It has been hypothesized a bit that Waller's retirement still may be coming especially after the Theo Johnson pick, Lawrence Cager re-signing, Tyree Jackson getting moved to the roster right before the end of the year, and then two free agents (even if they're really just blockers). Bellinger enters year 3 after a reduced role and could step up after showing promise year one. Waller's need as a receiving option is greatly reduced with the Nabers pick. After Waller's comments about possible retirement what could the Giants use his $6.7M in saved money for? ($11.6M if it is post June 1)
With the draft over been looking a bit into remaining free agents. Some names that have a Giants connection for the DT spot:
DT: the Giants did not spend a draft pick on a DT and it could still be seen as a possible roster add. Jordan Phillips was the only real free agent who knows Schoen and Daboll and is a 40-50% run stuffer but they may want more pass rush.
-Calais Campbell, this idea was floated by Dan Duggan of The Athletic and although he is up there in age (he'll be 38) he put up 6.5 sacks last year and was a $7.5M cap hit who would fit the role. Most expensive of the group but might be the best fit. Small note, but he is a Walter Payton man of the year winner so zero concerns about character or lockerroom impact.
-Marlon Davidson, he has never lived up to his second round draft billing but he was signed by the Titans last year (48% of snaps over the last 5 games), knows Bowen, is just 26, and would be a minimum deal.
-Linval Joseph, yup he's still going at 35 (a bit injured the last two years) and after he left the Giants he was poached by the Vikings and Giants current DL coach Andre Patterson. A bit more of a run stuffer than the proposed role but he was only $2M last year.
-Ross Blacklock, the Titans signed him last year and had him active for the last two games so he got an audition in the defence and he also spent some time on the Vikings with Patterson, also a 26YO former second round pick and would be a minimum deal.
Attached is a write-up of UDFA Casey Rogers, the other free agent addition, but as we know UDFAs are always longshots. Suggestions to the list for discussion welcome.
Link - (
New Window )
theres a lot of snaps to be had at those 3 key spots.
hopefully waller can retire and this opens cap space to get these 3.
clowney was signed for nothing around this time after the draft.
we need the depth badly.
only chance for giants to be a 9 win team is to be a top 10 team in D/ST and top 10 running the ball with DJ being a part of the running game.
i want campbell, dupree, and steven nelson.
i have zero faith in azeez to stay healthy....
this 4th guy is likely the 3rd.
the problem is we have nothing after azeez like not even a prospect worthy type guy to give snaps.
tomon fox, basham, whitley...
maybe Oghoufo or Martin can develop?
Beavers is likely ILB only, but he took some snaps at edge.
i can see them giving Simmons/McFadden edge snap, i like their ability to get after the QB with speed.
Also, David Long Jr. added a few days ago. Not an exciting add but that might be it for now.
Hawkins?
With the rookie minicamp, teams also bring in 5 veteran players (the Giants do it every year). Seems pretty clear that one will be a QB that the Giants have interest, but that still leaves 4 other slots. You would never get a veteran like Linval Joseph or Campbell to attend, but there may be lesser known players that the Giants have interest that will attend.
With the rookie minicamp, teams also bring in 5 veteran players (the Giants do it every year). Seems pretty clear that one will be a QB that the Giants have interest, but that still leaves 4 other slots. You would never get a veteran like Linval Joseph or Campbell to attend, but there may be lesser known players that the Giants have interest that will attend.
Have you heard any names?
I appreciate you putting together the tryout list for rookies, been watching some highlights leading up to mini camp. Elijah Chatman who you have listed at DT is an interesting name with some fun clips (attached).
Most Underrated D-Tackle In NFL Draft! II Elijah Chatman Highlights - ( New Window )
I have looked at some video of most of the tryout players. All have interesting skill sets and some have had significant production. Last year the Giants didn’t sign any that weekend . Hopefully 1 or 2 stand out enough to get a contract.
I have looked at some video of most of the tryout players. All have interesting skill sets and some have had significant production. Last year the Giants didn’t sign any that weekend . Hopefully 1 or 2 stand out enough to get a contract.
I was surprised Jacob Eason wasn't added as part of the 90 man group already after spending time on the practice squad last season. He would be my knee jerk guess. Matt Barkley also was on the team for a bit and had been on Buffalo.