New York Giants Position Breakdown

With training camp looming, it’s time to evaluate the Giants in terms of each position. I have measured each group by four main qualities; talent, depth, experience, and – especially in terms of the offensive and defensive lines – unity. I have also given each unit an overall grade based on each of these qualities.

The Giants have terrific talent on paper and look even better than they did last season. The Giants in 2008 were 11-1 and poised for another Super Bowl run until Plaxico Burress and injuries to the defensive line derailed the season. Management has taken necessary measures in the draft and free agency to amend those issues.

After this season we may be seeing the Giants at the top of the list in terms of total defense, they have to opportunity to go down as one of the team’s all time greats. They may be able to rectify the old nickname of the Big Blue Wrecking Crew describing the great defenses of the 80’s

Hopefully the 2009 Giants will be able to avoid injury, live up to their paper potential, and give us all another memorable season.

Hot or Not: Fantasy Football Edition

Fantasy Football is opening on a Web site near you, and the following are players who should be on your radar as well as those who do not deserve the hype.

The first five are players who are a little far down the list on most rankings who deserve to be a little higher.

 

5. Thomas Jones

Yahoo! Rank: 39 (18th RB)

ESPN Rank: 29 (17th RB)

Notable undeserving player ahead of him: Kevin Smith

Here’s a guy who’s apparently getting labeled as a one-year wonder even though he’s had success in the past. I mean, in the Yahoo! Rankings he is behind Marshawn Lynch even though Lynch is set to miss three games.

Jones had 1,300 yards and 13 touchdowns last season. Normally, with those type of numbers and his offensive line, you would think he would be in the top 20 at the very least.

 

4. Lee Evans

Yahoo! Rank: 66 (22nd WR)

ESPN Rank: 64 (21st WR)

Notable undeserving player ahead of him: Santonio Holmes

So in his first full season as a starter, Lee Evans gets 1,000 yards with no help and a second-year quarterback and doesn’t crack the top 50 when T.O. comes to town. Seeing single coverage and backup cornerbacks all year will produce awesome numbers for Evans.

 

3. Jay Cutler

Yahoo! Rank: 73 (10th QB)

ESPN Rank: 76 (12th QB)

Notable undeserving player ahead of him: Matt Schaub

Jay Cutler is getting a bad rap by these rankings because of his immature way of handling things in Denver, but make no mistake he has a fire that will be used to make people pay for doubting him.

He was the fifth ranked player in Yahoo! in 2008, and while he probably will not see that type of production this year, he will still be a top 20 point producer.

 

2. Joseph Addai

Yahoo! Rank: 40 (20th RB)

ESPN Rank: 49 (24th RB)

Notable undeserving player ahead of him: Pierre Thomas

Last season, Joseph Addai was unfortunate to have injuries to his offensive line and no help behind him at running back. This year he has Donald Brown to shoulder the load in the backfield, so expect him to return to his 2007 form, which saw 1,000 yards and 12 touchdowns.

 

1. Anthony Gonzalez

Yahoo! Rank: 71 (26th WR)

ESPN Rank: 83 (29th WR)

Notable undeserving player ahead of him: Hines Ward

So Anthony Gonzalez finally gets a shot to be a staple in Peyton Manning’s offense, and he gets stuck with a sub-par ranking. With Marvin Harrison gone, the reins have been turned over to Reggie Wayne and Gonzalez, and I expect both to have 1,000-yard seasons.

Expect these five players to do better than their rankings indicate.

The second part of the article is five players who are ranked high and definitely not deserving of their ranking, in no particular order.

 

5. Pierre Thomas

Yahoo! Rank: 24 (15th RB)

ESPN Rank: 37 (20th RB)

Notable deserving players behind him (Yahoo!): Joseph Addai, Jonathon Stewart

How does a guy who not only splits time, but is also on a team that was 26th in the league in rushing attempts and 28th in rushing yards, get to be in the top 50—let alone the top 25—in Yahoo!?. I prey most of you who play fantasy football will notice this debauchery and stay away from Thomas.

 

4. Brian Westbrook

Yahoo! Rank: 5 (5th RB)

ESPN Rank: 21 (14th RB)

Notable deserving players behind him (Yahoo!): Ryan Grant, Thomas Jones

It seems that ESPN got it somewhat right, but even they could go much lower. I’m not sure what in the world Yahoo! is thinking putting a guy who is aging and coming off ankle surgery and expected to miss the preseason in the top five. With Lesean McCoy in the backfield now Westbrook’s numbers will take a hit.

 

3. Larry Johnson

Yahoo! Rank: 50 (24th RB)

ESPN Rank: 53 (26th RB)

Notable deserving players behind him (Yahoo!): Knowshon Moreno, Willie Parker

Get someone ranking these players a clue already? Last year I remember the Yahoo! rankings had him as the No. 12 preseason only to have him be suspended by the team for “content detrimental”—and he’s in a two-year contract dispute. If Larry Johnson is in a KC uniform in August, he should be automatically dropped to below 100.

 

2. Brandon Marshall

Yahoo! Rank: 34 (12th WR)

ESPN Rank: 36 (13th WR)

Notable deserving players behind him (Yahoo!): Terrell Owens, Wes Welker, TJ Houshmandzadeh, Roy Williams

If you noticed all the players I named in this one you could probably gather I am passionate about this one. I will probably catch some negative feedback for this, but hear me out.

Brandon Marshall in 2009 has said all of these things; he’s unhappy that Cutler was traded, he wants to restructure his contract, and he is not sure if he will attend training camp without a new contract. All of these things turn me away from a player, and I would advise against reaching for Marshall.

Oh yeah…and Kyle Orton is his QB….I forgot.

 

1. Marion Barber 

Yahoo! Rank: 19 (14th RB)

ESPN Rank: 20 (13th RB)

Notable deserving players behind him (Yahoo!): Thomas Jones, Ronnie Brown

I’m not sure what everyone sees in Barber. He can’t handle the load by himself and as a result, sees less carries. With Felix Jones entering his second year, expect him to be much more of an option. The loss of T.O. opening up the field will hurt the overall running game as well. I was surprised to see Marion in the top 20.

Don’t get me wrong I still think most of these players will have fantasy impacts, just not the type their rankings would imply.

Was It Fate? Boy Born One Month Before Super Bowl XXI

As I look back on a life dedicated mostly to sports, I can reflect on my journey that ended with me being the biggest New York Giants’ fan I know (it helps I live in Texas).

It all started out with me being born during the magical 1986 season in December of that year. The 1986 season would prove to be the most successful for the boys in blue in terms of not only regular season success, but getting the ring as well.

As a young boy not much of my life was spent in front of the TV. Living in Houston I was lucky enough to have outside weather pretty much every day of the year. As a result, I had played organized football, baseball, basketball, soccer, tennis, and even roller hockey all by the age of 11.

So while I did not watch sports very often, few Sunday afternoons were spent watching my older brother and father rooting for the Houston Oilers. I was too young to understand it, but I always marveled at their passion for the game.

Then came the dreaded 1997 off season. After the 1996 season, Owner Bud Adams up and moved the team to Tennessee, taking the logo and name with him. Selfish as he was, he wouldn’t even let the team use either when they unveiled the new football franchise in Houston.

I was eight years old.

My brother and father were torn; ripped from us were the days we could spontaneously get tickets and go to a football game. Among other things, we felt betrayed, abandoned, and helpless.

Then my father said something to me I’ll not soon forget; “It’s OK son, we still have the Giants.”

You see, while my father has spent the last 35 years of his life in Houston, he was born and raised in Elmira, NY, and with that comes an undying sports loyalty to the Giants, Yankees, and Rangers.

He has passed the legacy on to me and I have suffered through all the lows and soared through all the highs. Even though the NFL gave us back our Houston team, we shall never again show loyalty to any other team, for we are Giants fans, to the end.

2009 NFL Mock Draft: First Round

I know I said the last mock I did was going to be my last, but picks have changed with Jason Peters going to the Eagles and the Bills getting an extra pick, so here is the final mock draft for the first round.

 

1. Lions – Matthew Stafford QB

It seems pretty clear now the Lions are in love with Stafford. I was adamant all off season that the Lions needed to shore up their offensive line, but that can be addressed later.

Stafford had a pretty good combine and did well enough at his pro day to solidify his position at No. 1. It seems like everyone is in limbo waiting for a deal to be done.

 

2. Rams – Jason Smith OT

The Rams just hired defensive guru Steve Spagnuolo, and are looking for the guy who can turn their team into a contender.  Not two years ago, the Rams were picked by some to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl.  Several injuries and back-to-back two win seasons later, they find themselves at the No. 2 spot for the second consecutive year. 

Orlando Pace is getting old and they have good enough talent on defense for Spagnuolo to work with, so they need to find a solid player for the offensive line, which let Marc Bulger run for his life on many occasions.  Jason Smith has emerged as the best offensive talent in this year’s draft and should be a lock to be selected here if the Lions pass.

3. Chiefs – Aaron Curry LB

The Chiefs’ defense needs a plethora of help. They were dead last in the league in sacks, and were second to last in terms of yards allowed. With this pick they can go in two directions. One, they take the best defensive player available in Aaron Curry, or they take a defensive end to help the pass rush.

Knowing Scott Pioli will want to have a terrific linebacking corps for his defense (see the Patriots roster the last few years) he will take Curry here.

4. Seahawks (Trade Alert) – Michael Crabtree WR

I am not one of those people who feel the Seahawks will draft Mark Sanchez here. They already have Hasselbeck who will be good for at least two more seasons.

However, Seattle is listening to offers for the fourth pick and teams could be looking to move up to insure they get Sanchez. Incredible how injuries can derail a season.

At one point in the season, the Seahawks had seven injured receivers, and were seemingly picking guys up off the street to catch passes for them. That coupled with Matt Hasselbeck’s back injury spelled disaster for the ‘Hawks in ’08.

Even with the WR core healthy, they should take Crabtree here. He is a guy who will bring them back to contention in their division.

Hard to imagine an offense failing with Crabtree and TJ Houshmanzadeh on the outsides.

5. Browns – Brian Orakpo DE/OLB

Once again, the Browns defense refused to show up at all for the entire season, save for maybe the game against the Colts. With the hiring of Eric Mangini, they can look to turn their defensive struggles around, which begins by getting some talent in the draft

Some people have B.J. Raji being selected here, but they need to remember the Browns still have Shaun Rogers. Eric Mangini will look to improve his secondary here by giving them less time to cover. Orakpo is a monster off the edge and can step back and play linebacker in a 3-4 scheme, which is what the Browns run.

6. Bengals – Eugene Monroe OT

 

7. Raiders – Michael Johnson DE

If Crabtree can miraculously make his way down to No. 7, the Raiders will go with him.  However that did not happen in this mock, so I will address the next need.

For the life of me, I cannot figure out what Al Davis’ problem is with drafting only flashy positions in the first round.

Since 2000, he has taken a CB, RB, WR, or QB with seven of his 11 selections in that time frame. He wonders why his QB is always running for his life.

That being said, I think he might realize his mistakes and take someone who will help his horrible defense, although I feel like he should take an OL. Aaron Maybin, Robert Ayers, B.J. Raji all seem like viable options, but he will go with the best 40 time, and that is Michael Johnson.

Al Davis always makes an unexpected pick in the first round, expect no different on Saturday.

 

8. Jags (Trade Alert!) – B.J. Raji DT

The Jaguars are almost certain to bargain this pick to Mark Sanchez suitors. That being said, I don’t like to do my mock drafts based on speculation. At this point I’ll just make the selection based on need.

The Jags have much to fix and are looking to get their defense back to the way it was in 2007.  I feel like if they don’t trade this pick, they will almost certainly go after B.J. Raji.

Raji is an absolute force in the middle and will be playing next to stud DT John Henderson. This pick will remind Jags fans of what it was like to have a force in the middle.

 

9. Packers – Aaron Maybin DE

The Packers had a mountain of issues on defense last season. With the overhaul of the defensive staff and changing to a 3-4 scheme, look for the Packers to go pass rusher here.

Maybin climbed up boards all season, and is a lock top 15 selection. He has tremendous athletic ability and drastically improved his draft stock at his pro day where he ran a 4.59 forty.

 

10. 49ers – Mark Sanchez QB

This pick was the most difficult, as it is unclear whether or not Mike Singletary is fine with the QB’s they have on staff. I believe if he falls to them, they will jump all over Sanchez.

This can change with the teams potentially moving up to take Sanchez at No. 4 or No. 8, but like I said I’m working with what is and not what might be.

Sanchez has terrific arm strength and can move well in the pocket. His only downfall seems to be his lack of experience, but with a Shaun Hill being a viable option at QB in 2009, they can look to find a franchise QB here.

If Maybin falls to them, I fully expect the Niners to take him.

11. Bills – Everette Brown DE 

Everette Brown wrecked havoc on ACC offensive lineman all season. He finished his campaign with 13.5 sacks in 13 games.

At 6’4″, 250 he is considered undersized, but he runs a 4.73 40, so he has the ability and quickness to possibly transition to OLB, and play pass rusher on third down situations

The Bills finished the season with only 24 sacks and no player had more than four, so a dominant pass rusher would give them a solid defense, and help that already good to very good secondary.

12. Broncos – Tyson Jackson DE

With two first round selections, it is clear the Broncos will look to bring the glory days of the Orange Crush back to Denver.

The Broncos are very high on Jackson, who has moved up boards after a successful combine. With Elvis Dumervil, Tim Crowder, and Jarvis Moss, the Broncos can look to form a terrific young core of pass rushers.

 

13. Redskins – Andre Smith OT

The Redskins have a pretty good offensive line, but they have a glaring weakness at right tackle. Jon Jansen will be 33 this month, so they need to find a replacement for him.

Andre Smith has moved down boards due to his no-show at the combine. It is unclear whether or not teams will stay away from him due to conduct issues he had at Alabama, but that will probably only draw Daniel Snyder to him further. A former projected top three pick, Smith will be a good move here.

 

14. Saints – Rey Maualuga ILB

The Saints need an upgrade at MLB. Jonathon Vilma just did not pan out this season, and he is a guy they can move around in terms of his position.

Rey Maualuga captained the country’s best defense. Some people are even going as far as to say this is one of the best defenses we have seen ever at the college level.

Rey Maualuga is a replacement for Vilma and then some. At 6’3″, 260, he is a monster in the middle. He has great vision and ability to find ball carriers. USC’s run defense was phenomenal this year, and the Saints were horrible in that regard.

 

15. Texans – Malcolm Jenkins CB

The Texans have a few problems on defense, but have improved. If Dunta Robinson isn’t signed, they will be in even more trouble.

With this selection, they can get the best defensive back in the 2009 draft class. While Jenkins is the top CB in the draft, his stock has fallen due to his poor combine. If he falls this far, the Texans will be forced to make the ‘best available’ selection, even though it fits their needs.

Whether or not they retain Robinson, they should go with a DB here, because Jacques Reeves isn’t cutting it.

 

16. Chargers – Chris “Beanie” Wells RB 

With LT trade talks and Darren Sproles as the backup, the Chargers will look to add a potentially great RB here. Sproles did play well in LT’s absence this season, but I am not sold on him being a No. 1 guy in this league at his size. 

Chris Wells is a great player and will help out a team who finished 20th in rushing offense this season, after finishing seventh just one season ago. He has good size and speed. People say Wells does not have the break away speed he will need in the NFL, but that should not shy the Chargers away from him when they already have the home run threat in Sproles.

 

17. Jets – Josh Freeman QB

I cannot see Rex Ryan passing on an opportunity to take his franchise QB at some point in this draft. Freeman has terrific upside and Kellen Clemens is not the answer for the Jets.

Many Jets fans will probably be fumigating about this pick, but they will regret doubting Freeman in the long run. He has the body, arm strength, and pocket presence every scout looks for. He has some mechanical issues, but they can be ironed out by good coaching.

 

18. Broncos (From Bears) – Clay Matthews OLB

Matthews had an unbelievable Pro Day at USC, vaulting him to a top 20 pick for sure.  He has emerged as maybe the best of the three USC linebackers according to some—not me, obviously—but is definitely someone who will step in and help right away. Matthews has the size and speed to play any linebacker spot in the 3-4 defense.

The Broncos may look to find a franchise QB with one of their two picks in the first round.  However, the word out of Denver is they like Kyle Orton in Josh McDaniel’s system, and are more than likely to sure up the defense with the picks.

 

19. Buccaneers – Knowshon Moreno RB

While Moreno probably did not run as fast as he would have liked at the combine, he still possesses the necessary skills to be an immediate factor in the NFL. With Cadillac Williams’ injuries and Warrick Dunn being over 30, they will need to find a long term solution at RB.

Moreno is an excellent pass catcher out of the backfield and a force in the screen game. Factor that in with his running skills and he could turn out to be the best RB in this year’s class.

Unfortunately with the top three QB’s being drafted, the Bucs will have to wait until a later round to get their guy. 

 

20. Lions (from Dallas) – Michael Oher OT

While it is hard to imagine very many scenarios where a former top 10 lock will fall to the Lions at No. 20, it seems I have fallen into one of those very scenarios.

The Lions can look to get two very solid players for two of the most important positions in football; QB and Left Tackle. Even if Oher does not fall to them, expect the Lions to find an offensive tackle at this juncture.

 

21. Eagles – Jeremy Maclin WR

With Moreno and Wells both off the board, they will more than likely get a weapon for McNabb here.  If Maclin falls all the way to No. 21, don’t expect the Eagles to pass up the opportunity to get him.

Maclin provides the Eagles with versatility; he can play in the slot and be a match-up nightmare for linebackers, and he can return kicks.

22. Vikings – William Beatty OT

The Vikings have the best Left Guard and Left Tackle combination in the NFL. That being said their right side is suspect at best.

Beatty has solidified his position as a first round pick, and will not only be able to protect their QB, but will improve their already spectacular running attack.

 

23. Patriots – Brian Cushing OLB
After getting Defensive Rookie of the Year Jerod Mayo last year, Bill Belichick will look to upgrade the outside linebacker position this year.

This pick might change come draft day, as the Patriots have so many picks to use as trade bait. Belichick has already come out and said they will look to move up on Saturday, noting that they don’t have room for 11 rookies

 

24. Falcons – Peria Jerry DT

The Falcons, coming off one of the most spectacular turn arounds in NFL history, have few glaring weaknesses on their team. The one they should address come April is the lack of a dominant nose tackle.

Peria Jerry has the chance to be that dominant guy. Finishing his season with 18 tackles for loss and seven sacks, he is a weapon in both the rushing and passing games. At 6’2″, 302, he can clog up the middle and make life easy for the Atlanta linebackers.

 

25. Dolphins – Vontae Davis CB

The Falcons turn around was overshadowed by the Dolphins this season, who boasted possibly the greatest turn around in NFL history. From 1-15 to 11-5 and division champions, the Dolphins can look to fix a huge whole in the offensive line come April.

I can’t believe I have Davis falling this far, but I have to roll with it. Davis is the best pure CB coming out of this year’s draft, and having dealt with Will Allen as a Giants fans, I see the Dolphins going with a CB this year.

 

26. Ravens – Darrius Heyward-Bey WR
It’s pretty much safe to say the Ravens will be looking to draft a WR here, with Derrick Mason turning 35 this year.  Most people have the Ravens selecting Maclin here, but seeing as how I already have him going to Philadelphia, and noting my distrust for Florida wide receivers, this is the direction they should go. 

Heyward-Bey is someone that brings an immediate impact to a team. They will help Flacco by getting a top WR, and I see Heyward-Bey being such a player.

 

27. Colts – Eben Britton OT

The Colts have several things they can address in this year’s draft, one being the lack of depth at offensive tackle. They will need to address the defense at some point, but that has never stopped them from improving their already potent offense in the past (see Anthony Gonzalez).

Britton is a great run blocker and will come in a more than likely become the starter for the Colts. Anytime you can make Peyton’s life a little easier, it makes the team that much better.

 

28. Buffalo – Brandon Pettigrew TE

Buffalo is basically sitting pretty here. With the Falcons getting Tony Gonzalez, one of the three teams in the market for a TE -Eagles and Bills being the other two- are out of the sweepstakes. The only thing that would stop them from getting Pettigrew is the Eagles taking him at 21, or maybe a team taking a “best available” pick.

Pettigrew has all the tools to be a pro bowl tight end. Great hands, good blocker, and speed to beat linebackers. The Bills need a weapon to open up the middle and keep the safties honest.

 

29. Giants – Kenny Britt WR

With all the choices the Giants are seemingly interested in at outside linebacker being taken already, they will probably take a wide receiver here. It seems as though there is a significant gap in the talent level after Curry and the two USC prospects.

The Giants will be taking a stud receiver if they are able to select Britt here. Many people believe he is moving up boards and will be a top 20 pick.

Any team taking this guy will not be sorry. He has all the tools; speed, size, hands, quickness, and route running.  Kenny Britt is a force to be reckoned with.

 

30. Titans – Hakeem Nicks WR

Again, most of you will be screaming “what about Percy Harvin?!” Well allow me to reiterate I simply don’t trust Florida wide receiver prospects, especially those who are under 6’0″ and under 200 pounds. That sort of frame typically just does not hold up in the NFL, not to mention his not-so-spectacular forty time at the combine.

Hakeem Nicks blew up in his junior season and surprised the college football world with 68 catches, 1222 yards, and 12 touchdowns. He is a viable end zone threat, and has a knack for getting up high and catching the jump ball. Look for the Titans to get a weapon for the future here.

 

With this selection, old school Steelers fans will be taken back to the days of Mike Webster. Said by many to be the best center prospect we have seen in years, the Steelers can sure up their bad offensive line by taking Mack.

While it may be more pertinent for them to take a tackle to protect Big Ben, the first six have already came off the board in this mock, so they would look to get the best prospect available.

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