March 9, 2010
by Eric from BigBlueInteractive.com
Quarterbacks:
The best and most important player on the team, Eli Manning continues to improve each season. 2009 was arguably his best as he finished with career highs in completions percentage (62.3), yards (4,021), touchdowns (27), and quarterback rating (93.1). On the downside, turnovers were a problem with 14 interceptions and 13 fumbles (8 of which were lost). Tough and durable, he has never missed a game. His accuracy has steadily improved – from a 56.1 completion percentage in 2007 to 60.3 in 2008 to 62.3 in 2009. Manning is the undisputed leader of the offense. He is a smart, poised field general who makes plays in the clutch. Manning reads defenses well and is tasked by the coaching staff to make complicated pre-snap reads for both the running and passing games. He has good arm strength and can make all of the different kinds of throws. Manning usually makes good decisions although he still will occasionally make an unwise throw. The strength of his game may be his ability to lead his team on scoring drives when needed late in a contest. Manning was named Super Bowl MVP in 2007 and selected to the Pro Bowl in 2008.
Jim 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 action, 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.
Rhett Bomar was signed to the Practice Squad in September 2009 and to the 53-man roster in December 2009. Bomar was originally selected in the fifth round of the 2009 NFL Draft by the Giants. He was the fourth-string quarterback in training camp and barely played in the preseason. In college, Bomar originally was at Oklahoma and started 10 games in 2005. But Bomar was kicked off the team for violating NCAA rules and transferred to Sam Houston where he sat out the 2006 season. He missed two games in 2007 with a torn ACL. In 2008, he completed 245-of-436 passes for 3,355 yards, 27 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. Bomar is a good athlete with a strong arm, quick release, and some mobility. He can make all the different kind of throws required of an NFL quarterback. Bomar has a reputation for being tough, competitive, and hard working. Aside from still learning how to play the position at the NFL level, Bomar needs to improve his decision-making and accuracy. Raw – he still needs a lot of technique work. Bomar has the tools to succeed in the NFL if he can mentally handle the pro game.
Halfbacks:
After averaging 5.0 yards per carry in 2007 and 2008, Brandon Jacobs slumped to a 3.7 yards per carry average in 2009. In 2009, Jacobs rushed for 835 yards and five touchdowns; in 2008, he rushed for 1,089 yards and 15 touchdowns. Jacobs only fumbled twice in 2009, losing one. Not only did Jacobs not appear to run with the same determination in 2009, but he was hampered for much of the season by a knee issue and inconsistent run blocking up front. Jacobs has missed games in each of the past three seasons with knee problems (5 in 2007, 3 in 2008, and 1 in 2009). And the latest injury required minor arthroscopic surgery in January 2010. The good news is that Jacobs has not suffered a serious injury and should be able to return to form with a renewed commitment and better blocking. The Giants selected Jacobs in the 4th round of the 2005 NFL Draft. As a rookie in 2005, the Giants used Jacobs exclusively as a short-yardage back. In 2006, he became Tiki Barber’s primary backup and saw his role expand. In 2007, he became the team’s feature back. Jacobs is an enormous running back with surprising speed, agility, and balance for his size. Jacobs is a very powerful runner who will punish defenders, but who also has just enough wiggle in his game to occasionally make a man miss. Still, he’s more of a punishing runner than a creative one. Tall, he runs with an upright style. Not terribly quick to the line, Jacobs usually will have problems if the blocking up front breaks down. Better suited to inside runs, Jacobs does have enough athleticism to run outside on occasion. Jacobs is an outstanding competitor and brings toughness to the offensive team. He has improved his pass receiving skills and he is very good in pass protection. The biggest worry with Jacobs is his long-term durability given his punishing style and knee issues.
Ahmad Bradshaw returned to the primary back-up at halfback in 2009 after falling to third on the depth chart in 2008. After a very fast start to the season, however, Bradshaw was hampered by serious foot and ankle problems that required offseason surgery. Nevertheless, Bradshaw did finish 2009 with 778 yards and 7 touchdowns on 163 carries (4.8 yards per carry). He also caught 21 passes. Bradshaw did fumble three times, turning the ball over twice. 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 his ankle/feet issues.
With the departure of Derrick Ward during the 2009 offseason, D.J. 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.
Gartrell Johnson was claimed of off of waivers from the San Diego Chargers in September 2009. With the Giants, he finished the season with 13 carries for 43 yards (3.3 yards per carry). Johnson was drafted in the 4th round of the 2009 NFL Draft by the Chargers. In four seasons at Colorado State, Johnson rushed for 2,814 yards and 24 touchdowns. Johnson looks the part and runs with good power. He has a reputation for being tough and physical. Johnson is not overly fast or elusive, but he can surprise with his quickness.
Andre Brown ruptured an Achilles’ tendon in training camp before the preseason started and was placed on Injured Reserve. Brown was selected in the fourth round of the 2009 NFL Draft by the Giants. Brown shared time at running back in college, only starting 17 games in three seasons. As a senior at NC State, Brown carried the ball 175 times for 767 yards and seven touchdowns. He also caught 29 passes for 309 yards and two touchdowns. Brown is a big, strong, tough back with good athleticism and decent speed. He is a power back who runs well between the tackles. He is more of a North-South slasher and not overly elusive. He has good vision, instincts, and balance. Brown can catch the football and is a solid pass blocker. Good character and smart. Brown has a history of foot injuries and his career may be in doubt coming off the very serious Achilles’ injury.
Fullbacks:
Madison Hedgecock had a down season in 2009 and did not appear to play as much as he did in 2007 and 2008. After the season, it was revealed that he had suffered a torn labrum in his shoulder in the preseason and he played with the injury all year. The injury required offseason surgery. In 2007-08, Hedgecock was one of the better blocking fullbacks in the NFL. He was named second-team All-Pro and a first-alternate to the Pro Bowl in 2008. In college at North Carolina, Hedgecock played both fullback (as a freshman and senior) and defensive end (as a sophomore and junior). Hedgecock was originally drafted in the 7th round of the 2005 NFL Draft by St. Louis. In his three years with the Rams, Hedgecock played in 33 games, with 16 starts. The Giants claimed Hedgecock off of waivers from the Rams in September 2007. Hedgecock has outstanding size. He is a so-so athlete and not very agile, but he is a tough, physical, aggressive blocker. In two seasons with the Giants, he has only 18 catches (two for touchdowns) and one carry.
Jerome 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.
Tight Ends/H-Backs:
After becoming the full-time starter as rookie late in the 2007 season, Kevin Boss continues to develop as an all-around tight end. Boss finished the 2009 with career highs in catches (42) and yardage (567). He also caught five touchdown passes a year after catching six. In 2008, he was named a first-alternate to the Pro Bowl. Boss was drafted by the Giants in the 5th round of the 2007 NFL Draft out Western Oregon University (Division-II). Boss is a tall target who has added muscle and bulk. He is a better receiver than blocker. As a receiver, Boss adjusts well to the football and has good hands. He has decent speed and can run after the catch. Boss will probably never be a mauler and is an inconsistent blocker, but he works hard at it. He is a tough and team-oriented player.
Travis Beckum was selected in the third round of the 2009 NFL Draft by the Giants and it was expected that he would see more time as a role player his rookie season than he actually did. Beckum finished the season with eight catches for 55 yards and no touchdowns. Beckum broke his left fibula during his senior season in college and the injury required surgery. He only played in four games as a senior and finished with 23 catches for 264 yards. Beckum is a much better receiver than blocker. Lacking size, he looks more like a big receiver than a tight end. He is a very good athlete for the position. Agile and fast, Beckum can separate from linebackers and get down the field and threaten a defense vertically. He adjusts well to the football and has good hands. Beckum is a position-blocker, and he needs to become a more aggressive, physical, and technically-sound player in that department.
Bear Pascoe was signed to the 53-man roster from the Practice Squad in December 2009. He played in four games and caught one pass for nine 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. A two-time All-Western Athletic Conference selection at Fresno State, Pascoe played in 45 games with 37 starts and caught 112 passes for 1,294 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also blocked a school-record six kicks, which rank ninth on the NCAA career list. Pascoe is strong and has a good frame with the potential to add more bulk. He does not look terribly athletic and lacks the speed and agility to separate from defenders and threaten a defense. Pascoe runs good routes and has good hands. He is a better blocker than receiver and works hard at his blocking.
Scott 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.
The Giants signed Carson 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.
Wide Receivers:
In 2009, Steve Smith became a full-time starter and he responded with a superb season, finishing with 107 receptions, 25 more than the franchise’s previous single-season record. Smith’s 1,220 receiving yards were the second-highest total in team history. He also caught eight touchdowns after only having a total of one from 2007-08. Smith was voted first-alternate to the Pro Bowl and became the first Giants’ wide receiver in 41 years to go to the Pro Bowl when Larry Fitzgerald dropped out of the game due to injury. Smith was drafted by the Giants in the 2nd round of the 2007 NFL Draft. Smith missed the bulk of the 2007 season with a fractured scapula and a hamstring pull. Although he only played in five regular-season games, catching eight passes, Smith was a major contributor in the playoffs with 14 pass receptions. He led the Giants in receptions in 2008 with 57 as a third receiver. Smith has average size. He is not a blazer and really is not a deep threat. However, Smith is a quick and smooth athlete who knows how to change speeds and set up defenders. He reads defenses well, runs good routes, and has a feel for getting open. Smith can create separation on shorter routes with his burst out of cuts. He will go over the middle and work back to the quarterback. Smith adjusts well to the football and has good hands. Clutch player who is confident and dependable.
Despite being a rookie and being hampered by foot, hamstring, and wrist injuries, Hakeem Nicks became the new starter in the season’s stretch run. The wrist injury required offseason surgery. Nicks played in 14 games and started six. He finished the year with 47 catches for 790 yards and six touchdowns, averaging almost 17 yards per reception. Nicks was selected in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft by the Giants. Nicks has a nice combination of size, strength, and athletic ability. He has long arms and big hands. While not a burner, Nicks plays faster than he times and can make big plays down the field. Nicks is still learning to run precise routes but he was pretty advanced in that department for a rookie. Nicks adjusts well to the football and attacks the ball when it is in the air. Although guilty of some drops, Nicks is a natural pass-catcher and he will make the circus catch. He will make the tough catch in traffic over the middle and is elusive after the catch. Nicks is a confident competitor who makes plays in clutch situations. His style of play is a bit reminiscent of Cowboys’ receiver Michael Irvin.
Mario Manningham had a very solid season for a second-year player who barely saw the playing field in 2008 and who was bothered by a shoulder injury for most of the year. He played in 14 games and started 10, finishing the season with 57 catches for 822 yards and five touchdowns. As a rookie in 2008, Manningham missed the bulk of training camp and most of the preseason with a quad injury. He never really recovered from all of that missed practice time. He was inactive for nine games and finished 2008 with only four catches. Manningham was selected by the Giants in the 3rd round of the 2008 NFL Draft. Manningham lacks ideal size. However, he is a very good athlete with good speed, quickness, and fluidity. Manningham has good body control and adjusts well to the football. Although he dropped some passes in 2009, he has good hands and runs well after the catch. Manningham is still learning the pro game and he needs to continue to work on his route running technique.
Domenik 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.
Derek 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.
Sinorice 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.
With Smith, Nicks, and Manningham being the feature wide receiver targets, and Hixon and Hagan being important special teams players, it was difficult for the Giants to find a way to activate Ramses Barden on game day. Barden was only activated for three games and finished the season with only one catch. However, the Giants have very high hopes for him. Barden was selected in the third round of the 2009 NFL Draft by the Giants. Physically, Barden resembles Plaxico Burress but he may lack Burress’ overall athleticism. Barden is a huge wide receiver with long arms and big hands. Because he is such a big receiver, Barden lacks ideal speed and quickness and may have difficulty separating from pro-level defenders. Raw, he needs a lot of work on his route running. Barden adjusts well to the football and has very good hands. He will catch the ball in traffic.
Offensive Tackles:
Kareem McKenzie was hampered by a series of injuries in 2009 – two knee injuries, a groin injury, and a concussion. The groin injury caused him to miss one game and the second knee injury caused him to miss the last three games of the season. Until this season, McKenzie has been very durable, missing only three games in seven seasons. When healthy, he is one of the better right tackles in football. McKenzie joined the Giants as an unrestricted free agent from the Jets in 2005. He was originally drafted by the Jets in the 3rd round of the 2001 NFL Draft. McKenzie is a huge, strong lineman with a very large wingspan. As a run blocker, McKenzie has good strength and power to maul defenders at the point-of-attack. He has decent feet and his long arms help him in pass protection, though he does have problems with outside speed and quickness at times.
David Diehl is the Giants’ versatile iron-man, never missing a start in seven NFL seasons (112 consecutive regular season games). He has played the last three seasons at left tackle for New York, but has also played at right guard, right tackle, and left guard. In 2009, he was voted first-alternate to the Pro Bowl and actually went to his first Pro Bowl when another lineman dropped out of the game. In 2008, he was elected second-team All-Pro and third-alternate to the Pro Bowl. Diehl is a big, smart, aggressive lineman with long arms and a good athlete for his size. While a solid all-around player, Diehl is not a true mauler and very quick pass rushers can give him problems at times.
Though a high-round draft pick, William Beatty came from a smaller school and his rapid development was a pleasant surprise in 2009. He started four games at right tackle for the injured McKenzie. While his performance was inconsistent, he did not look out-of-place and flashed good potential. Beatty was selected in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft by the Giants. Beatty is very athletic with quick feet and long arms. Because of that, he is a legitimate left tackle candidate. Beatty has good size and size potential. He played tougher than his collegiate reputation indicated. Beatty has the tools to become a quality NFL starter, but he has to develop physically, continue to improve his technique, and obviously improve his consistency.
Guy 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.
Jacob 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.
Herb Taylor was claimed off of waivers by the Giants from the Denver Broncos in early 2010. Taylor was originally drafted in the sixth round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs. In two seasons with the Chiefs, Taylor played in 18 games with one start. The Chiefs waived Taylor in September 2009. The Broncos signed him later that year in December but then waived him in January 2010. Taylor lacks ideal size, but he is a versatile lineman with experience at both tackle spots and guard.
Offensive Guards:
Chris Snee is one of the better guards in the NFL and was voted first-alternate to the Pro Bowl in 2009 and went to the game after another lineman dropped out. However, Snee did not play as well as he did the previous two seasons and may have been hampered by an unspecified leg injury he suffered in training camp and later a knee injury. In 2008, Snee was voted first-team All-Pro and elected to his first Pro Bowl. Snee is a strong, physical run blocker who gets movement at the point-of-attack. Snee is also athletic enough to pull and engage linebackers at the second level. He is a very solid pass protector, but he occasionally will get beat by quickness. Snee is very competitive and plays with an attitude. He is also durable, not missing a game in the past five seasons.
Rich Seubert suffered a shoulder injury in training camp that hampered him all season. He also injured his knee, causing him to miss the last two games of the season. Seubert started every game in 2007 and 2008 for the Giants, proving to be solid, steady performer when healthy. Seubert was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the Giants in 2001. He became a starter in just his second season but suffered a catastrophic leg injury in 2003 which caused him to miss all of 2004 and threatened his career. Seubert is a fireplug who plays the game with a lot of intensity and toughness. While not a mauler, he is a good run blocker and is mobile enough to pull and get out on linebackers. Quickness sometimes gives him trouble in pass protection, but he is generally solid in that department as well.
Kevin 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.
Rueben 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.
Offensive Centers:
Shaun O’Hara was voted to his second Pro Bowl in 2009 after being elected to his first in 2008. He was also named second-team All-Pro in 2008. O’Hara has held down the fort at center since coming to the Giants in 2004 as a free agent from the Browns. In the last five years, he has started 79-of-80 regular-season games. O’Hara lacks classic size, but he is a smart, steady technician. Team leader. He is a decent athlete who can block at the second level and pull. He is not a powerful run blocker, but he does a good job of positioning and walling off his opponent. O’Hara is a good pass blocker. He sometimes has problems with powerful linemen.
The Giants moved Adam Koets from tackle to center in the offseason. In his first three seasons with the Giants, Koets has only be active in three games. Koets was drafted by the Giants in the 6th round of the 2007 NFL Draft. Koets lacks classic tackle size and needs to continue to get bigger and stronger. He is a good athlete who even played some tight end for the Giants.
Defensive Ends:
Justin Tuck suffered a torn labrum injury in his shoulder in week two of the regular season and had a very disappointing season. The shoulder injury required offseason surgery. Tuck finished 2009 with 59 tackles, 6 sacks, 8 pass defenses, and 5 forced fumbles. His sack total was half of what it was in 2008 when Tuck was named first-team All-Pro and voted to his first Pro Bowl. Tuck has an excellent combination of athleticism and size. When healthy, Tuck is a disruptive presence both at the end and tackle positions, the latter in pass-rush situations. Against the run, Tuck plays with leverage and can be disruptive with his ability to penetrate. He flashes an ability to stack the point-of-attack, but needs to do so more consistently as well as be able to shed blockers more quickly. He is a good pass rusher who can pressure the edge or inside with his quickness, speed, and strength. Tuck is athletic enough to drop into coverage on zone blitzes. The biggest problem with Tuck is that he appears to be an injury prone player as injuries ended or limited his play in three of the past four seasons. The Giants also need him to develop into more of a leader.
Mathias Kiwanuka started the season as the Giants’ primary back-up at defensive end, not only spelling starters, but also playing in obvious pass-rush situations. However, the Giants promoted him to starting right end over Osi Umenyiora for the last five games of the season. Kiwanuka finished the season with 61 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 pass defense, and 2 forced fumbles. In 2008, Kiwanuka started all 16 games at right end and finished that season with 51 tackles and 8 sacks. Kiwanuka was drafted by the Giants in the 1st round of the 2006 NFL Draft. The Giants shifted Kiwanuka from defensive end to linebacker in 2007 to get him on the field more. He was placed on Injured Reserve in November 2007 with a fractured fibula and ligament damage in his ankle. 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 did not generate the consistent pass rush or sack numbers that were expected of him. Kiwanuka is smart and hard working.
Osi Umenyiora returned to the field in 2009 after missing all of 2008 with a torn meniscus in his left knee. However, Umenyiora did not play well and lost his starting job to Kiwanuka after 11 games of the season. Umenyiora finished the year with 29 tackles, 7 sacks, 1 pass defense, and 4 forced fumbles. Umenyiora is a two-time Pro Bowler (2005, 2007). In 2006, a hip flexor injury caused him to miss five games. Umenyiora is a superb athlete who runs extremely well. In previous seasons, he’s proven to be a difference-maker as a pass rusher. However, in 2009, his play against the run really fell off. And his pass rush appeared limited to an ineffective outside speed rush. To his credit, Umenyiora did not raise a big public stink when he was benched. But it remains to be seen if 2009 was an aberration or not. Umenyiora is not much of a leader and one wonders if he thinks more highly of himself than he should.
Dave 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.
Tommie 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.
Defensive Tackles:
Chris Canty was supposed to be one of the Giants’ prize free agent signings in 2009, but his inaugural season with the team was a virtual washout due to injuries. An early injury to his hamstring caused him to miss almost all of training camp and the entire preseason, sabotaging his efforts to become acclimatized to the 4-3 defense. The hamstring and then later calf and knee injuries caused him to also miss half the regular season. Canty finished the year with eight starts, 13 tackles, and 0.5 sacks. Canty originally drafted in the 4th round of the 2005 NFL Draft by the Cowboys. He started all 48 regular-season games the last three seasons for the Cowboys. Canty is a very tall player with long legs and arms. Strong, Canty is a stout run defender who is able to hold the point-of-attack. He has not proven to be much of a pass rusher with only 10.5 sacks in five seasons.
Coming off offseason knee surgery, Barry 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.
Jay Alford was placed on Injured Reserve before the 2009 season started after he tore the MCL and partially tore the ACL in his left knee in the preseason. Before the injury, Alford was having a strong camp. Alford served as the Giants’ primary back-up defensive tackle in 2008, finishing with 15 tackles and 2.5 sacks in 16 games, including three starts. Alford was drafted by the Giants in the 3rd round of the 2007 NFL Draft. Alford lacks ideal size, but he is a good athlete who can cause problems with his quickness. He is an agile, one-gap-type who hustles and chases. Alford can have problems at the point-of-attack on running plays. He flashes as a pass rusher. Alford long snaps for field goals/extra points. Much depends on how well he can respond to his serious knee injuries.
Rocky Bernard, another 2009 offseason acquisition, was a huge bust. A disruptive player with the Seahawks, Bernard was as quiet as a church mouse with the Giants. He finished the season with 22 tackles and 1 sack. Bernard was originally drafted in the 5th round of the 2002 NFL Draft by the Seahawks. Bernard became a full-time starter in 2006 and he started 44-of-48 regular-season games from 2006-2008 for Seattle. Bernard lacks classic defensive tackle size, but before coming to the Giants, he was a quick, athletic penetrator with 29 career sacks. He has never been much of a run defender at the point-of-attack against the double team.
Anthony 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.
Dwayne 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.
Linebackers:
Weakside linebacker Michael Boley was another prized free agent acquisition who saw his acclimatization to the Giants’ defense sabotage due to injuries. Boley missed all of training camp and the preseason with a hip injury. Then he missed a month of the regular season with a knee injury. While Boley flashed, he never did seem to get into a rhythm with the defense and finished the year with 84 tackles, 1 sack, and 8 pass defenses. Boley was originally drafted in the 5th round of the 2005 NFL Draft by the Falcons. His best season was in 2007 when he started 16 games and accrued 109 tackles, 3 sacks, 7 pass defenses, 2 interceptions, and 3 forced fumbles. In 2008, Boley started 12 games but lost his starting job in December. He finished the year with 73 tackles and 1 interception. Boley lacks ideal size, but he is a very athletic, quick, and speedy linebacker. He is a three-down linebacker. Boley is not a strong run defender at the point-of-attack, but he has very good range and makes plays in pursuit. Boley is a good blitzer. He has the athletic tools to excel in coverage but needs to become more consistent technique-wise in that department.
Danny Clark has been the team’s strongside linebacker for the past two seasons. He played in all 32 regular-season games in 2008-09, starting 26 of them. He finished 2009 with 53 tackles, 2 sacks, and 2 pass defenses. Clark was originally drafted in the 7th round of the 2000 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars. Clark has played for the Jaguars (2000-2003), Raiders (2004-2005), Saints (2006), and Texans (2007). He was signed by the Giants in March 2008. Clark is the very definition of a journeyman who does not make many plays. His overall lack of speed and quickness shows up in coverage and blitzing. And his run defense is ordinary.
Chase Blackburn has proven to be a versatile reserve and quality special teams player. However, due to his overall lack of athleticism and productivity, he is not the type of player you want starting. In five years with the Giants, Blackburn has missed only one regular-season game. He started eight games at weakside linebacker in 2008 and seven games at weakside and middle linebacker in 2009. Blackburn finished 2009 with 60 tackles, 0.5 sacks, and 1 interception. Blackburn was signed by the Giants as an undrafted free agent after the 2005 NFL Draft. He can play all three linebacker spots. A bit on the stiff side, Blackburn is not overly fast or quick. He plays hard, chases, and hustles. Blackburn was elected first-alternate to the NFC’s Pro Bowl roster as a special teams player in 2008.
Jonathan Goff started the last four games of the season at middle linebacker for the Giants. While he did flash on occasion, he did not play as well as hoped. Goff was active for all 16 games and finished the season with 25 tackles, 1 sack, 2 pass defenses, and 1 interception. Goff’s rookie season in 2008 was a wash as he was hurt early in the preseason with a fractured back and then suffered a concussion and a hamstring injury. He was placed on Injured Reserve in December 2008 after only seeing action on special teams in five games. Goff was selected by the Giants in the 5th round of the 2008 NFL Draft. Goff looks the part. He has good size and is well built. He is a decent athlete for his size. Goff is smart and hardworking. However, he did not appear overly instinctive against the run in the last few games of the year.
Clint Sintim was selected in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft by the Giants. He missed the first four games of his rookie season with a groin injury. Sintim eventually played in 11 games, with no starts, and finished with 20 tackles and 1 sack. In college, Sintim played in a 3-4 defense. He obviously is still adjusting to the Giants’ 4-3 scheme and admittedly said he was confused at times. Sintim is big, strong, and athletic for his size. However, questions remain about whether or not his has enough quickness and range to be a 4-3 linebacker at the pro level. Sintim has the physical attributes you look for in a run defender. He needs to continue to improve in pass coverage. Sintim was a very good pass rusher at the collegiate level and the Giants have used him at defensive end in obvious pass-rush situations.
Weakside linebacker Bryan Kehl was drafted in the 4th round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Giants and he has not developed as hoped. Kehl saw quite a bit of action as a rookie in 2008 in the first half of the season, including two starts. In 2009, he played in 16 games and started one game. He finished with 22 tackles. Kehl looks the part as he is athletic for his size with good speed and agility. However, he is a soft player who does not shed, hit, or tackle very well. His athleticism helps him out in coverage. Kehl is smart and hard working, but he needs to become a tougher and more physical player.
Gerris 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.
In his three years with the Giants, Zak DeOssie has not shown any ability to be more than a special teams player. He has seen no playing time at linebacker in any regular-season game. DeOssie was drafted by the Giants in the 4th round of the 2007 NFL Draft. DeOssie has excellent size and decent speed for his size, but he is on the stiff side. DeOssie can short and long snap on special teams. He was selected as the NFC’s “need” player for the 2008 Pro Bowl for his snapping ability. He is the son of former Giants’ linebacker Steve DeOssie.
Kenny 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.
Cornerbacks:
Coming off his best pro season in 2008, 2009 was an up-and-down season for Corey Webster. Webster was superb in the first half of the season, regularly shutting down the opposition’s best receiver. But he began to give up more plays than usual in the second-half of the season, and really struggled in the game against the San Diego Chargers. He also missed the last three games of the season with a knee injury. Still, Webster is one of the better cover corners in the NFL. Webster finished 2009 with 51 tackles, 12 pass defenses, and one interception. His pass defenses were down by half as in 2008 he had 24, as well as three interceptions. Webster was originally drafted by the Giants in the 2nd round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He started two games in 2005 and 10 in 2006, but was an up-and-down player who struggled at times. In 2007, after starting the first three games, Webster was benched and demoted to third string. However, when injuries hit the cornerback position hard late in the 2007 season, Webster was forced back into the starting lineup and responded in a big fashion by excelling in the playoffs against top competition. Webster has good size, long arms, and is a good athlete. While not a blazer, he has good speed and quickness. Smooth and fluid. He plays better in aggressive man coverage than he does in zone. Webster usually shuts down his opponent and forces opposing quarterbacks to throw elsewhere. Webster is not a physical run defender, but he has become a much better tackler.
Terrell Thomas became a full-time starter in 2009 due to Aaron Ross’ hamstring woes. Though Thomas did not distinguish himself in the final two regular-season games of the year, he is one of the very few Giants’ defensive players who had a very good season. Thomas started all 16 games in 2009 and finished the year with 85 tackles, 1 sack, 13 pass defenses, 5 interceptions, and 1 forced fumble. Thomas was selected by the Giants in the 2nd round of the 2008 NFL Draft. Thomas has a very good combination of size and athleticism. He has long arms and has good speed and quickness for his size. Thomas plays both man and zone coverage well. He is a physical player and a good blitzer.
Aaron Ross had virtually his entire 2009 season sabotaged by hamstring issues. He finished the season on Injured Reserve after playing in only four games. In 2008, Ross started 15 games and finished with 52 tackles, 8 pass defenses, and 3 interceptions. Ross was drafted in the 1st round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the Giants. He started nine games as a rookie and was a significant contributor in the Giants’ title run despite playing with a dislocated shoulder during the playoffs. Ross combines good size and athleticism. He has good speed and quickness, and he is fluid and smooth in coverage. Ross plays well in aggressive man coverage. He is not as strong when he plays off the receiver. He can play the slot in nickel coverage. Ross reacts and recovers quickly, and he has good hands. Though, he has returned a pick for a touchdown in each of his first two seasons, he needs to make more plays on the ball in the air. Ross is an aggressive hitter and has improved his tackling. Ross was a very good punt returner in college.
Bruce Johnson was signed by the Giants as a rookie free agent after the 2009 NFL Draft. He was a pleasant surprise as he played in all 16 games, starting five. He finished the season with 46 tackles, 1 sack, 8 pass defenses, 2 interceptions, and 2 forced fumbles. Johnson was a two-year starter, but inconsistent player, at the University of Miami. Johnson lacks ideal size, but he is a fluid athlete with fine quickness. While he was exposed at times, Johnson handled himself well and looked like he belonged despite being thrown to the wolves so early in his career. Johnson has an upside, but he must continue to improve his coverage and tackling technique.
D.J. 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.
Courtney 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.
Safeties:
Kenny Phillips was placed on season-ending Injured Reserve in September 2009 with an injury to his left knee. The injury – patella femoral arthritis – supposedly could be career-threatening. In two games in 2009, Phillips accrued 13 tackles and 2 interceptions. During his rookie season in 2008, Phillips played in all 16 regular-season games, starting three, and finished with 67 tackles, 5 pass defenses, and 1 interception. Phillips was drafted in the 1st round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Giants. Phillips combines very good size with excellent athleticism, speed, and range. He flashes big-time skills in coverage and is athletic enough to play man coverage. Physical and aggressive, Phillips is a good tackler and run defender.
Antrel Rolle was 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.
After becoming a full-time starter in 2008 and displaying some promise, Michael Johnson regressed horribly in 2009, often appearing to be a liability in pass coverage and in run defense. Starting 14 games, Johnson finished 2009 with 59 tackles, 1 sack, 4 pass defenses, and 1 interception. Johnson was drafted in the 7th round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the Giants. As a rookie, he played in 16 games with five starts. Johnson combines nice size and athletic ability. However, he does not appear to be overly instinctive and does not make many plays on the football – only 10 pass defenses in three years. Johnson made a lot of mental errors in coverage, including falling prey to play-action. In 2009, he did not hit or tackle very well.
C.C. Brown was signed by the Giants as an unrestricted free agent from the Houston Texans in 2009 to provide veteran depth. When Kenny Phillips was lost for the season, Brown was thrust into the starting lineup and proved to be a disaster and was eventually benched. Brown played in all 16 games, starting seven. He finished the season with 69 tackles, 3 pass defenses, and 3 forced fumbles. Brown was originally drafted in the 6th round of the 2005 NFL Draft by the Texans. In his first three seasons with the Texans, Brown started 44-of-48 regular season games. Brown missed all but three games in 2008 with a broken right forearm. In the four seasons he played with the Texans, Brown accrued 254 tackles, 1 sack, 4 forced fumbles, 4 fumble recoveries, 14 pass defenses, and 3 interceptions. Brown has average size and athleticism. Brown is a liability in pass defense where he is prone to physical and mental mistakes. He is an above-average run defender who will hit and tackle.
Sha’reff Rashad was signed to the Practice Squad in September 2009 and to the 53-man roster at the end of December. Rashad was originally signed by the Giants as a rookie free agent after the 2009 NFL Draft. He was a three-year starter at Central Florida. Rashad lacks ideal size, speed, and agility. But he is an instinctive player with good range. Rashad is smart and a solid character.
Vince 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.
Kickers and Punters:
Though the impression is that Jeff 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’ 23rd 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.
Lawrence Tynes had a fine season in 2009, making 27-of-32 field goal attempts (84.4%) and 45-of-45 extra points (100%). The most disappointing element to his game was kickoffs, as Tynes averaged 62.2 yards per kickoff with only six touchbacks. It was a good comeback season for Tynes who missed virtually all of 2008 with a knee injury. 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). Tynes was re-signed by the Chiefs in 2004 and served as Kansas City’s placekicker for three seasons. Tynes was traded to the Giants in 2007 for a conditional 7th round draft pick. Career-wise in the NFL, Tynes is an 81% field goal kicker.
Sam 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.
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