Last Updated: May 16, 2012
2012 FREE AGENT SIGNINGS
S WILL HILL (Street Free Agent): Hill was signed as a street free agent after the May rookie mini-camp. A top-ranked athlete coming out of high school in New Jersey, Hill has skills, but he has wasted them to date. Hill entered the 2011 NFL as a junior but went undrafted and was not signed by an NFL team. He did play in the Arena League in 2011. Hill combines decent size and very good athletic ability. He flashes against the pass but lacks technique and consistency. Hill is not a very physical or consistent run defender. He is a very good special teams player. Hill has a history of making bad decisions off of the football field. There are many red flags regarding his maturity and character.
DT SHAUN ROGERS (Unrestricted Free Agent from Saints): The Giants signed Rogers in April 2012. Rogers was originally drafted in the 2nd round of the 2001 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions. In 11 NFL seasons, Rogers has played for the Lions (2001-07), Browns, (2008-10), and Saints (2011). He was voted to the Pro Bowl in 2004, 2005, and 2008. Rogers is a huge, powerful player. In his prime, he was a very strong run defender who could also push the pocket on the pass rush. However, he is nearing the end of his career. He started four games for the Saints in 2011 and finished with just 22 tackles and no sacks. Amazingly, Rogers has blocked 14 field goal attempts in his career.
TE BEAR PASCOE (Re-Signed Exclusive Rights Free Agent): The strength of Pascoe’s game is his versatility. The Giants use him a tight end, H-Back, and fullback. Pascoe has good size, but he is not overly athletic. He does not really stand out as a blocker or receiver, and needs to improve his productivity and consistency in both areas. Pascoe finished the 2011 regular season with 12 catches for 136 yards. In three seasons with the Giants, he has 22 catches for 217 yards. Pascoe was originally drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the 6th round of the 2009 NFL Draft, but he did not make the team.
LB CHASE BLACKBURN (Re-Signed Unrestricted Free Agent): The Giants re-signed Blackburn in late November 2011 after choosing not to re-sign him before the season started when he was an unrestricted free agent. Blackburn immediately became the starter at middle linebacker and the overall play of the defense improved down the stretch and throughout the playoffs. In the last nine games of the season, including playoffs, Blackburn accrued 52 tackles, three pass defenses, and two interceptions. Blackburn was originally signed by the Giants as an undrafted free agent after the 2005 NFL Draft. After starting 15 games in 2008-09, Blackburn was strictly a special teams player in 2010, serving as the unit’s captain. Blackburn can play all three linebacker spots. He has good size. A bit on the stiff side, Blackburn is not overly fast or quick. But this hard-working overachiever really stepped up his play in 2011 both against the run and the pass. Blackburn was elected first-alternate to the NFC’s Pro Bowl roster as a special teams player in 2008.
CB ANTWAUN MOLDEN (Unrestricted Free Agent from Patriots): The Giants signed Molden as an unrestricted free agent from the New England Patriots in April 2012. Molden was originally drafted in the 3rd round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Houston Texans. The Texans waived Molden in August 2011 and he was then claimed off of waivers by the Patriots. In four NFL seasons, he has only started two games, both in 2011 with the Patriots. He finished 2011 with 36 tackles, three pass defenses, and two interceptions. Molden has a nice combination of size and athleticism, but he has not played up to his physical ability thus far in the NFL. Molden does not appear to be overly instinctive in coverage. He also has had problems staying healthy.
OT/OG SEAN LOCKLEAR (Unrestricted Free Agent from Redskins): The Giants signed Locklear as an unrestricted free agent from the Washington Redskins in April 2012. Locklear was originally drafted in the 3rd round of the 2004 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks. The Redskins signed him as a free agent in 2011. In eight NFL seasons, Locklear has played in 105 regular-season games with 82 starts. He has experience at both tackle spots and guard, but most of his playing time has come at right tackle. Locklear is a versatile, experienced, veteran lineman on the downside of his career.
S STEVIE BROWN (Unrestricted Free Agent from Colts): The Giants signed Brown in April 2012. Brown was originally drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the 7th round of the 2010 NFL Draft. He played in 15 games as a rookie for the Raiders, starting one game. The Raiders released him in September 2011. After a brief stint with the Carolina Panthers, Brown was signed by the Indianapolis Colts. He played in eight games with the Colts in 2011. Set to become an exclusive rights free agent, Indianapolis did not tender him, thus making him an unrestricted free agent. Brown is a strong safety-type who performs better against the run than in coverage. He played both safety and linebacker at Michigan. Brown is a good special teams player.
P STEVE WEATHERFORD (Re-Signed Unrestricted Free Agent): The Giants signed Weatherford in July 2011 as an unrestricted free agent from the New York Jets. Before coming to the Giants, he played for the Saints (2006-08), Chiefs (2008), Jaguars (2008), and Jets (2009-2010). Weatherford brought much needed stability to the Giants’ punting game. Weatherford is a good directional kicker and is adept at placing punts inside the 20-yard line. In 2011, he averaged a career-best 45.7 yards per punt (39.2 net) and had 25 punts downed inside the 20-yard line.
S CHRIS HORTON (Street Free Agent): Horton was signed as a street free agent by the Giants in March 2012. Horton was originally drafted in the 7th round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins. Horton started 10 games as a rookie for the Redskins, finishing with 76 tackles and three interceptions. He started another five in 2009 but was placed on Injured Reserve with a torn toe ligament. He played in seven games (with no starts) in 2010 before being placed on Injured Reserve again, this time with an ankle injury. The Redskins waived him in September 2011 and he was not picked up by another team. Horton is a strong safety-type with excellent size. However, he lacks ideal athleticism (agility and range) for the position. Horton is better again the run than in coverage. Good special teams player.
QB DAVID CARR (Re-Signed Unrestricted Free Agent): Carr was originally drafted as the very first pick in the 2002 NFL Draft by the Houston Texans. In 10 seasons, David Carr has played with four teams: Texans (2002-06), Panthers (2007), 49ers (2010), and Giants (2008-09, 2011). Carr did not take a snap for the Giants in 2011, but he did perform well in limited mop-up duty for the Giants in 2008 and 2009. In his career, Carr has started 79 games with 65 touchdowns and 71 interceptions, completing almost 60 percent of his passes. Carr has all of the tools (size, athletic, strong arm), but he was a disappointment in Houston, Carolina, and San Francisco. Carr can appear indecisive at times and hold onto the ball too long. He can surprise teams with his ability to run with the ball.
TE MARTELLUS BENNETT (Unrestricted Free Agent from Cowboys): Bennett signed with the Giants as an unrestricted free agent in March 2012. Bennett was originally drafted in the 2nd round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys. In four seasons with the Cowboys, Bennett played in 60 regular-season games with 31 starts, 85 catches, 846 yards, and four touchdowns. Bennett has an excellent combination of size and athletic ability. He is a good blocker. However, despite his overall athleticism, he has not emerged yet as a consistent receiving threat. Bennett was considered somewhat of a disappointment in Dallas although he was stuck behind All-Pro Jason Witten. Bennett can be inconsistent catching the football. There are questions about his maturity. He is still a young player with an upside if he can improve his focus and dedication to the game.
CB JUSTIN TRYON (Re-Signed Unrestricted Free Agent): The Giants signed Tryon in October 2011. He was placed on Injured Reserve at the end of that month after having surgery on his fractured right arm. Tryon was originally drafted in the 4th round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins. Tryon was traded to the Indianapolis Colts in September 2010. The Colts surprisingly waived him in late September 2011. Tryon has played in 47 regular-season games (three with the Giants) with eight starts. In those games, he accrued 85 tackles, one sack, 11 pass defenses, and one interception. He also started in the 2010 AFC Wild Card game against the Jets and intercepted a pass in that game. Tryon lacks size, but he is an athletic corner with good quickness. He reacts well to the football and closes quickly. Tryon has experience returning kickoffs.
CB MICHAEL COE (Re-Signed Unrestricted Free Agent): Coe was placed on Injured Reserve in late November with a shoulder injury that required surgery. Coe was originally drafted in the 5th round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts. Since then, he has spent time with the Colts, Jaguars, and Giants. Coe was on the Giants’ Practice Squad in both 2009 and 2010, and also spent time on the Giants’ 53-man roster in 2010. Coe has a nice combination of size and athleticism. He flashed at times in coverage in the 2011 preseason and regular season with the Giants. He is a good special teams player.
TE LARRY DONNELL (Street Free Agent): The Giants signed Donnell as a street free agent in March 2012. Donnell went undrafted and unsigned after the 2011 NFL Draft. Donnell has excellent size and is a good athlete. However, he is very raw and needs a lot of coaching.
OT JOEL REINDERS (Street Free Agent): The Giants signed Reinders as a street free agent in March 2012. Reinders was originally signed by the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2010 NFL Draft. The Browns waived him in September 2010. Reinders did not play football in 2011. Reinders is a huge, athletic lineman. However, he is extremely raw as he played in only eight games at a Canadian college.
CB TERRELL THOMAS (Re-Signed Unrestricted Free Agent): Thomas was placed on Injured Reserve in August 2011 after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his knee. Thomas tore the same ACL in college and it remains to be seen if he can fully recover his athletic skills. Before suffering the injury in the preseason, Thomas looked primed for perhaps his best season. Thomas was originally drafted in the 2nd round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Giants. Thomas became a full-time starter in 2009 due to Aaron Ross’ hamstring woes and he remained the starter in 2010. In 2009 and 2010, Thomas was a very solid corner who made a lot of big plays but also occasionally gave up a few. In the 31 games he started during that time frame, Thomas accrued 186 tackles, 34 pass defenses, and 10 interceptions. Thomas is a big, physical corner who matches up well with bigger receivers. Pre-injury, while not a blazer, he was a good athlete with fine speed and quickness for his size. Thomas is very good in run support and a good blitzer.
TE JAKE BALLARD (Re-Signed Exclusive Rights Free Agent): An undrafted player who spent most of his rookie season on the Practice Squad, Ballard came out of nowhere in his second season to become the team’s primary tight end. In his first season with any significant playing time, Ballard caught 38 passes for 604 yards and four touchdowns despite missing two games and being hampered down the stretch with a partially-torn posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. Ballard suffered a devastating blow when he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in the Super Bowl. The injury will likely sideline him for most if not all of the 2012 NFL season. Ballard has excellent size for a tight end. When healthy, despite not being terrible fast or quick, Ballard showed a real knack for getting open and making clutch plays in the passing game, including down the field. Ballard improved steadily as a blocker but could use greater consistency in that department.
CB BRUCE JOHNSON (Re-Signed Restricted Free Agent): Johnson was placed on Injured Reserve in August 2011 after tearing his Achilles’ tendon in training camp. Johnson was also placed on Injured Reserve in early November 2010 after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery. Johnson struggled in coverage during the 2010 preseason and did not play much on defense in the 2010 regular season before going on Injured Reserve. Johnson was originally signed by the Giants as a rookie free agent after the 2009 NFL Draft. He was a pleasant surprise as a rookie, playing in all 16 games with five starts, and finishing with 46 tackles, one sack, eight pass defenses, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles. Johnson lacks ideal size, but he is a fluid athlete with fine quickness.
WR DOMENIK HIXON (Re-Signed Unrestricted Free Agent): Hixon was placed on Injured Reserve in September 2011 after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee. Hixon tore the same ACL in June 2010 during a mini-camp. The knee injuries and his free agent status in 2012 put his future with the team in doubt. Hixon’s most productive season with the team as a receiver was in 2008 when he started seven games and caught 43 passes for 596 yards and two touchdowns. With the arrival of new receivers, he became less of a factor in 2009, catching 15 passes for 187 yards and one touchdown. Hixon was originally drafted by the Broncos in the 4th round of the 2006 NFL Draft. The Broncos cut him in October 2007 and the Giants immediately claimed him off of waivers. Hixon has good size. Before the knee injuries, he was a fast and smooth athlete with good hands. When healthy, Hixon is a dangerous punt and kickoff returner. He has five 40+ yard kickoff returns, including one touchdown, and three 40+ yard punt returns, including one touchdown.
TE RYAN PURVIS (Street Free Agent): The Giants signed Purvis as a street free agent in February 2012. Purvis was originally signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2009 NFL Draft. He spent his rookie season on Tampa Bay’s Practice Squad and was on the active roster for 10 games in 2010. He finished that season with five catches for 28 yards. The Buccaneers waived him before the 2011 season. Purvis is a versatile player who can play tight end, H-Back, and fullback. He has decent size, but he is not overly athletic. Purvis lacks the speed and quickness to stand out as a receiver. That said, he does have a good feel for getting open against zone coverage. He has good hands and runs tough after the catch. Purvis is more of a finesse, positional blocker than aggressive mauler. He is smart and hard working.
OC/OG CHRIS WHITE (Street Free Agent): White spent time with the Giants in training camp in 2011 and was re-signed in February 2012. White originally signed with the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2005. Since that time, he has played with the Packers (2005-06), Texans (2006-09), and Seahawks (2010). In six NFL seasons, he has played in 33 games with eight starts. White lacks ideal size, but he is versatile with experience both at center and guard.
DE CRAIG MARSHALL (Street Free Agent): Marshall was signed by the Giants as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2011 NFL Draft. He was waived in the last round of cuts before the season and re-signed in February 2012. Marshall combines nice size and athleticism. He flashes as a pass rusher.
2011 FREE AGENT SIGNINGS
OT/OG TONY UGOH (Street Free Agent): The Giants signed Ugoh in early Demcember 2011. Ugoh was originally drafted in the 2nd round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts liked Ugoh so much they actually gave up their 2008 1st round draft pick in order to move up in the draft to select him. From 2007-2009, Ugoh played in 37 regular-season games with the Colts with 27 starts, mostly at left tackle. Ugoh only started four games his last season with the Colts in 2009 and was demoted from the starting lineup. The Colts waived him in September 2010. The Lions signed him in December 2010, but waived him in August 2011. Ugoh played for the Las Vegas Locomotives of the United Football League in 2011. A very good athlete, Ugoh was a disappointment in Indianapolis. He was injury-prone and not regarded as a mentally-tough player.
LB CHASE BLACKBURN (Unrestricted Free Agent): The Giants re-signed Blackburn in late November 2011 after choosing not to re-sign him before the season started when he was an unrestricted free agent. Blackburn was originally signed by the Giants as an undrafted free agent after the 2005 NFL Draft. In his six years with the Giants from 2005-2010, Blackburn played in 93 regular-season games with 17 starts, accruing 210 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 2 interceptions, and 1 forced fumble. In 2010, Blackburn was strictly a special teams player, serving as the unit’s captain. Blackburn can play all three linebacker spots. A bit on the stiff side, Blackburn is not overly fast or quick. He’s a hard-working overachiever. Blackburn was elected first-alternate to the NFC’s Pro Bowl roster as a special teams player in 2008.
CB WILL BLACKMON (Street Free Agent): The Giants signed Blackmon in late November 2011. Blackmon was originally drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the 4th round of the 2006 NFL Draft. Blackmon was waived by the Packers in 2010 after a couple of stints on Injured Reserve. The Giants signed him in October 2010 and he played in five games for New York before being placed on Injured Reserve with a knee injury. A decent punt returner, Blackmon has not impressed as a corner at the NFL level.
CB JUSTIN TRYON (Waived by the Indianapolis Colts): Tryon was originally drafted in in the 4th round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins. Tryon was traded to the Indianapolis Colts in September 2010. The Colts surprisingly waived him in late September 2011. Tryon has played in 44 regular season games with 8 starts. In those games, he accrued 82 tackles, 1 sack, 10 pass defenses, and 1 interception. He also started in the 2010 AFC Wild Card game against the Jets and intercepted a pass in that game. Tryon lacks size, but he is an athletic corner with good quickness. He reacts well to the football and closes quickly. Tryon returned 14 kickoffs for the Colts in 2010 with a 21.4 yards per return average.
WR BRANDON STOKLEY (Unrestricted Free Agent from Seattle Seahawks): Stokley was originally drafted in the 4th round of the 1999 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens. In his 12 seasons, Stokley has played for the Ravens (1999-2002), Colts (2003-06), Broncos (2007-09), and Seahawks (2010). In his prime, Stokley was a very good third receiver, slot receiver-type who ran good routes, had a knack for getting open, and had good hands. It remains to be seen how much he has left at age 35. In the 2010 regular season with the Seahawks, Stokley played in 11 games and caught 31 passes for 354 yards and 0 touchdowns. He played very well in Seattle’s two playoff games last season, catching 12 paaes for 158 yards and two touchdowns.
CB BRIAN WILLIAMS (Unrestricted Free Agent from Atlanta Falcons): Williams was originally drafted in the 4th round of the 2002 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings. In his nine years in the NFL, Williams has played with the Vikings (2002-05), Jaguars (2006-08), and Falcons (2009-10). Williams has started 99 regular-season games and has accrued 407 tackles, 5 sacks, 61 pass defenses, and 19 interceptions, and 9 forced fumbles. Williams has good size for a corner and is very experienced. He is on the downside of his career and lacks ideal athleticism for a starter.
DT JIMMY KENNEDY (Waived by Minnesota Vikings): Jimmy Kennedy was signed by the Giants in August 2011. He was originally drafted in the 1st round of the 2003 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Rams. He has also spent time with the Broncos (2007), Bears (2007), Jaguars (2008), and Vikings (2008-10). The Vikings waived him July 2011. Kennedy combines good size and athleticism, but he has never lived up to his pre-draft hype. In eight NFL seasons, he has played in 86 games and accrued 125 tackles and 8.5 sacks. In 2010 with the Vikings, as a reserve, he had 8 tackles and 0.5 sacks.
PK RHYS LLOYD (Unrestricted Free Agent from Carolina Panthers): Rhys was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2005 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens. Since that time, he has spent time with the Ravens, Packers, Panthers, and Vikings. For the past three seasons, Rhys has served as the Panthers kickoff specialist. 64 of Rhys’ 224 kickoffs have resulted in touchbacks (28.7 percent). Oddly, Rhys has never attempted a field goal or extra point at the pro level in a regular-season game.
S DEON GRANT (Re-Signed Unrestricted Free Agent): Grant played more than expected in 2010 as the Giants heavily employed a three-safety package. He played more than the third linebacker and actually started eight games with Antrel Rolle and Kenny Phillips. Grant played in all 16 games and finished with 72 tackles, 1 sack, 10 pass defenses, 2 forced fumbles, and 3 fumble recoveries. Grant was originally drafted in the 2nd round of the 2000 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers. During free agency, he signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2004 and the Seattle Seahawks in 2007. The Seahawks released him in March 2010 and the Giants signed him the following month. Older with declining athletic skills, Grant is a solid, dependable, and consistent player with good size. He brings good leadership skills to the team and is well liked in the locker room.
S DERRICK MARTIN (Street Free Agent): Martin was originally drafted in the 6th round of the 2006 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens traded Martin to the Green Bay Packers in September 2009. The Packers waived Martin in March 2011. Martin is a bit of safety/cornerback ‘tweener who struggled in coverage with the Packers. Martin has been somewhat injury-prone, missing time with injuries to his shoulder (2008), ankle (2009), and knee (2010). Martin is a good special teams player who finished second on Packers in special teams tackles in 2009.
TE DANIEL COATS (Waived by Denver Broncos): Coats was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2007 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals waived Coats in October 2010 and he was then picked up by the Denver Broncos. The Broncos waived him in July 2011. In four NFL seasons, Coats has played in 57 games with 18 starts and caught 30 passes for 291 yards. Coats is a good blocker, but not much of a receiver. He drops a lot of passes. Versatile, he can play some fullback as well. Decent special teams player.
DE DAVE TOLLEFSON (Re-Signed Unrestricted Free Agent): Tollefson performed decently as a valuable reserve in the Giants’ defensive line rotation in 2010. Before a knee injury sidelined him in December, he had played in 13 games and finished the season with 20 tackles, 0.5 sacks, 3 pass defenses, and 2 forced fumbles. Tollefson was originally drafted in the 7th round of the 2006 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers and he spent his rookie season on Green Bay’s Practice Squad. The Oakland Raiders signed Tollefson in January 2007 and allocated him to NFL Europe. The Raiders waived him before the 2007 NFL season started and signed him to their Practice Squad. Tollefson was signed by the Giants off of the Raiders’ Practice Squad in October 2007. In four seasons with the Giants, Tollefson has played in 47 games (with no starts). While Tollefson is a decent athlete, he is not terribly explosive or disruptive on the football field. He’s more of a try-hard, back-up-type who will give you a solid day’s work. While he occasionally flashes, he is an ordinary run defender and pass rusher. Tollefson has good character and he plays well on special teams.
DT ROCKY BERNARD (Waived by New York Giants): Bernard improved as the Giants’ primary reserve defensive tackle in 2010 after a very disappointing inaugural season with the team in 2009. In 14 games (with no starts), Bernard finished 2010 with 18 tackles, 2 sacks, and 4 pass defenses. A disruptive player with the Seahawks (2002-2008), Bernard now is a steady, veteran presence who occasionally makes plays against the run and rushing the passer. Bernard has ordinary size for the position and he does not appear as quick and as athletic as he did earlier in his career.
OT/OG STACY ANDREWS (Waived by Seattle Seahawks): Andrews was originally drafted in the 4th round of the 2004 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals. In 2009, he signed with the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles traded Andrews to the Seattle Seahawks in September 2010. The Seahawks released him in July 2011. In seven NFL seasons, Andrews has played in 85 regular seasons games with 46 starts. He started 12 games for the Seahawks in 2010. Andrews is a huge man with some power to his game. Versatile, he can play either tackle or guard. Andrews played very well at right tackle for the Bengals from 2004-08, but did not stand out at guard for the Eagles or tackle or guard for the Seahawks.
HB ANDRE BROWN (Waived by Washington Redskins): Andre Brown was signed by the Giants in August 2011 after he was waived by the Washington Redskins. Brown was originally drafted by the Giants in the 4th round of the 2009 NFL Draft. Brown missed all of 2009 with a torn Achilles tendon that he suffered in training camp. The Giants waived Brown in September 2010 before the season started. Since then, Brown has spent time with the Broncos, Colts, Panthers, and Redskins. But he has only played in four NFL games and only has had two rushing attempts. Brown has good size and flashed with the Giants in camp before he got injured in 2009. He is more of a north-south slasher who runs with some power. Brown has good hands.
DT GABE WATSON (Unrestricted Free Agent from Arizona Cardinals): Watson was originally drafted in the 4th round of the 2006 NFL Draft by the Cardinals. In five seasons, Watson has played in 62 regular season games with 21 starts. In his career, Watson has only 81 tackles and two sacks. Watson is a huge, strong player with decent athleticism for his size. However, he never lived up to expectations in Arizona with his last start coming in 2007 when he started all 16 games that season. Injuries affected his play in 2008 and 2009, but he also has had issues keeping his weight in check. Watson has ability, but he has to improve his focus and become more consistent.
WR MICHAEL CLAYTON (Re-Signed Unrestricted Free Agent): The Giants signed Clayton in late November 2010 when injuries hit the team’s wide receiving corps hard. Clayton played in six games for the Giants, but only had two receptions. Clayton was originally drafted in the 1st round of the 2004 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Buccaneers waived him in September 2010 before the season started. He then played for the UFL’s Omaha Nighthawks. In six seasons in Tampa, Clayton started 56 of the 84 games he played in, catching 221 passes for 2,936 yards and 10 touchdowns. However, after a stellar rookie season in 2004 (80 catches for 1,193 yards and 7 touchdowns), Clayton regularly disappointed in Tampa. He started 11 games in 2009, yet only caught 16 passes all season. Clayton has excellent size (6-4, 215lbs), but is not overly fast or quick. He does not play with much confidence and has inconsistent hands. Clayton is a very good blocker for a receiver.
TE BEN PATRICK (Unrestricted Free Agent from Arizona Cardinals): Patrick was drafted in the 7th round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the Cardinals. In four seasons, Patrick has played in 42 regular season games with 20 starts and 45 catches for 446 yards and four touchdowns. Patrick has a nice combination of size and athleticism. He has good hands, but has been somewhat inconsistent. Patrick lacks ideal speed so he is not much of a vertical threat in the passing game. The strength of his game is blocking ability.
HB AHMAD BRADSHAW (Re-Signed Unrestricted Free Agent): It was an up-and-down year for Bradshaw who took over the starting halfback job in training camp and held it until Week 12 when he lost it due to fumbling issues. Bradshaw finished the season with 1,235 rushing yards on 276 carries (4.5 yards per carry) and 314 receiving yards on 47 receptions (6.7 yards per reception). Bradshaw had eight rushing touchdowns. However, he fumbled the ball 7 times (losing 6) and only twice in his last nine games did he average more than 4 yards per carry in a contest. The 323 touches was a huge increase in Bradshaw’s regular-season workload as he had 281 touches in his first three seasons combined. He underwent ankle surgery after the season to remove a bone spur in his left ankle. Bradshaw was drafted by the Giants in the 7th round of the 2007 NFL Draft, slipping despite a very productive collegiate career due to character concerns. While Bradshaw lacks ideal size, he runs with very good power for his size and is elusive runner with good vision, quickness, and speed. Bradshaw can catch the ball and return kickoffs and punts. There are durability concerns with Bradshaw due to ankle/feet issues that have plagued him and that have required multiple surgeries. He needs to do a better job of protecting the football.
QB DAVID CARR (Waived by the San Francisco 49ers): 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 2008-09, Carr served as the Giants’ primary back-up and played well in limited mop-up action. Carr signed with the 49ers after the 2009 season. He only played in one game with the 49ers. In nine seasons, Carr has started 79 games with 65 touchdowns and 71 interceptions, completing almost 60 percent of his passes. Carr has all of the tools (size, athletic, strong arm), but he was a major disappointment in Houston and Carolina. His confidence and performance improved sitting behind Eli Manning for two seasons. Carr can appear indecisive at times and hold onto the ball too long.
OC/OG CHRIS WHITE (Waived by Seattle Seahawks): White originally signed with the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2005. Since that time, he has played with the Packers (2005-06), Texans (2006-09), and Seahawks (2010). In six NFL seasons, he has played in 33 games, starting eight (with the eight starts being with the Texans in 2009). White has experience at both center and guard.
TE CHRISTIAN HOPKINS (Street Free Agent): After playing collegiate for Toledo from 2004-07, Hopkins spent 2009-10 with the UFL for the New York Sentinels and Omaha Nighthawks.
P STEVE WEATHERFORD (Unrestricted Free Agent from New York Jets): Weatherford originally signed by the Saints as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2006. In five NFL seasons, he has played for the Saints (2006-08), Chiefs (2008), Jaguars (2008), and Jets (2009-2010). In 2010, Weatherford tied an NFL regular-season record by placing 42 punts inside the opponents’ 20-yard line. He averaged 42.6 yards per punt (38.1 yards net).
TE/FB BEAR PASCOE (Re-Signed Exclusive Rights Free Agent): It was a strange season for Pascoe, who started off training camp/preseason at tight end, but was then moved to fullback during the regular season when Madison Hedgecock got hurt. Pascoe actually started the season on the Practice Squad, but was signed to the 53-man roster in mid-September 2010. In all, Pascoe played in 15 games, starting 11, and finished the season with nine catches for 72 yards. Pascoe was originally drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the 6th round of the 2009 NFL Draft. The 49ers waived him before the season started and the Giants then signed him to their Practice Squad. The Giants added him to the 53-man roster in December 2009. Pascoe is strong, but he is not overly athletic. He lacks the speed and agility to separate from defenders and threaten a defense as a receiver. He did not block particularly well as a tight end in 2010, but performed much better in that department as a fullback. However, he still was too inconsistent as a move blocker and his tall height does work against him in terms of getting leverage against an opponent as a fullback. It remains to be seen where the Giants will play him in 2011. He may remain a jack-of-all-trades type who does not really excel at any one thing.
OL JAMON MEREDITH (Re-Signed Exclusive Rights Free Agent): The Giants claimed Meredith off of waivers from the Detroit Lions in October 2010. Meredith was originally drafted in the 5th round of the 2009 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers. The Buffalo Bills signed him off of the Packers’ Practice Squad in September 2009. Meredith was waived by the Bills in September 2010 and then claimed by the Lions. Meredith combines good size, long arms, and athletic ability. Versatile, he can play either tackle or guard spot. A finesse player, Meredith is not really a mauler and he needs to improve his strength, toughness, intensity, and work ethic.
DE/LB MATHIAS KIWANUKA (Re-Signed Unrestricted Free Agent): Kiwanuka started off the season on fire until a serious neck injury (herniated cervical disc ) ended his season in September. In three games, playing chiefly as a reserve, Kiwanuka accrued 11 tackles, 4 sacks, and a forced fumble. Kiwanuka’s tenure with the Giants has not been terribly smooth. Drafted by the Giants in the 1st round of the 2006 NFL Draft, Kiwanuka was moved from defensive end to linebacker in 2007 in order to get him on the field more. However, his season was cut short when he suffered a fractured fibula and ligament damage in an ankle in November 2007. In 2008, with Osi Umenyiora lost for the season, Kiwanuka started all 16 games at right end and finished with 51 tackles and 8 sacks. In 2009, with Umenyiora back, Kiwanuka was once again a reserve until the Giants benched Umenyiora for the last five games of the season. However, Kiwanuka only had 3 sacks that season. Kiwanuka combines excellent athleticism and size. He is tall with long arms and is quick, fast, and agile. Kiwanuka is a decent run defender. He flashes as a pass rusher, but has not generated the consistent pass rush or sack numbers that were expected of him. Kiwanuka is smart and hard working. His football future is clouded by the neck injury. It is hoped that injury will heal without surgery.
OC/OG DAVID BAAS (Unrestricted Free Agent from San Francisco 49ers): Baas was originally drafted by the 49ers in the 2nd round of the 2005 NFL Draft. Baas was a highly regarded collegiate center at Michigan. After an inconsistent, injury-plagued start to his career, Baas began to improve dramatically at left guard in 2009 and center in 2010 for the 49ers. In both 2009 and 2010, he was named the 49ers’ top offensive lineman, starting all 32 games. Baas has excellent size and strength. He’s a good athlete and can pull and block at the second level. Baas is tough, smart, competitive, and plays with a nasty attitude.
OG/OC KEVIN BOOTHE (Re-Signed Unrestricted Free Agent): Boothe tore his pectoral muscle in a weight-lifting accident in May 2010, missed all of training camp and the preseason, and started the first eight games of the regular season on the Physically-Unable-to-Perform (PUP) List. But when Boothe returned, despite his rustiness, he was surprisingly effective in five straight starts at left guard. Boothe was originally drafted in the 6th round of the 2006 NFL Draft by the Raiders and started 14 games for Oakland at right guard as a rookie. The Raiders cut him in September 2007 and the Giants immediately claimed him off of waivers. Before 2010, in his first three years with the Giants, Boothe only started two games. Boothe is a big, powerful player with long arms who can create movement at the point-of-attack. Not overly agile or quick, Boothe is not as adept when pulling. In pass protection, he struggles at times with speed and quickness. A versatile player, Boothe can play both guard spots, right tackle, and even center in an emergency – the latter being something he did in the regular-season finale against the Redskins.
WR/HB DARIUS REYNAUD (Re-Signed Restricted Free Agent): Reynaud was acquired by the Giants in a trade with the Minnesota Vikings in September 2010, mainly for his return skills. However, Reynaud disappointed as a returner, averaging 18.4 yards per kickoff return and 5.7 yards per punt return. He played in nine games and did not catch a pass either. Reynaud was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2008 NFL Draft. The Vikings converted him from wide receiver to running back. The Giants moved him back to wide receiver. With the Vikings, Reynaud played in three games as a rookie and 11 in 2009. In 2009, he returned 30 punts for a 10.3 yards-per-return average, but he also fumbled the ball three times. Reynaud isn’t very big, but he is well-built with good speed and quickness. He needs a lot of work as a receiver.
WR DOMENIK HIXON (Re-Signed Restricted Free Agent): Hixon was placed on Injured Reserve in July 2010 with a season-ending ACL injury to his right knee that he suffered during the June mini-camp. In 2009, Hixon fell on the depth chart with the development of Mario Manningham and the arrival of Hakeem Nicks. But Hixon remained an important role player on offense and special teams contributor. In 2009, Hixon played in 14 games, starting two, but finished the season with only 15 catches for 187 yards and one touchdown. This was a year after he started seven games and caught 43 passes for 596 yards. In 2009, Hixon not only served on special teams coverage units, but he was the Giants’ primary returner on punts (15.1 yards per return) and kickoffs (22.6 yards per return). Hixon was originally drafted by the Broncos in the 4th round of the 2006 NFL Draft. The Broncos cut him in October 2007 and the Giants immediately claimed him off of waivers. Hixon has good size. He is a fast and smooth athlete with good hands. A hard worker with an upside, Hixon is still learning the pro game as a receiver. Hixon is a dangerous punt and kickoff returner. He has five 40+ yard kickoff returns, including one touchdown, and three 40+ yard punt returns, including one touchdown, in his career already.
HB D.J. WARE (Re-Signed Restricted Free Agent): Ware was surprisingly underutilized in 2010. Ware played in 14 games, but only had 20 carries for 73 yards (3.7 yards per carry) and seven receptions for 67 yards. Ware was expected to be much more of a contributor in 2009 as well, but injuries (dislocated elbow and a concussion) caused him to miss half that season. Ware was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the Tennessee Titans after the 2007 NFL Draft. After the Titans waived him before training camp that year, the Jets claimed him. Ware was signed by the Giants off of the Jets’ Practice Squad in December 2007. Ware has a nice combination of size and athleticism, and has flashed an ability to run with vision and power. Ware has improved his blitz pick-ups and he can catch the football. He can also return kickoffs.
QB RYAN PERRILLOUX (Street Free Agent): Perrilloux was signed by the Giants in January 2010. Eligible for the draft in 2011, Perrilloux went undrafted and played for the Hartford Colonials of the United Football League (UFL) in 2010. His head coach was former Giants’ Quarterback Coach Chris Palmer. In eight games, Perrilloux completed 33 of 69 passes for 394 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. Perrilloux was a very highly rated high school quarterback who ran into off-the-field issues in college. Perrilloux lacks ideal height, but he is a very athletic player with a quick release and a strong arm. He can make all of the different kinds of throws an NFL quarterback needs to make. However, he needs a lot of technique work in order to become a consistently accurate thrower. Perrilloux can also make plays with his feet. Sometimes he relies too much on his scrambling ability, needing to stick with the play in the pocket. Perrilloux has a huge upside, but he also has serious character concerns given his checkered past.
HB MARTELL MALLETT (Street Free Agent): Mallett was signed by the Giants in January 2011. Mallett was originally signed by the Eagles in January 2010 after he was named the CFL’s “Most Outstanding Rookie” for 2009 when he played for the BC Lions. He did not make the Eagles’ 53-man roster, but spent time on the Eagles’ and Browns’ practice squads in 2010. As a rookie in the CFL, Mallett rushed 214 times for 1,240 yards (5.8 yards per carry) and six touchdowns. He also caught 43 passes for 342 yards and two touchdowns.
WR TODD WATKINS (Street Free Agent): The Giants signed Watkins in January 2011. Watkins was originally drafted in the 7th round of the 2006 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals. He has spent time with the Cardinals (2006 Practice Squad), Atlanta Falcons (2007 Practice Squad), and Oakland Raiders (2008-09). In two seasons with the Raiders, Watkins played in 21 games, starting one. His only career receptions came in 2009 with eight catches for 90 yards. The Raiders cut him shortly before the 2010 season started. Watkins is a tall, thin receiver with very good speed. He is not overly quick but he has the speed to threaten a defense deep. However, he has a reputation for not being very tough or focused. Too inconsistent.
OG/OT IKE NDUKWE (Street Free Agent): Ndukwe was signed by the Giants in January 2011. He was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the Saints after the 2005 NFL Draft. Ndukwe has spent time with the Saints (2005 Practice Squad), Redskins (2005-06), Ravens (2006-07), Dolphins (2007-08), and Chiefs (2009-10). The Chiefs waived Ndukwe before the 2010 season started. In 2008 and 2009, for the Dolphins and Chiefs, he played in 28 games, starting 18. Ndukwe has good size but he’s been more ideally suited for a reserve, swingman-type role in the NFL.
CB JOE BURNETT (Street Free Agent): The Giants signed Burnett in January 2011. Burnett was originally drafted in the 5th round of the 2009 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. He made the team in 2009, and although he played primarily on special teams, he did see some action in the nickel his rookie season. The Steelers waived him shortly before the start of the 2010 season. Burnett lacks ideal height and speed, but he is well built and a decent athlete. Instinctive, in college he had a knack for making plays on the football. Burnett has good ball skills and hands. He is better suited to zone coverage. He is tough and competitive. Burnett was a very dangerous kick and punt returner in college.
S/CB CARY HARRIS (Street Free Agent): Harris was signed by the Giants in January 2011. Harris was originally drafted in the 6th round of the 2009 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills. He spent time on both the Bills’ Practice Squad and 53-man roster his rookie season. He ended up playing in four games in 2009, with one start at safety, and intercepted two passes. Harris played in two games in 2010, but the Bills waived him in October 2010 and he then spent time on the Vikings’ and Bengals’ practice squads. Harris is a bit of a cornerback-safety ‘tweener. While athletic and quick, he lacks the size one looks for in a safety and the speed one looks for in a corner. Instinctive, physical, and aggressive. Harris will play the run but he needs to become a more consistent tackler.
HB CHARLES SCOTT (2010 Practice Squad): Scott s pent 2010 on the Giants’ Practice Squad. Scott was originally drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 6th round of the 2010 NFL Draft. The Eagles traded Scott to the Arizona Cardinals during training camp, but the Cardinals cut him in early September. Scott is a big, physical running back who runs with power. While he is not overly fast, Scott is a good athlete. He has good balance, agility, and quickness for a big back. Scott needs work on his blitz pickups and catching the ball out of the backfield.
WR SAMUEL GIGUERE (2010 Practice Squad): The Giants signed Giguere to the Practice Squad in October 2010. Giguere originally signed with the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2008 NFL Draft. He spent the 2008 season on the Colts’ Practice Squad, and was on the Practice Squad again in 2009 until the Colts added him to the 53-man roster before the regular-season finale. The Colts waived Giguere in September 2010. Giguere has a nice combination of size, speed, and quickness. He also has experience in the return game.
OC JIM CORDLE (2010 Practice Squad): Cordle spent the season on the Giants’ Practice Squad. The Buccaneers tried to sign him off the Practice Squad in December, but Cordle chose to remain with the Giants. Cordle was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2010 NFL Draft. Cordle is a versatile lineman who played four different offensive line positions in college. Cordle has good size, but he needs to get bigger and stronger. Smart.
DE AYANGA OKPOKOWURUK (2010 Practice Squad): Okpokowuruk spent some time on the Giants’ Practice Squad late in the season. Okpokowuruk was originally signed by the Giants as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2010 NFL Draft. The Giants waived him in late July. Okpokowuruk lacks ideal size, but he is a good athlete with fine strength. Plays hard. Okpokowuruk needs to play with better leverage and shed blocks more quickly.
DT DWAYNE HENDRICKS (2010 Practice Squad): Hendricks was added to the Giants’ Practice Squad in November 2010. He also spent time on the Giants’ Practice Squad in 2009. The Giants originally signed him as a rookie free agent after the 2009 NFL Draft, but waived him in June 2009 before training camp started. Hendricks is the classic “looks like Tarzan, plays like Jane” prospect. He has good size and athleticism. Hendricks is quick and agile for his size. However, he was too often easily blocked and not very productive on the playing field at the University of Miami.
LB KENNY INGRAM (2010 Practice Squad): Ingram was added to the Practice Squad in December 2010. The Giants originally signed Ingram as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2009 NFL Draft. He did not make the team but was added to the Practice Squad in December 2009. The Giants waived him in July 2010. He then played for the Hartford Colonials in the UFL. In college at Florida State, Ingram played at both safety (hybrid rover) and linebacker. Ingram is very tall and a good athlete.
CB WOODNY TURENNE (2010 Practice Squad): The Giants signed Turenne to the Practice Squad in November 2010. Turenne was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the Chicago Bears after the 2009 NFL Draft. He spent time both on the Bears’ Practice Squad and 53-man roster. The Bears waived/injured Turenne in September 2010 before the season started. Turenne is a good athlete with fine quickness and speed. He plays a physical game and can play bump-and-run. Turenne will hit and tackle.
2010 FREE AGENT SIGNINGS
CB/RETURNER BRIAN WITHERSPOON (Street Free Agent): Witherspoon was signed by the Giants in late December 2010. Witherspoon originally signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars as a rookie free agent after the 2008 NFL Draft. He played in 14 games his rookie season, primarily as a kickoff and punt returner. The Jaguars waived him in December 2009 and he was claimed off of waivers by the Detroit Lions. The Lions waived him in April, he was then claimed by the Panthers, who waived him before the 2010 season started. In 22 NFL games, Witherspoon has returned 80 kickoffs for 1,890 yards, a 23.6-yard average, with a long runback of 51 yards, and 26 punts for 280 yards, a 10.8-yard average, with a long of 42. Witherspoon lacks ideal size but he is athletic and fast. He has not proven to be much of a defensive back.
DE ALEX HALL (Street Free Agent): Hall was signed by the Giants in December 2010. Hall was originally drafted in the 7th round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns. In two seasons with Cleveland, Hall played in 30 games with two starts. He accumulated 38 tackles, 3 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles. He was also credited with 18 special teams tackles. The Browns traded Hall to the Eagles in April 2010. The Eagles waived him in July. The Giants then claimed him off of waivers and later waived/injured him in the final cuts in September. The Cardinals signed him later that month. Hall played in three games (being inactive in the other four) for the Cardinals. The Giants claimed Alex Hall off of waivers from the Arizona Cardinals at the beginning of November 2010. He was waived 26 days later. Hall is a bit of a defensive end/linebacker ‘tweener. Hall plays hard and has good speed and long arms. He flashes as a pass rusher.
WR MICHAEL CLAYTON (Street Free Agent): The Giants signed Clayton in late November 2010 when injuries hit the team’s wide receiving corps hard. Clayton was originally drafted in the 1st round of the 2004 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Buccaneers waived him in September before the season started. Since late October, he has been playing with the UFL’s Omaha Nighthawks. In six seasons in Tampa, Clayton started 56 of the 84 games he played in, catching 221 passes for 2,936 yards and 10 touchdowns. However, after a stellar rookie season in 2004 (80 catches for 1,193 yards and 7 touchdowns), Clayton regularly disappointed. He started 11 games in 2009, yet only caught 16 passes all season. Clayton has excellent size (6-4, 215lbs), but is not overly fast. He does not play with much confidence and has inconsistent hands. Clayton is a very good blocker for a receiver.
WR DEREK HAGAN (Street Free Agent): The Giants added Derek Hagan to the roster in November 2010 after injuries hit the wide receiving corps. It is Hagan’s second stint with the Giants as the team originally signed him in December 2008 after the Miami Dolphins waived him. Hagan spent the entire 2009 season with the Giants, but New York waived him in the last round of cuts in early September 2010. The Dolphins drafted Hagan in the 3rd round of the 2006 NFL Draft. In 36 games with Miami, Hagan caught 53 passes for 645 yards and three touchdowns. In 16 games with the Giants in 2009, Hagan caught 8 passes for 101 yards and 1 touchdown. Hagan has good size and athleticism. He runs good routes and adjusts well for the football. However, he is not overly fast. Good special teams player.
CB/RETURNER WILL BLACKMON (Street Free Agent): The Giants signed Blackmon at the end of October 2010. He was originally drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the 4th round of the 2006 NFL Draft. Blackmon tore knee ligaments in the fourth game of the 2009 season and was placed on Injured Reserve. He was placed on Injured Reserve again during the final cuts before the 2010 season. The Packers waived him off of Injured Reserve after reaching an injury settlement. Blackmon has been unimpressive as a defensive back, but he has proven to be a decent punt returner. From 2007-2009, in 28 games, he has averaged 11.0 yards per punt return and 21.1 yards per kickoff return. He has scored three times on punt returns, but has not been terribly productive on kickoff returns. Blackmon has been injury prone.
PK SHAYNE GRAHAM (Street Free Agent): The Giants signed Graham in October 2010 after Lawrence Tynes sprained his left ankle in practice. Graham was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the New Orleans Saints in 2000. The Saints waived Graham before the season and he did not play in 2000. In nine seasons, Graham kicked for the Bills (2001), Panthers (2002), and Bengals (2003-2009). He is a career 85 percent field goal kicker. Graham has 45 touchbacks in 564 career kickoffs. In 2009 with Cincinnati, Graham hit 23-of-28 field goal attempts (82 percent) and 28-of-29 extra point tries for 97 points. He also tied his career high with a 53-yarder. Graham had eight touchbacks in 69 kickoffs in 2009.
OL SHAWN ANDREWS (Contract Terminated by Philadelphia Eagles): Shawn Andrews was signed by the Giants at the end of training camp in August 2010. He was originally drafted in the 1st round of the 2004 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles. Andrews fractured his leg in the 2004 opener against the Giants and missed the rest of his rookie season. In the next three seasons, starting at right guard, Andrews rapidly became one of the best offensive linemen in the NFL and was voted a Pro Bowl alternate in 2005 and voted to the Pro Bowl in 2006 and 2007. However, things started to fall apart in 2008. He was AWOL from training camp and claimed that he was battling depression and seeking professional help. A back injury that required surgery caused him to miss virtually all of 2008. The back issue reappeared in training camp the following year and Andrews missed all of the 2009 season and more surgery was performed in December 2009. The Eagles terminated his contract in March 2010. When physically and mentally healthy – two big “ifs” – Andrews is a mammoth player who can maul an opponent with his size and strength. He is a top notch-run blocker and a player who can stonewall an opponent on the pass rush. He has the capability of playing both guard and right tackle.
OL CLIFF LOUIS (Street Free Agent): Louis was signed by the Giants as a “street” free agent in August 2010 during training camp. Louis was originally signed by the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted rookie free agent out of Morgan State after the 2007 NFL Draft. He spent 2007 on the Browns’ Practice Squad, but was waived in August 2008. Louis spent time with the Giants in training camp in 2008 and 2009. He was also on the Jacksonville Jaguars’ and Giants’ and Practice Squads in 2008 and the Arizona Cardinals’ Practice Squad in 2009. Louis has a good combination of size and athleticism.
S JOHN BUSING (from the Houston Texans): Busing was signed as an unrestricted free agent by the Giants in July 2010. Busing was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the Cincinnati Bengals after the 2006 NFL Draft. The Bengals chose not to tender Busing after the 2008 season and he was signed by the Houston Texans in 2009. After the 2009 season, the Texans did not tender him and he became an unrestricted free agent. Busing played linebacker in college but was converted to strong safety in the pros. In four NFL seasons, he has played in 43 games, starting four with the Texans. Busing has good size and is smart and aggressive. He is not a good pass defender however. Busing is very good on special teams coverage units.
LB KEITH BULLUCK (Unrestricted Free Agent from Tennessee Titans): Bulluck was signed by the Giants in July 2010. He was originally drafted in the 1st round of the 2000 NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans. In 10 seasons with the Titans, Bulluck played in 157 regular-season games (starting 130). He has accumulated 1,038 tackles, 18 sacks, 19 interceptions, and 14 forced fumbles. He was voted to the Pro Bowl in 2003. Bulluck suffered a torn ACL to his left knee in December 2009. He clearly is on the downside of his career, but in his prime, he was widely regarded as one of the best linebackers in the NFL – a three-down player who could play the run, blitz, and cover. Bulluck is tough, aggressive, and plays with a passion. He is also a good leader. Bulluck has experience playing both weakside and middle linebacker.
WR ADAM JENNINGS (Street Free Agent): Jennings was signed by the Giants as a street free agent in July 2010. He was originally drafted in the 6th round of the 2006 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons waived him in November 2008 and he was claimed off of waivers by the Detroit Lions. In 2009, Jennings was waived, re-signed, and waived again by the Lions. In four NFL seasons, Jennings has played in 46 games with two starts. Primarily a special teams player and reserve receiver, he only has six career receptions for 62 yards and one touchdown. Jennings has pro experience as a kickoff (22.4 average) and punt (6.2 average) returner, but does not not excel in that area. He does perform well on special teams coverage units. Jennings lacks size.
DT BARRY COFIELD (Re-Signed Restricted Free Agent): Coming off offseason knee surgery, Cofield had a disappointing season. Cofield finished 2009 with 35 tackles and 1 sack. In 2008, he had 43 tackles and 3 sacks. Cofield was originally drafted in 4th round of the 2006 NFL Draft by the Giants. Cofield is an average-sized defensive tackle, but he is strong, consistent, and flashes ability to penetrate. While Cofield is not overly stout at the point-of-attack, he is a better-than-average run defender who fights hard and hustles. He is not much of pass rusher with only 6.5 sacks in four seasons. Cofield is smart and team-oriented.
WR DEREK HAGAN (Re-Signed Restricted Free Agent): Hagan is one of the Giants better special teams coverage players. He also did not disappoint when called upon in the receiving game, catching eight passes for 101 yards and one touchdown. Hagan was signed by the Giants in December 2008 after the Miami Dolphins waived him. He was originally drafted by the Dolphins in the 3rd round of the 2006 NFL Draft. In 36 games with Miami, Hagan caught 53 passes for 645 yards and three touchdowns. Hagan has good size and athleticism. He runs good routes and adjusts well for the football. However, he is not overly fast and he had very inconsistent hands in Miami.
LB GERRIS WILKINSON (Re-Signed Restricted Free Agent): Wilkinson was placed on Injured Reserve in November 2009 after having surgery performed on his right wrist, which was dislocated. Wilkinson played in all nine games before he was hurt, but was limited mainly to special teams. Wilkinson has been an injury-plagued disappointment ever since the Giants drafted him in the 3rd round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He missed most of the 2007 training camp and preseason with a knee issue. Additional problems with the knee also caused him to miss eight games in 2008. Wilkinson did start in the Giants’ first five games in 2008, but he finished with only 10 tackles on the season. Wilkinson is a good athlete. He runs well and can cover. Wilkinson needs to become a more consistent run defender and tackler. He also has to prove that he can stay healthy.
WR DOMENIK HIXON (Re-Signed Restricted Free Agent): Hixon fell on the depth chart in 2009 with the development of Mario Manningham and the arrival of Hakeem Nicks. But Hixon remained an important role player on offense and special teams contributor. Hixon played in 14 games, starting two, but finished the season with only 15 catches for 187 yards and one touchdown. This was a year after he started seven games and caught 43 passes for 596 yards. In 2009, Hixon not only served on special teams coverage units, but he was the Giants’ primary returner on punts (15.1 yards per return) and kickoffs (22.6 yards per return). Hixon was originally drafted by the Broncos in the 4th round of the 2006 NFL Draft. The Broncos cut him in October 2007 and the Giants immediately claimed him off of waivers. Hixon has good size. He is a fast and smooth athlete with good hands. A hard worker with an upside, Hixon is still learning the pro game as a receiver. Hixon is a dangerous punt and kickoff returner. He has five 40+ yard kickoff returns, including one touchdown, and three 40+ yard punt returns, including one touchdown, in his career already.
CB D.J. JOHNSON (Re-Signed Exclusive Rights Free Agent): Johnson was signed by the Giants in November 2009 off of the Denver Broncos’ Practice Squad. Johnson was originally signed by the Broncos as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2009 NFL Draft. The Broncos waived him before the season and signed him to their Practice Squad. At Jackson State his senior year, Johnson was named second-team All-America by the Associated Press and first-team All-Southwestern Athletic Conference. Johnson played mostly cornerback in college, but also played some safety. He is a well-built player with good speed. Raw – he needs a lot of technique work. Johnson needs to improve his study habits and toughness. He is an inconsistent tackler.
WR SINORICE MOSS (Re-Signed Restricted Free Agent): Moss has been a huge disappointment since being drafted in the 2nd round of the 2006 NFL Draft. In four seasons with the Giants, Moss has played in 37 games, often been inactive, and only caught 39 passes for 421 yards and three touchdowns. In 2009, he played in eight games and finished the season with only one catch. Moss lacks size. He is fast and quick, but he is oddly not very elusive after the catch. Moss has not proven to be much of a threat as a returner.
OT GUY WHIMPER (Re-Signed Restricted Free Agent): Whimper was surpassed on the depth chart by William Beatty and was made inactive 10 games in 2009. Whimper was originally selected in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL Draft by the Giants. He played linebacker, defensive end, and tight end in college until being moved to right tackle his senior season. He was fairly green when he came to the Giants and had a lot to learn about playing left tackle at the pro level. Whimper has good size and is a good athlete with quick feet. In 2007, he saw limited playing time in the playoff game against the Buccaneers and performed well. He missed all of 2008 with a broken foot.
S DEON GRANT (Waived by the Seattle Seahawks): The Giants signed Grant in April 2010. Grant was originally drafted in the 2nd round of the 2000 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers. He missed his entire rookie season with a fractured hip. In 2004, the Jacksonville Jaguars signed him as an unrestricted free agent. In 2007, he signed with the Seattle Seahawks as an unrestricted free agent. The Seahawks released him in March 2010. Grant has good size and is solid in coverage. He is a solid, dependable, and consistent player who has started every regular-season game for the last nine years. During that time period, Grant accrued 640 tackles, 74 pass defenses, and 26 interceptions. In 2009, Grant had 78 tackles, 8 pass defenses, and 3 interceptions.
P JEFF FEAGLES (Re-Signed Unrestricted Free Agent): Though the impression is that Feagles had a terrible season in 2009, statistically, in terms of average yards per punt (40.7), net yards per punt (36.0), and punts inside the 20-yard line (23), he was pretty much on par with most of his seasons with the Giants. However, it was a step down from his 2008 Pro Bowl performance when his average was 44.0 and his net average 40.2. In addition, Feagles did look terribly out of shape and was not as consistent as he has been throughout his six previous seasons with New York. Remarkably, 2009 was the 43-year old Feagles’ 22nd season. Besides the Giants, Feagles has played with the Patriots (1988-89), Eagles (1990-93), Cardinals (1994-97), and Seahawks (1998-2002). He signed with the Giants in March 2003. Feagles makes up for a lack of ideal leg strength with his directional-punting skills that often pin an opposing returner along the sidelines. He is very accurate and usually gets good hang time. Feagles is also excellent at helping his team to down punts inside the 20-yard line – usually over a third of his punts are downed inside the 20. He usually is an excellent holder on field goals/extra points.
OG KEVIN BOOTHE (Re-Signed Restricted Free Agent): Boothe is the team’s primary back-up at guard and has played some right tackle for the Giants as well. He started the last two games of the season at left guard for the injured Seubert. He also saw extensive playing time in Week 15 against the Redskins. Boothe played very well against Washington, but had some negative moments in the two games that he started. Boothe was originally drafted in the 6th round of the 2006 NFL Draft by the Raiders and started 14 games for Oakland at right guard as a rookie. The Raiders cut him in September 2007 and the Giants immediately claimed him off of waivers. Boothe is a big, powerful player with long arms who can create movement at the point-of-attack. Boothe is a better run blocker than pass blocker. He struggles at times with speed and quickness. At this stage of his career, Boothe needs to become a more consistent player.
DE DAVE TOLLEFSON (Re-Signed Restricted Free Agent): Tollefson is a try-hard, back-up type who does not flash much. He has never started a game, but he has played in 28 regular-season games for the Giants in the past two seasons. Tollefson finished 2009 with 17 tackles and 1 sack; he had 19 tackles and 3.5 sacks in 2008. Tollefson was originally drafted in the 7th round of the 2006 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers and he spent his rookie season on Green Bay’s Practice Squad. The Oakland Raiders signed Tollefson in January 2007 and allocated him to NFL Europe. The Raiders waived him before the 2007 NFL season started and signed him to their Practice Squad. Tollefson was signed by the Giants off of the Raiders’ Practice Squad in October 2007.
P JY BOND (Street Free Agent): Bond is an ex-semi-pro Australian Rules Football player. Bond was signed by the Miami Dolphins in April 2009 but waived two months later before training camp even started. After his release, he trained with fellow Australian countrymen Sav Rocca (current NFL punter), Darren Bennett (former NFL punter), and Nathan Chapman (former NFL punter).
HB D.J. WARE (Re-Signed Exclusive Rights Free Agent): With the departure of Derrick Ward during the 2009 offseason, Ware appeared poised for a dramatic increase in playing time. But his season was a disaster. Ware dislocated his elbow on the very first play of the season and missed the next five games. Against Denver, not only did he fumble the ball away, but he later suffered a very serious concussion and did not touch the ball again until the season finale. In total, Ware carried the ball 13 times for 73 yards and a touchdown; he also caught the ball 3 times for 15 yards. As a junior, Ware was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the Tennessee Titans after the 2007 NFL Draft. The Titans waived him in June and the Jets claimed him a few days later. Ware was signed by the Giants off of the Jets’ Practice Squad in early December 2007. Ware flashed good running skills during the preseason for the Giants in 2008 and 2009. He has a nice combination of size and athleticism, and has demonstrated the ability to run with vision and power. Ware has improved his blitz pick-ups and he can catch the football. He can also return kickoffs. Ware’s maturity level has been questioned.
TE SCOTT CHANDLER (Re-Signed Exclusive Rights Free Agent): Chandler was signed by the Giants off of the Practice Squad of the Dallas Cowboys in December 2009. Chandler was originally drafted in the 4th round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers. He spent the 2008 season on Injured Reserve with a toe injury. The Chargers waived him in April 2009. He was then signed by the Dallas Cowboys and later added to their Practice Squad. Chandler is a big, tall tight end. Chandler is a better pass receiver than blocker. He needs to become a much more physical and effective blocker to make it in the NFL. Not overly quick or fast, Chandler runs good routes and adjusts well to the football in the passing game.
QB JIM SORGI (Waived by Indianapolis Colts): Sorgi was signed by the Giants in March 2010 after he was waived by the Indianapolis Colts. Sorgi was originally drafted in the 6th round of the 2004 NFL Draft. In six seasons with the Colts, Sorgi never started a game and only saw action in 16 contests. In limited playing time, he has completed 99 of 156 passes (63.5 percent) for 929 yards, six touchdowns, and one interception. Sorgi is tall, but a bit on the thin side. He has a decent – but not strong – arm with good touch and accuracy.
S ANTREL ROLLE (Waived by Arizona Cardinals): Rolle signed by the Giants in March 2010 after the Arizona Cardinals cut him in a salary-related move. Rolle was originally drafted as a cornerback in the 1st round of the 2005 NFL Draft by the Cardinals. After three inconsistent seasons at corner, the Cardinals moved him to free safety in 2008. Rolle finished the 2009 season as a Pro Bowl alternate with 72 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 8 pass defenses, 4 interceptions, and 1 forced fumble. For a safety, Rolle has decent size, and he is a very good athlete and quality pass defender. Due to his experience as a cornerback, unlike most safeties, Rolle can play man coverage. Rolle is relatively new to the position and still improving. He is dangerous with the football after the interception; he has returned four interceptions for touchdowns. Solid tackler.
FB JEROME JOHNSON (Street Free Agent): Johnson was signed by the Giants as a “street” free agent in January 2010. Johnson was originally signed by the St. Louis Rams as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2009 NFL Draft. The Rams waived him in September before the season started. Johnson played linebacker at the University of Nevada. The Rams converted him to fullback. He has good size, but is obviously very raw.
TE CARSON BUTLER (Street Free Agent): The Giants signed Butler as a “street” free agent in January 2010. Butler was originally signed by the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2009 NFL Draft. Since that time, he has spent time on the Practice Squads of the Lions, 49ers, and Bengals. At the University of Michigan, Butler played in 29 games at tight end before switching to defensive end for his final three games. He had 41 career catches for 429 yards and three touchdowns. Butler combines good size and athleticism. He is a better pass receiver than blocker. Butler looks natural catching the football. He must improve as a blocker to succeed in the NFL. Some have questioned his focus and maturity.
DE TOMMIE HILL (Street Free Agent): Hill was signed by the Giants as a “street” free agent in January 2010. He was originally signed by the Giants as a rookie free agent after the 2009 NFL Draft. Hill is a tall, lean defensive end with decent quickness. He does need to get bigger and stronger. Hill plays hard.
CB/S COURTNEY BROWN (Street Free Agent): Brown was signed by the Giants as a “street” free agent in January 2010. Brown was originally drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the 7th Round of the 2007 NFL Draft out of Cal-Poly. He played in 17 regular season games in 2007-08, including one start. The Cowboys waived him before the 2009 season in early September. Brown has excellent size for a corner and fine speed. A former wide receiver, he has good hands. Brown may lack the agility and instincts necessary to survive as an NFL corner. He might be better suited to safety.
PK SAM SWANK (Street Free Agent): Swank was signed as a “street” free agent by the Giants in January 2010. Swank was originally signed by the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted rookie free agent out of Wake Forest after the 2009 NFL Draft. The Eagles released him in May. The Cincinnati Bengals signed him in August, but waived him in early September before the season started. Swank has a very strong leg, but was inconsistent in college. He is good on kickoffs and can punt in an emergency.
OT JACOB BENDER (2009 Practice Squad): Bender was signed to the Practice Squad in September 2009. Bender was originally drafted in the 6th round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the New York Jets. The Jets waived him before the 2008 season and the New England Patriots signed him to their Practice Squad. The San Francisco 49ers signed Bender off of the Patriots’ Practice Squad in November 2008. The 49ers waived him before the 2009 season. Bender has experience at both tackle and guard. Bender has a nice combination of size and athleticism. Given his small school background (Nicholls State), Bender still is very much a work in progress. Aggressive. He can get movement on his run blocks and pull and engage defenders at the second level. Bender needs a lot of work and improvement in pass protection.
OG RUEBEN RILEY (2009 Practice Squad): Riley was signed to the Practice Squad in December 2009. He was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the Carolina Panthers after the 2007 NFL Draft. He has spent time with the Panthers, Dolphins, and Redskins. Riley has good size and strength for a guard, but lacks aggressiveness and competitiveness sought after at that position. He is not a good puller and he struggles in pass protection.
DT ANTHONY BRYANT (2009 Practice Squad): Bryant was signed to the Practice Squad in September 2009 and placed on the Practice Squad/Injured list in October. He was signed as a “street” free agent by the Giants in January 2009. Bryant was originally drafted in the 6th round of the 2005 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Bryant has spent time with the Buccaneers (2005-06), Lions (2006-07), Falcons (2007), Ravens (2007), and Dolphins (2007-08). Bryant is a massive player with very good strength and long arms. However, he is not very athletic or quick. Bryant is strictly a run defender, offering little in the way of a pass rush. He has a reputation for being lazy and out of shape.
DT DWAYNE HENDRICKS (2009 Practice Squad): Hendricks was signed by the Giants to the Practice Squad in October 2009. The Giants originally signed him as a rookie free agent after the 2009 NFL Draft, but waived him in June 2009 before training camp started. Hendricks is the classic “looks like Tarzan, plays like Jane” prospect. He has good size and athleticism. Hendricks is quick and agile for his size. However, he was too often easily blocked and not very productive on the playing field at the University of Miami.
LB KENNY INGRAM (2009 Practice Squad): Ingram was signed to the Practice Squad in early December 2009. The Giants originally signed him as a rookie free agent after the 2009 NFL Draft but waived him before the season started. In college at Florida State, Ingram played at both safety (hybrid rover) and linebacker. Ingram is very tall and a good athlete. He was a very good special teams player in college.
CB LONDEN FRYAR (2009 Practice Squad): Fryar was signed to the Giants’ Practice Squad in December 2009. He was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the Kansas City Chiefs after the 2009 NFL Draft. The Chiefs waived him right before the season started. Fryar started 34 games at Western Michigan. He is the son of former NFL WR Irving Fryar. Fryar lacks ideal size but he is good athlete with solid instincts. He makes plays, but is inconsistent. Fryar seems more comfortable in man press coverage.
S VINCE ANDERSON (2009 Practice Squad): Anderson was signed to the Practice Squad in September 2009. He was placed on the Practice Squad/Injured List in December after he tore ligaments in his wrist that required surgery. Anderson was originally signed by the Giants as a rookie free agent after the 2009 NFL Draft. Anderson transferred to Webber International after being suspended at Nicholls State for academic fraud by the NCAA. Anderson played both cornerback and safety in college. He tore his ACL in 2006. Anderson combines good size and athleticism. Raw – Anderson struggled in the 2009 preseason both in coverage and as a tackler.
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