaker in college – and there is an NFL premium on defenders who either can sack the quarterback or come up with the football. Barber came up with the football at Virginia, intercepting eight passes in a single season at Virginia and 15 in his three-year career.
That’s why Meiko Dotson intrigues me in the 2020 NFL draft. And Amik Robertson. And Isaiah Rodgers...”

https://www.si.com/nfl/talkoffame/nfl/need-a-playmaker-look-beyond-the-first-round-rB4iwbdSOk2FlXxQwBdUzg

Carl Banks@CarlBanksGIII‬⁩
⁦‪little known fact the majority of our LB's were Blue Chip BBall players with college offers. ALL State in multiple sports. Football wasn't our best sport. Parcells loved playing us 1on1 in the old Giants stadium

Giants Birthdays 4-06

Ken Byers G D7-Cincinnati 1962 NYG 1962-1964 4-06-1940

1964 Profile: Ken Byers

Guard
No. 60
Cincinnati
"Byers did a good job filling in at guard and defensive end last season when the need arose. He's also counted on to see duty at the offensive tackle slot.
The sturdy resident of Little Neck, New York was drafted seventh by the Giants for 1962 after impressing observers with his fine collegiate play for the Bearcats, whom he co-captained in 1961. During his rookie campaign of '62, Ken played behind Andy Robustelli at defensive end besides performing on the kickoff and punting teams.
Ken, who majored in English at Cincinnati, intends to be a lawyer one day."

-Complete Sports 1964 New York Giants

Jawill Davis WR UDFA-Bethune Cookman 2018 NYG 2018 4-06-1995

Tim Hasselbeck QB W-WAS 2005 NYG 2005-2006 4-06-1978

Adrian Tracy DE/OLB D6-William & Mary 2010 NYG 2010, 2011 2012 4-06-1987

Adrian White SS D2-Florida 1987 NYG 1987-1991 4-06-1964

In Memoriam

Spider Lockhart LCB/FS D14-North Texas 1965 NYG 1965-1975 Born 4-06-1943 Died 7-08-1986

North Texas HOF: “Spider" Lockhart was a running back and defensive back at North Texas, leading the Missouri Valley Conference in punt returns with his 39.5-yard average. He also led the MVC in punting for two seasons. Lockhart also lettered track at North Texas.”

Lockhart year by year:

1966 Giants Profiles

SPIDER LOCKHART
Cornerback
No. 43
North Texas State
"They call Carl Lockhart 'Spider' because of his wiry frame, but 'Raffles' might be more suitable because this one has bandit blood in him. As a rookie cornerback last season, he swiped four passes, tying Dick Lynch for the team high. He also showed quick reflexes and a ready aptitude for defense. He has good instincts, is a quick learner and a piercing tackler for someone who weighs 185 pounds.
Carl doesn't lack for nicknames - he's one of Emlen's Gremlins, the name given to defensive coach Em Tunnell's rookie defensive backs.
He was the Giants' 13th draft pick for 1965 when he came out of North Texas State."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1966

Troup PFJ: THE '66 GIANTS KNEW WHAT WAS COMING: They Just Couldn't Stop It

“Carl "Spider" Lockhart is a lean, combative, speedy defender. A willing tackler when asked, he has no problem with pursuit across the field. Though he is more than adequate as a zone defender; the Giants usually are in man coverage. Lockhart battles them all, and though he does give up touchdowns, he can take the ball away. The "Spider" is by far the best New York defensive player, but alas that is not saying very much.”

http://nflfootballjournal.blogspot.com/2018/02/the-giants-knew-what-was-coming-they.html

1967 Giants Profiles:

SPIDER LOCKHART
Safety
No. 43
North Texas State
"The man they call 'Spider' plays defense with the daring of a Mississippi riverboat gambler. His eyes are constantly reading the eyes of the enemy quarterback or the receiver lined up opposite him. He keeps a short halter on the men he covers, always looking for an interception. With the retirement of Dick Lynch and Jim Patton, Spider now leads the team in swipes with a two-year total of ten, picking off six passes last season.
Despite his 6-2, 175-pound frame, he is a slashing, punishing tackler. He also runs back punts and last year ranked fifth in the league with 17 returns for 113 yards.
He was the only Giant to play in last winter's Pro Bowl game."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1967

"Only a third-year man in the NFL, the Giants' Carl Lockhart is coming on fast. He's no Herb Adderley yet- but- he's a tough kid, very tenacious, and despite his size (6-2, 175 pounds) is one of the hardest tacklers among defensive backs.
Last year, Carl had six interceptions."

-Pro Football Almanac 1967

"Spider was the only Giant to make the Pro Bowl last season. A 'Blue Chip' player, he stole six passes in 1966. He was fifth in punt returns with 113 yards on 17 returns.
As a corner back, he makes up in knowledge what he lacks in speed."

-1967 Philadelphia Cards, No. 115

1968 Profile: Spider Lockhart

Safety
No. 43
North Texas State
"The free-wheeling style of Spider Lockhart prompted the Giants to switch him from cornerback to free safety last year, and it could make a star out of him. Spider has all the assets a good safetyman needs - he has quick reactions and sure hands, is an aggressive and deadly tackler and he possesses gambler's blood. In three seasons as a pro, he's learned how to read upcoming plays.
Last year, despite an ankle injury and a brief move back to cornerback, he came up with five interceptions, giving him a career total of 15.
A spindly looking 6-1, 175-pounder, he played flanker and defensive halfback at North Texas State, and was signed by the Giants on the recommendation of former assistant coach Pop Ivy."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1968

1969 Profile: Spider Lockhart

Free Safety
No. 43
North Texas State
"Even though he wears the same uniform as his teammates, Spider Lockhart still sticks out like a soloist. Maybe it's his tentacular body, loose jointed and wiry, or the way he struts on the field, or the way he rubs his hands together while the enemy quarterback barks signals.
But it's probably the way he plays the free safety position more than anything else that makes Spider such an individualist. The free safety has more freedom and more latitude than anyone else on the football field, and the Spider takes full advantage of it. He anticipates, guesses, gambles, and more often than not, is right.
Playing free safety for the second time in his four years in the pros, Spider intercepted eight passes last year to place third in the league, and he ran two of them back for touchdowns. One of his TD's came on a 72-yard play. For a guy who weighs only 175 pounds, he's a hitter who really stings the ball carrier.
Spider - his straight name is Carl - came to the Giants from North Texas State as their 13th round draft pick in 1965."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1969

1970 Profile: Spider Lockhart

Free Safety
No. 43
North Texas State
"When the Giants become winners again, Spider will get the attention due him as one of pro football's finest safetymen. Lockhart is not especially big at 6-2, 175 pounds but he's quick, tough and smart.
Since coming to the Giants in 1965 as the number thirteen draft choice, Lockhart, a graduate of North Texas State, has made the Pro Bowl twice- in 1966 and 1968. He was an original member of 'Emlen's Gremlins,' the colorful secondary unit developed by defensive backfield coach Emlen Tunnell."

-Brenda and Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1970

Troup PFJ: WE FINALLY MEET: George Saimes & Carl Lockhart

“One of these youngsters was a rail thin 13th round draft pick Carl Lockhart. He won the left corner post, and the Giants had a chance at a Playoff bowl berth if they could beat Dallas the last week of the season. The loss did not dampen the team improvement over 1964, but no one could have predicted what would happen in 1966. New York would allow over 500 points in a 14-game season.

The only defender who played well was Lockhart as he earned a Pro Bowl berth. Combative and quick, he was a strong tackler with excellent form. He handled both zone and man coverage so well that he was already viewed as one of the best strong side corners in all of football.

New York could only be better in 1967 with the trade for Tarkenton. A respectable year in 1967 gave promise in 1968 as Lockhart, now entrenched at his new position of right or free safety, under the tutelage of Tunnell as New York after upsetting Dallas had an outside chance of a conference title in the four division NFL.

Lockhart earned his second Pro Bowl berth as he displayed range, and continued to show that "the Spider" ranked with Willie Wood, Larry Wilson, Eddie Meador, Rick Volk, and Rosey Taylor in the elite group of free safeties in the league.”

“Alex Webster's Giants in 1970 caught fire in mid-season and needed to defeat the Bills to remain in the hunt for either a division title or a wild card berth. Spider Lockhart on December 6, 1970, was part of four sacks in the 20-6 victory over Buffalo. Lockhart would never suit up for a playoff game as a Giant, yet during the 1972 season they played winning football..”

“On November 5, 1972, Denver played New York and, for the first and only time, Saimes plays against Lockhart. That rare occurrence when two men who share a record faced off on the playing field. Saimes will retire after the season, while Lockhart hangs in there through 1975. The situation in New York is just not the same as Tunnell has been replaced by John Symank as Bill Arnsparger has taken over command of the Giants. We now see many instances of a corner or safety recording a sack in a game, yet the saga of Saimes & Tunnell still remains the standard for sacks by a defensive back in a game.”

http://nflfootballjournal.blogspot.com/2016/04/we-finally-meet-george-saimes-carl.html

1971 Profile: Spider Lockhart

Free Safety
No. 43
North Texas State
"Only 175 pounds, Spider Lockhart can repeatedly be seen coming from his free safety spot to make tackles at the line of scrimmage. And on occasion he employs the safety blitz with devastating results.
A team leader with chatter and hustle- he's the defensive captain- Spider is also the most feared defensive back on the club. Opposing passers throw into his area only when absolutely necessary, and as a result he made only four interceptions last season.
Spider, whose given name is Carl, was a thirteenth round draft choice from North Texas State in 1965, and he has been a regular with New York almost from the start."

-Brenda Zanger, Pro Football 1971

1972 Profile: Spider Lockhart

Free Safety
No. 43
North Texas State
"Lockhart intercepted three passes last season for the alert New York secondary and returned one 31 yards. He is skinny even for a defensive back and the Giants nicknamed him Spider because of his thread-like frame; but he knocks down 210-pound fullbacks with punishing authority.
Spider was a basketball star in college but went unnoticed by most of the pro football scouts. He was picked 13th by the Giants."

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

1973 Profile: Spider Lockhart

Free Safety
No. 43
North Texas State
"With four interceptions, he was the Giants' leading catcher of other people's passes. Lockhart ran one back 29 yards for a touchdown. He has intercepted 36 passes in his career to put him among the top dozen among active defensemen.
'I see the different quarterbacks and try to rank them. I look for three things- passing ability, intelligence and the quality of the team they play for.' He rates Joe Namath and Sonny Jurgensen the top two.
Spider lives now in a high rise near Yankee Stadium but is angered by vandals who deface the building. A stock broker, he plays chess with his wife and is an amateur chef.
Lockhart amazes other players by knocking down 200-pound backs at a playing weight of 165."

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

1974 Profile: Spider Lockhart

Free Safety
No. 43
North Texas State
"A 13th round draft choice in 1965, Spider has been a starter in the defensive secondary since his rookie year, initially at left corner and for the last seven years at free safety. The defensive captain of the Giants, he rates as one of the premier free safeties in the NFL. He's an aggressive, intelligent and instinctive player who has proven virtually indestructible despite his slender size and the all-out way he plays.
Spider had his best season, statistically, in 1968 when he intercepted eight passes, returning two for touchdowns. Named to the All-NFL Eastern Conference team that year, he has also been named to the Pro Bowl twice. His 38 career interceptions ranks him third on the all-time Giant list behind Emlen Tunnell and Jimmy Patton, and he shares the club record for most interceptions in a game (3). Spider also doubled as a punt return man for seven years and had 62 returns for 314 yards and a 5.1 average. And he's also doubled as a punter during his fine career!
A two-way player for three seasons as a flanker and a defensive back at North Texas State, he also had a 4.0 rushing average as a runner and a 40.0 punting average. He led the Missouri Valley Conference in punting for two years and also lettered in baseball and track.
Spider was born in Dallas into a family of seven children and starred at Hamilton Park High School in Dallas. He's now made his home in the New York area where he works for Bache & Co. in the off-season. An extremely popular speaker, he stays busy with appearances year round."

-New York Giants 1974 Media Guide

1975 Profile: Spider Lockhart

Free Safety
No. 43
North Texas State
"A 13th round draft choice in 1965, Spider has been a starter in the defensive secondary since his rookie year, initially at left corner and for the last eight years at free safety. The defensive captain of the Giants, he rates as one of the premier free safeties in the NFL. He's an aggressive, intelligent and instinctive player who has proven virtually indestructible despite his slender size and the all-out way he plays.
Spider had his best season, statistically, in 1968 when he intercepted eight passes, returning two for touchdowns. Named to the All-NFL Eastern Conference team that year, he has also been named to the Pro Bowl team twice. His 40 career interceptions ranks him third on the all-time Giant list behind Emlen Tunnell and Jimmy Patton, and he shares the club record for most interceptions in a game (3). Spider also doubled as a punt return man for seven years and had 62 returns for 314 yards and a 5.1 average. And he's also doubled as a punter during his fine career!
A two-way player for three seasons as a flanker and a defensive back at North Texas State, he also had a 4.0 rushing average as a runner and a 40.0 punting average. He led the Missouri Valley Conference in punting for two years and also lettered in baseball and track.
Spider was born in Dallas into a family of seven children and starred at Hamilton Park High School in Dallas. He's now made his home in the New York area where he works for Bache & Co. in the off-season. An extremely popular speaker, he stays busy with appearances year round."

-1975 New York Giants Media Guide