2011 NFL Draft Recap: New York Giants

May 2, 2011

NEW YORK – What a weekend it has been. The 2011 NFL Draft is over and the Giants have acquired some very talented players. I’m starting to understand the true meaning of the phrase “you can’t please everybody” because there have been some Giants fans who flat out think this draft was a failure. I’m not sure what they were watching, because I think GM Jerry Reese and his staff nailed the draft once again.

After taking some time to digest all of the picks, I have to give Jerry Reese a solid “A” grade. Some of the picks seemed a bit confusing to me initially, but not anymore. You can clearly see what the team was doing, and I find it brilliant. The Giants literally stole CB Prince Amukamara and DT Marvin Austin from the rest of the NFL. I expect both to be pro bowl players within three years if they can get playing time and perform well enough to stay on the field full time. Without question, these two guys were the best picks of the bunch for Big Blue. Only time will tell how good these two rookies can become, but their potential is off the charts.

The Giants 3rd round selection of WR Jerrel Jernigan was a big shock at first, until I did some research on the guy and realized how good he is going to be on special teams. The Giants are sick of all of the issues on special teams and addressed that area thoroughly in the draft. Most rookies usually start their NFL career on special teams anyway, so I don’t want to sound like Jernigan cannot become an outstanding NFL wide receiver. He was clearly taken for his lightning speed, playmaking abilities, and what he can bring to the table in 2011. The Giants 4th round pick, OT James Brewer, is a project player who will need to learn the NFL system and work on his technique. If he can get that part of the game down, this massive man could become quite an asset for Big Blue in an area of need. The Giants did not have a 5th round pick this year because they traded it away when they acquired RB Darius Reynaud last season.

All of the players from the 6th round (The Giants had three 6th round picks this year) and beyond are the biggest question marks of all. We know that you can draft some future stars in the latter rounds, but it remains to be seen who that star might be. Some experts are in love with LB Greg Jones and think he can be a very productive NFL player one day. Personally, I am rooting for all of these rookies to do well and make the team. Their success only makes the G-Men a better team in the end. The Giants minicamp will be the next event on most fans radar, followed by training camp. The NFL lockout reached it’s 52nd day today and will need to be resolved before any football activities can resume. You can find the full list of 2011 NFL Draft picks below. Enjoy!

New York Giants 2011 NFL Draft Picks 

Round 1 – CB Prince Amukamara – 6’0″ 206 pounds

Round 2 – DT Marvin Austin – 6’2″ 309 pounds

Round 3 – WR Jerrel Jernigan – 5’9″ 185 pounds

Round 4 – OT James Brewer – 6’6″ 323 pounds

Round 5 – No Draft Pick (Traded away for RB Darius Reynaud)

Round 6/A – LB Greg Jones – 6’0″ 242 pounds 

Round 6/B – S Tyler Sash – 6’0″ 211 pounds

Round 6/C – LB Jacquian Williams – 6’3″ 235 pounds

Round 7 – RB Da’Rel Scott – 5’11″ 211 pounds

How would you grade the Giants selections in the 2011 NFL Draft?

RD – nygreporter.com

Please visit www.hampscamp.com and donate/contribute to Rodney Hampton’s charity for the kids!


2011 NFL Draft: Day Three, Round 7 New York Giants

April 30, 2011

NEW YORK – The Giants waited until their final pick to grab a running back with RB Da’Rel Scott (5’11” 211 pounds) from Maryland. There were a ton of fans who thought the G-Men should draft a RB with one of their early round picks (I was not one of these people). If there is a word to describe Scott it would be fast. This kid ran a 4.3 40 yard dash at the combine and could become a regular on special teams to start his career if he makes the team. I love these late round picks where the guys have a ton of heart and a desire to do work.

The Giants had a very good draft in my opinion. There seem to be mixed emotions from the Giants fans out there but rest assured, the Giants got some quality talent for the team. I really liked the first three rounds. I have a gut feeling about DT Marvin Austin and that feeling is telling me superstar. I was happy to see GM Jerry Reese really attack the special teams issues by drafting a running back and wide receiver who could be used in that very important area of the game. The G-Men also drafted a ton of speed. Some of these guys are quick as lightning and having that kind of speed on the football field can’t hurt. I also expect Prince Amukamara to become a pro bowl caliber player for the Giants in the near future. He has become a fan favorite overnight.

The 2011 NFL Draft is officially over for the Giants and we must all get back to reality now and the NFL lockout. I hope both sides can work something out quickly and get back to playing the game of football instead of the game of economics. The fans are fed up and expressed that very sentiment on multiple occasions the past three days. I’m exhausted from this draft and will probably sleep for 48 hours straight, so I say goodnight Giants fans and I will see you on Monday.

Let’s take a look at all of the Giants picks for the 2011 NFL Draft.

New York Giants 2011 NFL Draft Picks (Rounds 1-7)

Round 1 – CB Prince Amukamara – 6’0″ 206 pounds

Round 2 – DT Marvin Austin – 6’2″ 309 pounds

Round 3 – WR Jerrel Jernigan – 5’9″ 185 pounds

Round 4 – OT James Brewer – 6’6″ 323 pounds

Round 5 – No Draft Pick (Traded away for RB Darius Reynaud)

Round 6/A – LB Greg Jones – 6’0″ 242 pounds 

Round 6/B – S Tyler Sash – 6’0″ 211 pounds

Round 6/C – LB Jacquian Williams – 6’3″ 235 pounds

Round 7 – RB Da’Rel Scott – 5’11” 211 pounds

What do you think about the Giants grabbing a RB with their final pick?

RD – nygreporter.com

Please visit www.hampscamp.com and donate/contribute to Rodney Hampton’s charity for the kids!


2011 NFL Draft: Day Three, Round 4 New York Giants

April 30, 2011

NEW YORK – After all of the hype and fanfare, we have finally arrived at the final day of the 2011 NFL Draft. The first two days provided some exciting picks and the Giants have once again had an above average first three rounds. The Giants selected OT James Brewer with their 4th round pick. Brewer is a huge guy standing 6’6″ and weighing 323 pounds. He has also been described by experts as a work in progress. He clearly has the size to be an offensive lineman but will need to work on his skills to make it at the next level. He played his college ball at Indiana.

The Giants needed help on the offensive line and have now addressed that area. Most fans thought the team would take a rookie that was ready for the next step and not take on a project. It seems like that is what the team did here. Again, we will need to wait and see what this kid can do on the field and keep our faith in the Giants scouting team. We need to trust that Jerry Reese and his guys know what they are doing. There were a lot of Giants fans calling for the team to draft LB Quan Sturdivant who was still on the boards when the team made this pick. That will be another player the fans will keep a close eye on during his career. The Giants do not have a 5th round pick (traded away for RB Darius Reynaud). Fans will have a long wait to the 6th round unless Big Blue decides to get rid of some of their compensatory picks from round six.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell was mercilessly booed every time he went up to the microphone and he was clearly uncomfortable with that fact. It didn’t help that they announced the 2011 NFL lockout was back on yesterday. As the fans chanted “We want football”, the powers that be chanted “We want more money”. It’s getting ridiculous now and maybe the poor television ratings for the draft are a sign of the times. Enough about that, let’s take a look at how the Giants did during the first 4 rounds.

New York Giants 2011 NFL Draft Picks (Rounds 1-4).

Round 1 – CB Prince Amukamara – 6’0″ 206 pounds

Round 2 – DT Marvin Austin – 6’2″ 309 pounds

Round 3 – WR Jerrel Jernigan – 5’9″ 185 pounds

Round 4 – OT James Brewer – 6’6″ 323 pounds

Are you surprised the Giants took OT James Brewer instead of LB Quan Sturdivant in round 4?

RD – nygreporter.com

Please visit www.hampscamp.com and donate/contribute to Rodney Hampton’s charity for the kids!


2011 NFL Draft: Day Two, Round 3 New York Giants

April 29, 2011

NEW YORK – The Giants are quietly having a very nice draft (as usual). After making two very good picks, the Giants continued to stack talent in the 3rd round by drafting WR Jerrel Jernigan (5’9″ 185 pounds). I have to admit that I was just as shocked as the other Giants fans when this pick was announced because we all thought the G-Men would address the offensive line here or the linebacker position.

The breakdown on this kid is he will be an extraordinary return man in the NFL and he will give the Giants some depth at the wide receiver position. He is known as a playmaker by experts and has explosive speed which he demonstrated many times at Troy. Tom Coughlin and the front office are clearly sick of all of the issues on special teams and have thoroughly addressed that area with a very high draft pick. I’m not suggesting that he won’t see any game time as a WR but that is a very deep group already. Jernigan’s initial value would clearly be as a returner with his breakout 4.4 speed.

Some fans are already calling him Sinorice Moss number two. I don’t think that is fair because we haven’t even seen this rookie on the field yet. I want to give this kid a chance to make his own name on the field and show us what he can do before I come to any conclusions. The fact that GM Jerry Reese made this pick has me excited because he wouldn’t have pulled the trigger if he didn’t see exceptional talent in this young man. The Giants still need help at the offensive line position and the linebacker position but apparently the Giants have a plan in mind that would not require using their high draft picks to acquire either of them.

After two days of the NFL Draft, the Giants picks are starting to come to light. Here is what it looks like so far. Be sure to come back tomorrow and read articles on the final rounds (4-7). Draft coverage begins at noon on Saturday.

New York Giants 2011 NFL Draft Picks (Rounds 1-3).

Round 1 – CB Prince Amukamara – 6’0″ 206 pounds

Round 2 – DT Marvin Austin – 6’2″ 309 pounds

Round 3 – WR Jerrel Jernigan – 5’9″ 185 pounds

Were you surprised that the Giants took a wide receiver in the 3rd round?

RD – nygreporter.com

Please visit www.hampscamp.com and donate/contribute to Rodney Hampton’s charity for the kids!


2011 NFL Draft: Day Two, Round 2 New York Giants

April 29, 2011

NEW YORK – Here we are on day two of the 2011 NFL Draft. After an exciting 1st round with the Giants stealing CB Prince Amukamara, the team now focused on other areas of need in the 2nd round. The Giants selected DT Marvin Austin (6’2″ 309 pounds) with the 52nd overall pick. This does not surprise me at all because the 2011 NFL Draft class was deep at the DT position.

There seems to be personality questions surrounding this player according to the experts but if GM Jerry Reese drafted him, I think it may be more hype then reality. This is a big strong guy. He had 38 reps on the bench press at the combine and his intangibles are off the charts. He is considered a first round talent by most experts but seems to have work ethic questions after missing the entire football season last year after being deemed ineligible to play. The Giants have plenty of players who can take this talented rookie under their wings and show him how to be a professional. Austin has won all sorts of accolades and is still considered a huge talent regardless of the off field issues.

Because the G-Men drafted a DT, that should mean that a current DT will not be with the team in 2011. I can only hope that they do not let DT Barry Cofield go or trade him. I am a big fan of Cofield’s and have been since Big Blue drafted him. He is a consistent player who does not miss football games. I would keep Cofield over Bernard for certain if given the choice. Canty has a lot to prove this year and so does Linval Joseph. There will be some competition at the DT position in this years training camp for certain and that is just the way Tom Coughlin likes it.

I’m surprised that the team hasn’t addressed the offensive line yet but I expect them to do so with their 3rd round pick. Be sure to come back and check out our next article on the Giants 3rd round pick tonight!

Are you surprised that the Giants took a defensive tackle with their second round pick?

RD – nygreporter.com

Please visit www.hampscamp.com and donate/contribute to Rodney Hampton’s charity for the kids!


Giants Rookie CB Prince Amukamara is a Class Act

April 29, 2011

NEW YORK – The Giants made a solid pick in drafting CB Prince Amukamara (6’0″ 206 pounds). Nobody thought he would be available at the 19th pick, including the Giants who didn’t even bring him in for a workout because they thought it would be a lost cause. Much to everyones surprise, he was available and GM Jerry Reese did the right thing and picked him. Giants fans at Radio City Music Hall went absolutely ballistic and had been chanting his name prior to the announcement.

I would suggest that all of our readers go to Giants.com and watch all of the multimedia available on this kid. You will fall in love with this player before you’re done watching all of the video on him. He is humble, polite and clearly has a desire to become the best CB possible. He respects God and family and is exactly the type of player that Tom Coughlin loves. He had an excellent college career at Nebraska and was rated a top ten player in the 2011 draft. His energy is infectious and he really wants to improve and work on his game. Defensive coordinator Perry Fewell is the happiest person in the Giants organization this morning. Fewell works wonders with DB’s and having a young player who wants to work is like a dream come true for a DC.

I’m giving GM Jerry Reese the easiest A+ he has ever gotten in his life for making this pick. It truly was a no brainer and Giants fans can rest assured that this kid is the real deal. The Giants now have one of the scariest backfields in the entire NFL. Hopefully, we can keep DC Perry Fewell (he is getting head coaching offers) with the team for a few years and really build something special on defense.

Are you excited about the Giants landing a top ten prospect with the 19th overall pick?

RD – nygreporter.com

Please visit www.hampscamp.com and donate/contribute to Rodney Hampton’s charity for the kids!


2011 NFL Draft: Day One, Round 1 New York Giants

April 28, 2011

NEW YORK – The New York Giants have made their 1st round pick. With the 19th overall pick the Giants took CB Prince Amukamara (6’0″ 206 pounds – 4.43 40 yard dash) who was still available for some reason. There were a lot of experts who thought/think that Prince is a top ten talent (myself included). Giants fans can be proud that GM Jerry Reese pulled the trigger on this no brainer. RB Mark Ingram and OT Anthony Castonzo were both available when Big Blue took Prince, so that is something fans will have in the back of their minds once the season starts. Make no mistake, this is a solid draft pick for Big Blue that could start paying off as early as this year.

The Giants will now have an even more dangerous backfield with the addition of Amukamara. Defensive Coordinator Perry Fewell must be wearing a perma-grin right now at the thought of coaching this young talent. With solid safeties in Rolle and Phillips and solid cornerbacks in Thomas and Ross, throwing Prince into this mix will really do some damage on the field. The Giants have a bigger need at the offensive line position but who can blame them for drafting a top ten talent that somehow dropped down to the 19th pick? Not me.

I am still hoping that C Stefen Wisniewski can fall to Big Blue in round two. He might even be worth trading up for since the team has a few extra compensatory picks this year. I would be very surprised if the Giants didn’t take an offensive lineman in the 2nd round tomorrow. Clearly, no one can blame them for taking Prince because no one thought he would be available. This is what you call a pleasant surprise.

The 2011 NFL draft will continue tomorrow night at 6:00 PM EST at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Then again on Saturday beginning at noon. Be sure to come back tomorrow for more coverage and check out the @nygreporter twitter account for immediate reactions from the draft.

Are you surprised by who the Giants picked in round one or were you expecting something like this?

RD – nygreporter.com

Please visit www.hampscamp.com and donate/contribute to Rodney Hampton’s charity for the kids!


2011 NFL Draft: D-Day Has Arrived Giants Fans

April 28, 2011

NEW YORK – Everybody can exhale because the draft has finally arrived. It feels like it has taken forever to get here, but the wait is finally over (sort of). Well, at least day one has finally arrived, and Giants fans will learn who the first round pick (19th overall) will be later this evening. Thank goodness because this lockout has fans ripping their hair out. Speaking of the lockout, the situation has become confusing with the judge ordering it to stop but team facilities still being locked up. It is still unknown how the lockout will affect trades and transactions in general during the entire 2011 draft. Let’s not worry about the lockout for the next 3 days and enjoy the draft.

The G-Men have a few areas of need that have been clearly explained for months now. The top three needs the Giants have are offensive linemen, linebacker and defensive tackle. This seems to be the general consensus for most fans and myself. I still firmly believe the team will walk away with one of these positions of need tonight, but if RB Mark Ingram is available, he may be too much to pass up on. The tight end and cornerback positions have also been mentioned quite a bit this offseason.

I have complete faith in GM Jerry Reese (the draft guru) and the rest of the Giants staff and scouts. They have done an outstanding job for years now, and I see no reason why 2011 should be any different. With that being said, the only two positions that would literally shock me (being drafted in round one) are the defensive end and quarterback positions. Everything else is fair game.

Be sure to come back later and check out our draft coverage. We will be doing an article on the Giants 1st round draft pick and giving our opinions on their choice. On behalf of the nygreporter, I would like to say good luck to the Giants organization. The draft begins at 8:00 PM EST tonight. Enjoy!

Who are you hoping the Giants draft in the first round later tonight?

RD – nygreporter.com

Please support the Eric LeGrand charity walk this June 4, 2011! Check it out at http://www.awalktobelieve.org


2011 NFL Draft: 2 Days Away Giants Fans

April 26, 2011

NEW YORK – Well Giants fans, the 2011 NFL Draft is now 2 days away. Are you getting excited yet? I know that I am. A judge also ordered an end to the lockout yesterday, but the NFL has appealed. I don’t know how long that will last but at least it is some good news for the fans. Still, the big story of the week won’t be the extremely annoying NFL lockout, it will be the NFL draft.

I still dislike the new schedule Roger Goodell has implemented with trying to drain every ounce of publicity he can get over three days instead of the traditional draft weekend. I absolutely hate that the marquee day (round one) is now on a Thursday evening. The draft is too long and should go back to the Saturday and Sunday schedule in my opinion. I know a lot of NFL fans who completely agree with me as well.

To be honest, I am exhausted from doing all of the research on college players. Not nearly as much as the Giants scouts I’m sure, but none the less I’m ready to get started. The Giants needs have not changed at all. Usually a trade or something will mix up the draft needs assessment, but due to the lockout, that is not the case this year. I’m sticking with my original needs assessment by position and still believe the G-Men will take a OL/C or DT in round one Thursday. I know there has been a ton of hype about Big Blue grabbing a OT in the first round but I do not agree with those people. I know sticking to my original layout isn’t as exciting (list will be added below) as giving you some new info but I feel strongly about my picks.

New York Giants: 2011 Draft picks by position.

Round 1 pick – Center or Defensive Tackle (Center is clearly the bigger need here but the draft is stacked with talented DT’s)

Round 2 pick – Defensive Tackle or Linebacker (they have some nice talent at LB on the team already but DT could end up being an issue)

Round 3 pick – Cornerback (there is a lot of talent at the CB position but Fewell needs some new blood to work his magic on, depth as well)

Round 4 pick – Offensive Lineman (this could be a tackle or a guard, the o-line will need help soon and depth doesn’t hurt)

Round 5 pick – No 5th Round Pick, traded away for RB Darius Reynaud (5’9″ 201) who is used as a returner.

Round 6 pick A – Tight End (the team has a mission to get QB Eli Manning as many weapons as possible)

Round 6 pick B – Running Back (they need to add a young RB into the mix and GM Jerry Reese is good at finding talent late)

Round 6 pick C – Linebacker (keep stacking talent until you find the golden 3 that fit the best)

Round 7 pick – Cornerback or Wide Receiver (this guy should be used on special teams, get the most talented special teamer available here)

Who do you think the Giants will take with the 19th overall pick on Thursday?

RD – nygreporter.com

Please visit www.hampscamp.com and donate/contribute to Rodney Hampton’s charity for the kids!


2011 NFL Schedule: New York Giants Edition

April 19, 2011

NEW YORK – The NFL announced the 2011 regular season schedule today on the 39th day of the lockout. Talk about a contradiction. They should be required to add the proverbial “asterisk” next to the schedule like they do in baseball for steroids. Just to let the fans know that there still might be an interruption to the 2011 season. Hey, thanks!

I do not mean to sound condescending but this lockout is affecting thousands of people during a nationwide economic crisis. The thousands I speak of are not players or coaches or owners. They are the everyday people that work for NFL teams who aren’t millionaires. I don’t think the NFL realizes that people get paid about $300 per week (if they are lucky) for unemployment benefits. And the people that live month to month are 9 days behind on all their bills.

The release of the schedule is good news. The Giants got a very nice bye week in week seven. I always have a good time reading and planning around it. It looks like the G-Men will have a tough schedule on the road this year. The play some really tough teams. I think they will be up to the task come September after they get some work in at training camp and some time in the weight room. Enough from me, here is the 2011 NFL regular season schedule you have been waiting for fans!

2011 Regular Season Schedule: New York Giants

Week 1: Sunday 9/11/11 – 4:15 PM EST – Giants @ Redskins

Week 2: Monday 9/19/11 – 8:30 PM EST – Giants vs. Rams (MNF)

Week 3: Sunday 9/25/11 – 1:00 PM EST – Giants @ Eagles

Week 4: Sunday 10/2/11 – 4:05 PM EST – Giants @ Cardinals

Week 5: Sunday 10/9/11 – 1:00 PM EST – Giants vs. Seahawks

Week 6: Sunday 10/16/11 – 1:00 PM EST – Giants vs. Bills

Week 7: BYE WEEK

Week 8: Sunday 10/30/11 – 1:00 PM EST – Giants vs. Dolphins

Week 9: Sunday 11/6/11 – 4:15 PM EST – Giants @ Patriots

Week 10: Sunday 11/13/11 – 4:15 PM EST – Giants @ 49ers

Week 11: Sunday 11/20/11 – 8:20 PM EST – Giants vs. Eagles (SNF)

Week 12: Monday 11/28/11 – 8:30 PM EST – Giants @ Saints (MNF)

Week 13: Sunday 12/4/11 – 4:15 PM EST – Giants vs. Packers

Week 14: Sunday 12/11/11 – 8:20 PM EST – Giants @ Cowboys (SNF)

Week 15: Sunday 12/18/11 – 1:00 PM EST – Giants vs. Redskins

Week 16: Saturday 12/24/11 – 1:00 PM EST – Giants @ Jets

Week 17: Sunday 1/1/12 – 1:00 PM EST – Giants vs. Cowboys

Will you be attending a Giants game this year? Are you a season ticket holder?

RD – nygreporter.com

Please support the Eric LeGrand charity walk this June 4, 2011! Check it out at http://www.awalktobelieve.org