Giants
Raanan ESPN NY: Personnel exec, scout: Giants better -- especially defense, O-line
"They've done a decent job outside of an elite [pass-] rusher. They've actually shored this unit up pretty good," a pro personnel executive said of the defense. "Throughout all levels they have versatility and depth."
https://www.espn.com/blog/new-york-giants/post/_/id/60843/personnel-exec-scout-giants-better-especially-defense-o-line
Offense
Storm The Athletic Dallas: Examining the Cowboys’ Jason Garrett era: What went wrong in 2015-2019
https://theathletic.com/1822960/2020/05/20/examining-the-cowboys-jason-garrett-era-what-went-wrong-in-2015-2019/?
QB
Traina SI.com: Quarterbacks Preview: Is Daniel Jones Ready to Take the Next Step?
https://www.si.com/nfl/giants/news/quarterbacks-preview-is-daniel-jones-ready-to-take-the-next-step
Lombardo NJ.com: Here’s a weakness in Giants’ Daniel Jones’ skillset no one is talking about, and how Jason Garrett might be best fit to fix it
https://www.nj.com/giants/2020/05/heres-a-weakness-in-giants-daniel-jones-skillset-no-one-is-talking-about-and-how-jason-garrett-might-be-best-fit-to-fix-it.html
G
Schmeelk Giants.com: Film Study: Shane Lemieux epitomizes 'hog molly'
https://www.giants.com/news/shane-lemieux-oregon-ducks-pac-12-scheme-fit-giants-nfl
Defense
Traina SI.com: A Potential "Secret Ingredient" That Can Help the Giants Defense in 2020
https://www.si.com/nfl/giants/news/a-potential-secret-ingredient-that-can-help-the-giants-defense-in-2020
DL
Schwartz NYP: Giants’ defensive line questions go beyond Leonard Williams
https://nypost.com/2020/05/21/giants-defensive-line-questions-go-beyond-leonard-williams/amp/
CB
Schwartz NYP: Giants mailbag: DeAndre Baker faces position battle in best-case scenario
https://nypost.com/2020/05/22/giants-mailbag-short-nfl-ban-for-baker-would-be-desirable-outcome/amp/
S
Valentine BBV: Sean Chandler will have to fight to keep roster spot with New York Giants
https://www.bigblueview.com/platform/amp/2020/5/22/21265002/sean-chandler-will-have-to-fight-to-keep-roster-spot-with-new-york-giants
NFL
Rosenthal NFL.com: NFC East projected starters: Dallas' defense full of questions
NEW YORK GIANTS
Table inside Article
OFFENSE PLAYER DEFENSE PLAYER
QB Daniel Jones DE Leonard Williams
RB Saquon Barkley DT Dalvin Tomlinson
WR Sterling Shepard DE Dexter Lawrence
WR Golden Tate OLB Kyler Fackrell
WR Darius Slayton ILB Blake Martinez
TE Evan Engram OLB Lorenzo Carter
LT Andrew Thomas CB James Bradberry
LG Will Hernandez CB Sam Beal
C Spencer Pulley CB Corey Ballentine
RG Kevin Zeitler S Jabrill Peppers
RT Nate Solder S Xavier McKinney
“ That starting offensive depth chart isn't too shabby. I would be concerned, though, that new coordinator Jason Garrett will have to install a new offense with a young group without a normal offseason.
* This is most concerning when it comes to Daniel Jones' development. I would not expect Garrett to let Jones wing it with as much aggression as Jones did as a rookie.
* Nate Solder played right tackle as a rookie in New England, so the Giants may try him there, with No. 4 overall pick Andrew Thomas seemingly ticketed for Jones' blind side. The Giants get no cap relief by cutting Solder, so they may as well let him compete with third-round pick Matt Peart.
* There are obviously ifs on this offensive line, starting with Thomas living up to the hype. But at least this group has a chance to be good, which is more than could be said about any other Giants O-line of recent vintage.
* Darius Slayton's deep speed complements Golden Tate and Sterling Shepard's skill set well. The entire offense appears full of injury risks, but this unit will present a lot of problems for defenses if it can stay healthy. Evan Engram and Shepard rarely seem to be on the field together for long.
* Giants general manager Dave Gettleman backed himself into a corner with the trade for Leonard Williams. He's probably not worth the franchise tag, if only because this bulky style of defensive line is better suited to stop offenses from 1994. More than any other position group, this line is Gettleman's vision and premium capital come to life.
* If the defensive line is built to hold the fort, the Giants would theoretically need their linebacker group to provide the fireworks. That appears unlikely with this group. David Mayo should also start at inside linebacker on running downs.
* No team could use Jadeveon Clowney -- or really, any pass-rush help -- more than the Giants.
* The secondary is insanely young outside of free-agent pickup James Bradberry. That's one position group where experience makes a big difference.
* The cornerback position didn't look great, even before the recent arrest of 2019 first-round pick Deandre Baker. I left Baker out of the starting lineup, because he could be facing a suspension or release, which exposes an already-thin group.
* Every team believes it improved in the offseason. New York's defense could scarcely get worse, but with an untested defensive coaching staff and this roster, I'm not seeing it. Unless coordinator Patrick Graham is a schematic wizard, there are too many weaknesses to attack at every level.”
https://www.nfl.com/news/nfc-east-projected-starters-cowboys-defense-full-of-questions
Rosenthal NFL.com: NFC North projected starters: Lions a playoff contender in 2020?
https://www.nfl.com/news/nfc-north-projected-starters-lions-a-playoff-contender-in-2020
Rosenthal NFL.com: NFC South projected starters: Saints' roster is NFL's best
https://www.nfl.com/news/nfc-south-projected-starters-saints-roster-is-nfl-s-best
Rosenthal NFL.com: NFC West projected starters: Seahawks angst on the rise
https://www.nfl.com/news/nfc-west-projected-starters-seahawks-angst-on-the-rise
Rosenthal NFL.com: AFC East projected starters: Bills boast depth; Pats vulnerable?
https://www.nfl.com/news/afc-east-projected-starters-bills-boast-depth-pats-vulnerable
Rosenthal NFL.com: AFC North projected starters: Ravens loaded; Browns' O-line key
https://www.nfl.com/news/afc-north-projected-starters-ravens-loaded-browns-o-line-key
Rosenthal NFL.com: AFC South projected starters: Colts look like SB contenders
https://www.nfl.com/news/afc-south-projected-starters-colts-look-like-sb-contenders
Rosenthal NFL.com: AFC West projected starters: Broncos, Raiders trending up
https://www.nfl.com/news/afc-west-projected-starters-broncos-raiders-trending-up
Barnwell ESPN: Ranking 2020 NFL offseasons from worst to first: Barnwell on the Bucs, Browns, Broncos, Cowboys, more (8-1)
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29180831/ranking-2020-nfl-offseasons-worst-first-barnwell-all-32-teams
Wilcots PFF: How excited should you be about your new quarterback? Burrow, Tagovailoa, Brady and more
https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-how-excited-should-you-be-about-your-new-quarterback-burrow-tagovailoa-brady-and-more
Jason OTC: Looking at cash flows in a nfl contract and ways to interpret numbers using Prescott and the cowboys as a theoretical example
https://overthecap.com/cash-flows-of-nfl-contracts/
Albert Breer MMQB: NFL owners will vote on bylaw proposals next week to change IR rules in two significant ways, I'm told.
1) Increase the number of players that teams can designate for return off IR from 2 to 3.
2) Make players placed on IR the day before the cutdown eligible to return.
These are significant changes for teams. On the latter, teams will no longer have to carry guys thru to the 53 to make them eligible to return off IR.
That'll help to avoid situations like those last year with Greg Robinson and Kurt Coleman, who were cut to get other guys to IR
ATLANTA
Ledbetter AJC: Falcons sign linebacker Deone Bucannon
https://www.ajc.com/sports/football/falcons-sign-linebacker-deone-bucannon/Xkv1TNWVdFQeOUm3e2xVLK/
Vaughan McClure ESPN Atlanta: New Falcon Deone Bucannon has 57 career starts but just one last year and 7 the last two seasons. Looks like a linebacker/strong safety candidate who might be able to provide backup support and special teams help. No doubt low-cost, low-risk signing with just $341,863 cap space
Ledbetter AJC: Can the Falcons clear some room for Clay Matthews?
https://www.ajc.com/sports/football/closer-look-falcons-man-roster-there-room-for-clay-matthews/ZJzepiiXl2p8ieglGr0JtK/amp.html
BALTIMORE
Brown Ravens.com: Miles Boykin Looks Forward to a Breakout Season
https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/miles-boykin-looks-forward-to-a-breakout-season
CHICAGO
Wiederer Chicago Tribune: Chicago Bears spring storylines: Matt Nagy’s change of heart, Cole Kmet’s big advantage and the NFL’s empty-stadium conundrum
https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/bears/ct-chicago-bears-matt-nagy-cole-kmet-coronavirus-20200521-2pvismwbfzaf5kjjhogapue4f4-story.html
Biggs Chicago Tribune: Chicago Bears assistant Juan Castillo is ‘at the top’ in teaching offensive line play — so get ready for some eLearning while players wait to return to the field
https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/bears/ct-chicago-bears-juan-castillo-offensive-line-matt-nagy-20200519-a44gyxvfofcjrbqbohzepbkgfa-story.html
CLEVELAND
Doershuck Record-Courier: New Browns LB B.J. Goodson declares himself “as good as anybody”
https://www.record-courier.com/news/20200521/new-browns-lb-bj-goodson-declares-himself-as-good-as-anybody/1?
DALLAS
Archer ESPN Dallas: Cowboys, Dak Prescott contract talks: Dispelling the theories
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29204682/cowboys-dak-prescott-contract-talks-dispelling-theories?
Epstein USA Today: Why Cowboys QB Dak Prescott didn’t ask for $45 million in Year 5
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/cowboys/2020/05/21/cowboys-dak-prescott-didnt-ask-45-million-year-five/5240207002/
Gehlken Dallas Morning News: Cowboys safety Xavier Woods likes the new defense, but knows the challenge ahead
https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/cowboys/2020/05/21/cowboys-safety-xavier-woods-likes-the-new-defense-but-knows-the-challenge-ahead/?
DENVER
Klis 9News Denver: Broncos positional outlook: Offensive line
https://www.9news.com/mobile/article/sports/nfl/denver-broncos/mike-klis/broncos-positional-outlook-offensive-line/73-76d2d516-f00a-4f61-8d49-5b6548cdc257
DETROIT
Rogers Detroit News: Film review: Scouting new Lions offensive tackle Halapoulivaati Vaitai
https://amp.detroitnews.com/amp/5221417002
GREEN BAY
Owaczarski Mil JS: Packers got linebacker Kamal Martin at a 'discount' due to injury
https://amp.packersnews.com/amp/5223720002
HOUSTON
McClain Houston Chronicle: McClain's Mailbag: Time to let Deshaun Watson call plays?
https://www.houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-nation/john-mcclain/article/Mailbag-Texans-Deshaun-Watson-Bill-O-Brien-15287978.php
Wilson Houston Chronicle: Texans set high expectations for Laremy Tunsil, line with continuity
https://www.houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-nation/texans/article/Texans-set-high-expectations-for-Laremy-Tunsil-15286023.php
INDIANAPOLIS
Erickson Indianapolis Star: Insider: Can Colts get Anthony Walker, Bobby Okereke playing time with Darius Leonard?
https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nfl/colts/2020/05/21/can-colts-get-time-anthony-walker-bobby-okereke-darius-leonard/5239512002/
JACKSONVILLE
Pepper News4 Jacksonville: Jaguars’ legacy: Cassius Marsh becomes first second-generation Jag
https://www.news4jax.com/sports/2020/05/22/jaguars-legacy-cassius-marsh-becomes-first-second-generation-jag/?
LOS ANGELES RAMS
Krasovic UTSD: Rams newcomer Kevin O’Connell, ex-Aztecs QB, plans to help Jared Goff rebound
https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/chargers-rams/story/2020-05-21/nfl-los-angeles-rams-super-bowls-sdsu-kevin-oconnell?
Klein LA Times: Chiseled Aaron Donald is virtually fit for Rams’ season
https://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/story/2020-05-21/aaron-donald-talks-defense-rams
MIAMI
Salguero Miami Herald: Dolphins players: ‘Sky’s the limit,’ but to get there they must overcome some obstacles
https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/armando-salguero/article242899491.html
Deen Sun Sentinel: Dolphins QB Ryan Fitzpatrick on Tua excitement, eagerness to bond and a serious neck-hair situation
https://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-dolphins/fl-sp-dolphins-ryan-fitzpatrick-thursday-20200521-4rfel6skubahrlmn7v3iw4ihxm-story.html
NEW ENGLAND
Daniels Providence Journal: Danny Vitale hopes to keep the fullback position 'thriving' with Patriots
https://www.providencejournal.com/sports/20200521/danny-vitale-hopes-to-keep-fullback-position-thriving-with-patriots
Ben Volin Boston Globe: Patrick Chung's previous contract had him making between $2.9m and $4m in 2020, with a cap number of $6.06m.
His new contract has him making between $4.1m and $6.25m in 2020, with a cap number of $5.13m
NEW YORK JETS
Waszak AP: Age-defying Gore still running, excited to help Jets win
https://apnews.com/182c46b68d4f77ad2d7fb2de54a75044?
Gary Myers: Sources told me today Jets have given no indication will sign All-Pro S Jamal Adams to new contract in offseason. Want to wait to make decision. He wants contract now. Stalemate has caused friction & sources said trade very possible. It's expected half the teams will call Jets
Adams is going into 4th season and Jets exercised 5th year option for 2021. Unlikely any team makes trade without long-term contract. Adams is from Dallas and Cowboys showed interest last year. He makes $3.5M in 2020. Best teams sign their best players. They don't trade them
PHILADELPHIA
Domowitch Phil Inquirer: Channeling Freddie Mitchell: Eagles to propose 4th-and-26-like onside-kick alternative at virtual league meeting
https://www.inquirer.com/eagles/nfl-eagles-rule-change-proposal-onside-kicks-fourth-and-15-virtual-meeting-automatic-review-scoring-plays-20200521.html
QB Data Mine: Carson Wentz was the 20th-ranked deep passer in the NFL last year, hitting 39.7% of his throws.
30 of his 35 misses targeted Alshon Jeffery, Nelson Agholor, Zach Ertz, Dallas Goedert, JJ Arcega-Whiteside or Mack Hollins
PITTSBURGH
Batko Pittsburgh Post Gazette: Inside the transformation of JuJu Smith-Schuster's 'revenge body'
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2020/05/22/juju-smith-schuster-2020-corey-calliet-trainer-offseason-workout-steelers/stories/202005180094
Pryor ESPN Pittsburgh: Steelers hope answer to big defensive question is already on roster
https://www.espn.com/blog/pittsburgh-steelers/post/_/id/31847/steelers-hope-answer-to-big-defensive-question-is-already-on-roster?
SAN FRANCISCO
Branch SF Chronicle: After breakthrough season, 49ers’ Daniel Brunskill works to get better in Bismarck
https://www.sfchronicle.com/49ers/article/After-breakthrough-season-49ers-Daniel-15287574.php
Maiocco NBC Sports Bay Area: D.J. Jones expects Javon Kinlaw, veterans to step up on 49ers' D-line
https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/49ers/dj-jones-expects-javon-kinlaw-veterans-step-49ers-d-line
Madson Ninerswire USA Today: Will Javon Kinlaw give 49ers back-to-back Defensive Rookie of the Year winners?
https://ninerswire.usatoday.com/2020/05/21/nfl-defensive-rookie-of-the-year-odds-javon-kinlaw/
Inman SJ Mercury News: Did 49ers find pass-rushing gem in well-traveled Jonathan Kongbo?
https://www.mercurynews.com/2020/05/22/did-49ers-find-pass-rushing-gem-in-well-traveled-jonathan-kongbo/amp/
SEATTLE
Stone Seattle Times: Seahawks’ Russell Wilson has shown he can be like Mike regarding perceived slights
https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/seahawks-russell-wilson-has-shown-he-can-be-like-mike-regarding-perceived-slights/?
Henderson ESPN Seattle: Source: Seahawks make 1-year offer to Devonta Freeman, in talks with Carlos Hyde
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29201943/seahawks-make-1-year-offer-devonta-freeman-talks-carlos-hyde
Condotta Seattle Times: Josh Gordon is applying for reinstatement, but exactly when he could return to field is hard to tell
https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/josh-gordon-is-applying-for-reinstatement-but-exactly-when-he-could-return-to-field-is-hard-to-tell/
Condotta Seattle Times: What life is like for a quarantined NFL player through the eyes of Seahawk Quandre Diggs
https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/what-life-is-like-for-a-quarantined-nfl-player-through-the-eyes-of-seahawk-quandre-diggs/
TAMPA BAY
Laine ESPN TB: Bucs see positive offseason gains despite relying on virtual workouts
https://www.espn.com/blog/tampa-bay-buccaneers/post/_/id/23784/bucs-see-positive-offseason-gains-despite-relying-on-virtual-workouts
Laine ESPN TB: Tom Brady, Bruce Arians perfect for win-now Buccaneers, GM Jason Licht says
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29207500/tom-brady-bruce-arians-perfect-win-now-buccaneers-gm-jason-licht-says
TENNESSEE
Wyatt Titans.com: Iron Sharpens Iron: Titans Building Chemistry in Small Groups During Coronavirus Pandemic
https://www.tennesseetitans.com/news/iron-sharpens-iron-titans-building-chemistry-in-small-groups-during-coronavirus-
WASHINGTON
The John Keim Report: QB guru Qunicy Avery weighs in on Dwayne Haskins improvement this offseason and Les Carpenter of the Washington Post discusses the plan of action for Ron Rivera in this unusual year one (Audio)
https://johnkeimreport.libsyn.com/dwayne-haskins-and-ron-rivera-are-making-a-mark
Keim ESPN Washington: Adrian Peterson eyes starting spot after Redskins load up on RBs
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29206198/adrian-peterson-eyes-starting-spot-redskins-load-rbs?
Colleges/Draft
LB
Miller PFN: 2021 NFL Draft: Who is the top linebacker prospect?
https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2021-nfl-draft-comparing-the-top-two-linebacker-prospects/
Former Giants News
Davidson WKTV: Notre Dame HS football team learns on-and-off-field lessons from a New York Giants Super Bowl champion Henry Hynoski
http://www.wktv.com/templates/AMP?contentID=570683311
History
Elwood Chargers.com: Remembering Joe Beauchamp
“Former Chargers defensive back Joe Beauchamp passed away Wednesday at the age of 76. He played for the Chargers from 1966-1975, which included playing for the team both in the AFL and NFL, when the merger became official with one league and two conferences in 1970.
Beauchamp was selected out of Iowa St. by the Bolts in the red shirt sixth round of the AFL Draft in 1966. Over his ten seasons with the team, he played 117 games with 81 starts and amassed 23 interceptions. Three of those picks went for touchdowns. He also recorded six fumble recoveries.”
https://www.chargers.com/news/remembering-joe-beauchamp
Gil Brandt: On this day in 1963, Lamar Hunt announced the Dallas Texans were moving to Kansas City. Hunt first considered offers from Atlanta and Miami but was eventually swayed by K.C. Mayor H. Roe Bartle, whose nickname "Chief" was chosen to represent the team
Giants Birthdays 5-22
Alan Caldwell DB W-LA Rams 1979 NYG 1979 5-22-1956
Winston Salem Chronicle (2016)
“Caldwell is also well known for his football career. He said it was his brother Edward Lee, who he shared a newspaper delivery route with, that convinced him to play football at Carver Middle School. Their father refused to let them, concerned they wouldn’t be able to keep up with their work and school, but Edward Lee forged his signature so they could play anyway. Eventually word got back to their father that they were playing, and winning, football games. After seeing them in action, he let them continue since they were able to keep their grades up, but told them to never sign his name to anything again.
Caldwell received an athletic scholarship to UNC-Chapel Hill where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in industrial relations in 1978. While at UNC, he was named All ACC Defensive Back in 1977 and Honorable Mention All-American. Reynolds offered him a job straight out of college, but he pursued professional football instead.
He entered the NFL as a free agent, playing as a defensive back for the Los Angeles Rams in 1978 and for the New York Giants in 1979-80. He left the NFL after an injury and returned to Winston-Salem.”
http://wschronicle.com/2016/05/33120/
In Memoriam
Dick James HB TR-WAS 1964 NYG 1964 Born 5-22-1934 Died 6-28-2000
Oregon HOF: Richard “Dick” Alwin James (May 22, 1934 – June 28, 2000) played halfback and defensive back in the National Football League for the Washington Redskins, New York Giants, and the Minnesota Vikings. He played college football at the University of Oregon and was drafted in the eighth round of the 1956 NFL Draft.
He set a team record with four touchdowns in one game as the Redskins beat the Dallas Cowboys, 34-24 in 1961. He scored 34 touchdowns in his National Football League career. James was one of the smallest players in the NFL at 5-9 and 175 pounds. James was also known as gymnast, performing such acts as walking on his hands down flights of stairs before games. He died in 2000 of prostate cancer at the age of 66.
He had a short stint as a sports announcer in the Washington DC area after he retired mainly covering the Redskins on game day.
Don Schiffer Pro Football 1964
“Ball carriers and receivers are in sufficient quantity; it's the quality that bothers Sherman, [along with] the achin' back of Alex Webster and the gimpy knee of Hugh McElhenny. However, there's nothing wrong with such catchers as Del Shofner, Aaron Thomas, Joe Walton, Frank Gifford and the latest in the line of new Giants, Dick James. While with James, here's one of the NFL's most valuable chattels, a guy who can run, catch, go to the flank and play defensive halfback.
The offensive line packs punch and blocks furiously as long as Roosevelt Brown stays sound, Greg Larson, Bookie Bolin and Ken Byers continue to develop and Darrell Dess keeps out of harm's way.”
Complete Sports 1964 New York Giants
“As for the running sub-division of the Maramen backfield, the status looks just about quo. While the Giants have added little Dick James from Washington, they still lack that big running back. They settled for James, who'll also help in the kickoff and punt return departments, where the Giants were woefully weak in '63 after failing to obtain Timmy Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles or Lenny Moore from the Baltimore Colts.”
