Yanks Win Again!

The Yanks just beat the Orioles 2-1 off a strong seven inning start by Hiroki Kuroda and a homerun from Eric Chavez. Both players represent the kind of veteran band-aids the Yankees should be hiring while they transition once again to a more homegrown roster. It was the second good start in a row, after CC's win yesterday.

Speaking of transitioning to a homegrown core, while we were focused on the Giants draft, the Yanks moved Garcia to the pen and put David Phelps in the rotation, calling up DJ Mitchell for the long man roll in the pen. These are the sort of moves that could have been made to buy time for Banuelos and Betances to develop instead of making the trade that was made. We'll see how it works out. Phelps is scheduled to start Thursday.

Giants Draft: Finding Giants

The draft is over and the Giants once again killed it. Like last year, they seemed to find value wherever they picked, and it was always late. I mentioned last week that the Giants, like the Steelers, Pack and some other teams, have a much easier time with the draft because they know what they want and don't pay as much attention to need. This befuddles people like Mel Kiper, who is a terrifically nice guy who has fallen in love with his own un-hired team building strategies. Put simply, if you don't draft for need in the order he's identified them for your team, he's gonna give you low marks. He gave the Giants a C+ for what's looking like an A or better draft.

The Giants say they go to the draft and always take BPA. This too confuses many. What it really means is "we pick the best Giant-type available." Thus, when so many of their picks coincide with perceived needs, they think the Giants are drafting for need. It's nice when best Giant available and a perceived need coincide, but it's just happenstance. They just take the best fit for them, whether it meets a need or not.

Let's take a look at what happened in the first two rounds. The Giants ended up taking David Wilson, and passing on Rueben Randle, Cordy Glenn and one or two others. Looking at it we can see that there were very few Giant-type RB's left, but more Giant type WR's. So they picked Wilson, who was the #2 RB on the board for them, believing they had identified Giant type WR's who might be there when they picked again, like Mohamed Sanu.

The Giants were then amazed to find Rueben Randle still sitting there at 63. This was a bit of a miracle, and just a tribute to the concept that very few teams know what they are doing at the draft. If you've noticed anything from watching football, it's that there are natural WR's and sort of made WR's. The natural guys the Giants have had have been guys like Mike Sherrard, Ike Hilliard and Hakeem Nicks. Guys who just know how to play the position and set-up defenders. Rueben Randle is another one of these guys, except he's 6'3" and 210. Usually, a guy like that is more of a power receiver, and though he has the power traits, he has all of the WR traits, too, including great feet.

Randle and the TE they drafted Adrien Robinson fell in the draft because they were in programs that didn't throw the ball much, thus they didn't produce to their true talent levels, though both flashed. The Giants were able to grab both because they saw through the illusion their systems created and saw pieces that could really flourish in their system. And they didn't have to trade up for either guy, they just let the draft come to them.

I mentioned last week that the Giants have had bad luck trading up the past few times, I mentioned Sinorice and Kehl, and forgot all about Ramses Barden, who has been pretty forgettable so far. Jerry acknowledged as much when he talked about the bad luck they'd had with trade-ups over the weekend.

In the 3rd, the Giants snagged a falling player with a red flag whom they had done all of their homework on, in Jayron Hosley. It was the Mario pick all over again, and Marc Ross mentioned the similarities in the two picks in his presser. He's a little undersized, but he fell because he blew his pot test at the combine. The talent is first round, and he was an amazing value - like Mario Manningham - where the Giants got him.

Then the Giants grabbed the ringer, Adrien Robinson, and started hitting the OL. Giant OL's are sort of their own breed and thus hard to find. I think it's pretty comical when fans get agitated because the Giants haven't spent a high round pick on an OL. Like the Giants are gonna let a rookie protect Eli. Get serious. Also, there were relatively few Giant type OL's in any of their windows. This is sort of true a lot, and one of the only times I have felt they made a mistake was back in 2009 when they had Max Unger sitting there for them and took Clint Sintim instead. That's been a disaster and one of the reasons some people were wigging out about the OL this weekend. But the Giants grabbed two Giant type guys in terms of hands, feet and dispositions in Brandon Mosley and Matt McCants.

Mosley is a David Diehl clone who will probably be on the Right Side at T and G. McCants is sort of a magic feet and extra long arms type. Beatty is sort of like that, but McCants may have better feet and does have even longer arms. He's cut out for the Left Side. People thinks both will need a lot of development, but we'll see. Diehl was pressed into service as a 5th round rook and has been there ever since.

Also, it should be noted that, though many think McCants is really raw, he was a 4 year starter and all conference in his last two years, so though he may not have had the best OL coaching at UAB, he sure got a lot of experience had the position beat at his level. We'll see what happens with him.

In the seventh the Giants took Markus Kuhn, a very athletic, big bodied guy who is newish to football. Jerry Reese called him the Mitch Petrus of defensive tackles. I guess he could have also called him the Dave Tollefson of DT's, but Dave is gone, and they've found yet another Giant.

Just another great draft by the Giants as they keep displaying mastery and minimizing mistakes. We done Front Office, Giant Scouts and Giant Coaches. Well done!

Giants Grab Markus Kuhn in the 7th

With their final pick of the day, the Giants drafted emerging DT Markus Kuhn from NC State. Kuhn is one of those narrative picks, like our last pick, who didn't come to football till late, and on a visit from Germany. He is from the Frank Ferrara School of High Motor White Guys, but still has some upside. Doesn't have long arms like most Giant DL's, but is relentless, fit and strong. We'll see where this leads. Now it's time to grab intriguing UDFA's!!! I'll probably write another piece or two on the Giants draft, but it looks like they crushed another one. BPA forever! Go Giants!

A Star is Born!

Holy fill in the blank! Chris Kreider in only his 6th game scored the game winning goal and assisted on another, both in the 3rd period to beat the Caps in game 1, 3-1. He's been sensational since about his third game, but this is getting ridiculous. He looks like he could be all world. Stepan sprung him for his five strides and a blast goal, and he sprung Richards, 90 seconds later. Anisimov scored the Ranger first goal on a great individual play. Great game by the Rangers. Seems like the Rangers have added an elite talent just in time. Go Blue Shirts!

Giants Take Another Tackle

Image thanks to the BleacherReport. In the 6th, the Giants have taken Matt McCants, another tackle. This one is 6'6" and I've seen weights on him from 295-318. Apparently, he was a Tuba player till he was a senior in High School. This is one of those strange narrative picks. I'll research him a little more after the Ranger and Knicks games.

Okay, Matt came to football late and has just been getting better and better to the point where he could end up as a starting NFL Left Tackle down the line. Has the really long arms and great feet the Giants love, so let's hope they can help him find his upside.

Giants are Killing It

The Giants are going nuts! With their 2 fourth round picks, the Giants emerged with a Giant type TE and a Giant type OT. The TE, Cincy's Adrien Robinson was one of the my favorites. Mostly a blocker in the Cincy system, the kid has huge upside in the passing game. He recently ran a 4.51. That's faster than Shockey was, ladies. Mike Pope will turn this kid into a monster and he already knows how to block. That's usually the hardest part. Watching Pope weaponize him will be fun.

Brandon Mosley, is 6'6" 310 and with long arms, he also ran a 5.21 40 and did 30 reps. These are very similar number to what David Diehl was when we got him, and that pick has sort of worked out. Mosley was a TE and Coffeyville, before transferring to Auburn and moving to OL. This guy can already run block.

So now, with the blocking TE and OT, the Giants have thrown 3 picks at the running game, though Adrien Robinson also has upside in the passing game. Great job, Giants!

Giants Draft: Day 3

Through the first two days of the draft, the Giants have selected three talented, athletic players with high impact potential. Also, each one is only 20, so there will be more to teach them, and conversely less poor habits or techniques to coach out of them. It's worked out perfectly, as each player will be asked to join an already successful world champion unit.

It will be interesting to see what they do on Day Three. Earlier in the week, we talked about throwing as many as three picks at the running game. Thus far, RB David Wilson is the only pick tossed at the issue. Might the Giants double dip on RB's? There are certainly a few more good ones out there that could be BPA at any of their remaining spots. Or will the Giants be able to find a Giant type OL or two? The most obvious ones, and there weren't many, seem gone. They will probably pick a TE, as at least two really intriguing ones, Ledarius Green and Orson Charles are still on the board. Charles would also help the running game, Green not so much to start.

And what about Giant Type DL's? They seem like they may be gone, too. There are a few Safeties left who could fit the team, and it's unclear about LB's.

What I really want to see them do is pick some small school gems for the OL and DL and hit TE and S. We'll see if the windows match up. It's getting harder and harder for the Giants to be as exotic as they were a few years ago. Other teams and internet sites have caught on. Should be fun. They've been killing it so far.

Giants Take a Risk on Jayron Hosley

Okay, remember when I said they might take a slightly controversial player with the last pick in the third round? Well here he is, Jayron Hosley. Flunked the pot test at the combine. Has had some concussion issues. BUT, and this is a big but, he is an absolute ball hawk, having grabbed 10 picks as a sophomore, and he's a very good punt returner. Many of the things Aaron Ross appeared to be, this guy is, and he's physical. But, the injuries have to be checked out. The Giants can't afford to have another third rounder who can't get on the field. If he's cleared medically and the pot test was just a bad decision, we are adding a playmaker to our nickel D, and possibly an impact punt returner.

Giants Snag Randle!

The Giants hit another homer and Eli Manning must be doing cartwheels somewhere as they replace Mario Manningham with Rueben Randle! Randle was one of my first round WR receiver preferences. I had absolutely no thought that he would still be on the board. I thought Jeffery might, and Sano very well could be, but Randle? Wow. He has good size and great feet plus nice speed. He'll be able to run the full route tree, but needs to become a bit more consistent with his hands. Cruz had that issue, too at times. It's concentration, not hands or ability. Great get! Go Giants!

Giants Extend Kiwi

In a bit of unexpected news, the Giants today gave Mathias Kiwanuka a 3 year extension, that lowered his cap hit for this year. We basically will now have Kiwi through 2016, which would make him one of the unlikeliest of 10 year Giants. Of course, two things are curious about this move: the timing; and what do they need the cap room for? Obviously if they are going to trade Osi, this gives them more security at the DE position, so that's why the timing is interesting. Hopefully the cap room is being made so they can extend Cruz ahead of the bigger outlays they'll have to make for Hakeem and JPP. Obviously, trading Osi would also create cap room. Interesting stuff.

Giants Take Wilson!

I had a feeling about this one. With the 32nd pick in the 2012 the Giants threw their first pick at the running game issue and he is a gamebreaker, who could also turn into a Tiki-type franchise back. A little undersized but fast and quick, with moves and the ability and desire to finish his runs. He'll probably start out splitting carries with Bradshaw and then grow into the feature role. Having picked Wilson, I don't think they will pick another back. They got one of the two I had thought could be franchise guys for them, the other was Doug Martin who I also loved. This kid can score any time he touches it and is electric. Plus, he has terrific hands. It's Tiki II time, though his personality is fiery and nothing like Tiki's. Great pick!

Rangers Win!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Marc Staal and Dan Girardi scored and the Rangers held off for dear life against the Sens, the refs and the league, and won 2-1! This is their first trip to the second round since 2008! Kreider is turning into a beast and set up the first goal, though he did not get an assist. He was on the ice for the final 30 seconds as we put it away. Next up is Washington, and I think we're gonna beat em! Go Rangers!!!

LGR!!!!!!!!

Win this and begin your magic run!!!!!

Giants Sign Shaun Rogers

Having decided to sign Albert Haynesworth back in March, the Giants today filled out their likely DT rotation by adding Shaun Rogers. He of the late hits and head butts. Well, he's a Giant now and might have some useful tips for the the young beasts. Btw, if we now go ahead and draft another DT I would take that to mean the Giants are either worried about Canty's knee, Austin's layoff or both.

Giants Draft: Final Thoughts

It's finally here. Well, the first round of it, anyway. The new format sucks. The old 1-3/4-7 weekend format was the bomb. Real fans could legitimately be asked to be left alone for most of the waking hours of an entire weekend. It was intense and it was draining. And yes, it was perfect. Boo, this.

The Giants could go any number of ways tonight and over the weekend. They do adhere to BPA more than any other team -- most years -- and this year should be no exception. There's a vast "red chip" area starting in the first round and possibly ending somewhere on day 3. So it's not a draft with a lot of talent that appears elite right now, but it's a deep draft. Teams like the Giants are successful because they can usually make proper distinctions between seemingly red chip players. On the Jerry Reese watch they have blown very few picks, and I expect them to keep getting better at it. Last year I thought we had a monster draft. We haven't seen a lot of evidence of that yet, but Prince, Austin and Jernigan were all great picks and if they're healthy all year, they should make some noise. The 3 6th rounders from last year, and Da'Rel Scott all did some things that were encouraging. And those were the last 4 picks. The first 4 are still to be heard from.

Of the names being bandied about, there are a few I don't believe, like Martin, the OT from Stanford and Hightower the LB from Alabama. Of the guys we could conceivably pick, 2 sort of scare me. They are Coby Fleener and Stephen Hill. I think both could be homeruns, but that Fleener doesn't fit the current system and Hill is raw with problematic hands and feet. Still, either could be the pick, and I'd pretty much trust the Giants if that was the case.

What are my hopes for the draft? I'd like to see us get another power receiver like Jeffery or Sanu, get one or two of the backs I've talked about, get a nasty OL somewhere, get another Giant-type DE with long arms and a quick first step, get a DT with long arms and bulk, and get another Giant type press corner. I'm not as worried about LB and TE as everyone else, but wouldn't be surprised with a TE.

Going over my list, I realize the Giants could probably really clean up with another pick or two. I wonder if they'll try to get them by trading from the roster or trading down.

Should be interesting. Doubt I'll throw the remote.

Giants Draft: The Night Before Christmas

Nothing much seems to be cooking at Giants Central on this draft eve, other than the somewhat sad spectacle of cosmically screwed Osi Umenyiora try to get someone -- anyone -- to step up a bonus him. But eight years ago, the night before the draft was about as dramatic as it gets as every Giant fan with a pulse waited to see if the Giants were going to trade for Eli Manning. I loved the player, but felt the price was too great, and that we had a few years of Kerry Collins left. I wanted to stay put and take either Sean Taylor or Kellen Winslow Jr.

Of course rumors carried on through the night, and on draft morning, it looked like no deal had been reached. The Chargers picked Eli, three picks later we took Philip Rivers and we all knew it was back on. The only question was the price, and in retrospect, the price was right.

Giants Draft: Carl Banks Theory

In 1984, with the #3 overall pick in the NFL draft and with Hall of Fame Linebackers Lawrence Taylor and Harry Carson, as well as good prospects like Andy Headen and Byron Hunt already on the roster, the Giants went ahead and took Carl Banks with their unusually high pick. The Giants didn't have a linebacker problem on the horizon, but Banks was by their judgement the BPA, and they had nothing against making a great unit even greater. In the 4th round that year they took Gary Reasons, which gave them the 4th piece to the unit that would win Superbowl 21. Adding more talent to already great talent put them over the top in two years.

We could have called it, Lawrence Taylor theory, since the Giants had Carson, Van Pelt, Kelly, Lloyd and Marion already when they picked LT. Of course, that's not just BPA, that may have been a BPE pick. In other words, if arguably the best player ever is available when you're up, you take him. A Carl Banks type makes it more of a judgement issue, but you always go for overwhelming strength wherever you can get it.

That's why when the Giants are up Thursday, I won't be bummed out of they take yet another DE or WR. The pass rush is the life blood of our championship defenses, and as long as we have Eli we can never give him enough weapons.

Giants Draft: The Last Pick in Round 3

While I really don't expect the Giants to take a baggage kid like Mike Adams or Janoris Jenkins with their first round pick, I wouldn't be surprised if they took a risk with that last pick in round three. That's were they got Mario Manningham during the `08 draft, and that worked out very well for them. On the other hand, if we go back to the `07 draft, where they took Ahmad Bradshaw in the 7th, then look at last year's draft where they took Marvin Austin in the second, it would seem they are getting a little more aggressive with their character question kid picks.

I'm not sure it's really that. Each kid was a different case, as we learned Ahmad had some sort of jail agreement as a result of whatever he did. Mario was more scuttlebutt and a bad combine 40, and Marvin just got caught visiting with an agent because he guilessly posted the party picks on Facebook. So I think the Giants stance depends on what the individual kid did, and their determination of whether or not the kid can shape up and thrive in their system. The Bradshaw and Manningham moves paid off big time, the Austin pick is a little cloudy right now. But I will tell you this much about Austin, no one, not even Booger McFarland has reminded me more of Warren Sapp (the great football player, not the reprobate). And if he can make it all the way back from two years off and the pec injury he could be an absolute home run of a second round pick.

The Giants really must have felt that when they made the pick. He was reportedly in their top 15 going into the draft and they used a magical second rounder on him. And the Giants, historically have done better with their 2's than their 1's (though the 1's are catching up) and may be the best second round drafting organization in the history of the league. I'm not kidding, they have crushed that round, and I expect them to again on Friday. The Giants must know how special the round has been for them. So, for them to use one of those magic 2's on Austin, you have to believe they are big believers.

I'm not exactly sure who all the questionable kids are in this draft class, but I wouldn't be surprised if they snag a kid who's falling on something they deem "poor decision making" on Friday. Just a hunch. Then again, they are just as likely to take 7 or 8 clean kids who they won't have to have extra rules for.

We're getting close!

Onto Game Seven!

In the 6th game of his second playoff game with the Rangers, Derek Stepan finally showed up. Stepan broke the Rangers' 6 period scoring drought with a 2nd period power play goal, then assisted on goals by Brad Richards and Chris Kreider (!), all in the second period. It was quite a performance and all those who questioned Kreider's readiness should take a bow as they back down quietly. Late in the game, the League office once again reached into the game allowing a puck that was kicked in by Chris Neil to make it a 3-2 game with under a minute left. I have no idea what the NHL agenda has been, but they seem to have one and it is perplexing. Now let's win game 7. Go Rangers!

Giants Draft: No Toughness no Title

When the Giants play tough, they win. It's a pretty simple axiom but something they seemed to fall away from after Plax shot himself back in 2008. Let's re-set: the Giants were awesome that season, just pounding on everyone, and had smacked perennially tough teams like the Steelers and Ravens right in the mouth. It was old Erik Howard/Leonard Marshall type physicality all over the place. Then Plax shot himself, injuries piled up and the Giants stopped playing like the Giants much of the time.

I really didn't see them get that back till the Super Bowl run this year, and it has to be maintained if they want to repeat and stay in the tourney year in and year out -- as they should.

Of course, the way to keep that going is by drafting tough kids and drilling the message home in every practice and meeting.

They've lost a lot of their toughness over the past few years with the releases of Seubert, Kareem, Jacobs and a few of the others. They have to really keep renewing it, because when they don't play like that, they just don't win and they are not the Giants.

So I think the Giants are going to be looking for more tough cookies come the end of the week, I'll be disappointed if I see the word "finesse" in any of the prospect write-ups.

Giants Draft: Moving Around

The Giants have seven picks starting Thursday. Of their six tradeable picks, each one is 32nd and worst in its given round. Because their picks this year lack value, it would cost them a lot to move up significantly in the first round. In fact, they would either have to include something from their roster, or something from future year's to trade up. Last week, Jerry said he didn't think there were 32 first rounders, and the picks from the middle of the round 1 on were really second rounders.

So, if the Giants want to trade up in the first, it would probably be way up and they'd have to use a package that would include this year's 1, Osi, and and probably someone else. I think it's highly unlikely that they trade up in the first, unless it's from 32-t0 31 or 30 with our 1 and 4. And really, since trading up for Eli, the last two trade ups that come to mind were for Sinorice Moss and Bryan Kehl. Moss was a disaster and left great value on the board and Kehl was allergic to contact. Oh, and he became a Redskin today! Haha!

I think it is almost more likely that the Giants trade out of the first. I think they should do this many years, and especially in drafts where they is a large red-chip area. This draft is like that. The 2005 and 2006 drafts were like that, and our 2005 draft with just 4 picks was remarkable. Webster, Tuck, Jacobs, then Eric Moore, who I think is still bouncing around the league. That was an incredible draft for the Giants. In 2006, they traded down then traded back up for Sinorice Moss, which was a rare and colossal error given what was left on the board.

So, I think they will listen to offers for their first, but if they decide to trade down, I hope they make the picks instead of trading them again.

Now trading up for a targeted player after the first seems easier and more likely since we have 2 fours. I've talked about moving up with our 2 and 4 to get Sanu, and I think something like that could happen.

Jerry really doesn't like to trade future picks, though there will be a sea of picks between our compensatory four and our 6th rounder, so who knows? Maybe they would try to make a move to get a pick in that area.

And there remains the possibility of trading Osi. But that would have to be for a 1 or a high 2 or is shouldn't be considered. I don't know if any other roster players are in play. If we get down to our 2nd rounder, I think we should assume that Osi is going nowhere.

Giants Draft: TE's

During the college football season Louisiana-Lafayette's Ladarius Green jumped out at me as the type of guy the Giants definitely would have drafted back when Jerry Reece himself was officially running the board from 2003-2007. Under Marc Ross, I'm not as sure. It feels like Marc is slightly more likely to find a Giant type who is a major college sleeper than the small school gems Jerry used to routinely grab. Part of this is because places like Troy or University of South Florida or East Carolina or UConn have really raised their profiles since the days when Jerry was doing it all and part of it might just be the way talent is distributed right now. It also seems like the professional draft guides are doing a better job of sort of slotting the kids who would have been obscure several years ago.

Thus the Giants are still getting their share of "ringers" but some are sort of hiding in plain sight. Take a guy like James Brewer last year. Here was a huge kid with great natural size, terrific feet and long arms, but with very little football experience having been a basketball player all through high school --- and he was a senior from Illinois. His narrative is very similar to JPP's, only JPP was a junior from South Florida, which is just really starting to produce picks. Now both are Marc picks, but their stories and USF make them seem like Jerry picks. Under both Jerry and Marc it's mostly been the same group of scouts trying to find value with the same tools. And we've won 2 Super Bowls as a direct results of our scouts using the Giant criteria.

So what does this have to do with the TE's we might like. Probably nothing. But if the Giants don't take Fleener, I think they will still take a TE, and I think it will be someone with upside in the passing game, though probably not an HBack. Don't be surprised if it is someone like Green, or Egnew from Missouri who fell after Gabbert left, or Evan Rodriguez from Temple, or Hanna from Oklahoma, Robinson from Cincy or even a Kevin Koger from Michigan. Green is my favorite from this group, but I like Robinson, too.

So anyway, I think we'll take a tight end sooner or later, and I think it will be a guy with upside in the passing game.

Giants Draft: DT's

There is also a chance that the BPA at 32 will be a defensive tackle. The two most discussed have been Penn State's Devon Still and MSU's Jerel Worthy. Of the two, I find Devon Still to be the more Giant-like. Now, don't get me wrong, Jerel Worthy is a big strong guy with upside, but so is Devon Still, and he's taller with just as much projection. What I really like about Still is that he's able to reach out, even when he's engaged with a blocker and make plays. That's quality the Giants seem to love. And I see that in Still.

Now, all that being said, I don't think a DT will be the BPA at 32, and I really wonder if the Giants, having spent their last 2 2's on DT's of the future would now use a 1 on another. Of course, pick 32 isn't really much of a 1, but it will be interesting to see, since the Giants only carry 4 DT's and only have 3 active on game days. So, barring injury that would mean either this year's first rounder or last year's second round steal would be inactive all year. Inefficient. Sub-optimal. And I'd be somewhat surprised if they hit DT with a 1, especially since I don't think Still or Worthy are better or have more upside than Linval or Marvin.

But there does remain a bit of a problem at DT since Rocky Bernard is gone and Marvin Austin hasn't played in two years. Thus, I think the Giants will draft a DT, but one with upside who could stand to watch for a year.

Giants Draft: Fresh Legs

If the Giants don't pull the trigger on a franchise-type back early, I wouldn't be surprised to see them draft 2 backs starting on day 2. Basically, they need to add toughness as well as 4th down conversion ability, and it would be great to get a Meggett-type for passing downs. Andre Brown has good hands but is suspended to start the season. Da'rel Scott is intriguing but should have to compete for a spot. Danny Ware is sort of scary. And Ahmad's feet are always hurt. Btw, ESPN should do a Sports Science on how Ahmad Bradshaw has been able to do what he's done with no feet.

Fortunately for us, there are some running backs who could put some spark back in our running back by committee.

A guy like Temple's Bernard Pierce could do a lot of the dirty work early then, perhaps turn into a franchise guy for us. Texas A+M's Cyrus Gray is another guy who could start out as a roleplayer and evolve into much more. Robert Turbin of Utah State is another guy who could start in one role then, perhaps become the guy. Washington's Chris Polk is also in this group. I'd be pretty excited with any one of them.

On the speed back side we have guys like Oregon's LaMichael James, San Diego State's Ronnie Hillman, and Cincy's Isaiah Peed. Of these three, I think only Hillman could become much more, just as Ahmad Bradshaw has. James is a bug on on the rug type guy, and Peed is a little upright and straight liney.

Anyway, if we don't get Martin, I'd like to get two guys from this list or two guys who are like the guys on this list, ie one rugged, one flyer. I think I like Pearce and Hillman most from these two groups.

Giants Draft: Back Seven

Now, it's also possible that a back 7 player could be the BPA for the Giants at 32. However; I think this is pretty unlikely. There are only 2 players I think the Giants might consider for a back 7 job and both would have to fall to be there at 32. They are Alabama Safety Mark Barron and Boston College LB Luke Kuechly. Now both of these guys are pretty much exactly what the Giants seem to like or be evolving toward.

Barron is a back seven playmaker who could immediately step in and take over those 3rd safety responsibilities as well as come off the edge and cover. Just an all around football talent who would allow the Giants the ability to let Rolle or Phillips go after next season for cap relief. But it would be pretty surprising if he was there. And putting him aside there doesn't seem to be a corner or safety who will be in the mix at 32 with 1 exception and I will talk about him later. Fear not, though, there are bunch of small school corners as well as some major college safety sleepers who can be had later in the draft and the Giants will probably take 1 of each. Oh, and Notre Dame fan, though I am, Harrison Smith tested better than he played, and should not be in the Giant picture at 32.

Luke Keuchly is to the 4-3 LB position what Barron is the safety position: just what you're looking for. He can do it all and cover, and the Giants seem to be evolving toward a linebacker scheme that will emphasize coverage responsibilities. Why else would they trade a 5 for Rivers? Rivers is a Boley clone and if you're going to have them both on the field, as well as Williams, you're expecting the other team to pass and to take away the TE and the flats. Luke could also handle the drop for the cover 2.

Frankly, I find it a relief that the Giants are finally adding 4-3 LB's for their 4-3 scheme and no longer peddling the "hybrid" idea that led to the drafting of Torbor and Sintim. Those were both good passrushers who didn't do a lot of passrushing and got exposed in coverage a lot -- as you would expect them to! Adrian Tracy is another tweener they took that I hope they find a passrush roll for, because he is a rocket going forward and I don't want him having to learn to cover or drop.

Last year, the Giants took Jones and Williams, then signed Herzlich and Paysinger in the UDFA period and that was the first time they really threw a cluster at the 4-3 LB position. And it paid off. Williams looks like a future steal, and Herzlich was showing flashes of his old self before he got hurt. Paysinger and Jones helped on Specials, but with offseason conditioning, OTA's, mini's and full camps all 4 of them could still be around. Thus I think if the Giants are going to take a 4-3 LB to crack the group it would have to be Keuchly at 32.

I don't think Dont'a Hightower is their kind of guy right now. He's kind of Sintim-y, and they finally seem to be coming around to the idea that running a non-"hybrid" 4-3 with a hell on wheels front and LB's who can cover and fill might not be such a bad thing.

The other back seven guy is Janoris Jenkins. Of the three, he is the one who is most likely to be there. And it's because he may just be insane. This guy could have been a top 10 pick as a playmaking corner who also excels on returns, but instead, he got tossed out of Florida and depending on who you believe might have acted up at North Alabama. But he is the goods and in personality type is the anti-Prince. Might be fun to have both. It would be sort of out of character for the Giants to take him at 32. If; however, he has screwed up badly enough to fall to the last pick of round 3, I'd expect the Giants to pounce, just like they did on Mario. And I would expect Janoris to excel with the Giants. The Giants have good luck like that because they do things the right way.

Giants Draft: Chandler Jones

Okay, I'm going to backpedal here for a second because someone I have talked to and respect has made an interesting point about Chandler Jones the long, projectable DE from Syracuse. Earlier, I had pointed out that I don't think Jones has the first step quickness the Giants like to see in the DE's though he has everything else. Russell Lande of GMjr. points out that Jones uses a narrow stance which makes him late off the snap at times. So I went back to the cut-ups. By gum, he is late off the snap more than not having first step quickness. This, I believe is correctable. Thus, I am a lot more comfortable with Jones at 32 than I was. The Giants love him and if he's shown them that first step, he may well be another Giant Ringer at DE.

Giants Draft: Playmakers

The 2012 Draft is deep in wide receiver talent, and the BPA at 32 when the Giants are picking might very well be a WR. It could also be a TE. There are really only 2 or 3 WR's who should be in the mix for the Giants at 32. Alshon Jeffery is certainly one of them. He's fallen off of wild QB instability on his team this year with Stephen Garcia and weight gain. Alshon is a big kid and he will have to watch his weight to be the player he can and should be. But the player he can and should be is a GREAT PLAYER. Not just good, great. He's a beast in the Hakeem Nicks mold, but I think just a bit bigger, but is the same sort of physical guy who can beat and beat on corners all day long. The Giants have had very good luck with players like this, and it wouldn't shock me if they decided to give Eli another potentially great target.

Rueben Randle is the next guy the Giants might be considering. His tools are not as great as Alshon's and he doesn't quite have the hands of Jeffery, Nicks or one of the other WR's I'm going to discuss, but he does have good size and speed and great feet. He'll be able to run the full route tree and burn corners with his change of direction skills. He's not a body catcher. He just really needs to concentrate on catching it before letting his feet do their things. He'd be a nice fit inside or out and could execute the plays, nice value at 32.

The next guy at 32 is Stephen Hill. Hill is a size/speed freak who tested through the roof at the combine. That being said, he came from a bad passing attack at GaTech where they didn't throw much. As a result he's a good blocker, but is not particularly well developed as a WR. The problem for me, when I watched him or looked at tape is that he looked so unnatural catching the ball and really seemed to have trouble getting his feet right. So, what you too often see is a body catcher who falls down instead of scoring. Now, this guy certainly has the size and straightline speed to be special, but his hands and feet scare me a bit. Hopefully it was just the system, but this one scares me a bit.

A guy I love who probably isn't in the mix at 32 is Muhamed Sanu from Rutgers. Like Jernigan at Troy, he did it all for Rutgers, but he has terrific size to boot. Like Jernigan he played with weak armed QBs so his deep game didn't have much use. That said, he has great hands and feet and breaks tackles with the ball in his hands. Another player with Nicks-like hands and physicality and the type of target Eli clearly loves. This is a guy I would consider using the 2 and 4 on if we need to move up. Giant type receiver with none of the Alshon baggage.

If the Giants pass on all 4 of these guys, don't worry. It's a crazy deep class and the Giants are good at finding WR's.

The TE I alluded to earlier is obviously Colby Fleener out of Stanford. Fleener is like a faster version of Todd Heap. He's not as physical as Shockey or Bavaro, thus the Giants really haven't had anything like him. And I'm not so sure they'd want to add that to a passing game that's not broken. Unless they are. Mario is gone and they need a new 3rd receiver, who says it has to be a WR? Maybe Coughlin and Gilbride but we'll see. Eli would certainly love having a big fast target with great hands like Fleener, but the Giants might prefer finding those virtues in one of the WR's rather than re-writing the playbook for Fleener.

The Giants will probably choose another TE somewhere, it just might be more of a two way guy who can run the occasional seem pattern.

Whichever guys they go with, the Giants do love giving Eli playmakers. And don't be surprised if they do again.

Giants Draft: The Running Game

One of the reasons the Giants were 9-7 during the regular season was that their evergreen running game collapsed. A few years ago, the Giants could put any back in there and see them rush for 5 ypc. This past season, not so much. Given that, Baas and Boothe rallied in the playoffs and the Giants were able to rush the ball a bit better. But it was nowhere near the running game they like to have and when they don't have that, no safety comes up, and the play action passing game suffers. Just imagine what Eli would have done last season with a standard Coughlin Era running game to help out. Staggering. That's why it is paramount that the Giants fix the running game now.

So what was wrong with the running game? A couple of things, really. The Giants cut ties with Seubert, O'Hara, and Shawn Andrews on the OL, and that was big. Furthermore, Chris Snee played hurt all year and looked average for the first time ever. Kareem McKenzie suddenly declined and now he's gone. Further, Baas was hurt on and off and Beatty went down. So the OL was a big part of the story.

What's more, Jake and Bradshaw just didn't move like they used to, and teams seemed to know which play was coming depending on which back was in. Now Jake is gone, and that's sad. But running back decline and predictability was also part of the story.

So what are the Giants going to want to do? I think they're gonna throw some picks at putting a real Giant running game back together for this fall. Now there are a few different ways to do this.

They can add OL: there are maybe 3 OL's I would be comfortable seeing the Giants draft in the first. They are Cordy Glenn, Amini Silatolu and Peter Konz. Glenn and Amini are both G/RT candidates and Peter Konz is a terrific Center who might have to start out at Guard during the David Baas years. Btw, I think Baas is cuttable after this coming season from a cap perspective, so taking Konz shouldn't be cause for complaint. He's gonna be a 10 year solution for someone at C. I think all three of these guys are Giant type players, but I don't think OSU's Mike Adams is. That guy is talented but inconsistent, and you can't use a first round pick on an inconsistent OL. Another thing to remember is that the OL solutions might already be on the team. Petrus looks like a plus run blocker who could have used another camp and offseason. He'll get it, and so will Brewer, who is huge and has great feet and long arms. And good old Kevin Boothe kept looking better and better. So I wouldn't be surprised of the Giants didn't take an OL at 32 and instead waited for a more developmental OL pick or two.

Another thing they can do is add a running back or two. I favor the idea of trying to find a franchise back again. We haven't really had one since Tiki, and can you imagine what that type of back could do with current Eli? Ay Caramba! In fact the guys I have in mind for the franchise role are Doug Martin and David Wilson. Martin is a thicker and stronger Tiki, who finishes every run and knows how to bail out his QB by giving him an easy target. Martin wouldn't have to come off the field and they could run the full playbook through him.

David Wilson is faster and more explosive and also has really good hands for the passing game. He's not as thick and strong and the pounding could be an issue, but we thought that about Tiki and he withstood it. He's had some ball control stuff, like Tiki, too.

If the Giants can't get one of those two guys, I think they should draft two backs over the course of the draft, basically a slippery guy and a bigger back. There are lots available, though I would prefer to get a franchise back to become for Eli what Marshall Faulk was for the high flying Rams of the `90s - a boon to the running and passing game. We'll see what they do.

The Giants could also add a TE, though they have already added one two way TE who is a plus blocker in Bennett. There is a TE who could interest them early, but he's not a plus run blocker and we'll talk about him later.

In any event, I think the Giants will focus on fixing the run game in the draft. I have no idea whether they will attack it with an OL or an RB first, but I wouldn't be surprised to see three picks used directly on the running game. I hope at least one of them is a franchise type back for us.

Trading Osi

The Giants head into the 2012 with 7 picks, having traded their 5th for Rivers and added a compensatory 4th for Cofield. The two 4's are close together, and they might be able to trade their regular 4 if they want to move up for something they like between their first two picks. Or they could trade Osi for another pick in that area and keep the rest of their picks.

The Osi issue is sort of a big one for the Giants. Though he has been a little petulant from time to time, he isn't radioactive like Shockey was when he forced his way off the Giants. Osi's just sort of cosmically screwed because he got injured when they were getting ready to bump up his deal after Super Bowl 42. And ever since Osi hurt his hip and missed the 2008 season, the Giants have wisely resisted indulging an oft injured player. But Osi feels that the Giants broke a promise to him, and really wants to get paid again. Thus the situation that could lead the Giants to trading him come draft day.

But if the Giants do want to trade him, they better think long and hard about it and get top value for him. I'm not kidding. On our two Super Bowl runs, Osi has been one of the best players on the field both times. Heck, in a big game he will even play the run like a champ. Of course, he doesn't care about the run from week to week, but when there's something to be won, he'll do it.

And just because Osi is 31 or whatever he is doesn't mean the Giants should buckle and accept anything other than a late one or early 2 for him. Though he gets banged up, passrushers with his explosive first step last. Look at John Abraham! He's like 100 and still ticking. So, if the Giants trade Osi they really have to hold fast for value or hang onto him, sweeten his deal a bit and put up with his pouting.

The other issue is: who replaces him in the passrush rotation? The Giants would obviously have to find another passrush piece in the draft. Preferably with either their first rounder or the pick they get for Osi. I happen to favor adding a young passrusher just about every year. This year Whitney Mercilus seems like a Giant Type passrusher, complete with long arms and an explosive first step. He might be the ideal guy to grab if they move Osi, but he could be long gone before the window opens. Nick Perry is a tweener from USC with an explosive first step who has tested better than he has played.

That brings us to Chandler Jones of Syracuse. This is a big lanky kid with a projectable frame, who is relentless in pursuit. What he doesn't appear to be is a great passrusher, and he doesn't have the great first step the Giants seem to prefer. But my understanding is the Giants really like him, and I would defer to them if he's one of their picks. I'm not a big fan of Vinny Curry or any of the other DE's who could be in our window at 32. Of course if Coples falls like Kiwi did, that's a different story.

So it's like this: the Giants can trade Osi, draft another DE with their first or the Osi pick, and move Kiwi back to DE or they can just keep Osi and maybe throw him some more cash. I'm not sure what they will do, but they better get great value if they trade Osi and not the crap they got for Shockey. When Osi plays, he produces sacks, and those are the lifeblood of the Giant defense as they have been since the time of Katcavage.

Draft Needs Versus Draft Wants

As readers know, I am a staunch advocate of taking the best player available in every round of every draft. Now, a lot of people, including all of the national draft writers encourage teams to draft for need. Of course, drafting for need is stupid. Especially in the NFL where most rookies can't step right in and do anything more than specials. But it's a way for the "pro's" to get their data and info organized so they peddle the foolish idea of drafting for need which almost as a rule leaves great value on the board.

Fortunately, our World Champion New York Giants don't screw around in the draft. Jerry Reese is allergic to reaching and that's why his brilliant drafts usually get B's, C's and D's from the pundits. Anyway, from the looks of the 2012 draft pool it's set-up for the Giants to draft from WANT.

Here's the distinction: well run, stable teams like the Giants, Pats, Steelers, and Green Bay are so certain of the systems they have in place that they know what kind of players they want and what kind of players they don't want. They're not guessing. They're not flipping out over a combine performance if the production's not there. They know! That shrinks the board for them, and allows them to go right after more of the types they want in the UDFA hours.

The Giants really know what a Giant is these days and it makes things the draft just like fishing in a barrel for them.

Here's what we know: the Giants want playmakers on O and D, and they like plus size and AA wherever they can get it. They like athletic monsters on both lines, and physical playmakers at the skill positions. That eliminates a lot of players who don't have those kind of abilities.

This year's draft has a large red chip area from the middle of the first round till about the middle of the 5th round. It's massive, and these are the kinds of drafts where the teams that really know what they want will go off. The Giants are such a team and they have the best scouts in the business.

Over the next few days, I'll look at some of the specific things I think the Giants will want to do next week. Go Giants!

Giants Draft Stuff

Sorry I've been so swamped.    I will hopefully start my Giant Draft stuff today.  Leading up to the draft I'm going to look at a few issues:  Osi; the running game; playmakers; and wants vs. needs.   Blogger has changed some things, so bare with me as I navigate an unnecessary new world.  Go Giants!

Knicks Finally Beat the Celts

Finally! The Knicks used insane 3 point shooting from Novak and Smith, and great games from Carmelo and Tyson to finally hang on and beat the Celtics in the Carmelo era. It wasn't easy as the Celts roared back from a 21 point first half deficit, spurred once again by Paul Pierce who had 41 or something and the refs disregard for their physicality. But the Knicks hung on. Novak and Smith both had 25! Melo had 35 and 11 or more boards. Chadler had 20 and double digit boards. Lots of assists so the extra pass was there. Just a really big win for the Knicks heading down the stretch, and I still think it would be great to get Amar'e and Lin back. Go Knicks!

CC Beats Twins

CC Sabathia had some rough moments early, but he settled down and started dealing as the Yanks scored a lot and clocked the Twins. Andruw Jones had the only homer, but Gardy, Jeter, Swish and others were part of the run party. Gardy also had a great catch when the game was still competitive. Nice win, hopefully this will get CC going. Go Yanks!

Hank!!!

Wow! What a game! Maybe the best of Hank's career thus far. With the early series lead in the balance, Hank pitched a shutout. 39 saves! That's a lot. The freak across the Hudson has collected shutouts with 20 or fewer saves. This was a fricking shutout! Oh, and come to think of it, I may have been a little too hard on the Rangers for trading a 3rd Round pick for BRIAN BOYLE! He scored again tonight - the game's only goal. Holy crap what a game and I'm still recovering from it. Chris Kreider made his debut tonight, and obviously didn't cost us any goals. Michael Del Zotto seemed to turn down some really nice opportunities. Shoot the puck, kid! Now, lets make this 3-1 on Wednesday and finish it in 5! Go Rangers!

Giants Begin Offseason Program

With less than two weeks to go until the draft, Giant players reported back to the Timex today to officially begin their optional workouts for the 2012 season. New CBA stuff: in the past they'd start the program around the first week in March. The program will continue through their OTA's and mini-camps. If I have time this week, I will start writing up this year's Giant draft ideas. Go Blue!

Yanks Take Series From Angels

Ivan Nova was pretty good, though cheap homers kept him from mustering a quality start. Rafael Soriano was pretty bad, though the Yanks big lead and David Robertson bailed him out. Other than that, the Yankee offense is starting to show signs. Jeter is off to a very good start and cracked a homer. ARod continued to get on base, Cano hit and walked twice and Tex walked and looks like he's ready to start hitting: smashing a big double batting lefty. If Grandy gets going and Swisher can have a good season, the O may be fine. I still think we are 2 bats short, but we'll see what happens. The Yanks begin a series against the Twins today. Keep hitting. Go Yanks!

A Different Guy

Carmelo Anthony has suddenly turned back into a great player. Obviously there was something about Coach D'Antoni that didn't agree with him and he may also have been more hurt than was being reported. Anyway, he's lethal again, and very reminiscent of the player he was at his best in Denver, but with a better supporting cast, starting with Tyson Chandler and Iman Shumpert. Novack and Smith have also been key contributors - though Smith remains a work in progress. Amar'e should be back soon, and we'll see how he is used by Woodson. It could be off the bench and that might really make the Knicks more dangerous. Lin looks like he could be back some time in the playoffs. The Knicks are currently blowing out the Wiz and there seemed no point in waiting till this one was over. Go Knicks.

Kuroda Rules!

The above image is from LoHud, thanks. Hiroki Kuroda pitched 8 brilliant innings of 5-hit shutout ball during the Yankee Home Opener today. It was another magical day, as Jorge Posada was back to throw out the first pitch. Swish had a 3 run double and both ARod and Grandy homered. David Robertson got the final 3 outs in the 9th after Kuroda came out and gave up a hit, because it wasn't a save situation. Huge effort and a big win. Best Yankee pitching performance thus far. Go Yanks!

Rangers Win 4-2

The Garden was electric tonight as the Rangers began their playoffs with home ice advantage for the first time since 1996. Their Captain Ryan Callahan set the tone by flying around hitting everything that moved and scoring the game's first goal. The Sens answered with a lot of pressure, but the Rangers took their best punch and then scored 3 straight goals, Gaborik, Boyle and Richards to make it 4-0 and put it away by the end of the second period. The Sens scored 2 late goals, then, astoundingly took a timeout down 2 with :15 seconds left in the game. It benefitted them not at all, and the Rangers won and won pretty convincingly. They still have a lot to work on, but it was a great start. Hank was fantastic for the first two periods, preventing Ottawa from answering till late. Everyone can be better, but the Rangers can also sweep this if they are. Go Rangers!

Yanks Sweep O's

Nick Swisher hit a two run bomb in the top of the 9th and Mariano Rivera picked up another save as the Yanks completed a three game sweep of the Orioles. They had to come back in the second two games in the series, but they showed that nice comeback ability they have every time they are good. David Phelps had a really nice debut last night, and is just the first of a slew of pitchers that are on the way and made trading an 80-80 hitter all the more ponderous. Although, tonight in Charleston, Campos threw 5 innings of no-hit ball before being lifted for early season pitch count considerations. He's interesting. Go Yanks!

Huge Win!

Tyson Chandler had a huge game, and several Knicks had timely buckets as the Knicks came back from a second half deficit and beat the Bucks in Milwaukee to keep their playoff aspirations online. It was a gutty, gritty win and watching them sell out on D at the end was awesome. Hopefully, Amar'e will be back soon and Lin will be back some time in the playoffs. As it is, right now, some of the guys are playing too much and getting exposed. Go Knicks!

Giants Sign Antwaun Molden

Giants apparently weren't done! They've also signed CB Antwaun Molden late of the Patriots. Molden had a monster combine several years ago and now just looks like a savvy depth signing. I have no idea if he has any upside and am just hoping he can play specials.

The Rivers trade for a 5th is expected to go final tomorrow.

As they like to do, the Giants seem to be filling up their remaining need areas so they don't have to reach for need in the draft, and can, instead, go BPA which they prefer to do. Go Giants!

Sean Locklear, too?

Some buzz indicates the Giants could also be close to signing FA G/T Sean Locklear who spent last year with the Skins. Locklear is versatile and could be depth or could start at LG or even RT, to start the season. Nice insurance if it happens.

Keith Rivers?

What seemed like an internet rumor 2 years in a row is finally coming to pass. Apparently the Giants are trading for oft-injured Cincy linebacker Keith Rivers. Looks like it's for a pick or picks. When healthy Rivers is a good enough player and athlete to have been the #9 overall pick in the 2008 draft. As an NFLer he has a lot in common with Michael Boley and it looks like one of them will be manning the middle this year. Hopefully Rivers can stay healthy. He is a plus tackler, if not a big hitter, and tackling's really important. Interesting move for the Giants.

Kreider Signs!

Our long Ranger National annoyance is over: Chris Kreider is a Ranger. This is fantastic news. He's going to report to the team, rather than the Whale. It's unclear whether or not they plan to use him in the playoffs, but they can. So why might they? Kreider is a size/speed freak who is also a good and responsible 2-way player. He's everything Hagelin is but bigger and stronger and thus would really help team speed (as long as he doesn't play slow while he gets used to it), and we've all seen how valuable Hagelin has been. What's more Kreider has very good chemistry with Derek Stepan for their time together on Team USA and through Ranger camps.

Whether he plays right or not is interesting, but either way, this was a must move for the franchise. Unlike the Yankees, the Ranger really are going all-in on moving to a prospect driven team. Kreider and it seems Hagelin are the next the big links from the Stepan/McDonagh, to the other players like Yogan, Thomas, McIlrath, Fasth, Linberg and the other kids on the farm or around the world.

They are using the Whale to indoctrinate most of them. But maybe not Kreider. Interesting. Go Rangers!

Knicks Beat Bulls in OT

When did they trade for Carmelo Anthony? I have no idea but he showed up today, hitting a huge three to send their game against the Bulls into overtime, and then hitting another three to ice the win. Just a huge day for Melo when only Iman Shumpert was really helping him. Shumpert, for his part is looking like he may be a special player. He's already one of the best defenders in the league and his O has been much better since his knee has come back. Huge win and the Knicks have to keep winning if they want to make the playoffs. Go Knicks!

Chris Kreider is Now Available to Sign!

Kreider's BC Eagles just won their second NCAA title in Kreider's first three years. Teams he's on win a lot. Go and figure. Anyway, the Rangers are on hand and will try to sign him as soon as tonight. Then it will be interesting to see if he joins them during the playoffs. Could be cool. The news could come at any time. Go Rangers!

Belated Opening Day Post

Mo started what may be his last season with a blow save and a loss. That should tied him over till July. CC gave up a grandslam in the first inning then battled. Yanks had their chances to break it open but couldn't get it done. The rest of the pen looked healthy and it should be a strength going forward. Girardi overmanaged. I think we're gonna have to get used to that. I think Kuroda makes his debut tonight and he could have some luck the first time or two around the AL. Go Yanks!

PS: sorry I was away yesterday. And in general, I don't write up losses anymore. I'll start writing some longer draft pieces for the Giants and the others as the Spring wears on. Also, if you'd like, I'll write some more long pieces about the Yankee Farm system.

Rangers Ice the East!

The Rangers scored 4 goals in the first in Philly then held on for a 5-3 lead. Don't look now but Artem Anisimov is starting to look like a player today. He was doing everything, including scoring a goal and drawing 4 penalties. The Rangers picked up other goals from McDonagh, Boyle, Callahan and Gaborik. Even though he gave up 3 goals, Hank made some great saves that kept the Flyers from coming all the way back. The Rangers now have 109 points with 3 games left. Their record is 112, let's see if they can top it. Go Rangers!