Giants
Duggan The Athletic: Giants notebook: Joe Judge’s contingency plans, scheme details, and more
https://theathletic.com/1811276/2020/05/13/giants-notes-joe-judges-contingency-plans-scheme-details-and-more/
Rosenblatt NJ.com: Why Giants will get contingency plans ready for training camp outside of N.J., and where that might take them
https://www.nj.com/giants/2020/05/why-giants-will-get-contingency-plans-ready-for-training-camp-outside-of-nj-and-where-that-might-take-them.html
NJ.com: Comparing Giants, Jets after free agency, NFL Draft: Which team is better entering 2020? Beat writers debate tale of the tape
https://www.nj.com/jets/2020/05/comparing-giants-jets-after-free-agency-nfl-draft-which-team-is-better-entering-2020-tale-of-the-tape-as-our-beat-reporters-debate.html
Traina SI.com: Giants Position Unit Power Rankings Post Draft
https://www.si.com/.amp-nygiants/nfl/giants/news/giants-position-unit-power-rankings-post-draft
Paul Dottino WFAN: Co-hosted Tuesday's BigBlueKickoffLive with Jfeagles via Giants.com. Guest: Ex-NYG offensive coordinator MikeSullivan - now with Army Football - about coaching challenges during a video-based offseason (Audio)
https://www.giants.com/podcasts/big-blue-kickoff-live-5-12-mike-sullivan-and-the-challenges-of-a-remote-offseaso
Coach
Eisen Giants.com: Joe Judge plans for hypotheticals while Giants bond
https://www.giants.com/news/joe-judge-impressed-with-players-offseason-program-training-camp-calendar
Salomone Giants.com: Judge gives a sneak peek at Giants' new schemes
https://www.giants.com/news/joe-judge-jason-garrett-daniel-jones-patrick-graham-new-scheme
Giants.com: Coach Joe Judge gives update on virtual offseason program
Giants Coach Joe Judge updates the progess of team's virtual offseason program in a video chat with the media (Video)
https://www.giants.com/video/coach-joe-judge-gives-update-on-virtual-offseason-program
Schwartz NYP: Joe Judge always watching his Giants in new virtual NFL world
https://nypost.com/2020/05/12/joe-judge-always-watching-his-giants-in-new-virtual-nfl-world/
Schwartz NYP: Joe Judge: Giants’ first priority is players’ health
https://nypost.com/2020/05/13/joe-judge-giants-first-priority-is-players-health/
Leonard NYDN: Joe Judge and Giants prepare contingency plans for remote training camp, facing unknowns of 2020 NFL season
https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/ny-joe-judge-training-camp-coronavirus-20200513-3gci2vdunvecffqqzfmrqomq3e-story.html
RV SNY: Giants' training camp will likely be in New Jersey or nowhere at all
https://www.sny.tv/giants/news/joe-judge-giants-training-camp-will-likely-be-in-new-jersey-or-nowhere-at-all/313427030
Stapleton The Record: Joe Judge: 5 takeaways from our Zoom call with NYGiants coach, including how offense and defense will look
https://www.northjersey.com/story/sports/nfl/giants/2020/05/13/joe-judge-5-takeaways-ny-giants-coach-how-offense-and-defense-looks/3121212001/
Offense
Kimberly Jones WFAN: Interesting (to me) that NYG HC Joe Judge said the offense is “not a carryover” in any way from what NYG ran last year. Said it will be “similarly based” off what Jason Garrett ran in Dallas.
Bucky Brooks NFL.com: That’s quite the mental load to put on a young QB. If this is true, you’re utilizing an “old school” model that asks the QB to learn the system instead of building the system around the QB.
In theory, it should be easier for the coach to adjust instead of the player.
Rosenblatt NJ.com: Giants’ Joe Judge says offense will look like Cowboys under Jason Garrett: What that means for Daniel Jones, Saquon Barkley
https://www.nj.com/giants/2020/05/why-giants-joe-judge-says-offense-will-look-like-cowboys-under-jason-garrett-what-that-means-for-daniel-jones-saquon-barkley.html?
Vincent Rapisardi: The Giants offense was tied for 5th in passing touchdowns and tied for 6th in yards per carry.
But they had the 3rd most turnovers, leading the league in fumbles lost.
The potential is there.
It all comes down to Daniel Jones being more situationally aware.
Falato BBV: Breaking Down the Top Giants Undrafted Free Agents on Offense
https://www.si.com/.amp-nygiants/nfl/giants/news/breaking-down-the-top-giants-undrafted-free-agents-on-offense
QB
Aaron Wilson Houston Chronicle: Claimed by Giants off waivers from Cowboys, quarterback Cooper Rush's restructured deal: one year, $1.25M, $900K base salary ($50K gtd), $100K signing bonus, up to $250K in per game active roster bonuses; originally was set to play under $2.133M restricted tender
Rosenstein NJ.com: Even in retirement, Giants legend Eli Manning haunts Buccaneers’ Tom Brady
https://www.nj.com/giants/2020/05/even-in-retirement-giants-legend-eli-manning-haunts-buccaneers-tom-brady.html
Defense
Bobby Skinner: Patrick Graham’s Defense
3rd & 7 (incompletion)
•3 high safety look (outside cover underneath, middle covers deep)
•3 man rush
•Press man across the board
*ran it again on a 3rd & 15 successfully
Alex Wilson ESM: You think they go pass rush next offseason?
Dan Schneier CBS Sports.com: I wouldn't count on it.
The Patriots way of defense, and that's where I think they're headed, doesn't prioritize paying big $$ for an EDGE. This goes along with what Judge has said too. They want a rotation featuring diff. players who do diff. things based on down and distance.
Wilson: Patrick Graham's system attests to that as well. Heavy LB and S blitzes, a lot of man-coverage. Looking like a scheme pass rush, and if Ximines pans out, they will be okay. Where do you think that $ goes?
Schneier: That's a great question. Haven't explored the free agent market much yet, but would love to see them add an OC via trade or FA. Still think they can stand to get better if there's an in-line TE, WR or even an off-ball LB on the market. I also think EDGE, just maybe not top-paid
Wilson: It's generally impossible to tell until we've seen guys like Cam Brown, Connelly, even Nick Gates/Shane LeMieux.. They could have their ILB and C already on the roster. I like Connelly as a more in the trenches, stopping the run LB. He can cover tho - 2 INTs in 4 games.
OLB
Eisen Giants.com: Giants have 'interest' in re-signing Markus Golden
https://www.giants.com/news/markus-golden-joe-judge-giants-have-interest-unrestricted-free-agent-tender
Lombardo NJ.com: NFL rumors: Joe Judge spoke to Markus Golden, but Giants likely still have competition to sign pass rusher
https://www.nj.com/giants/2020/05/nfl-rumors-joe-judge-spoke-to-markus-golden-but-giants-likely-still-have-competition-to-sign-pass-rusher.html
FS
Campbell Walter Football: Why the Slide?: Xavier McKinney
“In speaking to team sources, McKinney slipped out of the first round because of size and speed concerns. At the NFL Scouting Combine, McKinney checked in at 6-foot, 201 pounds, which is undersized for the pro gae. He also ran much slower than expected in the 40-yard dash, putting up a time of 4.64 seconds. The size issue had some some teams worried about him holding up in the NFL. However, teams loved his tape and thought he was an excellent football player.
https://walterfootball.com/ws2020xmckinney.php
NFL
NFL.com: All-Paid Team of Tomorrow: Next big contracts
https://amp.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001113576/article/allpaid-team-of-tomorrow-projecting-next-big-nfl-contracts?
Farrar Touchdownwire USA Today: The best bets for 2020 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year
https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2020/05/12/the-best-bets-for-2020-nfl-offensive-rookie-of-the-year/
Kempski Phillyvoice: Preseason All-NFC East team: Offense edition
“Running back: Saquon Barkley, Giants
A year ago, Barkley felt like a clear choice over Ezekiel Elliott, but it was a tougher decision this year. I landed back on Barkley because he's a more talented receiver, but also, as runners, while Elliott had more rushing yardage, he also has advantages that Barkley does not. For example, Elliott had 2.3 yards before contact per rushing attempt in 2019, per pro-football-reference.com, while Barkley had 1.8. That is a significant difference.
Elliott is also inching closer to the eventual over-usage running back cliff.
https://www.phillyvoice.com/preseason-all-nfc-east-team-offense-edition-2020/
Galina PFF: How NFL defenses can "steal" early downs
NFL defenses live to sell out and stop the run on early downs. They're really good at it. Unfortunately, it's at a detriment to their overall ability to stop offenses.
https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-how-nfl-defenses-can-steal-early-downs
ATLANTA
Ledbetter AJC: Dan Quinn getting Falcons rookies up to virtual speed
https://www.ajc.com/sports/football/professor-quinn-getting-the-rookies-virtual-speed/bnYkh8n8GDPKcpdevNkCeO/amp.html
Ledbetter AJC: Jake Fromm, Tua Tagovailoa may face Falcons in joint practices
https://www.ajc.com/blog/atlanta-falcons/cover-fromm-tagovailoa-may-face-falcons-joint-practices/Pffu8Anwqhk1Bts1Qz0TGL/
Conway Falcons.com: Falcons to feature John Cominsky in different role in Year 2
https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/falcons-to-feature-john-cominsky-in-different-role-in-year-2
BALTIMORE
Kasinitz Penn Live: The Ravens created interior O-line competition. These roles on offense are up for grabs, too.
https://www.pennlive.com/baltimore-ravens/2020/05/the-ravens-created-interior-o-line-competition-these-roles-on-offense-are-up-for-grabs-too.html
Shaffer Baltimore Sun: A mother’s love molded Ravens rookie Geno Stone. Her strength led him to the NFL.
https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/bs-sp-ravens-geno-stone-20200513-ylguxbjzzzcipfkbqsa4fqmwbi-story.html
BUFFALO
Schofield Touchdownwire USA Today: Josh Allen's deep passing holds the key for Bills in 2020
https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2020/05/12/josh-allens-deep-passing-holds-the-key-for-buffalo-in-2020/amp/
CAROLINA
Graziano ESPN: Cam Newton's complicated NFL free agency: Why it's not simple and what's next
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29165887/cam-newton-complicated-nfl-free-agency-why-not-simple-next?
CHICAGO
Kane Chicago Tribune: Bears receiver Anthony Miller is studying the NFL’s best — and Michael Jordan’s mindset — as he recovers from another shoulder surgery
https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/bears/ct-chicago-bears-anthony-miller-shoulder-rehab-20200512-4xkm4amvbndxfkjno2asy6qjma-story.html
Lieser Chicago Sun Times: Bears’ defense has significant questions to answer in 2020 season
https://chicago.suntimes.com/platform/amp/bears/2020/5/12/21256007/chicago-bears-defense-robert-quinn-akiem-hicks-khalil-mack-cornerback-jaylon-johnson-chuck-pagano
CINCINNATI
Dragon Cincinnati Enquirer: 'We've got our work cut out': Cincinnati Bengals run defense will be challenged this season
https://amp.cincinnati.com/amp/3117407001
CLEVELAND
Williams Cleveland Plain Dealer: Is an offensive regression looming for Baltimore? What does it mean for the Cleveland Browns?
https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2020/05/is-an-offensive-regression-looming-for-baltimore-what-does-it-mean-for-the-cleveland-browns.html
Labbe Cleveland Plain Dealer: Can the Browns win with a rookie left tackle? 6 high picks who have worked and how long it took
“How many high draft pick tackles have been successful? It’s a mixed bag.
Starting in 2011 -- the first year of cost-controlled rookie contracts and fifth-year options -- and not counting the 2020 draft, 16 potential tackles have gone in the first 15 picks of the draft. Some have lived up to their potential. Others have excelled on the other side -- like Jack Conklin, Lane Johnson and Mike McGlinchey. Others have either flopped or found success on the interior.
One lesson from the players who have become consistently successful at left tackle is it happens in very different ways. Some are Day 1 starters, some don’t really hit until Year 2 for different reasons. Some start on one side and move to the other. There are a lot of ways to do this and it’s a reminder to stay patient.
Today, we look at the successful picks since 2011. Scott Patsko will look at some of the picks who haven’t worked out as well later this week.
Day 1 starters
Jake Matthews, 2014, No. 6 overall to Atlanta
A starter at left tackle from Week 1 of his career, Matthews suffered a high ankle sprain in his first game, missed his second and hasn’t missed a game since -- 95 of a possible 96 starts for his career.
His first year was a challenging one, grading as one ProFootballFocus.com’s worst tackles. Ever since, he’s established himself as a reliable blindside protector for Matt Ryan, registering the site’s sixth-best pass block grade in 2018 while earning a Pro Bowl berth and notching sixth-best pass blocking grade in 2019.
Ronnie Stanley, 2016, No. 6 overall to Baltimore
Stanley has established himself as one of the top left tackles in the game, starting 56 games in his four-year career. 2019 capped off a steady four years of growth. Stanley was PFF’s top-graded pass-blocking tackle and their fourth-highest graded tackle overall. He graded as the fourth-best pass blocker in 2018.
He’s playing on his fifth-year option in 2020, but a longterm deal could be in the works.
Year 2 wonders
Taylor Lewan, 2014, No. 11 overall to Tennessee
Lewan started just six games as a rookie but took over as Tennessee’s full-time left tackle in 2015. By 2017, he was PFF’s fifth highest-graded tackle in pass blocking. After missing the first four games of the season in 2019 due to suspension, he registered the No. 12 overall pass blocking grade among tackles.
He signed a 5-year, $80 million extension in 2018, which may have helped land Conklin in Cleveland after the Titans declined Conklin’s fifth-year option and let him hit free agency.
Tyron Smith, 2011, No. 9 overall to Dallas
A seven-time Pro Bowler and two-time First Team All-Pro as voted by the Associated Press, Smith has started 131 games for the Cowboys, 115 of them at left tackle since moving over from the right side after his rookie season.
The 29-year-old has consistently graded out well on ProFootballFocus (PFF) and was the site’s top-graded tackle in 2015, No. 5 in 2016 and No. 6 in 2014. Only twice since 2013 has he graded below 80 overall.
He signed an 8 year, $97.6 million contract extension with the Cowboys in 2014.
Laremy Tunsil, 2016, No. 13 overall to Miami, traded to Houston in 2019
An infamous photo caused Tunsil to slip in the draft and Miami snagged him. He played mostly left guard as a rookie and moved to tackle full-time in 2017. His PFF grades have consistently improved and he was good enough for Miami to pick up his fifth-year option in 2019.
Then the Dolphins turned around and traded him in their mission to acquire draft assets and, after a strong season in Houston, just signed a three-year contract extension for $66 million.
The enigma
Eric Fisher, 2013, No. 1 overall to Kansas City
We can quibble over Fisher and how he was taken No. 1 overall, but there’s a reality here: He has started 98 games for one of the best offenses and one of the most successful teams in the NFL. His resume isn’t deep with accolades -- he has made just one Pro Bowl -- and his grades on PFF haven’t exactly set him apart from the middle of the tackles in the NFL.
So it’s hard to judge Fisher, but he has been a consistent presence for the Chiefs and earned a four-year, $48 million contract extension in 2016.
Verdict
Every player and every draft pick is different. What we can learn from these successes is to expect Wills to step on the field, like Thomas, and dominate from Day 1 is unfair. Maybe he will. If he doesn’t, however, a few of these examples show it can take a season or two for a tackle to really find his stride.”
https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2020/05/can-the-browns-win-with-a-rookie-left-tackle-5-high-picks-who-have-worked-and-how-long-it-took.html
DENVER
O’Halloran Denver Post: Broncos Mailbag: Should Denver be more worried about Ja’Wuan James or Garett Bolles up front?
https://www.denverpost.com/2020/05/12/broncos-mailbag-jawuan-james-garett-bolles/
Klis 9News Denver: Bellamy, Bassey lead Broncos undrafted 7
https://www.9news.com/mobile/article/sports/nfl/denver-broncos/mike-klis/bellamy-bassey-lead-broncos-undrafted-7/73-51390eb8-c576-4d29-983c-8ac6b9714992
Babb Washington Post: NFL star Von Miller details ‘frightening’ coronavirus experience, thoughts on 2020 season
https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2020/05/13/von-miller-coronavirus-experience-nfl-season/
DETROIT
Birkett Detroit Free Press: Don't expect Detroit Lions to play in packed Ford Field, Gov. Whitmer says
https://amp.freep.com/amp/3121905001
GREEN BAY
Kruse Packerswire USA Today: Packers to push WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling to take 'next step'
https://packerswire.usatoday.com/2020/05/12/packers-to-push-wr-marquez-valdes-scantling-to-take-next-step/amp/
Reiner Packersnews: Uniquely-talented rookie Josiah Deguara can do a little bit of everything for Packers' offense
https://www.packersnews.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/2020/05/13/josiah-deguara-can-do-little-bit-everything-packers-offense/3117488001/
JACKSONVILLE
DiRocco ESPN Jacksonville: Jaguars belong to Gardner Minshew in 2020, but it's murky beyond then
https://www.espn.com/blog/jacksonville-jaguars/post/_/id/28212/jaguars-belong-to-gardner-minshew-in-2020-but-its-murky-beyond-then?
Keim ESPN Washington: From Redskins to Jaguars: Inside Chris Thompson's free-agency journey
https://www.espn.com/blog/washington-redskins/post/_/id/40021/from-redskins-to-jaguars-inside-chris-thompsons-free-agency-journey?
Reid Florida Times Union: Jaguars expecting rookie WR Collin Johnson to develop into a needed big target for Gardner Minshew
https://www.jacksonville.com/sports/20200512/jaguars-expecting-rookie-wr-collin-johnson-to-develop-into--needed-big-target-for-gardner-minshew?
LAS VEGAS
Bair NBC Bay Area: Raiders adding Prince Amukamara a smart move for young cornerback room
https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/raiders/raiders-adding-prince-amukamara-smart-move-young-cornerback-room?
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
Thiry ESPN LA: Kenneth Murray strives to help, inspire Chargers' new-look LB corps
https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles-chargers/post/_/id/27515/kenneth-murray-strives-to-help-inspire-chargers-new-look-lb-corps?
NEW ENGLAND
Volin Boston Globe: Covering the Patriots has taken me to places I never thought it would
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/05/12/sports/covering-patriots-has-taken-me-places-i-never-thought-it-would/
Volin Boston Globe: Patriots mailbag: Is Jarrett Stidham really the answer? How can the NFL come back amid COVID-19?
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/05/12/sports/patriots-mailbag-quarterbacks-jarrett-stidham-coronavirus/?
Princiotti Boston Globe: The Patriots’ rookies began their team program this week. Here’s how it’s working virtually
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/05/12/sports/bill-belichick-thinks-working-virtually-with-patriots-rookies-is-going-better-than-expected/?
Keegan Boston Herald: As Tom Brady’s world turns, relationship with Patriots OC Josh McDaniels an issue
https://www.bostonherald.com/2020/05/13/as-tom-bradys-world-turns-relationship-with-patriots-oc-josh-mcdaniels-an-issue/amp/
Guregian Boston Herald: Patriots rookie offensive lineman Mike Onwenu has big opportunity
https://www.bostonherald.com/2020/05/13/on-when-you-need-him-patriots-rookie-offensive-lineman-mike-onwenu-fits-pats-profile/amp/
PHILADELPHIA
Sielski Phil Inquirer: Look at Dak Prescott and the Cowboys, and you see why the Eagles drafted Jalen Hurts
https://www.inquirer.com/eagles/philadelphia-eagles-jalen-hurts-carson-wentz-dallas-cowboys-dak-prescott-20200512.html
Bowen Phil Inquirer: You might not recall the favorite Eagles memory of Montae Reagor, dad to first-round pick Jalen Reagor
https://www.inquirer.com/eagles/montae-reagor-jalen-eagles-brett-favre-nfl-draft-20200513.html
Kasinitz Penn Live: Philadelphia Eagles’ Fletcher Cox suggests teammates push cars, and more from his talk with media
https://www.pennlive.com/philadelphiaeagles/2020/05/philadelphia-eagles-fletcher-cox-suggests-teammates-push-cars-and-more-from-his-talk-with-media.html
PITTSBURGH
Batko Pittsburgh Post Gazette: Steelers have made great use of rookie contracts, but what about next year?
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2020/05/13/steelers-fifth-year-options-terrell-edmunds-minkah-fitzpatrick-tj-watt/stories/202005070047
Adamski Pittsburgh Tribune Review: Steelers top picks likely to be seen more on special teams than offense/defense as rookies
https://triblive.com/sports/steelers-top-picks-chase-claypool-alex-highsmith-likely-to-be-seen-more-on-special-teams/
SAN FRANCISCO
Bair NBC Bay Area: Colton McKivitz joins 49ers with proud, small Ohio community behind him
https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/49ers/colton-mckivitz-joins-49ers-proud-small-ohio-community-behind-him
SEATTLE
Condotta Seattle Times: Phillip Dorsett fitting in with Seahawks even if he has yet to step foot in Seattle
https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/phillip-dorsett-fitting-in-with-seahawks-even-if-he-has-yet-to-step-foot-in-seattle/?
Henderson ESPN Seattle: Seahawks hope Darrell Taylor joins list of trade-up success stories
https://www.espn.com/blog/seattle-seahawks/post/_/id/34040/seahawks-hope-darrell-taylor-joins-list-of-trade-up-success-stories?
TENNESSEE
Davenport ESPN Nashville: Titans draftee Kristian Fulton didn't let college suspension derail his NFL goals
https://www.espn.com/blog/tennessee-titans/post/_/id/29706/titans-draftee-kristian-fulton-didnt-let-college-suspension-derail-his-nfl-goals?
Life
Giants.com: Giants legends team up to benefit New Yorkers impacted by COVID-19
https://www.giants.com/news/giants-legends-benefit-new-yorkers-covid-19-omaze-robin-hood-backyard-football
Thamel Yahoo Sports: True calling for former Florida State star Myron Rolle revealed itself to everyone in coronavirus pandemic
https://sports.yahoo.com/amphtml/true-calling-for-former-florida-state-star-myron-rolle-revealed-itself-in-coronavirus-pandemic-222250438.html
Former Giants News
Elman Sportscasting: Osi Umenyiora Went From $45 Million Defensive End to Award-Winning British Sportscaster
https://www.sportscasting.com/osi-umenyiora-went-from-45-million-defensive-end-to-award-winning-british-sportscaster/
History
Dan Daly: Don Shula might been the 1st #NFL coach traded for a 1st-round pick -- 1970, Colts/Dolphins -- but he wasn't the 1st NFL coach to be traded. On this date in 1952, the Dallas Texans sent G Ed Sharkey to the Browns for G Alex Agase, who retired & became the Texans' line coach.
Birkett Detroit Free Press: Ex-Detroit Lions DL Roger Brown won't let coronavirus stop him or his businesses: 'I'll kick its butt'
https://amp.freep.com/amp/3114606001
Hummer AJC: In Montana, former Falcons QB Steve Bartkowski finds perfect refuge
https://www.ajc.com/blog/further-review/montana-former-falcons-bartkowski-finds-perfect-refuge/3HDR3yKgo1GknmqEglI6kJ/
Disdier BBV: What if David Wilson never got hurt?
https://www.bigblueview.com/2020/5/12/21255044/ny-giants-what-if-david-wilson-never-got-hurt
Stuart Football Perspective: Today’s - a look at the draft capital used on college football players from HBCUs vs. major schools in the south and Texas
“Let’s isolate the years 1968 to 1974, which was the height of the HBCU influence on the NFL Draft. During this 7-year period, the 6 schools that had the most draft capital used were, in order: USC, Notre Dame, Penn State, Tennessee State, Michigan, and Ohio State. During this period, Oklahoma ranked 13th, Grambling ranked 14th, and Texas raked 15th. More draft capital was used on players from Southern University, based on Baton Rouge, than on players from LSU. The second and third schools in Mississippi were Jackson State and Alcorn State, putting both HBCUs ahead of Mississippi State and Southern Miss. If we create a draft value chart of these 30 programs plus the HBCUs, we get more of a direct line, which presents a bit of a counterfactual history of what might have been...
Texas Football
Let’s get to the state of Texas. Because what we find is that while HBCUs like Tennessee State and Grambling were doing very well in SEC country, that wasn’t really happening in Texas. That’s because even though the state was very slow to integrate at the major college football level (essentially the SWC), that wasn’t the case throughout the state. There’s no question that the SWC was the dominant presence in Texas during this period, but there were other schools playing Division I football. The table below shows the draft capital used on players from all Texas schools during this 7-year period...
Finally, let’s close with a look at Tennessee State’s 1974 draft class, which had Too Tall Jones (1st overall), Waymond Bryant (4th), John Holland (29th), Greg Kindle (33rd), and Carl Wafer (42nd) all get drafted in the top 45 picks! From 1968 to 1974, this was the second best draft class by any school at any level, behind only USC’s 1968 class.
Grambling’s best class came in 1968, when Richard Harris (5th) and Frank Lewis (8th) went in the top 10, Sam Holden, Scott Lewis, and Virgil Robinson went in the top 50, and Joe Carter and Willie Armstrong went in the first 110 picks.”
http://www.footballperspective.com/draft-history-comparing-southern-texas-schools-to-hbcus/
The 30 major southern/TX schools now dominate the NFL Draft. That wasn't always the case, and it got particularly low in the late '60s and '70s, as HBCUs were sending tons of players to the NFL.
Over this 7-year period, there were 17 players from North Texas, Texas A& M Kingsville, and UTEP that went in the top 50 of an NFL Draft. These three schools were integrating in the late '50s and early '60s, while the SWC schools were not.
Meanwhile, the TSU Tigers had the best draft of any HBCU ever. In 1974, Too Tall Jones went #1, Waymond Bryant went 4, and 4 other players went in the top 50.
Remarkably, only 1 of those players was born in Tennessee. Also, TSU went 10-0 in '73.
Giants Birthdays 5-13
Stacy Coley WR -W-MIN 2018 NYG 2018 5-13-1994
Charles Cook DE UDFA-Miami 1983 NYG 1983 5-13-1959
