2010 New York Giants: Pre Draft Diagnosis

April 10, 2010

After taking a look at the current New York Giants roster, I believe the team can do well in 2010. They are a young football team that should have some good competition come training camp time. I was surprised at some of the number of players per position. Some of the areas where I thought the G-men were thin, they weren’t. Using the current roster, if it doesn’t change again before the draft, you can begin to see what the team might be thinking since they are so close (12 days away from the 2010 NFL Draft) to getting down to business. The Giants War Room will be rocking and I would not be surprised to see some deals getting done. The G-Men have been very aggressive this off season.

Giants fans are left with more questions then answers. The team has addressed the safety position thoroughly and made some other basic roster moves. Jerry Reese is a man who always has a plan and I am sure he can see the future better then any of us. I’m on the fence currently about drafting either a linebacker or offensive lineman in round one. Linebacker is the bigger need but if the ones they targeted are off the boards, then I would go offensive lineman here. Getting Eli Manning some help during his prime, can only benefit the team long term.

I expect the defense to be better in 2010 without a doubt. They are young and fast and I believe they are going to surprise a lot of teams. I’m excited to see who is going to step up on offense and if the team is ready to invest in another big weapon for Manning. Look for RB Brandon Jacobs to have an improved year and get back to knocking people down, north and south. DE Osi will have some reassuring to do after his 2009 season, by playing his heart out and convincing coaches and fans he wants to stay with the team. WR Steve Smith will prove that 2009 was not a fluke by mimicking his success this season. LB Clint Sintim and WR Ramses Barden should get more playing time and OL William Beatty could be starting by the end of the year.

There are a lot of exciting possibilities in 2010. I expect a real battle at the linebacker position during training camp. I believe that will be the most interesting of them all. Will DE/DT Chris Canty and DT Rocky Bernard make a difference? What do you think about the 2010 New York Giants situation as of today, right now?

Here is a list of questions that I am asking myself about the New York Giants prior to the 2010 NFL Draft. Feel free to leave your comments below.

1. Backup QB situation. Is Jim Sorgi “game ready”? Is Rhett Bomar the answer?

2. Who will play the Middle linebacker position for Big Blue in 2010?

3. Will the running backs be healthy? Will RB Andre Brown emerge?

4. Will safety Kenny Phillips be healthy and ready to play?

5. How will new defensive coordinator Perry Fewell do in his first year with the team?

6. How will some of the other coaching changes effect the plays on the field?

7. Who will the Giants take with the number one pick in the 2010 NFL Draft?

8. Will CB Aaron Ross be healthy and ready to play mentally?

9. Will K Lawrence Tynes still be on the team for the 2010 season?

10. Will P Jeff Feagles have a better season then in 2009?

11. Will TE’s Kevin Boss and Travis Beckum get more work on the offense?

12. Will WR Hakeem Nicks have a breakout season in 2010?

13. Why are WR Sinorice Moss and RB DJ Ware still on the roster based on their career numbers?

14. Will OL William Beatty be starting at left tackle by the end of the season?

15. Can the New York Giants make it back to the playoffs in 2010?

RD – NYGReporter.com


2010 New York Giants: The Linebackers

April 9, 2010

I saved the best for last. Lets discuss the linebackers for a moment and see if we can figure out this situation. The New York Giants parted ways with defensive general Antonio Pierce and the team has yet to replace him. AP will sorely be missed from a leadership stand point and the NYG Reporters wish him well in all of his future ventures. The Giants still need a MLB though and many predict it will come on day one of the 2010 NFL Draft. You’ve heard the names, LB Rolando McClain, LB Sean Weatherspoon and a few lesser known LB’s are taking the spotlight across the web. In anticipation of the draft, (which is less then 2 weeks away) fans are scurrying to find out all of the information they can about major prospects. I am certain the G-men will come away with a linebacker no later then the second draft day. The New York Giants currently have eight linebackers on the roster.

This is another young group of guys on the team. There isn’t one player with more then five years of NFL experience under his belt. The possibility of adding another young LB via the NFL Draft could make Big Blue one of the youngest at that position in the NFL. LB Michael Boley is a solid player who after a rocky start with the team, has won over a lot of fans with his performance in 2009 (his first year with the team). LB Chase Blackburn is tied (with Michael Boley) for the most senior linebacker, with five years of NFL experience. Blackburn is a guy who I would like to see remain a New York Giant for his entire career. The guy can do it all and I never see him complaining about going to work. This might be a good time for the coaching staff to consider starting Blackburn this season at the MLB position. Clint Sintim should see an increase in his playing time in 2010. I expect great things in the future for Sintim.  LB Jonathan Goff, LB Gerris Wilkinson and LB Bryan Kehl will all have an opportunity to make a name for themselves on tape. That leaves LB Kenny Ingram as the odd man out, if they bring in another linebacker via the NFL draft or free agency.

Zak DeOssie, who was practically born to be a New York Giant, has blue blood running through his veins. His father, Steve DeOssie played many years for the New York Giants. Now that he has three seasons under his belt, I’m excited to see what he can do this year. Let me ask you all a question, is this the year that GM Jerry Reese decides to let the existing LB’s fight it out for the coveted starting role? There hasn’t been much free agent activity at the position thus far. The only linebacker I can say will be a starter for certain is Michael Boley, the rest are up in the air as far as I’m concerned.

What do you think about the 2010 New York Giants Linebacker Corps? Will the team use their number one pick on a middle linebacker or promote from within and draft a rookie linebacker on day two or three?

Here is a list of the current 2010 New York Giants Linebackers:

1. Chase Blackburn #57

2. Michael Boley #52

3. Zak DeOssie #51

4. Jonathan Goff #54

5. Clint Sintim #97

6. Gerris Wilkinson #59

7. Bryan Kehl #53

8. Kenny Ingram #43

RD – NYGReporter.com


2010 New York Giants: The Offensive Tackles

April 8, 2010

The New York Giants offensive line has been one of the best in football for a very long time. There were a lot of injuries in 2009 but QB Eli Manning seemed to be moving around like a jack rabbit quite a bit in the backfield. I would never say anything bad about this group of men who protect Eli. Last season seemed a bit strange in multiple areas, not just the O-line. I’m willing to accept that and have confidence that the Giants offensive line will once again become a wall to opposing defenses in 2010. The New York Giants currently have six offensive tackles on the roster.

Second year left tackle William Beatty, performed pretty well this year. I would not be surprised to see him become the starting left tackle at some point in 2010. This of course is based upon the promise he showed in a dismal 2009 season. David Diehl “doesn’t care where you play him, just get him on the field” would most likely switch to an offensive guard position. Diehl is a young veteran presence on the team that the rest of the tackles can learn from. Players like Adam Koets, who have been on the team for three seasons now and could blossom into a very good starter. Guy Whimper is a mainstay and has played well in New York. He will need to step up his game during training camp this year to lock down a permanent spot, the Giants seem to be experimenting with different options and it may include bring in some other talent at the offensive tackle position. Herb Taylor is a great depth guy and team player but along with Whimper as his primo competition, may need to pick his game up during the 2010 training camp.

What do you think about the current New York Giants Tackle situation? Do you think William Beatty is the future at left tackle?

Here is a list of the current 2010 New York Giants Offensive Tackles:

1. David Diehl, LT #66

2. Kareem McKenzine, RT #67

3. William Beatty, LT #65

4. Guy Whimper, OT #79

5. Adam Koets, LT #61

6. Herb Taylor OT, #68

RD – NYGReporter.com


2010 New York Giants: The Tight Ends

April 7, 2010

Were you happy for former Giant Jeremy Shockey, when you saw him win the Super Bowl or were  you hating on him? (Congrats Jeremy) The New York Giants have become a more calmer and methodical team in recent years. The fire that Jeremy Shockey brings to a team is missing. That doesn’t mean it is a bad thing either, it’s just the way it is. TE Kevin Boss has stepped up and become a reliable tight end. He has made many terrific catches, some in heavy traffic, to keep the Giants in close games. I would love to see Boss get more balls thrown his way. He has proven to be willing and able. The Giants currently have five tight ends on the roster.

Travis Beckum is a different story. He is a TE with a lot of promise but someone who didn’t get much playing time last season, which was his rookie year. Some have said that he plays like a WR and could even be thrown into certain situations as such. Giants fans are curious to see Beckum have a great game and prove he call ball at the next level. His lack of playing time wasn’t his fault though, the coaches were having a field day with the productivity of the wide receivers in 2009. The other tight ends are brought in mostly for blocking situations. One of them will surely be off the roster by the time the season starts. This is one area that I expect to see a genuine competition brewing, once training camp begins.

What do you think about the current New York Giants Tight End situation? Is this an area of the team that might still be addressed in free agency or the draft?

Here is a list of the current 2010 New York Giants Tight Ends:

1. Kevin Boss #89

2. Travis Beckum #47

3. Bear Pascoe #86

4. Carson Butler #49

5. Scott Chandler #85

RD – NYGReporter.com


2010 New York Giants: The Defensive Ends

April 7, 2010

The ability to rush the passer is a very important thing. This is a philosophy the Giants have been following for a very long time. Surprisingly, the New York Giants have five defensive ends on the roster. Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck will no doubt get the starting roles. Both of them deserve to be the starters but Mathias Kiwanuka is no pushover. Kiwi could be a starter on many NFL teams right now. Having him as a quality backup is a luxury most teams cannot afford. Tuck and Osi will be a force in the NFL this year. I think Osi will be saying “Don’t call it a come back” and Tuck will be fully healthy and creating havoc. Throwing Kiwi in the mix and Clint Sintim on situational plays makes them even more dangerous. I am looking for a faster and stronger defensive unit in 2010.

I was surprised to see only five true defensive ends available on the roster. Chris Canty is a hybrid and Clint Sintim can draw down when need be but I expect this to be an area the team addresses in the draft. I would say in the middle rounds. There are a lot of guys with chips on their shoulders this year, which makes them all the more dangerous. I expect this Giants defense to make it back into the top five defenses in the NFL and the DE position will have a lot to do with making that happening.

What do you think about the current New York Giants defensive end situation? Is this an area you think they may address in the 2010 NFL Draft? Do you have any DE players in mind and in what round would you take them?

Here is a list of current New York Giants Defensive Ends:

1. Justin Tuck #91

2. Osi Umenyiora #72

3. Mathias Kiwanuka #94

4. Dave Tollefson #71

5. Tommie Hill #63

RD – NYGReporter.com


2010 New York Giants: The Safeties

April 7, 2010

This was the number one need for the New York Giants and it seems like Jerry Reese knew it. After signing Antrel Rolle to a big contract and bringing on Deon Grant, the Giants made a statement by these moves and by cutting safeties Aaron Rouse and CC Brown. This leaves the Giants with five safeties on the team as of today. With Michael Johnson as the number one backup to the Kenny Phillips/Antrel Rolle tandem, I see no reason why this won’t be one of the best defensive back groups in football. The only thing that could derail this plan is if Kenny Phillips is not fully healthy. Remember, it was not very long ago that Kenny Phillips was being compared to the great Ed Reed. The future of the Giants safety group resides with Phillips’ health.

Safety Deon Grant was brought in as a reliable safety, who doesn’t miss games. Grant is 31 years old and the oldest player in the safety corps, automatically making him the veteran voice. The safety position was the worst of the bunch in 2009. Having Perry Fewell work with the defense is a plus. Bill Sheridan was released after an atrocious 2009 campaign. The defensive backfield will be under a microscope in 2010 and I expect the Giants players to be ready. I am assuming that the signing of Grant means that Rashad will not be on the final roster for 2010. This is an area that was thoroughly addressed already this offseason.

What do you think about the current New York Giants safety situation? Is there any reason to pursue another Safety in the 2010 NFL Draft?

Here is a list of the current New York Giants Safeties:

1. Kenny Phillips #21

2. Antrel Rolle #26

3. Michael Johnson #20

4. Sha’reef Rashad #30

5. Deon Grant # TBA

RD – NYGReporter.com


2010 New York Giants: The Quarterbacks

April 7, 2010

If there is one thing that I am absolutely positive of this upcoming 2010 NFL season, it is that Eli Manning is the starting QB of the New York Giants. Manning has an Iron Man streak going and has proven to be tough when the moment arises that he need be. Eli Manning is on track to have another career year if his numbers continue to improve as they have. Losing a backup quarterback with the talent of David Carr will be difficult to replace. I think Carr might be wondering if he made the right choice now by going to the 49ers.  I expect Eli Manning to be voted into the Pro Bowl in 2010 based upon another career year. Eli will need to take WR Steve Smith and WR Hakeem “Octopus Hands” Nicks out for a steak dinner by the end of the season (gold watches might even be involved).

Retaining backup QB Jim Sorgi from the Colts was a nice thing. Eli Manning now has the study partner of his dreams and can be counted on to know his material/plan before a game. The New York Giants need a reliable backup Qb who can win games. Who is available to bring on board in case QB Rhett Bomar doesn’t work out? GM Jerry Reese will not allow the QB position to be an area of concern for Giants fans.

What do you think about the current New York Giants Quarterback situation? Is this an area that could be addressed via free agency or will Reese use a late round pick on a QB again? If so, who can you see the G-Men taking a late round QB sleeper on?

Here is a list of current New York Giants Quarterbacks:

1. Eli Manning #10

2. Jim Sorgi #19

3. Rhett Bomar #5

RD – NYGReporter.com


2010 New York Giants: Center and Offensive Guards

April 7, 2010

This is an area that I feel compelled to discuss. if you take a look at the Official site of the New York Giants, click on the roster tab and investigate, you will find that the Giants have only 4 total players to cover both the Center and Guard positions. This is an area I can see going as high as the number two pick and even a number one spot would not surprise me. I still think the Giants will draft a MLB with the number one pick but if not that, then why not go offensive lineman? It makes sense to bolster this group for Eli manning and the running attack. I have to admit that I had become a bit spoiled with not worrying about the offensive line for so long. This is one of the greatest group of OL guys in Giants history.

Shaun O’Hara is still playing at a high level and drafting a Center in the 2010 NFL Draft would be more of an insurance pick. Someone that can be groomed under O’Hara’s tutelage. The team is going to have to consider the future in this draft without question. There is an injection of youth in every major area of this team and I expect that trend to go in 2010 at the offensive lineman position. I still have faith in this unit as a whole and think they will be fine for another couple of years.

What do you think about the current New York Giants Center and Guard positions? Who do you envision as a possible draft pick in the first or second round at the C/G positions in this years draft?

Here is a list of the current New York Giants Center and Guard position players:

1. Shaun O’Hara, Center #60

2. Chris Snee, Guard #76

3. Rich Seubert, Guard #69

4. Kevin Boothe, Guard #77

RD – NYGReporter.com


2010 New York Giants: The Cornerbacks

April 7, 2010

After taking a look at the roster and seeing the current New York Giants cornerbacks, I am convinced that the team will draft a cornerback in the third round of the 2010 NFL Draft. The Giants currently have seven cornerbacks on the roster. It looks like Terrell Thomas and Corey Webster will get the starters roles. Aaron Ross has to return from an injury plagues 2009 season that limited him to very few games. Ross has all-pro potential but now finds himself in a position of having to prove himself again. It will be interesting to see how he responds.

After the starters and immediate backups, it gets a little foggy to me. This leads me to believe it does the same for the coaches and I am confident this will translate into a top three pick in the upcoming 2010 NFL Draft. Bruce Johnson seems to be the best of the remaining bunch and I look for him to have an improved season. I remember Courtney Brown from his draft day and had him targeted as a possible Giants pick that year. He will have to live up to his potential and make a name for himself. The CB area was a major concern during the 2009 season. It was second place, only to the safety position as far as need this year. This is an area that hasn’t fallen off of my radar and I think Jerry Reese will grab a real talent by round three.

New DC Perry Fewell is a defensive back guy. He is going to change things for the Giants and make them a formidable unit for opposing Quarterbacks. The expectations on Fewell this year are pretty high from all of the street chatter I hear. Everyone knows that the DB’s are Perry Fewell’s area of expertise and expect that group to have an overnight improvement.

What do you think of the current New York Giants cornerback situation and who do you see as a potential 3rd round draft pick at the CB position for BIg Blue?

Here is a list of the current New York Giants Cornerbacks:

1. Terrell Thomas #24

2. Corey Webster #23

3. Aaron Ross #31

4. Bruce Johnson #25

5. DJ Johnson #29

6. Courtney Brown #37

7. Vince Anderson #45

RD – NYGReporter.com


2010 New York Giants: The Defensive Tackles

April 7, 2010

After taking a look at the defensive tackle position today, I am convinced that the New York Giants will take a DT by the 5th pick of this years NFL Draft. The Giants currently have six defensive tackles. The two that I see starting by the beginning of the 2010 season are Barry Cofield and Chris Canty as the starters. Jay Alford, is a more then capable (could start on most teams) backup and fill in. Alford is followed by Rocky Bernard who has something to prove to his fans and the team. This is a make or break year for Bernard in New York and I hope he does well. I don’t know much about the other two, Anthony Bryant and the rookie Dwayne Hendricks. They are both young DT’s and will remain on the team if the coaches see something.

The question marks here are simple. Will Chris Canty live up to his potential in New York and become a legend? or will he play half the year and sit half the year injured? Only time will tell. I am rooting for him to do well because without his part of the puzzle completed, the rest might be in for a struggle. Jay Alford can handle his business and slash to the quarterback abruptly. Fans are eager to see how he returns from his season ending injury last year. Rocky Bernard needs to get back to playing football. If all of these guys are healthy and can do their jobs, the Giants will be fine. Bryant and Hendricks will have to make some noise and get recognized before I can say anything about these two young players. Other then Rocky Bernard, with eight years of NFL experience, the rest of the defensive tackles have no more then 5 years of NFL experience. This is also an area where the Giants are getting younger.

In my opinion, the New York Giants will draft a defensive tackle in the fourth round of the 2010 NFL Draft. If not, then a DT will be drafted in the fifth round at the latest. I think Bryant and Hendricks are fighting for a fifth spot on the roster, with one of them eventually being cut. I see Rocky Bernard as possible trade material. A lot of fans were very disappointed with Bernard’s first year in New York. What do you think about the current New York Giants defensive tackle situation and who do you see as a possible draft pick at the DT position during the mid-rounds?

Here is a list of the current New York Giants defensive tackles:

1. Barry Cofield #96

2. Jay Alford #93

3. Chris Canty #99

4. Rocky Bernard #95

5. Anthony Bryant #75

6. Dwayne Hendricks #74

RD – NYGReporter.com