May 16, 2012
by Eric from BigBlueInteractive.com
Quarterbacks:
Eli Manning, the unquestioned centerpiece of the Giants’ offense, developed into one of the game’s top quarterbacks in 2011. Manning finished the regular season with Giants’ records in attempts (589), completions (359), and yards (4,933). His 29 touchdown passes were the second-highest total of his career (he had 31 in 2010) and his 16 interceptions were nine fewer than he threw in 2010. Manning finished the season with 15 fourth quarter touchdown passes, an NFL record. He led the Giants to seven come-from-behind 4th quarter victories, including two in the playoffs. He was voted to his second Pro Bowl, the first being after the 2008 season. Most importantly, Manning led his team to another NFL Championship and earned Super Bowl MVP honors once again. Physically, Manning has excellent size and a strong arm. He is extremely tough and has never missed a game. Manning can make all the different kinds of throws and his accuracy has steadily improved throughout his career. He is a 60+ completion percentage quarterback in a vertical passing offense. In 2011, he markedly improved his movement skills within the pocket, his accuracy throwing to backs, and his willingness to throw the ball away and not force a throw. As important as his physical skills are, Manning excels in the mental aspects of the game. He has the perfect temperament for playing in the New York metropolitan area as the intense media spotlight does not seem to faze him. He is also very good in pressure-packed situations on the football field, demonstrating an instinctive ability to lead his team on scoring drives late in contests. He is very smart and hard-working. Manning reads opposing defenses extremely well. The coaching staff trusts him to make complicated pre-snap reads for both the running and passing games. He is arguably the best quarterback in franchise history and a possible future Hall of Famer.
David Carr was originally drafted as the very first pick in the 2002 NFL Draft by the Houston Texans. In 10 seasons, David Carr has played with four teams: Texans (2002-06), Panthers (2007), 49ers (2010), and Giants (2008-09, 2011). Carr did not take a snap for the Giants in 2011, but he did perform well in limited mop-up duty for the Giants in 2008 and 2009. In his career, Carr has started 79 games with 65 touchdowns and 71 interceptions, completing almost 60 percent of his passes. Carr has all of the tools (size, athletic, strong arm), but he was a disappointment in Houston, Carolina, and San Francisco. Carr can appear indecisive at times and hold onto the ball too long. He can surprise teams with his ability to run with the ball.
Ryan Perrilloux was regularly added to and deleted from the Giants’ Practice Squad in 2011. Eligible for the draft in 2010, Perrilloux went undrafted and played for the Hartford Colonials of the United Football League (UFL) that year. His head coach was former Giants’ Quarterbacks Coach Chris Palmer. In eight UFL games, Perrilloux completed 33-of-69 passes for 394 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. Perrilloux was a very highly rated high school quarterback who ran into off-the-field issues in college. Perrilloux lacks ideal height, but he is a very athletic player with a quick release and a strong arm. He can make all of the different kinds of throws an NFL quarterback needs to make. However, he needs a lot of work in order to learn the NFL game. Mobile, Perrilloux can also make plays with his feet.
Halfbacks:
Ahmad Bradshaw continued to be plagued by chronic foot issues that have sabotaged much of his NFL career. Bradshaw missed four regular-season games with a broken foot. He finished 2011 with only 659 yards on 171 carries (3.9 yards per carry) and nine touchdowns. He also caught 34 passes for 267 yards and two touchdowns. His production was way down from 2010 when he rushed for 1,235 yards and a 4.5 yards-per-carry average. Where Bradshaw dramatically improved was ball security. He fumbled only once in 2011 after fumbling seven times in 2010. Bradshaw is a very tough and physical runner for his size. He has good elusiveness, quickness, and speed. However, he sometimes improvises too much instead of staying with the designed play. Bradshaw has good hands catching the football. His biggest issue is durability. He has had multiple surgeries on his feet/ankles.
D.J. Ware had his most productive season with the Giants in five seasons in 2011. Primarily used as a third-down and situational back, Ware rushed for 163 yards on 46 carries (3.5 yards per carry). He also had 27 catches for 170 yards. He did not reach the end zone as a runner or receiver. Ware was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the Tennessee Titans after the 2007 NFL Draft. The Giants signed him off of the Jets’ Practice Squad later that season. Ware has good size and can catch the football, but he has not flashed much in his five years with team. He also has been somewhat injury prone, including multiple concussions.
Da’Rel Scott only saw very limited action in 2011 after being drafted in the 7th round of the 2011 Draft by the Giants. Scott played in 11 games and has five rushes and two catches on the season. He also fumbled the ball away once. Scott has decent size. He is very fast and is a threat to break a big play every time he touches the ball. Scott flashed his big-play ability during the preseason. However, it remains to be seen if Scott has the instincts, toughness, elusiveness, and power to succeed at the NFL level on a consistent basis. Scott most likely needs a lot of work in pass protection.
Andre Brown spent the 2011 on the Giants’ Practice Squad. Brown was originally drafted by the Giants in the 4th round of the 2009 NFL Draft. Brown missed all of 2009 with a torn Achilles tendon that he suffered in training camp. The Giants waived Brown in September 2010. Brown then spent time with the Broncos, Colts, Panthers, and Redskins before coming back to the Giants in August 2011. Brown has only played in four NFL games with two carries, but he played surprisingly well for the Giants in the 2011 preseason. Brown has good size. He is more of a north-south slasher who runs with some power. Brown has good hands.
The Giants drafted David Wilson in the 1st round of the 2012 NFL Draft. Wilson lacks ideal size, but he is a well-built back who is strong for his stature. He is a hard runner who can break tackles and finish runs with his powerful legs. Wilson is very athletic with very good speed, quickness, and acceleration. He runs with good pad level, has very good balance, and is elusive. Good cutback runner. Wilson is an explosive, big-play threat. Wilson sometimes tries to bounce things outside when he should stay with the designed play. He is not a strong short-yardage runner. Wilson needs to protect the football better and he needs a lot of work in pass protection. He catches the ball well. Wilson is a dangerous kickoff returner.
Fullbacks:
Henry Hynoski played in 11 regular-season games as an undrafted rookie with four starts. He missed five games with a neck injury in October and November. Hynoski caught 12 passes for 83 yards. Hynoski has excellent size. Though inconsistent as a blocker his rookie season, he improved as the year progressed. An aggressive and physical player, Hynoski should become a very good lead blocker as he gains experience. Not used as a runner, Hynoski does have good hands as a receiver. He’s a bit stiff and straight-linish as an athlete in the open field.
Joe Martinek was signed as a rookie free agent after the 2012 NFL Draft. Martinek is a bit of a fullback/running back ‘tweener. He lacks ideal size for fullback and ideal overall athletic ability for halfback. As a ball carrier, he flashes good instincts, quickness, and agility for a bigger player. Martinek has good hands as a receiver and runs well after the catch. He is solid in pass protection, but is not a powerful, aggressive lead blocker on running plays. Martinek’s strength is his overall versatility.
Wide Receivers:
Hakeem Nicks has developed into one of the NFL’s most dangerous receivers. In the past two seasons, Nicks has caught 155 passes for 2,244 yards and 18 touchdowns. In addition, he excelled during the 2011 playoffs, catching 28 passes for 444 yards and four touchdowns. 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 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 can make the circus catch. He is not afraid to run over the middle and he is elusive after the catch. Nicks is a very confident player with All-Pro ability. His biggest negative is that he has proven to be somewhat injury prone.
Victor Cruz had an incredible, Cinderella-like season in 2011. Entering the season as an undrafted second-year player with no career catches, Cruz finished the season with a single-season, franchise-record 1,536 yards. His 82 catches tied him for second place on the Giants’ single-season list. Cruz scored nine touchdowns and was named second-alternate to the Pro Bowl. Cruz has ordinary size and timed speed. However, he has very good quickness and plays faster than he times. Despite his relative lack of experience, Cruz reads coverages well, runs good routes, and has a good understanding of how to get open against both zone and man coverage. Cruz has good hands and is capable of making the circus catch. He is elusive after the catch and usually isn’t caught from behind. Cruz is a hard worker. He can play outside, but has really developed into one of the NFL’s better slot receivers.
Drafted in 3rd round of the 2009 NFL Draft, Ramses Barden has yet to make an impact in the NFL. Barden was active in eight games and finished the season with only nine catches for 94 yards. In three seasons, Barden only has 15 catches for 174 yards. Barden’s 2010 season ended early with ligament damage and a fracture to his left ankle. Barden is a huge, athletic 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. He has good hands, but sometimes will drop an easy catch.
Jerrel Jernigan was drafted in the 3rd round of the 2011 NFL Draft by the Giants. Jernigan ended up being active for only eight games and did not have a catch in 2011. He did return eight kickoffs for 186 yards (23.2 yards per return) in the regular season. Jernigan lacks size, but he is a quick, fluid athlete. In college, Jernigan was an extremely productive receiver who was dangerous with the football after the catch.
Domenik Hixon was placed on Injured Reserve in September 2011 after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee. Hixon tore the same ACL in June 2010 during a mini-camp. The knee injuries and his free agent status in 2012 put his future with the team in doubt. Hixon’s most productive season with the team as a receiver was in 2008 when he started seven games and caught 43 passes for 596 yards and two touchdowns. With the arrival of new receivers, he became less of a factor in 2009, catching 15 passes for 187 yards and one touchdown. Hixon was originally drafted by the Broncos in the 4th round of the 2006 NFL Draft. The Broncos cut him in October 2007 and the Giants immediately claimed him off of waivers. Hixon has good size. Before the knee injuries, he was a fast and smooth athlete with good hands. When healthy, Hixon is a dangerous punt and kickoff returner. He has five 40+ yard kickoff returns, including one touchdown, and three 40+ yard punt returns, including one touchdown.
Isaiah Stanback was signed to the Giants’ Practice Squad in late November 2011. Stanback was originally a 4th round draft pick of the Dallas Cowboys in the 2007 NFL Draft. The Cowboys cut him in September 2009. He then spent time with the Patriots and Seahawks before coming to the Giants. Stanback has played in 16 regular season games with two starts with the Patriots. However, he only has five career catches for 46 yards. He also has returned 14 kickoffs with a long of 58 yards. Stanback has a nice combination of size and athleticism.
Dan DePalma spent 2011 on the Giants’ Practice Squad. DePalma was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the New York Jets after the 2011 NFL Draft. The Jets waived him in September. DePalma played at Division II West Chester University and thus has a lot to learn about playing receiver in the NFL. He has average size for the position.
The Giants selected Rueben Randle in the 2nd round of the 2012 NFL Draft. Randle combines excellent size with fine athletic ability. While Randle is not a burner, he is a fluid and smooth receiver with good foot quickness and acceleration for a big receiver. Randle can get off press coverage and he runs good routes. Vertical threat – he can threaten a defense down the field. Randle adjusts well to the football in the air and has very good hands. He runs well after the catch. Good blocker.
David Douglas was signed as a rookie free agent after the 2012 NFL Draft. Douglas has ordinary size and he is more quick than fast. However, he runs good routes, accelerates well, adjusts to the football, and has good hands. He is a tough runner after the catch.
Julian Talley was signed as a rookie free agent after the 2012 NFL Draft. Talley has decent size and overall athletic ability. He lacks ideal speed, but is smooth, fluid, and very quick. Talley has experience returning punts and kickoffs.
Brandon Collins was signed as a rookie free agent after the May rookie mini-camp. Collins lacks ideal size but he has very good speed, quickness, and leaping ability. Collins can threaten a defense deep and is elusive after the catch. He began his college career at Texas but had academic problems and was dismissed from the team after being arrested for aggravated robbery and organized criminal activity. Those charges were later dropped. Collins has experience returning punts.
Tight Ends/H-Backs:
Martellus Bennett signed with the Giants as an unrestricted free agent in March 2012. Bennett was originally drafted in the 2nd round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys. In four seasons with the Cowboys, Bennett played in 60 regular-season games with 31 starts, 85 catches, 846 yards, and four touchdowns. Bennett has an excellent combination of size and athletic ability. He is a good blocker. However, despite his overall athleticism, he has not emerged yet as a consistent receiving threat. Bennett was considered somewhat of a disappointment in Dallas although he was stuck behind All-Pro Jason Witten. Bennett can be inconsistent catching the football. There are questions about his maturity. He is still a young player with an upside if he can improve his focus and dedication to the game.
The strength of Bear Pascoe’s game is his versatility. The Giants use him a tight end, H-Back, and fullback. Pascoe has good size, but he is not overly athletic. He does not really stand out as a blocker or receiver, and needs to improve his productivity and consistency in both areas. Pascoe finished the 2011 regular season with 12 catches for 136 yards. In three seasons with the Giants, he has 22 catches for 217 yards. Pascoe was originally drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the 6th round of the 2009 NFL Draft, but he did not make the team.
The Giants signed Christian Hopkins as a street free agent in July 2011 and he spent the season on the team’s Practice Squad. In 2009 and 2010, Hopkins played in the UFL for the New York Sentinels and Omaha Nighthawks. Hopkins has excellent size and he has good hands catching the football. He is a hard worker.
The Giants signed Ryan Purvis as a street free agent in February 2012. Purvis was originally signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2009 NFL Draft. He spent his rookie season on Tampa Bay’s Practice Squad and was on the active roster for 10 games in 2010. He finished that season with five catches for 28 yards. The Buccaneers waived him before the 2011 season. Purvis is a versatile player who can play tight end, H-Back, and fullback. He has decent size, but he is not overly athletic. Purvis lacks the speed and quickness to stand out as a receiver. That said, he does have a good feel for getting open against zone coverage. He has good hands and runs tough after the catch. Purvis is more of a finesse, positional blocker than aggressive mauler. He is smart and hard working.
The Giants signed Larry Donnell as a street free agent in March 2012. Donnell went undrafted and unsigned after the 2011 NFL Draft. Donnell has excellent size and is a good athlete. However, he is very raw and needs a lot of coaching.
The Giants drafted Adrien Robinson in the 4th round of the 2012 NFL Draft. Robinson combines good size with excellent athleticism. He has very good speed and agility for a big tight end. However, he is a very raw player who will need a lot of coaching up. He was not targeted much in college (only 29 receptions in four years), but he displayed an ability to get down the field, adjust to the football, and make the difficult catch. Good blocker.
An undrafted player who spent most of his rookie season on the Practice Squad, Jake Ballard came out of nowhere in his second season to become the team’s primary tight end. In his first season with any significant playing time, Ballard caught 38 passes for 604 yards and four touchdowns despite missing two games and being hampered down the stretch with a partially-torn posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. Ballard suffered a devastating blow when he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in the Super Bowl. The injury will likely sideline him for most if not all of the 2012 NFL season. Ballard has excellent size for a tight end. When healthy, despite not being terrible fast or quick, Ballard showed a real knack for getting open and making clutch plays in the passing game, including down the field. Ballard improved steadily as a blocker but could use greater consistency in that department.
Since he was drafted in the 3rd round of the 2009 NFL Draft, Travis Beckum has been disappointingly unproductive. However, he did start to earn more playing time and make more of a contribution down the stretch in 2011. Unfortunately, Beckum tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in the Super Bowl. The injury will likely sideline him for most if not all of the 2012 NFL season. Beckum missed three games in 2011 with hamstring and chest injuries. He finished the regular-season with five catches for 93 yards and a touchdown. His biggest catch was the 67-yard touchdown against the Packers in Week 13. In the playoffs, Beckum caught seven more passes for 45 yards. In three seasons, Beckum has caught only 26 passes in 44 regular-season games. Due to his lack of size, Beckum is more of an H-Back than true tight end. He is a good athlete with fine agility and speed for the position. Beckum can threaten a defense down the field and he has good hands. He needs to work on his ability to read coverages and run precise routes. While Beckum is more of position blocker due to his size, he has improved as a blocker. Beckum has been an injury-prone player since coming to the Giants and that has very much affected his development.
Offensive Tackles:
Will Beatty became the new starting left tackle in 2011, but was placed on Injured Reserve in late November 2011 after having surgery to repair a detached retina in his right eye. Beatty also started four games at right tackle in 2009 and two games at left tackle in 2010. Beatty missed half of 2010 with a foot fracture. Beatty is a big, athletic linemen with quick feet and long arms. Last season, he gained consistency and became a solid pass protector. He does need to become more physical and aggressive in the run game. Beatty also needs to stay healthy.
David Diehl is the team’s versatile iron man. In nine seasons with the Giants, Diehl has only missed four games (in 2010 with a torn hamstring). Diehl never missed a game in 2011 despite playing with a fractured left hand/finger that required offseason surgery in February. Diehl has experience playing at both tackle and guard spots with the Giants. In the first 10 games of the 2011 season, Diehl started at left guard before moving back to left tackle when Will Beatty was placed on Injured Reserve. Diehl was much more natural and productive playing at tackle than he was at guard. Diehl is a big, smart, aggressive lineman with long arms. He is a good run blocker but outside quickness sometimes gives him problems in pass protection. In 2009, Diehl 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, Diehl was elected second-team All-Pro and third-alternate to the Pro Bowl.
James Brewer was drafted in the 4th round of the 2011 NFL Draft by the Giants. While Brewer made the 53-man roster, he did not play in 2011. Brewer combines excellent size, arm length, and overall athleticism. He is a somewhat raw player who has not played much football. He started 12 games as a junior and 9 games as a senior at right tackle (missing three games with an ankle injury). Brewer is very light on his feet and has the tools to develop into a good pass blocker. However, he needs a lot of technique work.
The Giants signed Sean Locklear as an unrestricted free agent from the Washington Redskins in April 2012. Locklear was originally drafted in the 3rd round of the 2004 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks. The Redskins signed him as a free agent in 2011. In eight NFL seasons, Locklear has played in 105 regular-season games with 82 starts. He has experience at both tackle spots and guard, but most of his playing time has come at right tackle. Locklear is a versatile, experienced, veteran lineman on the downside of his career.
Selvish Capers was on and off the Giants’ Practice Squad for much of 2011. Capers was originally drafted in the 7th round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins and spent his rookie year on Washington’s Practice Squad. The Redskins cut him in September 2011. Capers is an athletic lineman with good quickness and mobility. On the raw side, Capers still needs a lot of technique work. He also needs to get bigger and stronger.
The Giants signed Joel Reinders as a street free agent in March 2012. Reinders was originally signed by the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2010 NFL Draft. The Browns waived him in September 2010. Reinders did not play football in 2011. Reinders is a huge, athletic lineman. However, he is extremely raw as he played in only eight games at a Canadian college.
Matt McCants was selected by the Giants in the 6th round of the 2012 NFL Draft. McCants is a big, athletic lineman with very long arms. He is a bit of a project but has an upside. He needs to fill out and get stronger. McCants is a fluid athlete who can pull and get to the second level. McCants flashes ability in pass protection but needs to become more consistent. He has some issues recognizing blitzes and stunts. Raw – he needs a lot of technique work in pass protection and run blocking. McCants does have the tools to become a player at the pro level. McCants has had academic issues.
Offensive Guards:
In his eight seasons with the Giants, Chris Snee has started all 122 NFL regular-season games that he has played in. He missed one game last year due to a concussion. Snee is a three-time Pro Bowler, but he did not play particularly well in 2011 and may have been bothered by an undisclosed injury. When on top of his game, 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.
An extremely versatile player, Kevin Boothe started 13 regular- and post-season games for the Giants in 2011, including seven at left guard, five at center, and one at right guard. He also started five games at left guard for the Giants in 2010. 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, strong player with long arms who can create movement at the point-of-attack. Not overly agile or quick, Boothe is not as adept when pulling. In pass protection, he struggles at times with speed and quickness. Smart.
Mitch Petrus played in six games with three starts at left guard in 2011. He did not start a game his rookie season in 2010, but did see some limited mop-up action. Petrus is a strong, athletic player who flashes as a run blocker. He is agile and can pull. Petrus has the tools to become a good pass protector, but he needs to play with better technique and consistency.
Brandon Mosley was drafted by the Giants in the 4th round of the 2012 NFL Draft. Mosley is a big, strong offensive lineman with long arms and big hands. Mosley has the frame to add more bulk. He has collegiate experience at both left and right tackle. A former tight end, Mosley is a good athlete. He can trap and pull and get to the second level. While not a mauler, Mosley gets movement in his run blocks. He is a tough, aggressive, physical player who looks to punish defenders. Mosley shows decent feet, agility, and balance, but needs technique work in pass protection. With only two years of experience on the offensive line, he is still learning to play the position and will take some time to develop. Hard worker who is very coachable.
Stephen Goodin was signed as a rookie free agent after the 2012 NFL Draft. A former tight end in high school, Goodin has collegiate experience at both left guard and left tackle. He sat out all of 2010 with broken leg. Goodin has a nice combination of size, strength, and athleticism. He is a very hard worker.
Offensive Centers:
David Baas started 11 regular-season games at center for the Giants in 2011, missing five games with injuries (neck, knee, migraines). The injuries, combined with the lockout, appeared to hamper his effectiveness/cohesion with his new teammates. Baas played better later in the season during the stretch run. The Giants signed Baas as an unrestricted free agent from the San Francisco 49ers in July 2011. Baas was originally drafted by the 49ers in the 2nd round of the 2005 NFL Draft. After an inconsistent, injury-plagued start to his career, Baas began to improve dramatically at left guard in 2009 and center in 2010 for the 49ers. In both 2009 and 2010, he was named the 49ers’ top offensive lineman, starting all 32 games. Baas is a big, strong lineman with decent overall athleticism. He can pull and block at the second level. Baas is tough, smart, competitive, and can play with a nasty attitude.
After spending all of 2010 on the Giants’ Practice Squad, Jim Cordle was active for nine games in 2011 and saw some action as a blocking tight end. Cordle was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2010 NFL Draft. Cordle is a versatile lineman who played four different offensive line positions in college. Cordle has good size, but it remains to be seen if he has the necessary athleticism, strength, and power to play on the line at the NFL level.
Chris White spent time with the Giants in training camp in 2011 and was re-signed in February 2012. White originally signed with the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2005. Since that time, he has played with the Packers (2005-06), Texans (2006-09), and Seahawks (2010). In six NFL seasons, he has played in 33 games with eight starts. White lacks ideal size, but he is versatile with experience both at center and guard.
Defensive Ends:
Jason Pierre-Paul rapidly developed into one of the game’s best defensive ends in just his second season. Pierre-Paul started 12 regular-season games, finished with 86 tackles, 16.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles and was voted to his first Pro Bowl. Pierre-Paul is still very much a work in progress. He did not begin playing football until his junior year in high school and he only started seven games at South Florida before being drafted after his junior season. Pierre-Paul is the complete package with a superb combination of size, strength, and athleticism. An explosive and disruptive player, Pierre-Paul is fast, quick, and agile. His tremendous wingspan helps him to bat passes down at the line of scrimmage. Pierre-Paul is also athletic enough to drop into coverage. As a pass rusher, he can beat blockers with both power and quickness. Pierre-Paul is a very good run defender both at the point-of-attack as well as in backside pursuit. If he stays healthy and focused, the sky is the limit.
Justin Tuck had a down season in 2011 as he was hampered by neck, shoulder, groin, foot, knee, wrist, and finger injuries. The shoulder injury required offseason surgery in February (a torn labrum/shoulder injury hindered him in 2009 too). Tuck missed four games and his production fell from 76 tackles, 11.5 sacks, and six forced fumbles in 2010 to 37 tackles, five sacks, and one forced fumble in 2011. Tuck has an excellent combination of size, strength, and athleticism. Against the run, Tuck plays with leverage and can be disruptive with his ability to penetrate. 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. Tuck has also developed into one of the key leaders of the team. His biggest negative is he always seems to battling some injury. Tuck has been voted the Pro Bowl twice (2008 and 2010).
Osi Umenyiora missed nearly half the 2011 regular season due to injuries. He underwent hip flexor surgery in January 2011 and then arthroscopic surgery on a troublesome right knee in August. Umenyiora was sidelined the month of December with a high ankle sprain. Umenyiora finished the 2011 regular season with 25 tackles, nine sacks, and two forced fumbles. Umenyiora is a two-time Pro Bowler (2005 and 2007). After missing the 2008 season with a torn lateral meniscus in his left knee, Umenyiora had a disappointing 2009 season when he sulked and was eventually benched. He rebounded with a strong season in 2010, starting all 16 games and finishing with 48 tackles, 11.5 sacks, and 10 forced fumbles. Umenyiora is a very good athlete who runs extremely well. He is not a strong run defender, but he is still a very good pass rusher who has a knack for stripping the football from opposing quarterbacks. Umenyiora has been pretty vocal for the past few seasons about his contract situation.
Justin Trattou was signed as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2011 NFL Draft. He split his rookie season on the Practice Squad and 53-man roster. Trattou played in six regular season games, serving mainly on special teams. Trattou is a decent athlete with fine quickness, but he needs to get bigger and stronger. He also lacks explosiveness as a smaller edge rusher. Trattou works hard on and off the field. He is tough and instinctive.
Craig Marshall was signed as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2011 NFL Draft. He was waived in the last round of cuts before the season and re-signed in February 2012. Marshall combines nice size and athleticism. He flashes as a pass rusher.
Adewale Ojomo was signed as a rookie free agent after the 2012 NFL Draft. Ojomo lacks ideal size, but he has very long arms and the frame to get bigger. He played both at both end and tackle for Miami. There are conflicting scouting reports on his ability as a run defender and pass rusher. Some say he does not stand out out in either area, but others say he can play with leverage and be a physical presence at the point-of-attack. Some feel he lacks the overall athletic ability to ever be much of a pass rusher, while others say the opposite.
Matt Broha was signed as a rookie free agent after the 2012 NFL Draft. Broha flashed as a pass rusher at the collegiate level. However, his lack of speed and agility may hamper him at the pro level. Broha is too easily handled on running plays. He has good initial quickness as a rusher and has a knack for getting to the quarterback. Plays hard.
Defensive Tackles:
Chris Canty had arguably his best season as a pro in 2011 with career highs in tackles (47) and sacks (four). Canty underwent offseason surgery to clean out his knee in February 2012. Canty was originally drafted in the 4th round of the 2005 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys. After four productive seasons in Dallas in the 3-4 defense, Canty signed with the Giants in 2009. Canty is a very tall player with long legs and arms. Strong, tough, and physical, Canty is a stout run defender who is able to hold the point-of-attack against the run. He is not as strong rushing the passer, though he will flash on occasion.
With the departure of Barry Cofield, Linval Joseph became a new starter inside at tackle and played fairly well. He finished the regular season with 49 tackles and two sacks. Joseph underwent offseason surgery on his ankle in February 2012. Joseph has an excellent combination of size, strength, and athletic ability. He is very strong and difficult to move off the line of scrimmage on running plays. Joseph has decent quickness for a big man and could develop as a pass rusher. He is still raw and should improve with experience.
Marvin Austin missed all of his rookie season when he was placed on Injured Reserve in August 2011 with a torn left pectoral muscle that required surgery. Austin also did not play football in 2010 as he was kicked off of his college team after being ruled permanently ineligible by the NCAA for illegal contact with an agent. Austin lacks ideal height but he has an outstanding combination of strength, power, and athleticism. He moves very well for a big man and has a touch of explosiveness to his game. Austin needs to play with better leverage and tenacity as a run defender at the point-of-attack, but he can be disruptive with his quickness. At times, he is blocked too easily. He has all the tools to become a good pass rusher.
The Giants signed Shaun Rogers as an unrestricted free agent in April 2012. Rogers was originally drafted in the 2nd round of the 2001 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions. In 11 NFL seasons, Rogers has played for the Lions (2001-07), Browns, (2008-10), and Saints (2011). He was voted to the Pro Bowl in 2004, 2005, and 2008. Rogers is a huge, powerful player. In his prime, he was a very strong run defender who could also push the pocket on the pass rush. However, he is nearing the end of his career. He started four games for the Saints in 2011 and finished with just 22 tackles and no sacks. Amazingly, Rogers has blocked 14 field goal attempts in his career.
Dwayne Hendricks has spent the last three seasons mostly on the Giants’ Practice Squad though he was signed to the active roster for five games in 2011. He was only active in one contest. The Giants originally signed him as a rookie free agent after the 2009 NFL Draft. Hendricks lacks ideal size, but he is a good athlete. He flashed in the 2011 preseason finale against the Patriots.
Martin Parker missed all of the season when was placed on Injured Reserve in August with an undisclosed leg injury. He originally signed with the Giants as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2011 NFL Draft. Parker was voted defensive MVP of the East-West Shrine Game. Martin lacks ideal size. He is a good athlete with fine quickness and agility. Parker flashes as a pass rusher, but he needs to get stronger and improve his play against the run. He is a hard worker who needs a lot of technique work.
Markus Kuhn was selected by the Giants in the 7th round of the 2012 NFL Draft. Kuhn was born in Germany and was only a one-year starter in college. He has a nice combination of size and athletic ability. Kuhn is a high-energy effort player who can be disruptive with his quickness and intensity. Kuhn is a better run defender than pass rusher. He needs to play with better leverage/technique. He flashes an ability to push the pocket. Hard worker.
Linebackers:
Since he was drafted in the 1st of the 2006 NFL Draft by the Giants, Mathias Kiwanuka has split his time between defensive end and linebacker. He played primarily defensive end in 2006, 2008, and 2009 and he played primarily linebacker in 2007, 2010, and 2011. For the last two seasons, under Defensive Coordinator Perry Fewell, Kiwanuka has played a hybrid linebacker/defensive end “joker” role – starting at linebacker but often also being rushed from a down position in obvious pass rushing situations. In 2011, Kiwanuka played in all 16 regular-season games and finished with 84 tackles, 3.5 sacks, two pass defenses, one interception, and one forced fumble. Kiwanuka has had two major injuries with the Giants. In 2007, he suffered a fractured fibula and ligament damaged in an ankle in November. In 2010, a potentially career-threatening neck injury (herniated cervical disc) ended his season in September. Kiwanuka combines very good size and overall athleticism. However, his size, agility, and speed are probably better suited to defensive end where he seems more natural. As a linebacker, his size and strength make him a good run defender, but he can still be exposed in pass coverage. Kiwanuka flashes as a pass rusher but has only averaged 4.5 sacks per season.
Michael Boley had a strong year for the Giants despite missing two games and being limited in a few others with a hamstring injury he suffered in November. Boley finished the 2011 regular season with 93 tackles, one sack, three pass defenses, and one forced fumble. After four seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, Boley signed with the Giants in 2009. Boley lacks ideal size, but he is a three-down, run-and-chase player with good speed and quickness. Boley is not a strong run defender at the point-of-attack, but he has good range and tackles well. The strength of his game is pass coverage, one of the reasons why the Giants moved him to the strongside over the tight end. Boley only has three sacks in his three seasons with the Giants.
The Giants acquired Keith Rivers via trade from the Cincinnati Bengals in April 2012. Rivers was originally drafted by the Bengals in the 1st round of the 2008 NFL Draft. In four seasons in Cincinnati, Rivers started 33 of 35 regular-season games he played in. But he missed 29 regular-season games with injuries – including nine games in 2008 with a broken jaw and all of the 2011 season with a wrist injury that required surgery. Rivers is a well-built, athletic, 3-down linebacker. He is a good run defender though he is more of the run-and-hit type than physical presence at the point-of-attack. Rivers has the overall athletic ability and range to do well in coverage, but he needs to become more consistent in that area of his game. He only had two sacks in Cincinnati. His biggest problem has been staying healthy. Rivers also missed time in 2009 with a calf injury and in 2010 with plantar fasciitis.
The Giants re-signed Chase Blackburn in late November 2011 after choosing not to re-sign him before the season started when he was an unrestricted free agent. Blackburn immediately became the starter at middle linebacker and the overall play of the defense improved down the stretch and throughout the playoffs. In the last nine games of the season, including playoffs, Blackburn accrued 52 tackles, three pass defenses, and two interceptions. Blackburn was originally signed by the Giants as an undrafted free agent after the 2005 NFL Draft. After starting 15 games in 2008-09, Blackburn was strictly a special teams player in 2010, serving as the unit’s captain. Blackburn can play all three linebacker spots. He has good size. A bit on the stiff side, Blackburn is not overly fast or quick. But this hard-working overachiever really stepped up his play in 2011 both against the run and the pass. Blackburn was elected first-alternate to the NFC’s Pro Bowl roster as a special teams player in 2008.
Jacquian Williams was drafted in the 6th round of the 2011 NFL Draft by the Giants. He was a very raw player coming out of college, having started only one season. However, due to injuries, the Giants force fed Williams and he played much more than was originally expected of him. Williams played in every game, with two starts. He finished the regular season with 78 tackles, one sack, and four pass defenses. Williams is an undersized but very athletic linebacker with very good speed. Due to his size, he can get mauled at the point-of-attack. Williams flashed as a blitzer and he should develop into an excellent coverage linebacker with added experience.
Mark Herzlich was signed as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2011 NFL Draft. Herzlich was regarded as one of the better collegiate linebackers in the country before missing the 2009 season with bone cancer. Herzlich played in the first 11 games of the season and was promoted to the starting middle linebacker job for two games until a high ankle sprain/bone chip sidelined him for the remainder of the season. Herzlich finished with 12 tackles. Herzlich has very good size and is a decent athlete, though he is a bit on stiff side. He is an instinctive run defender. It remains to be seen how well Herzlich can cover at the NFL level.
Greg Jones was drafted in the 6th round of the 2011 NFL Draft by the Giants. Jones played in every game, and started five games at middle linebacker. He finished the regular season with 31 tackles. A decent athlete, Jones lacks ideal size and speed. He struggled as a rookie both against the run and in pass coverage. Jones is a good special teams player.
Spencer Paysinger was signed as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2011 NFL Draft. Paysinger played in every game except one. While most of his action came on special teams, he did see time with the defense and finished the regular season with 12 tackles. Paysinger is an athletic, run-and-hit-type of linebacker. He is fluid and quick and should develop into a fine coverage linebacker with experience. Due to his size, he is not as strong at the point-of-attack against the run.
Adrian Tracy spent the 2011 season on the Giants’ Practice Squad. Tracy was drafted by the Giants in the 6th round of the 2010 NFL Draft, but missed all of his rookie season due to a preseason elbow injury. Tracy is a conversion project, having played defensive end at the collegiate level. Tracy has good size for linebacker and is a good athlete. The big question is can he make the switch to an NFL-caliber linebacker, a move that requires him to become more adept in moving in reverse. He does flash as a pass rusher and the Giants may eventually use him in a “joker”-type DE/LB role.
The future of Clint Sintim is in doubt as he suffered a very serious knee injury in the 2011 preseason finale and was placed on Injured Reserve. Sintim tore both his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and the patella tendon in his knee. He tore the same ACL in December 2010. Sintim played in 13 games in 2010 with one start, finishing with only 13 tackles. Sintim was practically handed a starting linebacker spot at the start of training camp in 2010, but was benched in favor of Keith Bulluck once the regular season arrived. Sintim was originally selected in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft by the Giants. In college, Sintim played in a 3-4 defense and he does not seem overly comfortable with the Giants’ 4-3 scheme. Sintim is big, strong, and athletic for his size. However, questions remain about whether or not his has enough instincts, 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, but he has only one sack in two seasons with the Giants. Simply put, he has not made enough plays as a pro football player.
Jake Muasau was signed as a rookie free agent after the May rookie mini-camp. Muasau was voted his collegiate team’s most valuable defensive player by his teammates in 2010 and 2011 when he played the “bandit” DE/LB hybrid position. Muasau has good size. He is an intense player who was the leader of his defense.
Cornerbacks:
Corey Webster had an excellent season for the Giants in 2011. He usually shut down the man he was covering, which often included the opposition’s best receiver. Webster finished the regular season with 51 tackles, 16 pass defenses, and six interceptions (a career high). Webster has a nice combination of size and athleticism. While not a blazer, he is smooth and fluid with good quickness and speed. Webster can play both man and zone coverage although he seems more comfortable in man. He is a confident and instinctive player. Webster is not terribly aggressive or physical against the run.
Terrell Thomas was placed on Injured Reserve in August 2011 after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his knee. Thomas tore the same ACL in college and it remains to be seen if he can fully recover his athletic skills. Before suffering the injury in the preseason, Thomas looked primed for perhaps his best season. Thomas was originally drafted in the 2nd round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Giants. Thomas became a full-time starter in 2009 due to Aaron Ross’ hamstring woes and he remained the starter in 2010. In 2009 and 2010, Thomas was a very solid corner who made a lot of big plays but also occasionally gave up a few. In the 31 games he started during that time frame, Thomas accrued 186 tackles, 34 pass defenses, and 10 interceptions. Thomas is a big, physical corner who matches up well with bigger receivers. Pre-injury, while not a blazer, he was a good athlete with fine speed and quickness for his size. Thomas is very good in run support and a good blitzer.
Prince Amukamara was drafted in the 1st round of the 2011 NFL Draft by the Giants, but his rookie season was a virtual wash due to him suffering a broken foot that required surgery very early in training camp. Amukamara missed most of camp, all of the preseason, and nine regular-season games because of the injury. When Amukamara returned in November, he did not appear mentally or physically comfortable on the playing field and was burned on several occasions. He saw his playing time diminish late in the regular season but he did appear more comfortable in limited action in the post season. Amukamara is an extremely well-built corner who is aggressive and physical. When healthy, he has good speed and quickness.
The Giants signed Justin Tryon in October 2011. He was placed on Injured Reserve at the end of that month after having surgery on his fractured right arm. Tryon was originally drafted in the 4th round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins. Tryon was traded to the Indianapolis Colts in September 2010. The Colts surprisingly waived him in late September 2011. Tryon has played in 47 regular-season games (three with the Giants) with eight starts. In those games, he accrued 85 tackles, one sack, 11 pass defenses, and one interception. He also started in the 2010 AFC Wild Card game against the Jets and intercepted a pass in that game. Tryon lacks size, but he is an athletic corner with good quickness. He reacts well to the football and closes quickly. Tryon has experience returning kickoffs.
Michael Coe was placed on Injured Reserve in late November with a shoulder injury that required surgery. Coe was originally drafted in the 5th round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts. Since then, he has spent time with the Colts, Jaguars, and Giants. Coe was on the Giants’ Practice Squad in both 2009 and 2010, and also spent time on the Giants’ 53-man roster in 2010. Coe has a nice combination of size and athleticism. He flashed at times in coverage in the 2011 preseason and regular season with the Giants. He is a good special teams player.
Brian Witherspoon was placed on Injured Reserve in August 2011 after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his knee in a preseason game. Witherspoon originally signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars as a rookie free agent after the 2008 NFL Draft. He played in 14 games his rookie season, primarily as a kickoff and punt returner. The Jaguars waived him in December 2009 and he then spent time with the Lions and Panthers before coming to the Giants in December 2010. Witherspoon lacks ideal size but he is athletic and fast. Though he did not impress at cornerback in the NFL before coming to the Giants, he played well at the position during the 2011 preseason before he was injured. Witherspoon also has experience returning both kickoffs and punts.
Bruce Johnson was placed on Injured Reserve in August 2011 after tearing his Achilles’ tendon in training camp. Johnson was also placed on Injured Reserve in early November 2010 after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery. Johnson struggled in coverage during the 2010 preseason and did not play much on defense in the 2010 regular season before going on Injured Reserve. Johnson was originally signed by the Giants as a rookie free agent after the 2009 NFL Draft. He was a pleasant surprise as a rookie, playing in all 16 games with five starts, and finishing with 46 tackles, one sack, eight pass defenses, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles. Johnson lacks ideal size, but he is a fluid athlete with fine quickness.
The Giants signed Antwaun Molden as an unrestricted free agent from the New England Patriots in April 2012. Molden was originally drafted in the 3rd round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Houston Texans. The Texans waived Molden in August 2011 and he was then claimed off of waivers by the Patriots. In four NFL seasons, he has only started two games, both in 2011 with the Patriots. He finished 2011 with 36 tackles, three pass defenses, and two interceptions. Molden has a nice combination of size and athleticism, but he has not played up to his physical ability thus far in the NFL. Molden does not appear to be overly instinctive in coverage. He also has had problems staying healthy.
Brandon Bing was signed to the Giants’ Practice Squad in November 2011. Bing was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the Denver Broncos after the 2011 NFL Draft. He did not make the team and he spent some time on the Practice Squad of the Bills until the Bills terminated his Practice Squad contract in October. Bing lacks ideal size, but he has very good speed and quickness.
The Giants drafted Jayron Hosley in the 3rd round of the 2012 NFL Draft. Hosley lacks ideal stature, but he is an athletic coverman with good speed and quickness. His long arms and jumping ability help compensate for his lack of height. Hosley can play both off and press coverage. Instinctive. He has very good ball skills – reacts well to the football and makes plays. Hosley is sometimes too aggressive and can get burned by double moves or play-action. Hosley needs to get stronger. He needs to improve as a tackler. Hosley has experience returning punts. He has had drug issues.
Safeties:
Antrel Rolle had a solid season for the Giants despite being forced to play out of position as a nickel corner due to all of the injuries in the secondary. Rolle finished the 2011 regular season with 96 tackles, four pass defenses, two interceptions, and one forced fumble. 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 was signed by the Giants in March 2010 after the Arizona Cardinals cut him in a salary-related move. One of the better coverage safeties in the game, Rolle has good speed and range. Due to his experience as a cornerback, unlike most safeties, Rolle can play man coverage. He is dangerous with the football after the interception – he returned four interceptions for touchdowns with the Cardinals. However, he has only three interceptions and eight pass defenses in two seasons with the Giants. Rolle is a good run defender. Rolle talks too much off the field, but improved as a team leader late in the 2011 season.
Kenny Phillips looked more like his old self in 2011 after suffering a potentially career-threatening left knee injury (patella femoral arthritis) in 2009. In fact, Phillips had his most productive season as a Giant. Phillips finished with career highs in tackles (82), pass defenses (11), and interceptions (four). Phillips did sprain the medial collateral ligament (MCL) in his left knee in December and missed one game. Phillips was drafted in the 1st round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Giants. Phillips has an excellent combination of size and athletic ability. He has good speed and his range often discourages opposing quarterbacks from testing the deep middle of the Giants’ secondary. Phillips is a good hitter and tackler.
Tyler Sash was drafted in the 6th round of the 2011 NFL Draft by the Giants. As a rookie, he played in every game and finished the regular season with 17 tackles and one forced fumble on defense. He also was one of team’s better special teams players. Sash is more of a strong safety-type who plays better closer to the line. He has good size, but lacks ideal speed and agility.
Chris Horton was signed as a street free agent by the Giants in March 2012. Horton was originally drafted in the 7th round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins. Horton started 10 games as a rookie for the Redskins, finishing with 76 tackles and three interceptions. He started another five in 2009 but was placed on Injured Reserve with a torn toe ligament. He played in seven games (with no starts) in 2010 before being placed on Injured Reserve again, this time with an ankle injury. The Redskins waived him in September 2011 and he was not picked up by another team. Horton is a strong safety-type with excellent size. However, he lacks ideal athleticism (agility and range) for the position. Horton is better again the run than in coverage. Good special teams player.
The Giants signed Stevie Brown in April 2012. Brown was originally drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the 7th round of the 2010 NFL Draft. He played in 15 games as a rookie for the Raiders, starting one game. The Raiders released him in September 2011. After a brief stint with the Carolina Panthers, Brown was signed by the Indianapolis Colts. He played in eight games with the Colts in 2011. Set to become an exclusive rights free agent, Indianapolis did not tender him, thus making him an unrestricted free agent. Brown is a strong safety-type who performs better against the run than in coverage. He played both safety and linebacker at Michigan. Brown is a good special teams player.
Janzen Jackson was signed as a rookie free agent after the 2012 NFL Draft. Jackson is an instinctive, talented player with several serious off-the-field red flags including drug use and a burglary arrest. He was also dismissed from the University of Tennessee program. Jackson is a bit of a S/CB ‘tweener. He lacks ideal size for safety and ideal speed for corner. Jackson is a good athlete with fine quickness. For a safety, he has good man coverage skills and range, and he makes plays on the ball in the air. He needs to get bigger and stronger to play safety at the next level. Jackson is a big hitter, but he needs to improve his play against the run and become a more consistent tackler. Jackson has return experience.
Jojo Nicolas was signed as a rookie free agent after the 2012 NFL Draft. Nicholas is a bit of a S/CB ‘tweener. He lacks ideal size for safety and lack ideal overall athleticism for corner. Nicholas is a solid, smart, disciplined player for a program with a history of producing NFL quality safeties. Good special teams player.
Will Hill was signed as a street free agent after the May rookie mini-camp. A top-ranked athlete coming out of high school in New Jersey, Hill has skills, but he has wasted them to date. Hill entered the 2011 NFL as a junior but went undrafted and was not signed by an NFL team. He did play in the Arena League in 2011. Hill combines decent size and very good athletic ability. He flashes against the pass but lacks technique and consistency. Hill is not a very physical or consistent run defender. He is a very good special teams player. Hill has a history of making bad decisions off of the football field. There are many red flags regarding his maturity and character.
Punters, Kickers, and Snappers:
The Giants signed Steve Weatherford in July 2011 as an unrestricted free agent from the New York Jets. Before coming to the Giants, he played for the Saints (2006-08), Chiefs (2008), Jaguars (2008), and Jets (2009-2010). Weatherford brought much needed stability to the Giants’ punting game. Weatherford is a good directional kicker and is adept at placing punts inside the 20-yard line. In 2011, he averaged a career-best 45.7 yards per punt (39.2 net) and had 25 punts downed inside the 20-yard line.
Lawrence Tynes had a solid season in 2011, making 19-of-24 field goal attempts and 43-of-43 extra point attempts. However, the 79.2 percent success rate on field goals was lower than his three other full seasons with the Giants (he missed almost all of 2008 with an injury). Added by the new kickoff rules, Tynes dramatically improved his effectiveness on kickoffs with 34 touchbacks (his previous single-season high was eight). Tynes was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the Chiefs after the 2001 NFL Draft. After spending time in NFL Europe and the CFL, he finally made the Chiefs’ roster in 2004. Tynes was traded to the Giants in 2007 for a conditional 7th round draft pick. Career-wise in the NFL, Tynes is an 80.9 percent field goal kicker.
Zak DeOssie is one of the league’s better long snappers, being voted to the Pro Bowl in 2008 and 2010. DeOssie was drafted as a linebacker by the Giants in the 4th round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He is now strictly a special teams player.
Print This Page
