June 30, 2009
by Eric from BigBlueInteractive.com
Quarterbacks:
In 2008, in his fifth year in the NFL, Eli Manning had his best statistical season, completing 60 percent of his passes for 3,238 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, resulting in his first Pro Bowl selection. However, Manning’s strong year was largely overshadowed by his poor performance in the playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Still a work in progress, the 28-year old Manning is now just entering the prime of his career. Tough and durable, he has never missed a game. Accuracy is not the strength of his game, but 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. Manning still gets sloppy at times with his overall mechanics, which hurts his accuracy. The strength of his game may be his ability to lead his team on scoring drives when needed late in a contest. There is some concern about his ability to handle windy weather conditions.
David Carr was signed by the Giants in March 2008. He played well in limited action in two regular-season games, finishing the year 9-of-12 for 115 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. 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 seven seasons, he has started 79 games with 64 touchdowns and 70 interceptions, completing almost 60 percent of his passes. Carr has all of the tools, but he was a major disappointment in Houston and Carolina. He combines good size and athleticism with a strong arm. Before he came to the Giants, the scouting report on Carr was that while he was super talented, he was inconsistent in his decision-making, held onto the ball too long, and had lost confidence. Whether or not his stay with the Giants has improved these issues remains to be seen.
Andre’ Woodson was drafted by the Giants in the 6th round of the 2008 NFL Draft out of the University of Kentucky. Woodson failed to make the team but spent the season on the Giants’ Practice Squad. In his senior season in college, Woodson completed 63 percent of his passes for 3,709 yards, 40 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. Woodson is a pocket passer with good size and a strong arm. He suffers from inconsistent accuracy, has an unusual delivery, and has a bit of a slow windup on his deep ball. Woodson will stand in the pocket and take the hit. However, he will hold onto the ball and take too many sacks – he needs to throw the ball away more. Like most young quarterbacks, he will bird dog his primary receiver and force the ball too much. He is not a fiery-type of leader.
Rhett Bomar was selected in the fifth round of the 2009 NFL Draft by the Giants. 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. He can make all the different kind of throws required of an NFL quarterback. Tough and competitive. Bomar stands in tall against the pass rush. He needs to improve his decision making. Like most young quarterbacks, Bomar will lock onto one receiver. He has a quick release. Very inconsistent accuracy. At times, he flashes good accuracy, but then he is way off the mark too much. Too streaky. He needs a lot of technique work (footwork, throwing motion, overall mechanics). Bomar has a presence about him on the field. Can run with the football if necessary. Smart and hard working, but a bit of a hot head. Bomar has the tools to become an NFL starter.
Halfbacks:
Brandon Jacobs became the Giants primary running back in 2007. In 2007 and 2008, Jacobs played in 24-of-32 regular-season games, rushing for 2,098 yards on 421 carries - almost five yards per carry. He also rushed for 15 touchdowns in 2008 and was elected third-alternate to the Pro Bowl. While he caught 23 passes in 2007, he only caught six in 2008. 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, carrying the football 96 times for 423 yards and nine touchdowns. 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. Tall, he runs with an upright style. Better suited to inside runs, Jacobs does have enough athleticism to run outside. Jacobs is an outstanding competitor. He does not catch the ball well and has had fumbling issues in goal line situations. Very good in pass protection. The biggest worry with Jacobs is that most teams try to bring him down around the knees and he has missed extensive time in each of the past two seasons with knee injuries.
After serving as a major contributor during the Giants’ 2007 post-season run, Ahmad Bradshaw fell back to the #3 back-up in 2008 behind Brandon Jacobs and Derrick Ward. With those two backs rushing for over a combined 2,000 yards, that did not leave many touches for Bradshaw who finished 2008 with 355 yards on 67 carries (5.3 yards per carry) and five catches for 42 yards. 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.
Danny Ware was a very impressive performer for the Giants during the 2008 preseason. 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 has a nice combination of size and athleticism. He runs with vision and power.
Andre 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. Brown moves the pile on contact. Breaks 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. Solid pass blocker. Good character and smart. Brown has a history of foot injuries.
Dwayne Wright was signed by the Giants as a “street” free agent in January 2009. Wright originally drafted by by the Buffalo Bills in the 4th round of the 2007 NFL Draft. Wright had entered the draft after his junior season at Fresno State. In 15 games with the Bills as a rookie, Wright carried the ball 29 times for 94 yards and caught 3 passes for 17 yards. The Bill waived Wright before the 2008 NFL season began. Wright is a big, powerful back who is not overly elusive, quick, or fast. Better inside runner than outside. Can catch.
The Giants signed Allen Patrick as a street free agent in May 2009. He was originally drafted in the 7th round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens waived Patrick in August 2008. He was then signed to the Browns’ Practice Squad in September and the Browns’ 53-man roster in December. Patrick lacks ideal size and elusiveness. He runs with decent toughness for his size and is instinctive. Patrick is more of a one-cut runner, but he has a burst.
Fullbacks:
Madison Hedgecock has become 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 all 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 14 catches and one carry.
Tight Ends/H-Backs:
Kevin Boss became the full-time starter at tight end in 2008 in his second NFL season. He finished the year with 33 catches for 384 yards and 6 touchdowns and 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). Though he is still maturing as player, Boss has improved rapidly. He is a tall target and a good athlete for his size. He currently 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 as a blocker, but he has worked hard at improving his ability to take his assigned man out of the play.
In his first two seasons in the NFL, Michael Matthews has played in all 32 regular-season games for the Giants, starting 11 times, predominantly in two-tight end sets. Matthews was signed by the Giants as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2007 NFL Draft. Matthews has served primarily as a blocking tight end for New York. He has good size and strength as blocker, but must become more consistent on each and every play. Matthews can play fullback in a pinch. He is not much of a receiver, catching only eight passes in two years.
Darcy Johnson played in 16 games in 2008, starting two. Although he only caught four passes in the regular season, he did flash with his ability to get down the field and make a play. Johnson missed the 2007 season with an ACL tear. Johnson was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the Giants out of Central Florida after the 2006 NFL Draft and spent most of that season on the Practice Squad. Johnson has a nice combination of size and athleticism. He needs to become a more consistent blocker.
Travis Beckum was selected in the third round of the 2009 NFL Draft by the Giants. Two-and-a-half year starter in college. Beckum has been compared to Dustin Keller of the Jets. Beckum broke his left fibula during his senior season; 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. He runs good routes. 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. He will make the tough catch in traffic. Beckum runs well after the catch. Strong, but he doesn’t play that way as a blocker. Beckum is a position-blocker, and he needs to be a more serious, aggressive, and physical player in that department. There have been some concerns about his maturity and ability to learn a pro offense.
Lee Vickers signed by the Giants as a “street” free agent in March 2009. Vickers was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2006 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers waived him in early September and he was then signed by the Philadelphia Eagles to their Practice Squad. The Eagles waived him September 2007. The Baltimore Ravens then signed him first to their Practice Squad and their 53-man roster. In eight games with the Ravens in 2007, Vickers caught two passes for four yards. The Ravens waived Vickers in late August 2008. Vickers is a converted college defensive end. He has excellent size and is a good athlete. He has decent hands. Vickers has the size to be a good blocker, but he needs a lot of technique work in this area. He also needs to become a more physical blocker. Solid special teams player.
Wide Receivers:
Domenik Hixon, who had one career reception before the season, came out of nowhere in 2008, finishing the year with 43 catches for 596 yards and two touchdowns in 16 games (seven starts). He started the last five regular-season games after the Giants lost Plaxico Burress. 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. Hixon is a dangerous kick returner with big returns in limited opportunties in each of his first two seasons with the Giants. He also returned punts in 2008.
Surprisingly, Steve Smith was the leading receiver on the Giants in 2008 with 57 catches for 574 yards and one touchdown. He played in all 16 games with four starts, serving as the Giants’ #3 wide receiver out of the slot. 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. Smith has average size. He is not a blazer and does not threaten defenses deep. 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.
Sinorice Moss has been a disappointment since being drafted in the 2nd round of the 2006 NFL Draft. In his first three seasons, he has caught only 38 passes for 403 yards and two touchdowns. His production in 2008 declined to 12 pass receptions. Moss missed most of his rookie season with a quad injury. In 2007, he was removed from the lineup once then-rookie Steve Smith was healthy enough to play and Moss was even kept inactive during the playoffs. In 2008, he was inactive six games. Moss lacks size. He is fast and quick, but he is oddly not very elusive after the catch. Moss has not proved to be much of a threat as a returner.
Mario Manningham missed the bulk of training camp and most of the preseason with a nagging quad injury, and he never really recovered from all of that missed practice time. Manningham was kept inactive nine games and finished the season with four catches for 26 yards. Manningham was selected by the Giants in the 3rd round of the 2008 NFL Draft. Manningham is not very big. However, he is a very good athlete with good speed, quickness, and fluidity. Manningham has good body control and adjusts well to the football. He has good hands and runs well after the catch. However, he has a lot to learn about the pro game, especially in terms of running routes. He fell in the draft due to concerns about his character (including drug use) and intelligence.
Offseason knee surgery and a subsequent hamstring injury caused David Tyree to miss the entire 2008 season. He started the season on the Physically-Unable-to-Perform (PUP)/Reserve List and was placed on Injured Reserve in November 2008. While Tyree has made a few flashy plays at wide receiver in his first five seasons in the NFL, he has primarily served as an excellent special teams player. Tyree was voted to the Pro Bowl in 2005. Tyree fractured his wrist during the 2007 preseason and missed the early part of the regular season. He finished the year with only four catches. Tyree’s best season was 2006 when he had 19 catches and two touchdowns. Tyree has ordinary size, speed, quickness, and hands. But he scored a touchdown in Super Bowl XLII and his other catch on the last-minute drive will go down as the greatest in Super Bowl history.
Hakeem Nicks was selected in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft by the Giants. Junior entry who started three years in college. He is similar in style to Anquan Boldin of the Cardinals. Super productive in college, he set school career-records for catches (181), yards (2,840), and touchdowns (21). Nicks has a nice combination of size, strength, and athletic ability. Nicks has long arms and big hands. He plays faster than he times, but he is not a burner and he will not get much separation against NFL corners on deep balls. Nicks can beat the jam at the line of scrimmage. Nicks runs good routes and knows how to get open. He has a burst out of his cuts. He adjusts well to the football. A natural pass-catcher, Nicks has superb hands and will make the circus catch. He attacks the football when it is in the air. He will make the tough catch in traffic over the middle. Nicks is tough to tackle after the catch. He is a confident competitor who makes plays in clutch situations. Nicks does need to work on becoming an more aggressive run blocker.
Ramses Barden was selected in the third round of the 2009 NFL Draft by the Giants. The Giants traded up in the 3rd round with the Philadelphia Eagles to select Barden. Four-year starter at a small school. Barden finished 2008 with 67 catches for 1,257 yards and 18 touchdowns. Physically resembles Plaxico Burress but lacks Burress’ athleticism. Barden is a huge wide receiver with long arms and big hands. Not a top athlete, he does lack ideal speed and quickness. Barden does not separate well from defenders. Not a deep threat. He needs a lot of work on his route running and he rounds his cuts too much. Barden adjusts well to the football and has very good hands. He will catch the ball in traffic. He is not much of a threat after the catch. Good blocker.
Derek Hagan was signed by the Giants in December 2008. He was originally drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the 3rd round of the 2006 NFL Draft. The Dolphins waived him in November 2008. In 20 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. Strong. However, he is not overly fast and has inconsistent hands. Hagan needs to improve his blocking and focus.
Taye Biddle spent most of the season on the Giants’ Practice Squad. Biddle was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the Carolina Panthers after the 2006 NFL Draft. In 2006, Biddle started off the season on Carolina’s Practice Squad before being signed to the active roster in November. He finished the season with three catches for 37 yards. The Panthers waived him before the 2007 season and he spent that year on the Buccaneers’ Practice Squad. The Lions signed him in July 2008, but waived him in August. Biddle is tall, but thin. He has very good speed.
Micah Rucker was signed to the Giants’ Practice Squad in December 2008. Rucker was originally signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2008 NFL Draft. The Steelers waived him in late August. He spent time on the Steelers’ and Chiefs’ Practice Squads before the Giants signed him. Rucker is a huge, physical, possession receiver. He lacks speed and the ability to threaten defenses deep. Rucker needs to improve his route running. He has good hands.
The Giants signed Shaun Bodiford as a street free agent in May 2009. Bodiford was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the Detroit Lions after the 2006 NFL Draft. He made the team but was waived in October 2006. The Packers claimed Bodiford off of waivers. The Packers waived him in September 2007 and he was then claimed by the Washington Redskins and waived again later that month. Then the Packers signed him again. He spent most of 2007 on the inactive list. Bodiford was placed on Injured Reserve by the Packers in July 2008 with a back injury, thus missing the season. The Packers did not choose to re-sign him during the 2009 offseason. In three years, he has played in 12 NFL games and has only one catch. Bodiford lacks ideal size and speed. He is not a deep threat. He runs good routes and has good hands. Bodiford has experience returning punts and kickoffs.
Offensive Tackles:
Kareem McKenzie is one of the best 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. Durable, McKenzie has only missed three regular-season games in seven years (three with the Jets).
David Diehl is the Giants’ versatile iron-man, never missing a start in six NFL seasons (96 consecutive regular season games). He has played the last two seasons at left tackle for New York, but has also played at right guard, right tackle, and left guard. 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 a better run blocker than pass blocker. He’s one of the better run-blocking left tackles in the League. Quick pass rusher can give him problems at times.
Guy Whimper missed all of the 2008 season with a broken foot. 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 very good athlete with quick feet. In 2007, he saw limited playing time in the playoff game against the Buccaneers and performed well.
Adam Koets spent the entire season on the Giants’ 53-man roster but was only active for one game. 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 in the regular-season finale. Koets struggled some in the 2007 preseason, but improved in the 2008 preseason.
William Beatty was selected in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft by the Giants. Two-year starter in college. Beatty is a very athletic left tackle with good height and long arms. He does not have a huge frame, but he is has very good feet and agility. Beatty is a much better pass protector than run blocker. Beatty is not a mauler and does not get a lot of movement in the ground game. He is more of a finesse player who needs to play with more toughness and aggressiveness. He also needs to get bigger and stronger. He has the ability to engage defenders at the second level. Beatty is raw and he will need a lot of technique work. Some have questioned his passion for the game and mental toughness, while others have said is is a hard worker who is committed to the game. Beatty has a big upside.
Cliff Louis spent 2008 on the Giants’ Practice Squad. Louis was originally signed by the 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 is a big offensive lineman with room to grow. He is athletic with good feet. Solid character. Very raw.
Andrew Carnahan was claimed off of waivers by the Giants from the Kansas City Chiefs in April 2009. Carnahan was originally drafted in the 7th round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars. He spent that season and part of 2008 on the Jaguars’ Practice Squad. The Chiefs signed him to their 53-man roster in October 2008. Carnahan is a big, strong lineman. He lacks the athleticism to play left tackle. Hard worker.
Offensive Guards:
Chris Snee is one of the NFL’s best guards. In 2008, he 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 who anchors well and who has improved his pass protection against quick defensive linemen. Snee is very competitive and plays with an attitude. He is also durable, not missing a game in the past four seasons.
Rich Seubert has started every game at left guard the past two seasons and has been a steady, solid performer. 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. 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 served as the Giants’ primary backup at guard and tackle in 2008. When called upon, he both impressed and struggled. 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 who can create movement at the point-of-attack. He has long arms. Boothe is a better run blocker than pass blocker - he struggles at times with speed and quickness in pass protection. Can pull. Given his small-school background (Cornell), Boothe is still developing as a player.
Orrin Thompson was signed by the Giants as a “street” free agent in January 2009. Thompson was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2005 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins. He spent 2005 on the Dolphins’ Practice Squad. In 2006, the Dolphins sent him to NFL Europe. During the 2006 NFL regular season, he spent time on the Practice Squads of the Dolphins and Packers. In 2007, he spent time on both the Packers’ 53-man roster and their Practice Squad. The Packers waived him before the 2008 NFL season. Thompson played defensive tackle in college at Duke before being converted to the offensive line at the pro level. He has good size.
Terrance Pennington was signed by the Giants as a “street” free agent in January 2009. Pennington was originally drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the 7th round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He started nine games at right tackle for the Bills his rookie year. The Bills waived him before the 2007 season started. He was then signed by the Atlanta Falcons in October 2007, playing in five games primarily on special teams. He was placed on Injured Reserve in December 2007 with a torn pectoral muscle. Pennington was waived/injured by the Falcons in August 2008 after suffering a foot injury. Pennington has excellent size and long arms. Good athlete for his size. He needs to become a more aggressive and competitive player. As a run blocker, Pennington is more of a position blocker than mauler. Raw, but has an upside. Hard working and smart.
Offensive Centers:
Shaun O’Hara has held down the fort at center since coming to the Giants in 2004 as a free agent from the Browns. In 2008, O’Hara was selected second-team All-Pro and voted to his first Pro Bowl. 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.
Tutan Reyes was signed by the Giants as an unrestricted free agent in May 2009. He was originally drafted in the 5th round of the 2000 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints. In nine seasons, Reyes has played for the Saints (2000-2002), Buccaneers (2002), Panthers (2002-2005), Bills (2006), and Jaguars (2007-2008). During that time frame, Reyes has played in 53 regular-season games with 37 starts. Reyes has experience at both guard and center.
Defensive Ends:
Osi Umenyiora missed all of the 2008 season when he was placed on Injured Reserve in August after surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee. Umenyiora was the lone Giant to be voted to the Pro Bowl in 2007, his second appearance in three seasons. Umenyiora finished the season with 52 tackles and 13 sacks. In 2006, a serious hip flexor injury caused him to miss five games. Umenyiora is a superb athlete for his size. The strength of Umenyiora’s game is his pass rushing ability, but he has steadily improved his play against the run since being drafted by the Giants in 2003. Umenyiora is exceptionally quick, fast, and athletic for a bigger defensive end. He can beat a tackle both to the inside or outside with his pass rush moves. He is also athletic enough for the Giants to drop him into space from time to time on zone blitzes.
Justin Tuck became a full-time starter for the first time in 2008 and responded by being named first-team All-Pro and being elected to his first Pro Bowl. Tuck finished the season with 67 tackles, 12 sacks, and one interception that he returned for a touchdown. Tuck wore down as the season progressed due to bone spurs related to a serious Lis Franc injury he suffered in 2006 as well as a knee injury. 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.
After playing strongside linebacker in 2007 and during camp/preseason in 2008, Mathias Kiwanuka was shifted back to defensive end late in the preseason when Osi Umenyiora was lost for the year. Kiwanuka started all 16 games at weakside end and finished the season with 51 tackles, 8 sacks, and a safety. This despite suffering a nagging ankle injury in the season opener and playing a full 16-game schedule as a starter for the first time. 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. In 10 games in 2007, Kiwanuka accrued 46 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and 4 pass defenses. Kiwanuka 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. As a linebacker in 2007, as the season progressed, Kiwanuka improved his instincts for the position and his pass coverage skills, though both were less than ideal. As would be expected, he was better moving forward than backwards. As a defensive end in 2008, Kiwanuka played surprisingly well against the run. He flashed as a pass rusher, but did not generate the consistent pass rush that was expected of him. Kiwanuka is smart and hard working.
Dave Tollefson served as a primary back-up in 2008, playing in 13 games and finishing the season with 19 tackles and 3.5 sacks. While a decent player, Tollefson did not provide the kind of impact the Giants received from their top reserve end off the bench in 2007 (Justin Tuck). 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. Tollefson has decent size and athleticism. He appears to be more of a high-effort, try-hard guy than natural play-maker.
Robert Henderson missed the entire 2008 season when he was placed on Injured Reserve in August 2008 with an ankle injury. Henderson was selected by the Giants in the 6th round of the 2008 NFL Draft out of Southern Mississippi. Henderson combines good size and athleticism. He runs well and has some pass-rush ability.
Maurice Evans was signed by the Giants as a rookie free agent after the 2009 NFL Draft, which he entered after his junior season. Evans started 12-of-13 games in 2007 as a sophomore at Penn State and finished that season with 54 tackles and 12.5 sacks. However, he lost this starting job the following season when he was suspended by the team for a drug possession arrest. Evans finished 2008 with 34 tackles and three sacks. Evans lacks ideal height, speed, and explosion. But he is a decent athlete with long arms and some quickness. Evans flashes both in run defense and as a pass rusher. Evans is somewhat of a DE/DT tweener. He needs to get stronger.
Tommie Hill was signed by the Giants as a rookie free agent after the 2009 NFL Draft. Hill is a tall, lean defensive end with good quickness. Hill lacks speed and explosiveness however. He also needs to add strength and bulk. He plays very hard all of the time. Hill was a team leader at Colorado State.
Defensive Tackles:
Chris Canty was signed by the Giants as an unrestricted free agent from the Dallas Cowboys in 2009. He originally drafted in the 4th round of the 2005 NFL Draft by the Cowboys. Canty played defensive end in Dallas’ 3-4 defense but projects to defensive tackle in the Giants’ 4-3 defense and spot duty at strongside defensive end. Canty has started all 48 regular-season games the last three seasons for the Cowboys. He finished 2008 with 37 tackles, 3 sacks, and 5 pass defenses. 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. Sheds well. He is an improving pass rusher who can push the pocket. Canty plays hard and he has not reached his full potential as a player yet.
Fred Robbins had yet another solid season in 2008, finishing with 29 tackles and 5.5 sacks, despite being hampered in the second half of the season with two broken hands and a shoulder injury that caused him to miss two games. Robbins was also elected as a second-alternate to the Pro Bowl. Robbins was originally drafted in the 2nd round of the 2000 NFL Draft by the Vikings. The Giants signed him as free agent in March 2004. Robbins has a nice combination of size, strength, and athleticism. He is a solid run defender and an above average pass rusher for a defensive tackle. He has finished each of the past three seasons with 5.5 sacks.
Barry Cofield had his best season in 2008, finishing with 43 tackles and 3 sacks in 15 games. He missed one start with a knee injury. 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. Better run defender than pass defender who is generally stout at the point of attack. Hustles and pursues. Cofield has 5.5 sacks in three seasons. He is smart and team-oriented.
Rocky Bernard was signed by the Giants as an unrestricted free agent from the Seattle Seahawks in 2009. He 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 has started 44-of-48 regular-season games in the last three years. He finished 2008 with 55 tackles, 4 sacks, and 1 pass defense. In seven seasons, he has 29 career sacks. Bernard lacks classic defensive tackle size, but he is a quick, athletic player. He is more of a penetrating-type tackle than someone who can hold his ground at the point-of-attack. Bernard is agile and has good range for a tackle. He will get mauled by double-team blocks. His quickness causes problems for opposing interior linemen in pass protection.
Jay 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. Agile, one-gap-type who hustles and chases. Alford needs to get stronger as he can have problems at the point-of-attack on running plays. Flashes as a pass rusher. Alford long snaps for field goals/extra points.
Jeremy Clark was on the Giants’ Practice Squad until late November when he was signed to the 53-man roster. He played on a limited basis in four games, finishing with four tackles. Clark was originally signed by the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2007 NFL Draft. He spent his rookie season on the Eagles’ Practice Squad. Philadelphia waived him in June 2008 and the Giants signed him in July. Clark is an average-sized tackle with decent athleticism. He needs to improve his run defense at the point-of-attack. Hustles and chases.
Leger Douzable was on the Giants’ Practice Squad until December when he was signed to the 53-man roster. He did not play in any games. Douzable was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the Minnesota Vikings after the 2008 NFL Draft. The Vikings signed him to their Practice Squad, but waived him in September. The Giants then signed him to their Practice Squad. An average-sized defensive tackle, Douzable flashes ability to play with power and leverage. Inconsistent, he needs to play off of blocks better. Raw.
Anthony Bryant 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. As a rookie, Bryant only played in four games. In 2006, Bryant spent time with the Buccaneers (Practice Squad) and Lions (53-man roster, starting three games). The Lions waived Bryant in March 2007. The Falcons claimed him off of waivers then cut him in May. He was signed by the Ravens who later added him to their Practice Squad. The Dolphins signed him off Baltimore’s Practice Squad in October 2007. He played in only one game. The Dolphins released Bryant in February 2008. 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.
Linebackers:
Antonio Pierce led the Giants in tackles in 2008 by a wide margin with 95 despite missing one game due to a quadriceps injury. It was the third season in a row that Pierce led the Giants in tackles. In 2008, Pierce also had 1.5 sacks and was elected first-alternate to the Pro Bowl. Pierce was originally signed by the Washington Redskins as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2001 NFL Draft. The Giants signed Pierce as an unrestricted free agent from the Redskins in 2005. He was named to the Pro Bowl in 2006. Pierce is a team leader who handles calls and adjustments along the defensive front. Pierce lacks ideal size and athleticism, but he has decent range. He is a three-down player. Smart and instinctive. Pierce reads plays well and does a good job of putting his teammates in proper position to make the play. He is a good run defender, but like many middle linebackers he can get mauled when not protected. Good tackler. Pierce’s lack of athleticism sometimes shows up in coverage.
Michael Boley was signed by the Giants as an unrestricted free agent from the Atlanta Falcons in 2009. He was originally drafted in the 5th round of the 2005 NFL Draft by the Falcons. Boley started 11 games as a rookie and has started 52 games in four seasons. 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 an instinctive, three-down player. He 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 played in all 16 games and finished the season with 70 tackles. He was expected to handle the weakside linebacking spot but was moved to strongside when Mathias Kiwanuka was forced back to the defensive line. 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 a solid, but unspectacular football player. He has good size but is an average athlete. He is physical, aggressive, and smart. Clark is a good run defender who sometimes struggles in coverage. Not much of blitzer with only five career sacks.
Chase Blackburn became the starting weakside during the season. He ended up starting eight games and finished with 61 tackles and one sack. Blackburn was was signed by the Giants as an undrafted free agent after the 2005 NFL Draft. He has has served primarily as a special teams player until 2008, though he did start two games at middle linebacker in 2005. As a starter on the weakside, Blackburn was solid, but did not make many big plays. He has excellent size and is a decent athlete. A bit on the stiff side, Blackburn is not overly fast or quick. He plays hard, chases, and hustles. Blackburn is a good special teams player and was elected first-alternate to the NFC’s Pro Bowl roster as a special teams player.
Bryan Kehl saw quite a bit of action as a rookie, though most of his playing time came in the first half of the season. He finished 2008 with 35 tackles, one sack, and one interception. Kehl was selected by the Giants in the 4th round of the 2008 NFL Draft. Kehl combines good size and athleticism. He is a three-down linebacker with good speed and agility. Changes direction well. Kehl is still adjusting to playing linebacker at the pro level. He flashes against the run, but he needs to improve his play in stacking and shedding. His athletic ability helps him coverage. Smart and hard working.
Gerris 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 times, but only had 10 tackles for the season. Wilkinson is a good athlete. He runs well and can cover. Wilkinson needs to become a more consistent run defender and tackler. Most importantly, he has to prove that he can stay healthy.
Jonathan Goff’s rookie season 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 a better run defender than pass defender. Smart and hardworking.
In his two 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 either season. 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. He is on the stiff side however. DeOssie long snaps for punts and was selected as the NFC’s “need” player in the 2008 Pro Bowl for his long snapping ability. He is the son of former Giants’ linebacker Steve DeOssie.
Clint Sintim was selected in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft by the Giants. Four-year starter in college. Productive player who accrued 245 tackles and 27 sacks in college. Sintim is a big, strong, athletic linebacker who played in the 3-4 defense in college. He will need to adjust to the Giants’ 4-3 scheme. Sintim has very good size and long arms. He lacks ideal speed. Good run defender and pass rusher. He can stack the point-of-attack, though he does need to improve his consistency in shedding blocks. Physical, aggressive, tough, and instinctive. Sintim is better attacking the line of scrimmage than moving in reverse. He lacks experience in coverage and needs a lot of technique work in that department, but he does have the athletic ability to improve. Sintim is probably better suited to zone than man coverage as he is a bit stiff in the hips. He is a competitive player who will hustle and chase. In the 4-3, he projects as a strongside linebacker, but he might be able to play middle linebacker as well.
The Giants signed Kelvin Smith as a street free agent in May 2009. Smith was originally drafted in the 7th round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins. Smith spent most of the 2007 season on Miami’s Practice Squad. He was waived by the Dolphins in August 2008. Smith played both inside and outside linebacker at Syracuse University. Smart, hard-working, and instinctive, Smith is a good run defender. He is better moving forward than in reverse - he needs to improve his pass coverage. He lacks speed.
Kenny Ingram was signed by the Giants as a rookie free agent after the 2009 NFL Draft. Ingram has experience at safety (hybrid rover) and linebacker at Florida State. He played linebacker his senior season and that is where the Giants will start him off. Good athlete. Ingram is very tall, with the frame to carry much more mass if he plays linebacker. Very good special teams player.
Cornerbacks:
In 2008, Corey Webster continued his miraculous conversion from apparent bust to one of the top corners in the NFL and was awarded with a huge, long-term contract during the season. Webster started every game in 2008 and finished the season with 50 tackles, 1 sack, 24 pass defenses, and 3 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. He has quietly become one of the top corners in football. Webster is not a physical run defender, but he has become a much better tackler.
Aaron Ross had some down moments in 2008 but remains an up-and-coming player who usually does a nice job against his opponent. Starting 15 games, Ross finished 2008 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 very 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. Tough. Ross was a very good punt returner in college.
Kevin Dockery is a solid back-up corner and occasional starter. In 2008, Dockery played in 13 games with one start. He missed three games with a back injury and finished the season with 43 tackles, 9 pass defenses, and 1 interception. Dockery was originally signed by the Giants as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2006 NFL Draft. He surprisingly made the team and contributed right away, playing in 14 games with 35 tackles and 2 interceptions. He started six games in 2007 with 31 tackles, but also missed four games with a hip flexor injury. Dockery lacks height, but he has good speed and quickness. He is an aggressive player who is solid in coverage. Dockery has been somewhat injury prone.
Terrell Thomas became a bigger contributor in the second half of the season after a hamstring injury caused him to miss the month of September. Thomas ended up playing in 12 games with two starts. He finished with 45 tackles, 4 pass defenses, and 1 interception. 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. Physical. Thomas is a good special teams player.
DeAndre Wright was selected in the sixth round of the 2009 NFL Draft by the Giants. Wright is a tough player who has battled through some painful shoulder injuries in college. Wright has a decent combination of size and overall athleticism. He lacks ideal speed, but he is fluid with quick feet. He right has a feel for coverage and makes plays on the football. Aggressive run defender.
Stoney Woodson was selected in the seventh round of the 2009 NFL Draft by the Giants. He has good size. He timed in the 4.55 range at his Pro Day, but supposedly has also been timed under 4.40. Quick. Woodson is instinctive in coverage.
Bruce Johnson was signed by the Giants as a rookie free agent after the 2009 NFL Draft. Johnson was a two-year starter at Miami. Johnson lacks ideal size, but he is a fluid athlete with fine quickness. He is an aggressive cover corner, but he plays with poor technique and is therefore inconsistent. He had only two interceptions in 42 college games, which seems to indicate a lack of anticipation. Due to his size, he can struggle in run defense.
Vince Anderson was 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 at Webber Int’l. He tore his ACL in 2006.
Safeties:
Michael Johnson became the starting free safety on the Giants in just his second season. He finished 2008 with 72 tackles, 1 sack, 4 pass defenses, and 2 interceptions. 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. He has decent speed and agility in pass defense. He needs to make more plays on the football. Johnson is an aggressive run defender who will hit and tackle.
Kenny Phillips played in all 16 games and started three games as a rookie. As a valuable reserve and part-time starter, he finished 2008 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 good enough athlete to play man coverage. Phillips a good tackler and run defender. Physical and aggressive. It’s only a matter of time before he earns a starting job.
C.C. Brown was signed by the Giants as an unrestricted free agent from the Houston Texans in 2009. 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 four seasons, Brown has accrued 254 tackles, 1 sack, 4 forced fumbles, 4 fumble recoveries, 14 pass defenses, and 3 interceptions. Brown combines decent size and athleticism. He is a better run defender than pass defender. Good hitter and tackler. In pass coverage, Brown does not make many plays on the ball in the air. He has experience at both strong and free safety.
Travonti Johnson was moved from cornerback to safety during the 2009 offseason. Johnson was originally signed by the Giants as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2007 NFL Draft. The Giants waived him in August 2007. Johnson was signed to the Practice Squad in December 2008. Johnson has collegiate experience (Central Florida) at cornerback, safety, and nickelback. He has a nice combination of size and speed. Johnson has had some off-the-field issues. He was suspended for five games in 2006 for violating team rules.
Steve Cargile was signed by the Giants as a “street” free agent in January 2009. Cargile was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the Dallas Cowboys after the 2004 NFL Draft. He spent most the 2004 season on the Cowboys’ Practice Squad. The Cowboys waived him in May 2005. Since then, he has spent time with the Buccaneers (2006), Broncos (2006-2008), and Browns (2008). The Browns waived Cargile in August 2008. Cargile has played in 15 NFL games, with no starts. Cargile has good size (6-2, 210lbs).
Sha’reff Rashad was 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 makes plays on the football. Productive, he finished 2008 with 72 tackles, five interceptions, and 10 pass breakups. Smart and a solid character.
Kickers:
At the age of 42, in his 21st season, Jeff Feagles had one of his best seasons and was elected to the Pro Bowl for the second time. Feagles finished the season with a 40.2 net average, the best of his career. 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 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 is an excellent holder on field goals/extra points. Feagles does have a degenerative arthritic knee.
2008 was a very disappointing season for Lawrence Tynes. Awarded a new 5-year contract in the offseason, Tynes was sidelined in August with a knee injury that forced the Giants to sign John Carney. Carney performed so well that Tynes never got his job back, even when Tynes was healthy enough to kick again. Tynes was only activated for two regular-season games and the playoff game. He was 1-for-1 on field goal attempts (a 19-yarder). 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. Tynes finished the 2007 season 23-of-27 (85 percent) on field goal attempts and 40-of-42 on extra points. Tynes was also 5-of-7 in the playoffs. As the extra point figures show (he’s missed six in his career), Tynes can still be maddening inconsistent, but he is an 80 percent field goal kicker for his career. Tynes does an average job on kickoffs. Eight of Tynes’ 82 kickoffs resulted in touchbacks in 2007.
Print This Page
.gif)