Last Updated: April 1, 2008
2008 FREE AGENT SIGNINGS
QB JARED LORENZEN (Re-Signed Restricted Free Agent): Lorenzen was signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the Giants after the 2004 NFL Draft. Lorenzen failed to report to training camp his rookie season. The Giants put him on the Reserve/Did-Not-Report List and he spent no time with the Giants for the remainder of that season. Lorenzen returned to the team in 2005 and made the squad as the Giants’ third quarterback. In the 2006 preseason, Lorenzen played well and was promoted to the primary back-up behind Manning. However, Anthony Wright beat him out for that spot in 2007 and Lorenzen was demoted to the #3 back-up. Lorenzen has a very strong arm. He has improved his accuracy and will surprise you with his mobility. However, Lorenzen is very fat and has at times weighed over 300 pounds, raising questions about his work ethic and commitment to the game.
HB DERRICK WARD (Re-Signed Unrestricted Free Agent): Ward was placed on Injured Reserve in early December 2007 with a fractured fibula. Despite missing four games with groin and hamstring injuries, Ward rushed for 602 yards and three touchdowns on 125 carries (4.8 yards per carry) in 2007. The injury-prone Ward was also placed on Injured Reserve in December 2006 after he re-fractured a bone in his right foot. Ward had originally fractured the foot during training camp and missed the first six games of the 2006 season because of the injury. The Giants added Ward to the roster in 2004 when they signed him off of the Jets’ Practice Squad. The Jets drafted Ward in the 7th round of the 2004 NFL Draft. Ward has a nice combination of size and athleticism. He runs with power, but also is a decent cutback runner with good feet and some elusiveness. Ward can also catch the football. He does well covering kicks on special teams.
LB DANNY CLARK (from Houston Texans): Clark was signed by the Giants in March 2008. Clark was originally drafted in the 7th round of the 2000 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars. In his eight seasons in the NFL, Clark has played for the Jaguars (2000-2003), Raiders (2004-2005), Saints (2006), and Texans (2007). He has 66 career starts and started eight games for the Texans in 2007, finishing the year with 51 tackles, 0 sacks, and 1 interception. Clark is a solid, but unspectacular football player. He has good size but is an average athlete. Good intangibles – physical, aggressive, intense, and smart. Will hit. He has experience on the strongside and middle. Clark is a good run defender who sometimes struggles in coverage. Not much of blitzer with only five career sacks. He is a good special teams player.
QB DAVID CARR (Waived by Carolina Panthers): Carr was signed by the Giants in March 2008. Carr was originally drafted as the very first pick in the 2002 NFL Draft by the Houston Texans. The Texans waived Carr in March 2007. He was then signed by the Carolina Panthers, but the Panthers released him in February 2008. In six seasons, he has started 79 games with 62 touchdowns and 70 interceptions and completed almost 60 percent of his passes. Carr has all of the tools, but he has been a major disappointment in the NFL. He combines good size and athleticism with a strong arm. However, he appears to have lost his confidence and his leadership skills have been questioned. Inconsistent. Carr needs to do a better job of feeling pressure and getting rid of the ball quicker. He also needs to improve his decision making.
SS SAMMY KNIGHT (from the Jacksonville Jaguars): Knight has played 11 years in the NFL with four teams, including the Saints (1997-2002), Dolphins (2003-2004), Chiefs (2005-2006), and Jaguars (2007). He accrued 93 tackles, 11 pass defenses, and 4 interceptions in 2007. Knight has good size, but is nearing the end of his career and lacks the athleticism and range that most teams look for in a safety. Slow and lacks agility. His best assets are his intangibles – smart, experienced, instinctive, and a good leader. Quarterback of the secondary who makes sure everyone is lined up properly. A classic “in-the-box” safety who is a good run defender and tackler near the line of scrimmage, Knight will miss some open-field tackles. He’s strictly a zone coverage-type who you do not want locked up in man coverage against quality receivers.
PK LAWRENCE TYNES (Re-Signed Before Unrestricted Free Agent): The Giants acquired Tynes in a trade with the Kansas City Chiefs in May 2007 for a conditional 7th round draft pick in the 2008 NFL Draft. Tynes finished the season 23-of-27 (85 percent) on field goal attempts (with a long of 48 yards) and 40-of-42 on extra points. Tynes was also 5-of-7 in the playoffs. In three seasons with the Chiefs, from 2004-2006, Tynes was 68-of-87 (78 percent) on field goal attempts and 137-of-141 on extra point attempts. Tynes was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the Chiefs after the 2001 NFL Draft. He was cut at the end of training camp and re-signed the following offseason and allocated to NFL Europe. Tynes was released again before the 2002 NFL season started. He spent the 2002 and 2003 seasons with the Ottawa Renegades (CFL), where he converted on 71-of-87 field goal attempts (81.6 percent). In 2004, Tynes was re-signed by the Chiefs and beat out Morten Andersen for the team’s place-kicking job.
DT MANNY WRIGHT (Re-Signed Exclusive Rights Free Agent): Wright was signed by the Giants as a street free agent in August 2007. He made the team but spent most of the season on the inactive list. Wright played in six games and finished the season with 2 tackles. Wright was originally drafted in the 5th round of the 2005 Supplemental Draft by the Miami Dolphins. Wright was waived by the Dolphins in May 2007. The Bills claimed him off of waivers but released him soon after. Wright is a very talented athlete with superb size (6-5, 345 pounds). He can beat linemen with power and quickness. However, he has battled weight problems and emotional issues throughout his young career. Wright left the Dolphins and sat out the 2006 season. In college, at USC, Wright was plagued with academic and off-the-field problems. He has a big upside, but he has to stay mentally focused and improve his technique.
LB KEITH O’NEIL (Street Free Agent): O’Neil was signed by the Giants as a “street” free agent in February 2008. O’Neil was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the Dallas Cowboys after the 2003 NFL Draft. The Cowboys waived him in early September 2005 and he was claimed by the Indianapolis Colts off of waivers. The Colts placed him on Injured Reserve in August 2007 with a chest injury. He also suffered from a hernia earlier during the 2007 training camp. O’Neil played in 31 games with the Cowboys (2003-2004) and 21 games for the Colts (2005-2006) with no starts for either team. He has 72 career tackles.
DE DAVE TOLLEFSON (Re-Signed Exclusive Rights Free Agent): Tollefson was signed by the Giants off of the Oakland Raiders’ Practice Squad in October 2007. He was originally drafted in the 7th round of the 2006 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers. The Packers waived him before the 2006 season started, but signed him to their Practice Squad. The Oakland Raiders signed Tollefson in January 2007 and allocated him to the Berlin Thunder of NFL Europe. In Europe, Tollefson started 10 games and accrued 26 tackles and 4.5 sacks. The Raiders waived him before the 2007 NFL season started and signed him to their Practice Squad. Tollefson was credited with 21 career sacks during his collegiate career at Northwest Missouri State. He was a two-time All-Mid America Intercollegiate Athletics Association pick and was the conference’s defensive MVP in 2005. Tollefson was plagued with foot and shoulder problems in college. He stood out at the Hula Bowl in 2006. Tollefson is a hard-working player. He has a nice combination of size and athleticism. Tollefson needs a lot of technique work, but he has a good upside.
WR MICHAEL JENNINGS (Re-Signed Exclusive Rights Free Agent): Jennings tore his Achilles’ tendon in the second preseason game of 2007 and was added to Injured Reserve after clearing waivers. Before the injury, Jennings saw a lot of reps with the first team and looked to be a much improved player. He had finally made the Giants’ active roster in 2006 after spending time on the Giants’ Practice Squad in 2004 and 2005. Jennings finished the 2006 season with five catches for 49 yards and two rushes for 12 yards. Jennings, a track star at Florida State, did not play college football. He was originally signed by the 49ers as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2002 NFL Draft. In 2004, he spent time on the Practice Squads of the Patriots and Ravens (in addition to the Giants). While Jennings lacks ideal size, he is extremely fast and quick. He also has experience in the return game and scored on a punt return against the Ravens during the 2006 preseason.
FB ROBERT DOUGLAS (Re-Signed Exclusive Rights Free Agent): The Giants signed Douglas to the 53-man roster off of the Houston Texans’ Practice Squad in December 2006. Douglas was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the Tennessee Titans after the 2005 NFL Draft and spent time on the Practice Squads of the Titans and Texans that year. The Buccaneers signed him in early 2006 before releasing him in July 2006. He then spent time on the Texans’ Practice Squad in both September and December before the Giants signed him. In college, at the University of Memphis, Douglas was switched from linebacker to fullback midway through his junior season. He is still learning the fullback position. Douglas is athletic and aggressive. He flashes as a pass receiver out of the backfield.
P JEFF FEAGLES (Re-Signed Before Unrestricted Free Agent): Despite the fact that Feagles turns 42 in March, he is still one of the League’s best punters. He makes up for a lack of ideal leg strength with his directional-punting skills that often pin an opposing returner along the sidelines. Feagles is also excellent at helping his team to down punts inside the 20-yard line. In 2007, in his fifth season with the Giants, Feagles averaged 40.4 yards per punt (36.0 yard net). Over one-third of his punts landed inside the 20 with only five touchbacks. Feagles does have a degenerative arthritic knee.
WR TODD LOWBER (Street Free Agent): Lowber was signed by the Vikings as a rookie free agent after the 2007 NFL Draft. The Vikings waived him in late August. He then spent two stints on the Giants’ Practice Squad before his contract was terminated in early January. Interestingly, Lowber did not play football in college (Ramapo College) or high school. He is a very good athlete with excellent size and exceptional speed.
HB KAY-JAY HARRIS (Giants’ Practice Squad): Harris was signed to the Giants’ Practice Squad in late November 2007. Harris was originally signed by the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2005 NFL Draft. The Dolphins released him in October 2006 and he spent some time with the Rams before St. Louis waived him in August 2007. Harris is a big back and a good athlete for his size. Has some power, instincts, and vision. Smooth and fluid, but he lacks speed and elusiveness. Harris is strictly a “between-the-tackles”-type runner. Can catch the ball.
TE MARCUS FREEMAN (Giants’ Practice Squad): Freeman was signed to the Giants’ Practice Squad in January 2008. Freeman was originally signed by the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2007 NFL Draft. The Ravens released him before the 2007 season started and he was claimed by the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers waived him October and then signed him to their Practice Squad. Freeman is more of an H-Back type due to his lack of size. He adjusts well to the ball and has good hands, but he is not overly fast.
WR BRANDON LONDON (Giants’ Practice Squad): London was signed by the Giants as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2007 NFL Draft and spent the season on the Giants’ Practice Squad. He was an All-Atlantic 10 performer in 2006 as he led UMass in receiving with 50 catches for 781 yards (15.6 yards per catch) and 9 touchdowns. London has a lot to learn as he comes from a small-school program, but he has a very nice combination of size and speed. London also has good hands.
OT NA’SHAN GODDARD (Giants’ Practice Squad): Goddard was signed by the Giants as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2006 NFL Draft. He made the team, but was inactive for the first seven games of the season. He was then waived and was claimed off of waivers by the Jets. The Jets waived him early September 2007. Goddard is big, physical tackle who played both tackle spots in the 2006 preseason for the Giants and performed fairly well.
OT/OG BRANDON TORREY (Giants’ Practice Squad): Torrey was signed to the Giants’ Practice Squad in January 2008. Torrey was originally signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers to a futures contract in February 2006. The Steelers waived him before the season started but signed him to their Practice Squad. Torrey was signed by the Steelers again in January 2007, but waived before the season started. The Cardinals signed him to their Practice Squad in November.
CB DARREN BARNETT (Giants’ Practice Squad): The Giants signed Barnett as a rookie free agent after the 2007 NFL Draft, waived him in June, re-signed him in August, and then waived him in early September before the season started. Barnett lacks ideal size, but he is a very good athlete. He tested extremely well at Missouri State’s pro day workouts in 2007. Barnett has character concerns. After playing well for Michigan State as a sophomore in 2003, he was kicked off the team for testing positive for drugs. He transferred to Missouri State in 2004 and earned first-team All-Gateway honors after tying for the conference lead with 7 interceptions. Barnett was ruled academically ineligible in 2005, prematurely ending his college career. He did not play football in 2005 and 2006.
S ANDREW SHANLE (Giants’ Practice Squad): Shanle was signed to the Giants’ Practice Squad in December 2007. Shanle was originally signed by the Chicago Bears as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2007 NFL Draft. The Bears waived him in early September before the season started. Shanle has decent size, but he is a bit limited athletically. Shanle times well, but he is a straight-line athlete – not very fluid or agile. He is smart, tough, and competitive. Lacks experience, only starting one year in college at Nebraska. Inconsistent tackler. Good special teams player.
LB RORY JOHNSON (Street Free Agent): The Giants signed Johnson to a futures contract in January 2008. The Giants had signed Johnson to their Practice Squad on September 25, 2007 but waived him on October 1. Johnson was originally signed by the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2007 NFL Draft. Johnson left Mississippi as a junior. At his Pro Day, Johnson ran the 40-yard dash in 4.53 and 4.63 seconds. Johnson lacks ideal height, but he is a good athlete. Plays hard. Johnson was productive in college, but scouting reports question his instincts. Too many tackles were down the field. Needs to attack more aggressively. Raw – needs a lot of technique work and work in pass coverage. Johnson has had some off the field issues.
PK SHANE ANDRUS (Street Free Agent): Andrus was signed by the Giants in January 2008 to a futures contract. Andrus (Murray State) was originally signed by the Indianapolis Colts in February 2006. He was waived before the 2006 season, but re-signed in February 2007 and assigned to NFL Europe. The Colts waived him before the 2007 season started.
DT RODNEY LEISLE (Street Free Agent): Leisle was signed by the Giants in January 2008 to a futures contract. Leisle was originally drafted in the 5th round of the 2004 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints. He only played in three games his first two years with the Saints. 2006 was his best season as he accrued 16 tackles in 14 games (with one start). The Saints released him in August 2007. Leisle is a blue-collar overachiever. Not very athletic, he lacks quickness and mobility. But he is a plugger who plays hard and plays with an attitude. Leisle is strong and anchors well in run defense. He is not much of a pass rusher.
2007 FREE AGENT SIGNINGS
CB GEOFFREY POPE: Pope was signed to the 53-man roster from the Practice Squad at the end of December 2007. The Miami Dolphins signed Pope as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2007 NFL Draft, but he was waived by the team in early September. While he lacks ideal size, Pope is a good athlete with excellent speed. Not overly instinctive as a pass defender, Pope also needs to improve his play in run support.
TE JEROME COLLINS: Collins was signed to the 53-man roster from the Practice Squad in mid-December when Jeremy Shockey was lost for the season. Collins was drafted by the Rams in the 5th round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played in three games for the Rams in 2005, but the Rams released him before the 2006 season. In 2006, Collins spent time on the Cowboys’ Practice Squad before the Colts signed him to their active roster. Collins did not play in a single game for the Colts and ruptured his Achilles tendon in practice in December and was placed on Injured Reserve. The Colts waived him in February 2007. Collins combines excellent size and athletic ability. He tested very well at the NFL Combine. However, he does not look quite as athletic or fast on the football field. Adjusts well to the football and runs well after the catch. Lacks experience as he only played tight end his senior year in college as was part of a three-man rotation. Needs to improve his blocking and route running skills. Flashes as a blocker and receiver, but he still needs a lot of development.
HB DANNY WARE (New York Jets’ Practice Squad): Ware was signed by the Giants off of the Jets’ Practice Squad in early December 2007. Ware entered the 2007 NFL Draft after his junior season. He was not drafted but signed by the Tennessee Titans after the draft. The Titans waived him in June and the Jets claimed him a few days later. The Jets released him before the 2007 season started and signed him to their Practice Squad. Ware was a highly recruited running back coming out of high school and he started as a freshman at Georgia. However, Ware was not overly productive in college and shared time with other backs. Ware is a big back with decent athleticism, power, and vision. Not elusive or fast. Catches the ball well. Ware has had fumbling and confidence issues.
LB TANK DANIELS: Daniels was signed to the 53-man roster from the Practice Squad in late November 2007. Daniels was signed by the Eagles as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2006 NFL Draft. Daniels spent time on both the Practice Squad and the active roster of the Eagles in 2006. He was released by the Eagles in early September 2007 and the Giants added him to their Practice Squad later that month.
HB/FB PATRICK PASS (Street Free Agent): Pass was signed by the Giants in late November 2007. Pass was originally drafted by the New England Patriots in the 7th round of the 2000 NFL Draft. In 2006, he was placed on Injured Reserve with a hamstring injury. Pass signed with the Houston Texans in July 2007 but was waived in August. With New England, Pass rushed for the ball 128 times for 526 yards and three touchdowns. He also caught 66 passes for 570 yards and a touchdown. Pass is a bit of a HB/FB ‘tweener. He catches the ball well out of the backfield and can pick up the blitz. Good special teams player.
DE DAVE TOLLEFSON (Oakland Raiders’ Practice Squad): Tollefson was signed by the Giants off of the Oakland Raiders’ Practice Squad in October 2007. He was originally drafted in the 7th round of the 2006 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers. The Packers waived him before the 2006 season started, but signed him to their Practice Squad. The Oakland Raiders signed Tollefson in January 2007 and allocated him to the Berlin Thunder of NFL Europe. In Europe, Tollefson started 10 games and accrued 26 tackles and 4.5 sacks. The Raiders waived him before the 2007 NFL season started and signed him to their Practice Squad. Tollefson was credited with 21 career sacks during his collegiate career at Northwest Missouri State. He was a two-time All-Mid America Intercollegiate Athletics Association pick and was the conference’s defensive MVP in 2005. Tollefson was plagued with foot and shoulder problems in college. He stood out at the Hula Bowl in 2006. Tollefson is a hard-working player and a good athlete. He needs a lot of technique work.
DT RUSSELL DAVIS (Waived by Seattle Seahawks): Davis was signed by the Giants in September 2007. He is a nine-year veteran who has played with the Bears (1999), Cardinals (2000-2005), and Seahawks (2006). The Seahawks waived him on September 4, 2007. Last year for Seattle, Davis played in 13 games with no starts. He accrued 30 tackles and a career-high three sacks. Davis is a decent run defender, but not much of a pass rusher (11.5 career sacks). Davis was originally drafted by the Bears in the 2nd round of the 1999 NFL Draft.
OC NICK JONES (Street Free Agent): Jones was signed by the Giants as a street free agent in August 2007. He was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2007 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks. The Seahawks waived him in July.
S/KR J.R. REED (Street Free Agent): Reed was signed by the Giants as a street free agent in August 2007. Reed was originally drafted in the 4th round of the 2004 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles. He played in 14 games as a rookie, being credited with 23 tackles. Reed suffered a serious injury to his knee during the following offseason and spent the 2005 season on the Reserve/Non-Football Injury List. He was one of the Eagles final cuts before the season started in 2006. Reed was then signed by the Rams. He played in nine games for St. Louis before being waived in November 2006. The Falcons signed Reed in December, playing in the final two games of the season. The Falcons waived him in April 2007. Reed has experience returning kicks.
CB DARREN BARNETT (Street Free Agent): The Giants signed Barnett as a street free agent in August 2007. Barnett was originally signed by the Giants in May 2007 after the Rookie Mini-Camp, but the team waived him in June. Barnett lacks ideal size, but he is a very good athlete. Confident – he feels he can compete with the best. He tested extremely well at Missouri State’s pro day workouts in 2007. Barnett has huge character concerns. He has not played football since 2004. After playing well for Michigan State as a sophomore in 2003, he was kicked off the team for testing positive for drugs. He transferred to Missouri State in 2004 and earned first-team All-Gateway honors after tying for the conference lead with 7 interceptions. Barnett was ruled academically ineligible in 2005. His college career was over. He did not play football in 2005 and 2006.
DT TUI ALAILEFALEULA (Street Free Agent) : Alailefaleula was signed by the Giants as a street free agent in August 2007. Alailefaleula was originally signed as a rookie free agent after the 2006 NFL Draft by the New York Jets. He missed was placed on Injured Reserve by the Jets in late August; the Jets cut him off of Injured Reserve in October 2006. Alailefaleula is huge, listed at 6-4 and 345 pounds.
DT MANNY WRIGHT (Street Free Agent): Wright was signed by the Giants as a street free agent in August 2007. He was originally drafted in the 5th round of the 2005 Supplemental Draft by the Miami Dolphins. Wright was waived by the Dolphins in May 2007. The Bills claimed him off of waivers but released him soon after. Wright is a very talented athlete with excellent size (6-5, 345 pounds). However, he has battled weight problems and emotional issues. Wright left the Dolphins and sat out the 2006 season due to depression. In college, at USC, Wright was plagued with academic and off-the-field problems.
OT MYNIYA SMITH (Street Free Agent) : Smith was signed by the Giants as a street free agent in August 2007. Smith was originally signed as a rookie free agent by the Houston Texans after the 2005 NFL Draft. He was cut by Texans in June 2005. The Giants signed him in July 2005, waived him in September, then signed him to their Practice Squad, where he remained for the remainder of the 2005 season. The Giants did not re-sign him in 2006 and he did not play football that season. Smith has excellent size (6-5, 351 pounds).
OT DAN PARRISH (Street Free Agent): Parrish was signed by the Giants as a street free agent in August 2007. He was originally signed as a rookie free agent by the Jacksonville Jaguars after the 2007 NFL Draft. The Jaguars waived him in late July. Parrish has excellent size (6-7, 345 pounds).
SS RICHARD YANCY (Street Free Agent): Yancy was signed by the Giants in late July 2007. Yancy was a member of 49ers in 2004 and a member of the Chargers in 2005 as a participant in the NFL International Practice Squad Program. From 2005-2007, Yancy was the starting strong safety on the now-defunct Rhein Fire.
WR KEVIN McMAHAN (Street Free Agent): McMahan was signed by the Giants as a street free agent in July 2007. He was originally drafted by the Raiders in the 7th round of the 2006 NFL Draft, being the last player selected in the entire draft. He was one of the Raiders last cuts in September 2006. The Colts signed him in February 2007 but waived him in July. McMahan played collegiately at the University of Maine. He has decent size (6-2, 200lbs) and very good speed (4.31). He is very green and needs work on running routes.
OG ZACH PILLER (Waived by the Detroit Lions): Piller was signed by the Giants in June 2007. Piller was originally drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the 3rd round of the 1999 NFL Draft. In eight seasons with the Titans, Piller started 58 games. He missed most of the 2006 season with an ankle injury. The Titans waived him in February 2007. The Detroit Lions signed him in March, but later waived him in May. Piller is a mauling run blocker who creates movement at the point-of-attack. He is aggressive and tough. Plays with an attitude. Lacks ideal athleticism and isn’t as strong when pulling or engaging defenders at the second level. He can have problems with quick pass rushers at times. Piller has been somewhat injury-prone in his career.
HB DERRICK WARD (Re-Signed - Restricted Free Agent): Ward was placed on Injured Reserve in December 2006 after he re-fractured a bone in his right foot. Ward had originally fractured the foot in training camp and missed the first six games of the 2006 season because of the injury. The Giants added Ward to the roster in 2004 when they signed him off of the Jets’ Practice Squad. He was drafted by the Jets in the 7th round of the 2004 NFL Draft. In 2005, Ward rushed the ball 35 times for 123 yards for the Giants. In his injury-shortened 2006 season, Ward only played on special teams. He did not stand out as a kickoff returner, averaging 20.3 yards per return. Ward has a nice combination of size and athleticism. He runs with power, but also is a decent cutback runner with good feet and some elusiveness. Ward can also catch the football, but he must work on his blitz pick-ups. He does well covering kicks on special teams.
DE ADRIAN AWASOM (Re-Signed - Exclusive Rights Free Agent): Awasom was signed by the Giants as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2005 NFL Draft and surprisingly made the team despite the presence of Strahan, Umenyiora, Tuck, and sixth round draft pick Eric Moore on the roster. But the coaching staff was impressed enough with him in training camp and the preseason to keep him on the team. In the 2005 regular season, Awasom’s only action came on special teams. Awasom again impressed during the 2006 preseason, but with the drafting of Mathias Kiwanuka, he was relegated to the Practice Squad. The Giants signed him to the active roster in late October 2006 when injuries hit the defensive end position. He finished the season with 12 tackles and 1 sack. Awasom has nice combination of size and athleticism. He has long arms and has decent quickness and agility. He is an OK run defender, but he needs to become tougher at the point-of-attack and shed blocks more quickly. Awasom is a decent pass rusher.
SS GIBRIL WILSON (Re-Signed - Restricted Free Agent): Counting two playoff games, Gibril Wilson has started 33 games at strong safety for the Giants during the past two seasons. During the regular season in 2005, he accrued 110 tackles, 3 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 2 interceptions, and 5 pass defenses. In 2006, he finished the regular season with 100 tackles, 3 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, 2 interceptions, and 8 pass defenses. Gibril started seven games in 2004 as a rookie after Shaun Williams was lost for the season and before a serious neck injury caused Wilson himself to miss the remainder of the season. Wilson flashed more in pass defense in 2004 with three interceptions in those seven games. Wilson is not very big for a safety. His lack of prototypical strong safety size hurts him at times in run defense although he is a pretty aggressive player. Wilson missed too many tackles in 2006. While he is fairly athletic with good speed and quickness for a safety, he does not make many plays in pass defense. Wilson does flash as a blitzer.
DT TITUS ADAMS (Re-Signed - Exclusive Rights Free Agent): Adams was originally drafted by the New York Jets in the 7th round of the 2006 NFL Draft. The Jets cut Adams in early September and then signed him to their Practice Squad. The Giants signed Adams in early December 2006 off of the Jets’ Practice Squad. Adams combines decent size with athleticism. He has long arms and natural strength. Aggressive and pursues well – has good range. Adams plays the run well. He flashes at times on the pass rush. Lacks consistency. Adams played some defensive end at the University of Nebraska too.
LB REGGIE TORBOR (Re-Signed - Restricted Free Agent): Reserve strongside linebacker Reggie Torbor was drafted by the Giants in the 4th round of the 2004 NFL Draft. Torbor was an undersized defensive end in college and the Giants used him as a situational pass rusher from the right defensive end spot during his rookie season. Torbor improved his linebacking play in 2005 and started nine games that season. However, despite all of the injuries and generally ineffective play at linebacker in 2006, Torbor did not see all that much playing time. He did start three games in November and finished the regular season with 29 tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, and 1 pass defense. Torbor has a decent combination of size, strength, and athleticism. He has improved his ability to stack and shed at the point-of-attack. However, Torbor is not all that fast or quick, and does not stand out in pass coverage. He is a good special teams player.
QB ANTHONY WRIGHT (from the Cincinnati Bengals): Anthony Wright was signed by the Giants in April 2007. He was originally signed as undrafted rookie free agent by the Pittsburgh Steelers after the 1999 NFL Draft. Since that time, he has played with the Dallas Cowboys (2000-2001), Baltimore Ravens (2002-2005), and Cincinnati Bengals (2006). In eight NFL seasons, he has started a total 19 games, completing 55.4 percent of his passes for 3,578 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 25 interceptions. Wright lacks ideal height, but he is a good athlete who can make plays with his feet and who has a strong arm. Not overly accurate and he will force the football into coverage. Wright needs to make better decisions when throwing the football. He has been somewhat injury-prone.
DT MARCUS BELL (Waived by the Detroit Lions): Marcus Bell was signed by the Giants in April 2007. He was originally drafted in the 4th round of the 2001 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals waived Bell in 2004 and he was claimed by the Lions. The Lions cut Bell in March 2007. In 2006 for the Lions, Bell started seven games and accrued 39 tackles and one sack. During his six-year career, he has started a total of 21 games. Bell was placed on Injured Reserve in December with a broken hand. Bell is a big nose tackle who can two-gap and hold the point-of-attack against the double team. Better run defender than pass rusher. Tough and intense. Bell has had issues in the past with his conditioning and stamina.
S/CB MICHAEL STONE (from the Houston Texans): Michael Stone was signed by the Giants in April 2007. He was originally drafted in the 2nd round of the 2001 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals. Stone was signed by the St. Louis Rams in 2005. The Rams waived him before the season started and he was picked up by the New England Patriots. In 2006, Stone signed with the Texans. Stone’s most productive season was with the Patriots in 2005 when he accrued 46 tackles in 13 games, starting three. He only played in two games with the Texans. Stone has experience at both cornerback and safety. Stone is a fast player who excels on special teams. Good hitter and tackler. Not an instinctive player on defense. Stone lacks ideal agility and quickness for corner and ideal size for safety. He has been somewhat injury-prone.
PK MARC HICKOK (Street Free Agent): Hickok was signed by the Giants as a street free agent in April 2007. At the University of Connecticut, from 1999-2002, Hickok connected on 27-of-38 field goal attempts (71 percent) and 82-of-86 extra point attempts. In both 2001 and 2002, he made 12-of-17 field goal attempts (71 percent).
P CORY OHNESORGE (Street Free Agent) : Ohnesorge was signed by the Giants as a street free agent in April 2007. At Occidental College, from 2002-2005, Ohnesorge averaged 41.1 yards per punt on 155 punts. His longest punt was 79 yards, and he placed 49 punts inside the 20.
OC/OG GREY RUEGAMER (Re-Signed - Unrestricted Free Agent): Ruegamer is a versatile lineman who has played center, guard, and even some tight end for the Giants. He was originally drafted by the Dolphins in the 3rd round of the 1999 NFL Draft, but did not play that season for Miami. Ruegamer signed with the Patriots in 2000 and started three games in three years with New England. In 2003, he signed with the Packers, starting 11 games in 2004 and two games in 2005. Ruegamer signed with the Giants in 2006. He played in all 16 regular season games and started at left guard in the regular-season finale. Ruegamer is a solid, dependable back-up-type who won’t embarrass you when called upon to start. He is smart and aggressive. Ruegamer is a solid technician - he is more of a position blocker than mauler. Lacks range and thus can struggle when called upon to pull or block at the second level.
LB KAWIKA MITCHELL (from the Kansas City Chiefs): Mitchell was signed by the Giants as unrestricted free agent from the Chiefs in March 2007. He was originally drafted in the 2nd round of the 2003 NFL Draft by the Chiefs. In four years with the Chiefs, Mitchell started 50 games, including every single regular season game in 2005 and 2006 at middle linebacker. Mitchell is a versatile player who can play all three linebacker spots. He has good size and is a good athlete. Mitchell has good range. Solid tackler. Mitchell is a three-down player who can cover. Excellent intangibles – smart, hard-working, tough, and hustles. Mitchell is a solid player who gets in a lot of tackles (over 100 the last two seasons with the Chiefs). However, he does not make a lot of game-changing plays (i.e., sacks, interceptions, pass defenses, forced fumbles, fumble recoveries, etc.). While aggressive against the run, he is not a physical run defender and he needs to shed blockers better. Still improving player – Mitchell has become more instinctive and has developed decent leadership skills. Mitchell reportedly signed a 1-year, $1 million contract.
WR DARIUS WATTS (Re-Signed - Unrestricted Free Agent): The Giants signed Watts in late December 2006. Watts was originally drafted by the Denver Broncos in the 2nd round of the 2004 NFL Draft. As a rookie, he played in 16 games with two starts and caught 31 passes for 385 yards and a touchdown. In 2005, Watts only played in six games and only caught two passes. The Broncos released him before the 2006 NFL season started. Watts is a tall, lanky wideout and a good athlete. Has good, but not great speed. He has some problems with press coverage. Watts runs good routes. Agile and adjusts well to the football. Inconsistent hands. He runs well after the catch. Watts need to improve his commitment to the game.
OC SHAUN O’HARA (Re-Signed - Unrestricted Free Agent): O’Hara has held down the fort at center since coming to the Giants in 2004 as a free agent from the Browns. O’Hara is a versatile lineman who has experience at both guard positions. He can also long snap. Center is considered his most natural position. Smart and a team leader, O’Hara is a decent athlete who can block at the second level and pull. He is not a powerful run blocker, but he plays with good technique and intensity. O’Hara is a good pass blocker who sometimes has problems with the bullrush. O’Hara was flagged with two false start and two holding penalties in 2006. He reportedly signed a 5-year, $19 million contract that included a $7.5 million signing bonus.
LS RYAN KUEHL (Re-Signed - Unrestricted Free Agent): Kuehl is regarded as one of the league’s better long snappers. He signed a 1-year contract.
LB CHASE BLACKBURN (Re-Signed - Exclusive Rights Free Agent): Blackburn was re-signed in late February before free agency started. He was originally signed by the Giants as an undrafted free agent after the 2005 NFL Draft. At Akron, he was a LB/DE hybrid who played both positions. For most of the 2005 season, Blackburn’s playing time was limited to special teams, where he excelled with 22 special teams tackles (first on the team). However, when Pierce went down with an ankle injury, Blackburn was forced into the starting lineup for two games and was credited with 15 tackles and intercepted one pass for a touchdown before a career-threatening neck injury also forced him on Injured Reserve in late December. Blackburn really stood out during the 2006 preseason, especially against the run. But he did not see much playing time from the linebacker spot during the 2006 regular season, though he did flash some in the playoff loss to the Eagles. Blackburn is a big guy. He is a decent athlete, but is not overly fast or quick. He plays hard and chases and hustles. Blackburn reportedly signed a 4-year, $3.3 million contract, although the fourth year of the contract is voidable.
DT SIR HENRY ANDERSON (Street Free Agent): Anderson was signed by the Giants as a street free agent in early 2007. Anderson originally was signed by the Giants as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2006 NFL Draft. The team waived him in July before training camp started and then re-signed him during camp. The Giants then waived him again in late August. He spent two weeks on the Giants’ Practice Squad in December 2006 before being waived again. Anderson has decent size, strength, and athleticism. He flashed at times in college at Oregon State, but also plays too tall at times.
LB BARRY ROBERTSON (Street Free Agent): Robertson was signed by the Giants as a street free agent in February 2007. He was invited to the Giants’ rookie mini-camp after the 2006 NFL Draft, but he was not offered a contract at that time. As a senior at Louisiana Tech in 2005, Robertson was voted team captain and finished the season with 103 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 interception, and 6 pass defenses. In six of his 11 starts, he finished the game with double-digit tackle totals. Robertson is a decent athlete but he lacks ideal size and speed. In college, he was an aggressive, instinctive, and productive player.
S CLAUDIUS OSEI (Street Free Agent): Osei was signed by the Giants in February 2007 as a street free agent. He spent the 2006 season on the Giants’ Practice Squad as part of the NFL’s International Practice Squad Program. He did the same with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2005. Osei is a German national who first arrived in the United States as an exchange student in 1999. He played 47 games at Florida State, starting three games during the 2002 season. In 2005 and 2006, he played with the Hamburg Sea Devils of NFL Europe.
HB DeCORI BIRMINGHAM (Street Free Agent): Birmingham was signed by the Giants in January 2007 after the 2006 season ended. He was originally signed by the New England Patriots as an undrafted rookie free agent out of Arkansas after the 2005 NFL Draft. The Patriots waived him in July 2005. Birmingham was then signed by the Jets in August that year, but he failed to make the team. The 49ers signed him in January 2006 and assigned him to NFL Europe. The 49ers waived him in April. The Giants then signed him in June 2006, but waived him a month later before training camp started. Birmingham is a short, but well-built back. He is a patient, aggressive runner with decent speed. He is not terribly elusive – a one-cut runner. Lacks power. Birmingham needs to work on his receiving skills and improve as a blocker. Can return kicks and punts.
HB CEDRIC HUMES (Street Free Agent): Humes was signed by the Giants in January 2007 after the 2006 season ended. Humes was originally drafted in the 7th round of the 2006 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers out of Virginia Tech. Humes was cut right before the season started, but then signed to the Steelers’ Practice Squad. The Steelers ended up cutting him in November 2006. The Giants signed him to their Practice Squad in December, but waived him less than a week later. Humes is a big, strong, aggressive back who is a between-the-tackles inside runner. He doesn’t pose much of a threat on outside runs. Instinctive. Humes lacks speed and isn’t very elusive.
CB GERRICK McPHEARSON (Street Free Agent): McPhearson was signed by the Giants in January 2007 after the 2006 season ended. He was selected in the seventh round of the 2006 NFL Draft by the Giants and spent the 2006 season on the Giants’ Practice Squad. McPhearson started 10-of-11 games his senior season at Maryland and finished with 37 tackles and six pass breakups. He is well built, strong, athletic, and fast. McPhearson needs a lot of technique work, especially with his footwork in transition. Plays better in bump-and-run than man-off. He needs to improve his zone awareness. Lacks ball skills. McPhearson is aggressive and he will hit. Has an upside.
LB JAMES DAVIS (Street Free Agent): Davis was signed by the Giants in January 2007 after the 2006 season ended. Davis was originally drafted in the 5th round of the 2003 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions out of West Virginia. In 2004, Davis started 15 games for Detroit and accrued 83 tackles, 4 sacks, and one fumble recovery. In 2005, he started 14 games with 59 tackles on one fumble recovery. Davis was waived by the Lions in early September 2006 before the season started. Versatile – James can play all three linebacker positions. He is physical and tough with good speed. Davis is a good special teams player. He has been somewhat injury prone.
TE JASON RANDALL (Street Free Agent): Randall was signed by the Giants in January 2007 after the 2006 season ended. The Giants had added him to the Practice Squad in late December 2006. He was originally signed by the Detroit Lions as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2005 NFL Draft. Randall was cut in training camp by the Lions, but signed to the team’s Practice Squad. In January 2006, Atlanta signed Randall and assigned him to NFL Europe. The Falcons cut him right before the season started. He spent some time on Falcons’ Practice Squad as well as the Cowboys’ Practice Squad. Randall has good size and is a good athlete. Adjusts well to the football and has decent hands. Randall needs to get stronger and improve as a blocker.
WR ANTHONY MIX (Street Free Agent): Mix was signed by the Giants in January 2007 after the 2006 season ended. He was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the Giants after the 2006 NFL Draft and spent the 2006 season on the Giants’ Practice Squad. Mix only started three games as a senior. Mix is very big with long arms. Athletic for his size, but very raw. He needs a lot of development. Mix flashed at training camp and in one preseason game.
OT JONATHAN DUNN (Street Free Agent): Dunn was signed by the Giants in January 2007 after the 2006 season ended. The Giants added him to the Practice Squad in November 2006. Dunn was originally drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the 7th round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He spent that season on Injured Reserve with an ankle injury. The Browns waived him at the end of training camp in 2006. Dunn is a big right tackle-type. Physical and aggressive. Has long arms. Not overly athletic or agile - Dunn struggles somewhat against speed and quickness. Good run blocker, but not an explosive mauler. Dunn needs to improve as a pass protector. Plays hard.
OC TODD LONDOT (Street Free Agent): Londot was signed by the Giants in January 2007 after the 2006 season ended. He was originally signed by the Giants as an undrafted rookie free agent out of Miami University (Ohio) after the 2006 NFL Draft and spent time on the Giants’ Practice Squad. Londot has collegiate experience at both center and right tackle, and he played at a variety of positions at the Hula Bowl in January 2006. He started 42 games in college and was twice honored with the "Trench Warrior Award," presented to Miami’s top offensive lineman. Londot has good size and is a decent athlete. San Francisco, Pittsburgh, Jacksonville, Tampa Bay, and New Orleans were all interested in signing Londot after the draft.
OC MATT TARULLO (Street Free Agent): Tarullo was signed by the Giants in January 2007 after the 2006 season ended. He was signed to the Giants’ Practice Squad in December 2006. Tarullo was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2005 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys. Tarullo spent the 2005 season on the Cowboys’ Practice Squad. The Cowboys cut him in early September 2006. Tarullo is a tough, smart, competitive, hard-working player who can create some movement at the line. Overachiever. He is not overly athletic, quick, or agile. He has some problems with quick defenders. Tarullo has experience at guard as well.
DE TOMMY DAVIS (Street Free Agent): Davis was signed by the Giants in January 2007 after the 2006 season ended. He was signed to the Giants’ Practice Squad in December 2006. Davis was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the New Orleans Saints after the 2006 NFL Draft. He suffered a fractured elbow in training camp and was waived/injured in early September. Davis is a defensive end/linebacker ‘tweener. As a defensive end, he is athletic with good speed. Fluid for an end, he has some experience dropping into space. Davis can be mauled by bigger linemen on running plays.
DE PATRICK MASSEY (Street Free Agent): Massey was signed by the Giants in January 2007 after the 2006 season ended. He was signed to the Giants’ Practice Squad in late December 2006. Massey was originally signed by the San Diego Chargers as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2006 NFL Draft out of the University of Michigan. The Chargers released Massey in late August. Massey is a tall (6-8) defensive lineman with long arms who has collegiate experience at defensive tackle. Massey is a limited athlete. Overachiever who makes plays with all-out effort and hustle. Lacks speed and quickness to threaten the edge as a pass rusher, but he can penetrate. Massey is strong and a decent run defender. Needs to shed blocks quicker.
TE CHARLES DAVIS (Street Free Agent): The Giants signed Davis in early January. He was originally drafted by the Steelers in the 5th round of the 2006 NFL Draft out of Purdue. The Steelers cut Davis in early September before the season started. The Giants signed him to their Practice Squad a few days later, but released him in November. Davis is a big tight end and a good athlete. He has long arms. Not terribly fast, but he is fluid with good hands. He needs to improve his aggressiveness as a blocker – Davis is more of a positional blocker. Some scouting reports question his toughness.
PK JOSH HUSTON (Street Free Agent): The Giants signed Huston in early January. He was originally signed as a undrafted rookie free agent by the Chicago Bears after the 2006 NFL Draft out of Ohio State. As a senior in 2005, Huston connected on 22-of-28 field goal attempts, including 17-of-18 inside 40 yards and 5-of-10 beyond 40. Set a school record in 2005 by kicking 49-of-70 kickoffs for touchbacks.
2006 FREE AGENT SIGNINGS
WR DARIUS WATTS (Street Free Agent): The Giants signed Watts in late December 2006. Watts was originally drafted by the Denver Broncos in the second round of the 2004 NFL Draft. As a rookie, he played in 16 games with two starts and caught 31 passes for 385 yards and a touchdown. In 2005, Watts only played in six games and only caught two passes. The Broncos released him before the 2006 NFL season started. Watts is a tall, lanky wideout and a good athlete. Has good, but not great speed. He has some problems with press coverage. Watts runs good routes. Agile and adjusts well to the football. Inconsistent hands. He runs well after the catch. Watts need to improve his commitment to the game.
FB ROBERT DOUGLAS (from the Houston Texans’ Practice Squad): Douglas was signed by the Giants in late December 2006 off of the Practice Squad of the Houston Texans. Douglas was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the Tennessee Titans after the 2005 NFL Draft. He spent some time on the Titans’ Practice Squad that season before being released in November. Douglas was then signed by the Texans to their Practice Squad in December 2005. The Buccaneers signed him in early 2006 before releasing him in July. He spent time on the Texans’ Practice Squad in both September and December. In college, at the University of Memphis, Douglas was switched from linebacker to fullback midway through his junior season. Douglas is athletic and aggressive. Still learning the position.
OG/OT STEVE EDWARDS (Street Free Agent): Edwards was originally signed by the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2002 NFL Draft out of Central Florida. During the 2002 season, he spent time on the Eagles’ Practice Squad before the Bears signed him to their active roster. Edwards started 16 games at left guard for the Bears in 2003 and a total of eight games at right and left guard in 2004. The Bears cut him before the season in 2005 and then re-signed him October. Edwards played primarily on special teams during the remainder of that season. The Bears cut him again before the 2006 season started. Edwards is a massive man and a decent athlete for his size. Can maul an opponent. Lacks stamina and does not have much range.
DT TITUS ADAMS (from the New York Jets’ Practice Squad): Adams was originally drafted by the New York Jets in the 7th round of the 2006 NFL Draft. The Jets cut Adams in early September and then signed him to their Practice Squad. The Giants signed Adams in early December off of the Jets’ Practice Squad. Adams combines decent size with athleticism. He has long arms and natural strength. Aggressive and pursues well – has good range. Adams plays the run well. Flashes at times on the pass rush. Lacks consistency. Adams played some defensive end at the University of Nebraska too.
P SEAN LANDETA (Street Free Agent): The Giants signed Landeta in early December 2006 when P Jeff Feagles experienced some soreness in his degenerative arthritic right knee. Landeta punted for the Giants from 1985-1993. Before re-signing with the Giants in 2006, Landeta last punted for the Eagles in 2005 for the final five games of Philadelphia’s season. In those five games, he punted 34 times for a 43.6 yard gross average and 38.3-yard net average. Landeta has also played with the Rams (1993-1996, 2003-2004), Buccaneers (1997), Packers (1998), and Eagles (1999-2002).
DE/DT LANCE LEGREE (Street Free Agent): Legree was signed by the Giants in November after injuries hit the defensive end position hard. Legree was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the Giants after the 2001 NFL Draft. Legree played with the Giants from 2001-2004, mostly at defensive tackle. In his four seasons with the team, he played in 59 games with 21 starts, accruing 105 tackles and 4 sacks. In 2004, he was moved to defensive end when Michael Strahan suffered a season-ending injury and played well. In 2005, as an unrestricted free agent, Legree signed a 5-year contract with the Jets. He started two games for the Jets and finished the season with 29 tackles and 3 sacks. Legree was waived by the Jets in February, signed by the 49ers in August, and then waived by the 49ers in early September. At end with the Giants in 2004, Legree was stout against the running game. Short, and lacking quickness and speed, Legree will never be a strong pass rusher, but he did manage to generate some heat on opposing quarterbacks.
LB CHRIS CLAIBORNE (Street Free Agent): The Giants signed Claiborne at the end of October 2006. Claiborne was originally drafted by the Lions in the first round of the 1999 NFL Draft. He has played with the Lions (1999-2002), Vikings (2003-04), and Rams (2005). During that time, Claiborne has played in 108 games with 89 starts and has totaled 399 tackles, 13 sacks, and eight interceptions. He had surgery performed in December 2005 to repair a patella tendon injury in a knee that had bothered him much of the season and was placed on Injured Reserve. The Rams cut him in March 2006 and he was not in camp with anyone this past summer. Versatile – Claiborne can play all three linebacking positions. He is a big linebacker who plays a physical game. Hits hard. He is not overly instinctive, fast, or quick. Conditioning has been an issue in the past. Claiborne has been somewhat injury-prone.
MIKE JEMISON (Street Free Agent): Jemison was signed by the Giants as a street free agent in early August 2006. He was originally signed by the Giants as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2005 NFL Draft. He was cut at the end of camp, spent some time on the Practice Squad, and then released. The Steelers picked him up in the 2006 offseason but waived him before camp started. Jemison began his college career at the University of Pittsburgh, where he played in nine games as a backup halfback and fullback in 2001. Pittsburgh moved him to outside linebacker in 2002. In 2003, he transferred to Indiana University (PA). In 2003, he accrued 1,311 yards and 12 touchdowns on 220 carries. In 2004, he rushed 103 times for 456 yards and 2 touchdowns in the first four games of the season, but then was sidelined with a broken leg. Jemison is a big, tough inside runner with good balance. He lacks ideal speed, but he has some elusiveness to his game. Lacks ideal initial quickness. Not a fumbler. Decent blocker.
HB LITTLE JOHN FLOWERS (Street Free Agent): Flowers was signed by the Giants as a street free agent in June 2006. He originally signed with the Jets as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2002 NFL Draft. Flowers did not make the active roster that year, but was signed to the Practice Squad. From 2003 to 2005, Flowers was invited back to training camp each year by the Jets and he spent time on the Jets’ Practice Squad during each of those seasons. The Jets cut him for the last time in September 2005. Flowers played for the Berlin Thunder in NFL Europe this spring, where he accrued 283 yards and two touchdowns on 75 carries and caught 10 passes for 112 yards and another score.
FS CLAUDIUS OSEI (NFL International Practice Squad Program): Osei was signed by the Giants in June 2006 as part of the NFL’s International Practice Squad Program. Osei will spend the 2006 season on the Giants’ Practice Squad as part of this program. Osei is a German national who first arrived in the United States as an exchange student in 1999. He played 47 games, including four bowl games, at Florida State, starting three games during the 2002 season. Osei spent the 2005 season on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Practice Squad as part of the NFL’s International Practice Squad Program. He has played the last two seasons for the Hamburg Sea Devils of NFL Europe. He had 33 tackles (26 solo) in the recently-completed 2006 NFL Europe season.
TE BOO WILLIAMS (Waived by the New Orleans Saints): Williams was signed by the Giants as an unrestricted free agent in June 2006. He was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the New Orleans Saints after the 2001 NFL Draft. The Saints waived him in February 2006. In his five years in New Orleans, Williams started 22 games and caught 107 passes for 1,143 yards and 12 touchdowns. However, he missed all of the 2005 season with a knee injury. A former collegiate wide receiver, Williams is a much better receiver than blocker. He has good speed and can get down the field. Williams adjusts well for the football and has decent (but not great) hands. He needs to improve his level of concentration and cut down on his mental mistakes.
HB DeCORI BIRMINGHAM (Street Free Agent): Birmingham was signed by the Giants as a "street" free agent in early June 2006. He was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the Patriots after the 2005 NFL Draft. The Patriots waived him in July 2005 and he was then signed by the Jets in August of that year. The Jets later cut him and he was signed by the 49ers in January 2006 and assigned to NFL Europe (Rhein Fire) by San Francisco. He failed to make the Rhein Fire and the 49ers waived him in early April 2006. Birmingham is a speedy, downhill running back who lacks power and elusiveness. Birmingham can catch the football, but he needs to improve his blocking. He has experience as a punt and kickoff returner.
OG BEN HERRELL (Street Free Agent): Herrell is a "street" free agent signed by the Giants in early June 2006. He was originally signed by the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2004 NFL Draft. The Panthers cut him before the 2004 season started. The Titans signed Herrell in January 2005 and assigned him to NFL Europe, but the Titans waived him before the 2005 season started. Herrell played in NFL Europe again in 2006, starting at left guard for the Amsterdam Admirals. In college at Miami of Ohio, Herrell played both right and left tackle and was named second-team All-MAC for his performance his senior season. He projects to guard at the pro level. Herrell lacks ideal athleticism, but he is a blue-collar lineman with good size. He needs to become more physical - Herrell is more of a position blocker than mauler.
QB ROB JOHNSON (Street Free Agent): Johnson was signed by the Giants in late May 2006. Johnson was originally drafted in the 4th round of the 1995 NFL Draft by Tom Coughlin in Jacksonville. From 1995 to 1997, Johnson served as Mark Brunell’s primary backup. In February 1998, Coughlin traded Johnson to Buffalo in return for 1st and 4th round draft picks. Johnson played four years in Buffalo, starting 26 regular season games. In February 2002, Johnson was released by the Bills and then signed by Tampa Bay, where he started two games that year. In 2003, Johnson spent time with both the Redskins and Raiders. He sat out the 2004 and 2005 seasons while recovering from arm surgery. In his career, Johnson has completed 494-of-806 passes (61.3 percent completion rate) for 5,795 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 23 interceptions. Johnson has good size, arm strength, accuracy, and mobility. However, he tends to hold the football too long in the pocket and takes way too many sacks – he needs to throw the football away more often. Johnson also has proven to be injury-prone.
DT JUNIOR IOANE (Waived by the Houston Texans): Ioane was signed by the Giants as an unrestricted free agent in late May 2006. He was originally drafted in the 4th round of the 2000 NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders. The Raiders waived Ioane in August 2003 and he was immediately claimed by the Texans. The Texans waived Ioane in early May 2006. In his six seasons in the NFL, Ioane has only started five games, accruing 54 tackles and 1.5 sacks. In 2005, he was credited with 21 tackles, playing back-up defensive end in Houston’s 3-4 scheme. Entering his senior season in college, Ioane was a highly regarded prospect but he tore his ACL in his right knee and fell to the 4th round of the draft. Ioane has excellent size and strength and was a very good run defender in college.
LB NICK McNEIL (Street Free Agent): McNeil signed with the Giants as a street free agent in May 2006. He originally signed with the Steelers as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2004 NFL Draft, but was waived at the end of training camp. He signed with the Packers near the end of the 2004 NFL season and was allocated to NFL Europe by Green Bay in 2005. Based on his performance, he was named to the 2005 All-NFL Europe first team. However, the Packers waived him before the 2005 NFL season started and he spent some time on the Practice Squad of the Redskins during that season. Washington signed McNeil to their roster in January 2006, but waived him in early May. McNeil was a collegiate defensive end who is still learning to play the linebacker position. He is a good athlete and has fine size for a linebacker.
WR HARRY WILLIAMS (Street Free Agent): Williams signed with the Giants as a street free agent in May 2006. He was originally drafted by the Jets in the 7th round of the 2005 NFL draft, but waived before the season started. The Jets re-signed him to the Practice Squad and later the active roster during the season. However, the Jets waived him again in February 2006. The Packers claimed him off of waivers in March, but waived him that same month. The Giants actually claimed him off of waivers in late March too, but they also waived him a few days later. Williams is a very fast receiver with good height but a slim frame. He can get deep, but he needs to learn to run better routes and become a tougher player. Williams also has experience returning kicks.
WR/Kick Returner WILLIE PONDER (Re-Signed): Ponder has eight career receptions in his three-year career and had none in 2005. He’s a good athlete who can run, but he obviously has to show the coaching staff more in terms of route running and getting open against NFL corners. In 2004, Ponder led the League in yards-per-kickoff return (26.9) and scored a touchdown. He averaged 25.9 yards per return in 2005 and another touchdown, but was inexplicably benched in favor of Chad Morton during the season.
TE VISANTHE SHIANCOE (Re-Signed): Shiancoe is the blocking tight end on the Giants. He plays bigger than his listed size and usually does a good job of blocking at the point-of-attack, including against defensive ends. Shiancoe caught eight passes for 91 yards in 2005 and looked more comfortable and athletic as a receiver this past season.
CB FRANK WALKER (Re-Signed): As a rookie in 2003, Walker made a splash in six starts by intercepting two passes and returning one for a touchdown. In very limited playing time in 2004 and 2005, Walker also picked off three more passes. However, he spent most of the 2005 season on the inactive list. Walker has a nose for the football. However, Walker is usually too physical for his own good, committing illegal contact or pass interference penalties. Also, one speculates that the reason he has not seen more playing time since his rookie year is that he might make too many mental mistakes in coverage. Physically, Walker is a fine athlete with good speed and quickness. He is rough around the edges in terms of his technique and this is what leads to problems with respect to the penalties. While physical in pass defense, Walker is not an aggressive player as a hitter or tackler.
LaVar ARRINGTON (Waived by the Washington Redskins): Arrington was the second player selected in the 2000 NFL Draft. He was voted to Pro Bowls in 2001, 2002, and 2003. Arrington suffered an injury to his right knee (lateral meniscus) in 2004 that required surgery and limited him to four games with two starts. The injury also required a second surgical procedure in the following offseason. In 2005, Arrington played in 12 games with only eight starts as there was tension between him, ownership, and the defensive coaching staff. The Redskins waived Arrington in early March 2006. Arrington is a big, physical, athletic linebacker. Before the injury and when he was in better shape, Arrington had excellent range and explosion for such a big player. Last season, he appeared more sluggish. Very hard hitter and sure tackler. When he hits an opponent, they feel it. Strong run defender at the point-of-attack. Pursues well. Flashes big-time pass rush ability. Arrington picked up 11 sacks in 2002, but did not accrue a sack last season. Arrington has a presence about him – he intimidates opposing offenses. He is a passionate player on the field and gets his fellow teammates excited. However, Arrington is not the most disciplined football player. He makes mental mistakes in terms of gap and coverage responsibilities. Freelances and gambles too much at times. It has not helped matters that he had five defensive coordinators in six years in Washington. Arrington reportedly signed a 7-year, $49 million contract.
SLB BRANDON SHORT (Waived by the Carolina Panthers): Short was originally drafted in the 4th round of the 2000 NFL Draft by the Giants. From 2001 to 2003, he started 44 regular season games for the Giants at strongside linebacker. In March 2004, Short signed with the Panthers and started 17 regular season games in two seasons with Carolina. He also has played in seven postseason games with three starts. The Panthers waived Short in March 2006 and he was then signed by the Giants in April. Short is a big, physical strongside linebacker who plays well against the run at the point-of-attack. He is not very athletic, quick, or fast. Short is better in zone coverage as he struggles in man-to-man. Smart player. Short reportedly signed a 1-year contract with a base salary of $585,000.
FB TONY JACKSON (Street Free Agent): Jackson was signed by the Giants in early April 2006. He was originally drafted by the Seahawks in the 6th round of the 2005 NFL Draft. Seattle waived him before the 2005 season began and he was out of football all of that year. Jackson is a fullback-tight end ‘tweener who is better blocker than pass receiver. The Giants will play him at fullback. He has excellent size for the position.
OC/OG GREY RUEGAMER (from the Green Bay Packers): Ruegamer was originally drafted by the Dolphins in the 3rd round of the 1999 NFL Draft. He did not play that season for Miami. Ruegamer signed with the Patriots in 2000 and started three games in three years with New England. In 2003, he signed with the Packers, starting 11 games in 2004 and two games in 2005. Ruegamer has experience at both center and guard. Solid back-up-type who won’t embarrass you when called upon to start. Smart. Ruegamer reportedly signed a 1-year, $750,000 contract that included a $40,000 signing bonus.
WR TIM CARTER (Re-Signed): Carter has not developed as hoped since the Giants drafted him in the 2nd round of the 2002 NFL Draft. Blessed with decent size and outstanding athleticism with very good speed, Carter has proven to be an injury-prone receiver who simply cannot stay healthy or contribute on the playing field in a meaningful fashion. He has been hurt each his four seasons (Achilles tendon, concussions, fractured hip, ankle, hip pointer). And despite being the third receiver for much of 2005 on a team with 557 passing attempts, Carter only had 10 catches for 186 yards. Carter reportedly signed a 2-year, $2 million contract.
WR DAVID TYREE (Re-Signed): While Tyree has made a few flashy plays at wide receiver each of his first three seasons, he has made his name as one of the premiere special teams players in the NFL, and was voted to the Pro Bowl for his special teams play in 2005. He is outstanding on punt and kick coverage and even blocked a punt against the Eagles last year. As a receiver, Tyree is not very big, fast, or quick. He started the season as the third receiver, but the coaching staff later benched him in favor of Tim Carter. He finished the year with 5 catches for 52 yards and a touchdown. He had 16 catches in 2003 and 10 in 2004. Tyree reportedly signed a 5-year, $7.5 million contract that will make him the highest paid special teams player in the NFL.
OG/OT LEWIS KELLY (Re-Signed): Kelly was originally drafted by the Vikings in the 7th round of the 2000 NFL Draft. Kelly started five games for the Vikings in 2002, the same year his 24-year old wife died tragically from pregnancy complications. The Vikings waived him in early August 2004. The word out of Minnesota was that Kelly was an up-and-coming player as a right tackle/right guard-type who never really regained his focus after his wife died. In the 2005 preseason with the Giants, Kelly saw a lot of work at right guard with the second team, but had some problems in pass protection against quick rushers.
FS WILL DEMPS (from the Baltimore Ravens): Demps was originally signed by the Ravens as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2002 NFL Draft. He started 10 games as a rookie and has started 46 games for the Ravens in his four years in the NFL. Demps has accrued 234 career tackles, but only four interceptions and 15 pass defenses. Demps is physical, tough, instinctive, and plays hard. He is a decent athlete with good range, but lacks ideal size and speed. Demps will hit and is a good run defender, but he is not a consistent tackler in space. Demps partially tore his ACL in late November 2005 and was placed on Injured Reserve. Demps reportedly signed a 5-year, $12 million contract that includes a $3 million signing bonus.
OT BOB WHITFIELD (Re-Signed): Whitfield joined the Giants last offseason after the 2005 NFL Draft. Whitfield was originally drafted in the 1st round of the 1992 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons, where he played his first 12 years in the NFL. Whitfield made the Pro Bowl in 1998. He missed most of the 2003 season with a fractured leg and was placed on Injured Reserve. The Falcons waived him in September 2004 and he was signed by the Jaguars in October. He appeared in 10 games for the Jaguars as a reserve tackle. Whitfield is nearing the end of a very solid career. He still can run block, but his declining athleticism causes him problems in pass protection at times. However, his experience and aggressiveness helps him out in this area. Whitfield is a good locker room presence and he filled in very well during the season at left and right tackle when injuries hit the offensive line later in the season. Whitfield was flagged with three false start penalties in his limited playing time.
CB JASON BELL (from the Houston Texans): Bell was originally signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2001 NFL Draft. The Cowboys cut him at the end of camp in 2002 and Houston claimed him off of waivers. Bell is primarily a special teams standout. He accrued 42 special teams tackles in four years with Houston. Bell is a tough, physical player. As a corner, he plays better off the receiver. Bell lacks ideal speed and quickness to be a starting corner. He does not make many plays on the ball and is somewhat of an inconsistent tackler as a corner.
QB TIM HASSELBECK (Re-Signed): Hasselbeck was claimed off of waivers from the Redskins by the Giants in early May 2005. He was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the Buffalo Bills after the 2001 NFL Draft. The Bills released him in camp and he then spent time with the Ravens, Eagles (twice), Panthers, and Redskins. In 2003, for Washington, Hasselbeck started five games (and played in another), finishing the year 93-of-177 (53.7 percent) for 1,012 yards, 5 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions. The Redskins re-signed him as a restricted free agent in April 2005, but when the Redskins drafted a quarterback in the 1st round of the 2005 NFL Draft, Hasselbeck became expendable. Hasselbeck did not throw a regular season pass with the Redskins in 2004 and the Giants in 2005. Hasselbeck lacks a strong arm and he did not play very well for the Giants in the 2005 preseason. He does have some mobility. He reportedly signed a 3-year, $2.25 million contract.
HB/Returner CHAD MORTON (Re-Signed): Morton was originally drafted by the Saints in the 5th round of the 2000 NFL Draft. He was traded to the Jets in 2001 and then signed with the Redskins in 2003 as a restricted free agent. The Redskins waived him in June 2005 and he then signed with the Patriots despite the Giants showing some interest in him at that time as well. However, the Patriots were forced to put Morton on the Physically-Unable-to-Perform (PUP) List in July with a knee injury that he suffered with the Redskins and waived him in late August. The Giants signed him at the beginning of September 2005 after the last preseason game. Morton was not used at halfback by the Giants, but averaged 9.6 yards on 47 punt returns, scoring one touchdown and almost a second. He also returned 24 kickoffs for a 23.3 yards-per-return average. Morton appears better suited for punt returns due to his shiftiness. He lacks the straight-line explosion to consistently threaten teams on kickoff returns. He reportedly signed a 4-year, $3.85 million contract.
S/CB QUENTIN HARRIS (from the Arizona Cardinals): Harris was originally signed by the Arizona Cardinals as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2002 NFL Draft. Principally a back-up, Harris has started only six games in four years. Harris has good size and decent speed, but lacks ideal agility. He has experience at both safety and cornerback. Harris is aggressive in run support but needs to become a more consistent tackler. He is not overly instinctive in pass defense and does not make many plays against the pass. Harris is a very good special teams player and led the Cardinals in special teams tackles the past two seasons. Harris reportedly signed a 2-year deal.
CB/S/Returner R.W. McQUARTERS (from the Detroit Lions): McQuarters was originally drafted in the first round of the 1998 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers traded McQuarters to the Chicago Bears in 2000. During the 2005 offseason, he signed with the Detroit Lions as an unrestricted free agent. The Giants had also expressed interest in him at that time. McQuarters started 14 games for the Bears in 2004 and 11 games for the Lions in 2005. Last year, he accrued 60 tackles and 2 interceptions. Though primarily a cornerback, he has also been used at safety. McQuarters also has experience returning kickoffs and punts. As a corner, McQuarters does well in aggressive man-to-man coverage, not as strong in zone coverage. He will take chances and sometimes pays the price. Tough and aggressive – plays a physical game. McQuarters is more quick than fast – might be better suited to covering the slot receiver at this point in his career. Good run defender who hits and tackles. The Giants reportedly signed him to a 3-year, $6 million contract that included a $2 million signing bonus.
CB SAM MADISON (Waived by the Miami Dolphins): Madison was originally drafted by the Dolphins in the second round of the 1997 NFL Draft. He was voted to four straight Pro Bowls from 1999 to 2002. The Dolphins waived him on March 1st. In nine seasons, Madison has 31 career interceptions, although he has only two over the last two seasons. While his skills and speed are declining due to his advancing age (turns 32 in April 2006), Madison is a smooth, natural cover corner who continued to play well much of last season for Miami. Madison is at his best in aggressive, tight man-to-man coverage, though the League’s new rules on illegal contact diminish his style somewhat and led to a number of penalties being called on him. He does a good job of reading the opposing quarterback’s eyes and making plays on the football. Good recognition skills. Madison will take chances to make a play, but does not gamble as much as he used to due his declining recovery ability. A confident, team leader who plays with an attitude and who likes to talk trash. Madison is not a consistent tackler or a strong defender against the run. Madison reportedly signed a 4-year, $7.4 million contract that included a $2 million signing bonus.
SS JAMACIA JACKSON (Street Free Agent): Jackson was signed by the Giants as a street free agent in January 2006. He was originally signed by the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2005 NFL Draft. The Titans waived him in late July. Jackson is your typical strong safety in that he is better moving forward than making plays in reverse. He has good size and is a decent athlete. Jackson is an aggressive run defender, but he needs to be more physical and tackle more consistently. Lacks range and instincts in pass defense. He is better suited to zone coverage than man-to-man.
OT HENRY TELLIS (Street Free Agent): Tellis was signed by the Giants as a street free agent in January 2006. He was originally signed by the New York Jets as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2005 NFL Draft. The Jets waived Tellis in late August. Tellis played left tackle in college, but most likely projects to right tackle in the pros. Tellis has good size and long arms, but lacks quick feet and agility. He is a good run blocker who can get movement at the point-of-attack. Tellis lacks mobility and is not as effective blocking on the move or at the second level. Tellis anchors well in pass protection, but he has problems with quickness at times. Prone to making mental mistakes.
OC/Long Snapper JOE IORIO (Street Free Agent): Iorio was signed by the Giants as a street free agent in January 2006. He was originally signed by the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2003 NFL Draft. Iorio spent time on both the Colts’ active roster and Practice Squad, but he was waived in December 2004. The Buccaneers then signed him to their Practice Squad that same month. The Steelers signed Iorio in February 2005, but he was released by Pittsburgh in late August 2005. Iorio is an overachiever who lacks ideal natural size, power, and athleticism. He is competitive, hard working, and smart. Tough and aggressive. Can long snap. Iorio has the intangibles, but may lack the ability.
SS JAMAAL BRIMMER (Street Free Agent): The Giants signed Brimmer as a street free agent in January 2006. Brimmer was originally signed by the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2005 NFL Draft. The Seahawks waived him in late August. Like many strong safeties, Brimmer is better moving forward than moving in reverse. He is a very good and aggressive run defender. Brimmer is tough, physical, and a big hitter. However, he needs to become a more consistent, forceful tackler. Good blitzer. However, he lacks the athleticism, agility, and range to excel in pass coverage. Better in zone coverage; gets exposed in man coverage. Brimmer can break and close on passes in front of him. Has good hands.
FS JASON SHIVERS (Street Free Agent): The Giants signed FS Jason Shivers as a street free agent in January 2006. Shivers was originally drafted in the 5th round of the 2004 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Rams. The Bears signed Shivers off of the Rams’ Practice Squad in December 2004. The Bears released him in June 2005. Shivers lacks ideal size (6-0, 200 pounds), but he is an athletic player with good range. Instinctive and smart in coverage. Better in zone coverage than man-to-man. He is aggressive and physical in run support and tackles well. Excellent special teams player. Good leader.
HB CHAD SCOTT (Street Free Agent): The Giants signed Scott as a street free agent in January 2006. Scott was originally signed by the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2005 NFL Draft. The Browns waived Scott in August and he was then signed by the Steelers. Pittsburgh waived him later that month. Scott lacks much size (5-8, 195 pounds), but he is well-built, tough, and elusive. He is a slippery runner with good instincts and vision. Competitive. Lacks power and great speed. Scott can catch the football as well, but his size hurts him on blitz pick ups. Scott projects as a third-down back.
CB VONTEZ DUFF (Street Free Agent): Duff was signed as a street free agent by the Giants in January 2006. He was originally drafted in the 6th round of the 2004 NFL Draft by the Houston Texans. Houston waived him in late August 2004 and then spent time with the Bears, Colts, Dolphins, and Steelers for the remainder of that season. The Steelers waived him in late August 2005. Duff is a tough, physical corner with decent size. He is more quick than fast and can have problems with speed receivers. Better in zone coverage than man-to-man. Good tackler. Plays well on special teams and has experience as a returner.
WR CURTIS WILLIAMS (Street Free Agent): Williams was signed as a street free agent by the Giants in January 2006. He was originally signed by the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2005 NFL Draft. The Ravens waived Williams at the end of August. In college at the University of Maryland, Williams was used at wide receiver, safety, and linebacker. Williams was a standout special teams player at Maryland.
WR TRIANDOS LUKE (Street Free Agent): Luke was signed by the Giants in January 2006. He was originally drafted by the Broncos in the 6th round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He made the team as a rookie, but saw limited playing time except on special teams. The Broncos waived him early in September 2005. Luke is a good athlete with good quickness and speed. He has decent, but somewhat inconsistent, hands. Tough, competitive, and a hard worker. Luke needs to get stronger and do a better job against press coverage and run better routes. He has experience returning punts and kickoffs.
FB GREG HANOIAN (Street Free Agent): Hanoian was signed by the Giants in January 2006. He was originally signed by the Lions as a rookie free agent after the 2005 NFL Draft out of Syracuse University. The Lions waived him at the end of August and he spent time on the Practice Squad of the Packers during the season. Hanoian is a big back (6-2, 255 pounds).
QB JOSH HARRIS (Street Free Agent): The Giants signed Josh Harris in early January 2006 as a street free agent. Harris was originally drafted in the 6th round of the 2004 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens signed him to their Practice Squad that season, but the Cleveland Browns signed him to their active roster in December 2004. The Browns waived him before the season started in September 2005. Harris is an athletic quarterback who can hurt a defense with his scrambling ability. Lacks height, but Harris has good size and strength. Has a strong arm. Harris is still learning the game and needs to improve his ability to read pro defenses. Harris was used exclusively in the shotgun in college so he is still getting used to dropping back from center. He lacks touch and accuracy. Will force some balls into coverage. Smart and hardworking. A leader.
OG ENOCH DEMAR (Street Free Agent): The Giants signed Enoch DeMar in early January 2006 as a street free agent. DeMar was originally signed by the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2003 NFL Draft. DeMar started two games for the Browns in 2003 and 11 games in 2004. DeMar was released by the Browns before the season started in September 2005. He is a wide body with long arms. DeMar can generate movement as a run blocker. Anchors well in pass protection, but can have some problems with quickness. Lacks range and agility. Hard worker and smart.
OG JULIUS FRANKLIN (Street Free Agent): The Giants signed Julius Franklin in early January 2006 as a street free agent. Franklin was originally signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent after the 2005 NFL Draft. The Giants were interested in signing him at that time as well, but he chose to sign with Jacksonville. The Jaguars waived him during training camp in August. Franklin is a good athlete with good feet. He played tackle in college and needs to learn to play with better leverage inside at guard. Not a mauler as a run blocker – needs to play more aggressively. Also needs to improve his pass protection technique.
S ADRIAN MAYES (Street Free Agent): The Giants signed Adrian Mayes in early January 2006 as a street free agent. Mayes originally signed with the Arizona Cardinals as an undrafted free agent after the 2004 NFL Draft. Mayes spent part of the 2004 season on the Cardinal Practice Squad and active roster. He played in NFL Europe in 2005 and made the Cardinals’ team. However, Arizona placed him on Injured Reserve in October 2005 with a hamstring injury and waived him from Injured Reserve in November 2005.
P TRAVIS DORSCH (Street Free Agent): The Giants signed Travis Dorsch in early January 2006 as a street free agent. Dorsch was originally signed by the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2002 NFL Draft. Dorsch made the team in 2002 but spent the season on the inactive list. The Bengals waived him in August 2003. The Packers signed him in January 2004, but released him in July of that year. The Vikings then signed Dorsch but cut him in September 2005 before the season started. Dorsch was a highly regarded punter and place kicker coming out of Purdue. Dorsch’s NFL future seems to be as a punter, but he has a very strong leg and does well on kickoffs. As a punter, he can boom the heck out of the ball in terms of height and distance, but must improve his ability to place and direct his punts. Also needs to improve his ability get punts off quickly.
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