Let's jump back into the position-by-position look... But not before I respond quickly to some comments:
-- Yes, Tim, Droughns is not the back he once was. He might even be forced to play FB at times, something he definitely doesn't want to do. And Ralph, "scat back" does imply something more than just blitz pickup. Bradshaw definitely has to learn that first. He has shown good hands in drills in addition to his speed -- and there are plenty of guys who can't catch a ball with no one guarding them -- so that's added to his promise.
And I didn't mean to imply that Burress doesn't work hard. But he definitely marches to his own drummer. And the main reason he's out there catching balls from the pitching machine after workouts is his WRs coach, Mike Sullivan. It's during team drills and things like that when Burress seems to be off on his own.
OK, moving on...
TE
Jeremy Shockey is bulked up, but he could show up 50 pounds lighter and all the Giants would want is for him to stay on the field for 16 games. His durability is the biggest question mark; he's still a Pro Bowl caliber player. Behind him, though, is where things get tricky. Who knew Visanthe Shiancoe would be missed? Right now, fifth-round pick Kevin Boss is the second TE, and while he can catch passes, blocking is that spot's primary task. He needs work there.
Charles Davis had a decent NFL Europa season, Darcy Johnson has been around for a year and Michael Matthews showed some promise in rookie camp. There's a good chance none of them will make it to the active roster, however, if the Giants prefer a backup OL as their third TE. Wait and see there.
OL
Funny that the biggest question here is about Dave Diehl, who rarely gives any reason to wonder what he'll bring to the table. Diehl will be the Giants' opening day LT -- if he's not, then that player isn't on the roster. Guy Whimper would need some sort of miraculous camp and preseason to win the job, and the way he failed to impress TC last year, he'd be more likely to be cut than win a starter's job if Jerry Reese weren't in charge.
Camp clown Rich Seubert got miffed when I wrote that he was on the bubble last year. I say now that he's the starting LG. Happier now? Zach Piller has plenty of experience and will make a good backup along with Grey Ruegamer for the interior. My guess is Whimper will end up being the third TE if he can handle it, and an either-side T like Jon Dunn has a good shot to stick on the active roster.
K/P
Jeff Feagles is the punter. Lawrence Tynes is the kicker, with apologies to Josh Huston. Can't see TC taking a chance on a rookie kicker when his job is on the line.
KR/PR
Really, really wide open. Frankly, these spots should provide the best competition in camp and the preseason. Michael Jennings, Aaron Ross, Ahmad Bradshaw, R.W. McQuarters, Sinorice Moss, Derrick Ward -- all these guys will get a crack at returning kicks and punts. If our man MJ takes one to the house like he did last preseason, he's got a great chance to win the job.
We'll do defense tomorrow, then the fun begins. Actually, it's just the media-Giants softball game, but there'll be fun after that.
Comments (4)
Have to agree with you on the kicker situation, Arther. No coach whose job is on the line is going to use a rookie kicker. It's a big step from college kicking to the NFL (just ask Mike Nugent). And it will be interesting to see what happens in the PR/KR area, as this is something than many casual fans overlook, but the extra field position you can gain from a good return man can be invaluable over the course of the season. At the TE position, assuming Boss can learn the offense quickly enough, do you see them using many two TE sets to give Eli more options, since the WR spot may be a question mark? Boss seems to have good hands and even some decent speed.
Nice report. I'm interested to read your ideas on the defensive line as well. Curious what role Marcus Bell will have on this team, and what you think he can be.
I feel less and less worried about Diehl at left tackle every day. Pettitgout had one year in which he really impressed me, and that was 2006. He was marked by inconsistency and penalties, and nagging back pains..
Scat backs are needed. I've heard the upside on Bradshaw is tremendous. Expect sporadic flashes of brilliance and a few bonehead rookie mistakes. They need him as a change of pace back compared to the two ogars; Droughns and Jacobs.
Jacobs makes me nervous. He's susepticle to a lot of hits b/c he runs upright. He fumbles near the goal line which is a absolute cardinal sin. And he's made stupid mistakes; i.e. the football tucked under his shirt that cost the Giants 15 yards on the next kickoff or getting into a fight on the opposing teams sideline. Not sold on Jacobs. Hoping the Giants go after a RB in next year's RB stalked draft.
Arthur, fill us in on the perception of Tim Lewis. I've read that he wasn't liked. Demeaning to players and not respected. In addition, the secondary looked extremely confused. Missed assignments. I've heard Sprags is much more posititve. Can you contrast Lewis and his scheme and Sprags and his scheme?
ok? scatback/thirddown back...that is the topic. a couple of thing i dont like about it. If you are good enough to play third down, then why not first and second. and if you have a 3rd down back and he isnt a great runner, but catches well, and blocks well, then every time he comes in, you know its a passing play. does that make sense? If he cant run well then why is he a RUNNING-back. ???
Come on now. I agree with having a change of pace guy, to pound them inside then bounce outside, but i dont think Bradshaw is that, he isnt overly fast, or quick. he is instinctive, and runs with a good center of gravity, that dose not mean he can run around or by people. I would even say that in a straight line he isnt much faster the Jacobs. So what good is he to this team? a Third down back? well first if its 3rd and under 4 they are running it, and they sure arent going to give it to him, and if its a passing situation, why would you put in a UNDERSIZED, rookie that dosent know how to pick up blitz, and if he does couldnt slow them down anyways because he is so small, AND its not like he is head and shoulders above Ruben and Brandon when it comes to catching the ball. Now will all that said, i think he can contribute as a PR/KR, he is the type of player that will see the hole and go to it, and not stutter step and run for more yards laterally then vertically. maybe in a year or two, when he puts on some pounds, and learns he will be the next coming of tiki barber, im praying for that trust me.