New York Giants

New York Giants: Top Breakout Player Of 2018

by

With the New York Giants preparing to make arguably their most important draft choice in the past decade, speculation is surrounding the organization and fan-base. But, let’s take a break from the speculation and take a look at who is bound for a huge year in 2018.

The potential breakout player of the year:

[display-posts tag=”NYG” posts_per_page=”3″ image_size=”thumbnail”]

The Giants saw most of their players struggle last season for obvious reasons, and hopefully a majority of them will return with a vengeance. They will all likely improve from the lost 2017 season, but the one player that is bound for a huge year is defensive end Olivier Vernon.

In 2017, Vernon suffered a high ankle sprain in week four, but continued to play throughout the year despite the significant injury. An additional hand injury also was problematic for the edge rusher.

Interesting stat:

Since 2013, only two more edge rushers have registered more quarterback hits than Vernon.

Former Arizona Cardinals’ DC James Bettcher took defensive end Chandler Jones to the next level, as he recorded 17 sacks in a 3-4 defense. If Bettcher implements a similar system in New York, players like Vernon and JPP should benefit significantly.

With an injured ankle and hand, Vernon recorded 6.5 sacks and 23 total tackles. These numbers are abysmal for a player taking up $16 million in cap-space (2017) and $17 million in 2018.

Luckily for the Giants, there’s an out in 2019 in regard to Vernon’s contract, which would open up $19.5 million in cap-space. If general manager Dave Gettleman decides to release Vernon and Eli Manning, the Giant could see themselves with upwards of $40 million in open cap.

With several big signings this off-season, Big Blue will have significant freedom to sign some high-profile players come 19′.

 

Buffalo Bills GM Speaks Out About Potential Trade Up For QB With New York Giants

by

The New York Giants sit in a spot of premium value going into the 2018 NFL draft with the No. 2 overall pick. Finding a way to gain the most value from their pick will be the top priority. Receiving a kings ransom will be the only way they depart with their top three selection and move back into the depths of the draft.

The Buffalo Bills might be the team to do business with, but general manager Brandon Beane has a few tasks on his mind before he considers offering the mother-load to the Giants and Dave Gettleman.

[display-posts tag=”NYG” posts_per_page=”3″ image_size=”thumbnail”]

Here’s what Beane had to say, according to ProFootballTalk.com:

“The truth? Most of these quarterbacks I’ve only spent 15 minutes with,” Beane said, via Peter King of SI.com. “I haven’t spent enough time to have an opinion about any of them yet, honestly. I actually sent a little note to our [scouts] yesterday. We got six weeks to get our board together.

“I am not there yet, knowing if we can or will move up again. I want Sean to get to know all of them. We’re just keeping an open mind. Where we’re at, we’ve got the picks, we’ve got the draft capital. I’m not ready to pull the trigger.”

Moving up from No. 12 almost guarantees an interest in the Giants at No. 2, especially if they want the cream of the crop. There’s a solid chance the Browns and Giants will go with a QB in the top three picks, and if the Bills want their choice, they will have to offer enormous value.

Beane stated that they have the draft capital and picks to use, so moving up for a second-time is a high-level option as we approach the draft.

It’s likely they will move up after deciding which quarterback they truly think can be the guy for years to come, and after the recent signing of AJ McCarron, some thought he would be the guy for Buffalo moving forward. The Bills only signed him to a one-year deal virtually, and bringing in competition will only help a young quarterback improve early on.

As every day passes, the Giants seem to increase their value at No. 2; significantly after the Colts traded the No. 3 pick to the Jets. If Gettleman can secure two first-round picks in 2018 and another in 2019, we could be looking at one of the most dynamic youth-filled teams in the NFL.

 

An Eli Manning Tribute And Reminder That We Shouldn’t Take Him For Granted

by

I remember one fine day on a radio show New York Giants’ QB Eli Manning was asked if he felt that he was an elite QB, like Tom Brady.

Eli responded, “yes, I feel like I am a elite QB”. Eli has had his fair shares of ups and downs, but one thing is always for certain, he is a Hall of Fame QB. When he was drafted in 2004, he didn’t want to be a San Diego Charger, so he requested a trade to the New York Giants on his draft day.

The Manning way:

Eli has been the true definition of a New York Giant. He has never missed a game due to injury and has the 2nd longest streak of consecutive starts in NFL history.

Many of his critics say after this past 3-13 season that he is declining. But with Dave Gettleman taking over and making the offensive line a priority, I believe we will once again see Eli bounce back.

Manning has won  two Super Bowls and earned MVP both times. He is the only QB to be undefeated against Tom Brady in a Super Bowl.

It wasn’t that long ago in 2015 Eli Manning had a great year. He threw for 4,436 yards and 35 TD’S. The Giants drafted his potential replacement last year in the 3rd round in Davis Webb out of Cal. In the 2018 NFL Draft the New York Giants hold the 2nd pick, and what they do with it will decide the future of the organization.

Despite Manning’s physical skills diminishing with every passing year, he is still ‘OUR’ quarterback, and we mustn’t forget that he deserves our faith and support until his final day as a Giant. We must remain hopeful that he can lead our team in 2018, and that when it comes down to it, he will be there when we need him most.

From the two glorious Super Bowl runs, to the monstrous hits he’s taken over the years, Manning has never faltered and has always risen up from the dirt to find his receiver on the very next pass.

 

Saquon Barkley’s Biggest Strength Is The New York Giants’ Biggest Weakness

by

For the New York Giants, injuries have plagued the organization for the past several years. Whether it was due to the turf, lack of all-around talent, dangerous throws, tackles, runs… You name it, the Giants have suffered injuries in every which way.

This has been the single most significant downfall for Big Blue, and finding a way to cut back on the injuries is as the forefront of the team’s priorities.

Finding players that are healthy, durable and know how to protect themselves is incredibly important. Additionally, a player that can play though an injury is something the goes beyond football. It brings up the examples of Carson Wentz and Alshon Jeffery. Wentz threw a TD pass on a torn ACL and Jeffery played a majority of the season with a torn rotator cuff.

[display-posts tag=”NYG” posts_per_page=”3″ image_size=”thumbnail”]

What really is Saquon Barkley’s biggest strength?

Barkley brings more attributes to the table than any running back in the upcoming NFL draft: Agility, power, speed, and the biggest one, DURABILITY.

As I stated before, the Giants have been plagued by injury, and if they decide to take Barkley in the draft, they can guarantee a durable running back. The shelf-life of a RB in the  NFL is extraordinarily short, which is why drafting a RB in the top-five picks is usually not advisable.

The only injury Barkley suffered during his college career was an ankle injury, which he tried to continue playing on, but simply couldn’t.

A player like Barkley doesn’t come around very often, and if the Giants are willing to take a flier on the generational running back, they can ensure that they will be getting the cream of the crop.

If The Giants Trade Back They Can Address All Of These Positions

by

The New York Giants’ draft value just sky-rocketed at No. 2 after the New York Jets traded for the No. 3 overall pick in the draft.

By trading for the No. 3 pick with the Colts, the Jets are a near guarantee to choose a quarterback no matter the circumstances. This puts the Giants in a position of extreme value, as a team wanting a young quarterback will need to offer a kings ransom to move up into the No. 2 spot.

Additionally, the Giants can still maintain a top pick and select a premium player of choice. They will also be able to add picks for later in the draft and potentially another first-rounder in 2019.

[display-posts tag=”NYG” posts_per_page=”3″ image_size=”thumbnail”]

What the Giants can do with these picks:

With an additional two-three picks in the 2018 NFL draft, the Giants can attack several positions of need.

They currently have holes at cornerback, linebacker, safety, running back, and of course the ever struggling offensive line.

For example, let’s say the Giants trade back to No. 12 in the draft where the Buffalo Bills currently sit. They would likely collect their 12th overall pick, 22nd overall pick, 53rd overall pick, and 2019 first-rounder.

This gives the Giants two first-round picks and an additional second-rounder in this draft alone, not to mention the extra first-round pick they will receive in 2019.

Who can they grab?

In the first round of the draft, the Giants can potentially grab linebacker Roquan Smith out of Georgia at No. 12. This would give defensive coordinator James Bettcher three massive linebackers to play behind a stellar defensive front consisting of JPP, Olivier Vernon, Damon Harrison, and Dalvin Tomlinson.

At No. 22, the Giants can go offense, securing guard Mike McGlinchey to lock up the RT spot. This would give the Giants an offensive line consisting of Nate Solder, Patrick Omameh, Brett Jones, Flowers (?) and McGlinchey. Much improved considering what was tossed out onto the field in 2017.

Having two solid tackles will provide Eli Manning with ample time to get rid of the ball, especially with a running back like Jonathan Stewart who can help push back linebackers shooting the gaps.

In the second round, the Giants can go with a running back to kick things off at No. 34. Players like Derrius Guice, Sony Michel, and Nick Chubb will all likely be available with the Giants’ second-round pick.

So far, we have addressed three positions of absolute need. To finish things off in the second-round, the Giants will be using their additional Bills pick at No. 53.

GM Dave Gettleman could decide to make a nifty move here, especially if a player like Ohio States’ C/G Billy Price is still on the board. Grabbing the center/guard could be a great move, as he can be plugged in immediately to take the place of Brett Jones or the right guard position.

Price did tear his pec at the NFL Combine which required surgery, but he should be ready to make his NFL debut in September.

New York Jets Make Major Trade With Colts For First Round Pick

by

The New York Giants may have some competition in the top five picks as the New York Jets just made a major move.

The Jets trade their No. 6 overall pick in the draft for the Colts’ No. overall pick. The Colts also received the Jets’ 37th and 49th overall picks and their second-round pick in 2019.

What does this mean for the Giants?

If the Giants were planning on trading back to secure more value for their pick and still take a quarterback, that plan might have been foiled. The Jets can now steal their player of choice if they decide to move out of the No. 2 slot.

Now, it’s likely the Giants will retain their No. 2 pick and go with the Dave Gettleman approach (take the player most likely to be a Hall of Famer).

The Giants are now surrounded by quarterback hungry teams with the Cleveland Browns, Jets, Browns again and Broncos.

As Ian Rapoport stated, the Jets gave up three high picks to move up just three spots, something the Giants could do and receive even more value. By doing this, the Jets rule out any potential trade up ahead of them, making them a near lock to grab a quarterback at No. 3.

Darkhorse Offensive Lineman Could Win Right Tackle Spot For New York Giants

by

The New York Giants and general manager Dave Gettleman have ensured that former left tackle Ereck Flowers won’t be put to waste. Instead, he will compete for the right tackle position on the offensive line.

At right tackle the Giants don’t have much depth, but there’s one darkhorse lineman that could easily find himself starting come September.

The darkhorse:

[display-posts tag=”NYG” posts_per_page=”3″ image_size=”thumbnail”]

Flowers finished 2017 with awful grades, and his time at left tackle was plagued by breath-taking gasps that came from Eli Manning running for his life.

By the way… That’s MY quarterback. Manning opened up his body to deliver the pass knowing that he was going to take a monstrous hit. He was sacked five times in this game with Flowers allowing three of them.

In 2018, Nate Solder will be protecting Manning’s blind side, but on the right side of the line, Chad Wheeler could end up being the starter.

Wheeler had a solid 2017 when he was activated, allowing zero sacks against four-time Pro Bowler Justin Houston. The Giants went on to win that game against the Kansas City Chiefs in overtime. But, to no avail, former GM Jerry Reese plugged Bobby Hart in at right tackle the next week.

Wheeler was an undrafted free agent out of USC. Several injuries and an encounter with the police negatively impacted his draft stock, seeing him drop out of the entire 2017 NFL draft.

At 6-foot-7 and 306-pounds, Wheeler is a behemoth of a human, and he will certainly be battling for the starting job against Flowers comes spring. Hopefully, he will earn the job and designate Flowers to the bench where he rightfully belongs.

Davis Webb Continues To Improve, Videos Show Improved Footwork From Under Center

by

The New York Giants have a potential quarterback problem that will arise after Eli Manning is told to hit the road. But for now, all we can do is speculate.

So, let’s look at some actual film of the quarterback that’s already on the Giants’ roster… Davis Webb. Many Mock drafts have GM Dave Gettleman taking Josh Rosen at no. 2 overall, but that consensus could drastically change if Webb can show his abilities from under center. Luckily for us, we have some tape of him taking snaps and dropping back to deliver perfect strikes.

The process:

[display-posts tag=”NYG” posts_per_page=”3″ image_size=”thumbnail”]

The odds are stacked against the former third-round pick, but his constant want to improve and willingness to work diligently on the offseason is apparent. He wants that starting job, and it’s fair to say he’s doing everything to earn it.

Let’s break down the video below:

On the first throw, Webb drops back from under center with solid footwork, simulates moving up into the pocket to avoid pressure, and delivers a solid pass to his receiver over the middle. It’s nice to see his movement looking so fluid and fundamentally solid. Webb worked from the shotgun primarily in college, causing him to lose some stock from teams that use a pro-style offense.

On the second throw in the video, Webb drops back and resets just before the receiver makes his break. He proceeds to deliver a perfect strike to his receiver in stride. There’s no doubt his footwork has improved and his accuracy looks solid from the practice field.

The big question is: Can he deliver on an NFL field?

Reminder, we can say the same thing about any quarterback being drafted in the upcoming NFL draft… Can they reproduce their college success on a professional field?

 

New York Giants Sign Former Cardinals Linebacker Kareem Martin

by

The New York Giants continue to add veteran depth to both sides of the ball as they look to continue to improve the lineup quickly. Signing Kareem Martin was another big step in this process.

https://twitter.com/JordanRaanan/status/974088312758530050

What does Kareem Martin bring to the Giants Defense?

Martin is a versatile player that has played under new defensive coordinator James Bettcher for the past 4 years. He came into the league as a DE/DT and transitioned into a quality linebacker for the Cardinals.

Kareem Martin is a former third-round pick that has improved every year he has been in the league. His talent and experience in James Bettcher’s defense make him a great addition to a linebacker unit that has been lacking talent for some years now.

 

MUST READ: Dave Gettleman Indicated Where Ereck Flowers Will Play On Line

by

The New York Giants signed left tackle Nate Solder in free agency to secure Eli Manning’s blind-side. The signing of Solder puts former LT Ereck Flowers in the back-burner, but now we have any answer as to where he will be playing in 2018.

Where Flowers Will Play:

Flowers will compete at the right tackle spot in 2018. He will likely battle it out with undrafted free agent Chad Wheeler.

[display-posts tag=”NYG” posts_per_page=”3″ image_size=”thumbnail”]

Gettleman has spent big money on the offensive line this offseason, spending $62 million on Solder and another $15 million on Patrick Omameh.

After the Giants signed Solder, head coach Pat Shurmur immediately called Flowers to tell him he’d be competing for the RT spot. Apparently, he seemed fine on the phone. For the record, he should feel fine, he knows he struggled at left tackle and this move basically gives him a second chance at life.