Giants Trade for Alec Ogletree; Choose Brett Jones Over Weston Richburg

 Posted by
Mar 072018
 
Alec Ogletree, Los Angeles Rams (December 3, 2017)

Alec Ogletree – © USA TODAY Sports

[contentblock id=1 img=html.png]

NEW YORK GIANTS TRADE FOR LINEBACKER ALEC OGLETREE…
The New York Giants have traded way the 4th round compensatory pick and their 6th round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft for linebacker Alec Ogletree of the Los Angeles Rams. The Giants will also receive the Rams’ 7th-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. The trade will become official on March 14th, when the new league year official begins.

The trade leaves the Giants with only five draft picks in the upcoming draft: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th (non-compensatory), and 5th. The Giants traded away their 7th-round pick last year for cornerback Ross Cockrell.

The 26-year old Ogletree was drafted in the 1st round of the 2013 NFL Draft by the Rams. He made the All-Rookie team in 2013 and was named second-team All-Pro in 2016. Ogletree lacks classic size (6’2”, 235 pounds). He’s more of a run-and-hit and coverage linebacker who is very athletic and a team leader, being voted team captain twice with the Rams. Ogletree played both 4-3 outside and 3-4 inside linebacker for the Rams. In 2017, Ogletree started all 15 regular-season games he played in, finishing with 95 tackles, two sacks, 10 pass defenses, one interception, and one forced fumble. He’s averaged over 100 tackles per season in the NFL in five seasons.

Ogletree signed a 4-year, $42 million contract extension last year and is under contract through the 2021 season. Unless his contract is re-structured, Ogletree will count $10 million against the Giants’ salary cap in 2018.

GIANTS TO TENDER BRETT JONES, MOVING ON FROM WESTON RICHBURG…
According to multiple press reports, the New York Giants are expected to tender restricted free agent center/guard Brett Jones at the 2nd-round ($2.91 million) level. That will provide the Giants with the right to match any offer another team makes for Jones. If they do not, the Giants would receive that team’s 2nd-round pick as compensation. Teams have until March 14th to tender their exclusive rights and restricted free agents.

Jones took over the starting center spot for 12 games in 2017 after Weston Richburg was lost for the season. Jones was originally drafted by the CFL Calgary Stampeders in 2013. He signed by the Giants in February 2015 and placed on Injured Reserve in September 2015 after spraining the MCL in his knee on the preseason finale. In 2016, Jones was on the active roster for 14 regular-season games and made one start at left guard.

Multiple media sources are also reporting that the Giants are not interested in re-signing Richburg, who was placed on Injured Reserve in November 2017 with a concussion that he suffered a month earlier. He only played and started in four games in 2017. Richburg was originally drafted in the 2nd round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Giants. He has started 50 regular-season games. However, after a strong 2015 campaign, his play dipped in 2016 and 2017.

ARTICLE…

Jerry Reese and Ben McAdoo on WFAN

 Posted by
May 022016
 
Jerry Reese and Ben McAdoo, New York Giants (January 15, 2016)

Jerry Reese and Ben McAdoo – © USA TODAY Sports Images

[contentblock id=1 img=html.png]

JERRY REESE AND BEN MCADOO ON WFAN…
New York Giants General Manager Jerry Reese and Head Coach Ben McAdoo were interviewed on WFAN Radio on Monday. The audio from both interviews is available at CBS New York’s website:

  • General Manager Jerry Reese (Audio)
  • Head Coach Ben McAdoo (Audio)

MORE TRYOUT PLAYERS FOR ROOKIE MINI-CAMP…
In addition to the 15 undrafted rookie free agent signings and 11 tryout invites that we already reported, according to various sources, the following players will also try out at the New York Giants rookie mini-camp on May 6-7:

  • RB Donald Russell, Dresden Monarchs, German Football League
  • WR Quintavius Burdette, University of Mississippi
  • OG/OC Angelo Mangiro, Penn State University
  • LB D.J. Lalama, University of Manitoba (Canada)
  • LB Terrell Davis, University of British Columbia (Canada)
  • LB Junior Lee, University of Connecticut
  • CB Matt Smalley, Lafayette College

ARTICLES…

September 1, 2015 New York Giants Practice Report

 Posted by
Sep 012015
 
Eli Manning and Tom Coughlin, New York Giants (August 29, 2015)

Eli Manning and Tom Coughlin – © USA TODAY Sports Images

[contentblock id=1 img=html.png]

INJURY REPORT
Not practicing due to injuries were WR Victor Cruz (calf), LT Will Beatty (pectoral – on PUP), RT/RG Brandon Mosley (back), DE/DT Cullen Jenkins (hamstring), DE Robert Ayers (ankle), LB Jon Beason (knee), CB Josh Gordy (hip), CB Chykie Brown (knee), S Jeromy Miles (groin), and S Nat Berhe (calf).

“(Beason) feels better,” said Head Coach Tom Coughlin. “Yeah, he feels better. He’s got a routine now, and they get a little bit more aggressive each day with it. So he’s optimistic, let’s put it that way.”

CB Chandler Fenner (hamstring) participated in individual drills.

RT Bobby Hart (knee) returned to practice.

NEW YORK GIANTS PRACTICE REPORT
Some snippets from various media sources:

  • Landon Collins and Cooper Taylor remained the first-team safeties; Brandon Meriweather and Stevie Brown were the second-team safeties.
  • The first-team defensive line had George Selvie and Kerry Wynn at defensive end and Johnathan Hankins and Markus Kuhn at defensive tackle.
  • Right tackle Bobby Hart returned to practice and made a nice block on a running back Kenneth Harper carry.
  • Cornerback Trevin Wade intercepted a pass tipped by linebacker Unai’ Unga.
  • Wide receiver Odell Beckham beat cornerback Mike Harris and out-raced safety Landon Collins to the end zone.
  • Quarterback Ryan Nassib overthrew a wide open wide receiver Dwayne Harris deep.
  • Cornerback Jayron Hosley came close to picking off quarterback Ryan Nassib.
  • Safety Stevie Brown, playing alongside safety Landon Collins, intercepted a pass from quarterback Ricky Stanzi intended for tight end Will Tye and returned it for a touchdown.
  • Wide receiver Julian Talley threw a pass to wide receiver Juron Criner.
  • Wide receiver Corey Washington ended practice with a diving, one-handed reception for a touchdown.

HEAD COACH TOM COUGHLIN
Tom Coughlin addressed the media on Tuesday (video is available at Giants.com):

Q: Just a cramp for Jayron Hosley there at the end?

A: Yeah, yup.

Q: What’s your plan for the fourth game coming up against the Patriots, for the starters at least?

A: Very little. And the rest of the guys will play.

Q: Is it very little, as in it doesn’t matter what they do? Or could it be extended?

A: It’s a pitch count.

Q: Are you more watching for the guys below the starting level, the backups, guys fighting for jobs?

A: I am very interested in that, how they handle that, the situation. Some of the roster spots are definitely—decisions have to be made. It’s spelled opportunity. When you get a chance to play like this—have a game in which you can amass 60 snaps or something along those lines, plus special teams, would be a good thing.

Q: With all the nagging little injuries, does that complicate some of these decisions for either today or after the last game?

A: Well, it certainly always does. There’s no question about that part of it. Because you end up after today with your 75, and yet you still have a bunch of guys who couldn’t play. So that’s really not the intent of it, but that’s the way it happens.

Q: Any more information on Victor Cruz?

A: No. Nope. He’s not going to play in the (New England) game.

Q: We saw Jon Beason out here doing some work, it looks like he’s made some progress.

A: He feels better. Yeah, he feels better. He’s got a routine now, and they get a little bit more aggressive each day with it. So he’s optimistic, let’s put it that way.

Q: Are you guys optimistic?

A: He’s optimistic. Whatever they tell me. I’m the eternal optimist.

Q: Where does the punting situation stand right now with Steve Weatherford?

A: Where does it? Well, there’s a game to go and it’s going to be a competitive thing. Not necessarily with the guys that are here. That goes for any position. Any position. People have to understand that. You’re not competing just against the guys here, you’re competing against the waiver wire.

Q: Well, what have you wanted to see out of Steve?

A: Well, you know what we’re always after is directional, hang time, distance, location, hang, and the opportunity to put us in the best position from a coverage standpoint. Basically for me, it’s always been put it outside the numbers.

Q: How do you think he’s done with that?

A: Well, he’s been off and on. He’s had some good ones and he’s had some that aren’t so good.

Q: You talked about wanting to see more consistency in your passing game and get a little more timing and rhythm. With the starters not playing much in the last preseason game, can that be developed in practice?

A: Oh yeah, it can. If guys practice, it can. We had a couple real nice indications of that here this afternoon.

Q: With so many negative appraisals of the Giants this preseason, particularly from the outside, do you have to make sure your players believe?

A: Well, you always have to do that. But I don’t know if they’re anything like me, but I don’t read any of that stuff.

Q: What have you seen from your defense that gives you optimism that that can be a good, solid unit?

A: Well, I think that you focus on different people, different people on different days have shown the ability to do certain things. What we’ve got to do is take what we have and match it up with what they can do well. And then situationally, be able to utilize them. So I’ve seen things along those lines that are things that are positive. But there’s no doubt, we’re going to have to prove it against the best competition in football. It’s all in front of us.

Q: Do you have to do that more than usual with this group? You talk about it in regard of being able to mix and match skill sets because you don’t have a guy like Jason Pierre-Paul around.

A: There’s different ways in which you try to accomplish that. But yeah, you are going to have to—you always do that anyways. You’re going to have 16 to 18 guys that are your defensive team and they cover all the situations for you.

Q: Has the team ever gotten to the point with JPP where they have examined his hand?

A: No.

Q: Can you talk a little bit about Odell Beckham and what he is in your offense and his strengths?

A: Well, he’s very important. It’s obvious, because of the big play possibility he brings any time he touches the ball. You’re going to have an awful lot of direction, in terms of the defense, what they are trying to do about defending. That’s going to give others a chance as well.

Q: I know you probably talked about this yesterday, but Stevie Brown, you know what he can do because he’s been here before. Do you expect him to play in this game?

A: Yes.

Q: What are you looking for from him?

A: I’m looking for him to play. I’d like to see the Stevie Brown we had the year he had, what, (eight) interceptions or whatever that was. That’s what I’d like to see and that’s what we’re trying to get a feel for—where he is with his game and just see him play. Just put him in that position and see what happens.

Q: With veterans like Stevie and Brandon Meriweather and Jeromy Miles here, do you feel any better about your safety situation maybe than you did earlier in camp?

A: Well, we’ll see depending on how we do this weekend. I feel better with (Landon) Collins getting some kind of routine going. He practiced, he played, and I feel good about that. And, to be honest with you, Cooper Taylor played well the other night. So I’m excited about seeing him this weekend, too. Some of these people that are starters are still going to play a little more. They’re going to play more. Some will continue to play in the game for X amount of plays, others will come out. That’s going to give us a chance to see a little bit what they can do.

Q: Given how little that the starters will be playing as a group together, is there anything they can do success-wise or opposite that will change your opinion going into the regular season?

A: Yeah, play well. Take it and score. Stop the other guy. Stop the run. Run the ball. I’ll get some opinions based on that stuff.

THE PLAYERS SPEAK
The following transcripts and video of player media Q&As are available at BigBlueInteractive.com and Giants.com:

ARTICLES

WHAT’S UP NEXT
The Giants travel to New England on Wednesday in advance of Thursday’s preseason finale against the Patriots.

John Jerry Re-Signed and Other Giants Free Agent News

 Posted by
Mar 132015
 
John Jerry, New York Giants (October 19, 2014)

John Jerry – © USA TODAY Sports Images

[contentblock id=1 img=html.png]

John Jerry Re-Signed by New York Giants: The New York Giants have announced that they have re-signed unrestricted free agent offensive guard John Jerry.

Jerry started all 16 games at right guard for the Giants in 2014. Jerry was originally drafted in the 3rd round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the Dolphins where he started 45 games in his first four seasons in the NFL. The Giants signed Jerry as an unrestricted free agent in March 2014. Jerry looks the part with very good size and long arms, and he flashes both as a run and pass blocker. But he is not a very consistent player and he struggled quite a bit at times in 2014.

The team also officially confirmed that they  have re-signed unrestricted free agent cornerback Chykie Brown, which we reported yesterday. The contract is reportedly a 2-year, $2 million deal.

For a list of all of the Giants free agents, see the 2015 Free Agency Scorecard section of the website.

Other New York Giants Free Agent News:

  • Unrestricted free agent safety Darian Stewart (Baltimore Ravens), who the Giants were rumored to be interested in, has signed a 2-year contract with the Denver Broncos.

Article on the New York Giants and Free Agency: Is uncertainty over Tom Coughlin’s future hurting the Giants in free agency? by Dan Graziano of ESPN.com

Antrel Rolle on WFAN Radio: The audio of Friday’s WFAN interview with former Giants safety Antrel Rolle is available at CBS New York.

Articles on Former Giants Safety Antrel Rolle:

Antrel Rolle Signs With the Chicago Bears

 Posted by
Mar 112015
 
Antrel Rolle, New York Giants (September 21, 2014)

Antrel Rolle – © USA TODAY Sports Images

[contentblock id=1 img=html.png]

New York Giants unrestricted free agent safety Antrel Rolle has signed with the Chicago Bears. Rolle’s contract is reportedly a 3-year, $11.25 million deal that includes $5 million in guaranteed money.

Despite starting all 16 games in 2014, Rolle did not have the same impact on the playing field that he did in 2013, when he was named All Pro and played in the Pro Bowl. Rolle finished the 2014 season with 87 tackles, three interceptions, nine pass defenses, and one forced fumble.

Rolle was originally drafted as a cornerback in the 1st round of the 2005 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals. After three inconsistent seasons at corner, the Cardinals moved him to safety in 2008, where he quickly excelled. Rolle was signed by the Giants in March 2010 after the Cardinals cut him in a salary-related move. Rolle became a defensive leader and never missing a game in his five seasons with the Giants. He was named All Pro twice (2010 and 2013) with the Giants.

The departure of Rolle and the free agent status of Stevie Brown and Quintin Demps leave the Giants currently very thin at safety. The only safeties currently under contract on the New York roster are Nat Berhe, Cooper Taylor, and Thomas Gordon.

For a list of all of the Giants free agents, see the 2015 Free Agency Scorecard section of the website.

NYG Interest in Jerry Hughes, Pernell McPhee, Brandon Graham, Dan Williams

 Posted by
Mar 082015
 
Jerry Hughes, Buffalo Bills (December 21, 2014)

Jerry Hughes – © USA TODAY Sports Images

[contentblock id=1 img=html.png]

ESPN is reporting that the New York Giants are interested in unrestricted free agents defensive end Jerry Hughes (Buffalo Bills), defensive end/linebacker Pernell McPhee (Baltimore Ravens), defensive end/linebacker Brandon Graham (Philadelphia Eagles), and defensive tackle Dan Williams (Arizona Cardinals).

The 26-year old Hughes (6’2”, 254 lbs) started 16 games in 2014 and finished with 53 tackles, 10 sacks, and three forced fumbles. The 26-year old McPhee (6’3” 280 lbs) did not start a game but was a key reserve for the Ravens, accruing 27 tackles, 7.5 sacks, and one force fumble. The 26-year old Graham (6’2”, 265 lbs) started one game for the Eagles, and finished the year with 47 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles. The 27-year old Williams (6’2”, 327 lbs) started nine games, accruing 31 tackles and one sack. He is considered one of the better run-defending tackles in the game.

ESPN is also confirming the Giants interest in unrestricted free agent safeties Devin McCourty (New England Patriots), Rahim Moore (Denver Broncos), and Ron Parker (Kansas City Chiefs). However, ESPN says the cost for McCourty and Moore may be higher than what the Giants are able and willing to pay. On the other hand, NJ.com is reporting that the Giants are serious players for McCourty, who is expected to receive a contract worth $9-10 million per season. The Giants apparently reached out to McCourty on Saturday.

ESPN says the Giants are likely to re-sign linebacker Mark Herzlich, tight end Daniel Fells, and fullback Henry Hynoski, while safety Antrel Rolle, linebacker Jacquian Williams, and cornerback Walter Thurmond are unlikely to re-sign. NJ.com is reporting that safety Stevie Brown, Fells, and Hynoski are likely to be re-signed and that Herzlich and linebacker Spencer Paysinger may return.

Although teams cannot officially sign players from other teams until 4:00PM ET on March 10, the negotiating period began on March 7.

Giants Expected to Pursue Devin McCourty and Rahim Moore

 Posted by
Mar 062015
 


[contentblock id=1 img=html.png]

Giants Expected to Pursue Devin McCourty and Rahim Moore: NJ.com is reporting that multiple sources have said the New York Giants are expected to pursue unrestricted free agent safeties Devin McCourty (New England Patriots) and Rahim Moore (Denver Broncos). BigBlueInteractive.com sources had reported the same on Thursday.

Rahim Moore, Denver Broncos (October 23, 2014)

Rahim Moore – © USA TODAY Sports Images

McCourty and Moore are widely regarded as the top two safeties on the free agent market. Meanwhile, all three of last season’s top safeties on the Giants are unrestricted free agents who may not return: Antrel Rolle, Stevie Brown, and Quintin Demps.

The 32-year old Rolle, who has been with the Giants the last five seasons, has said he has not talked contract with the Giants and he is expects to hit the open market.

“The Giants’ organization has been phenomenal to me, and I think I’ve been phenomenal to them. But right now, this is just part of the business and you wait it out,” Rolle said. “This is all business. The Giants are going to handle this as a professional business matter and I plan on the same thing. As far as giving a team a hometown discount, that’s really irrelevant at this point, because no numbers have been talked about.

“Whether I’m with the Giants or not with the Giants, I’m always going to be a Giant at heart. I’ve loved my time here. I’ve been very, very fortunate to be a part of such an organization as the New York Giants for the past five years. I wouldn’t change it for the world.

“When you’re a free agent, you think about any team. There’s no team that’s going to be out of the loop. This is strictly a business move. This is a business move for the Giants, this is a business move for myself. If there are 32 teams interested, I’m going to look at all 32 teams. Right now, it’s just waiting time. Just waiting patiently and see what happens next. As far as I’m concerned, once March 10 comes, I’m going to become a free agent.”

Articles on the New York Giants and Free Agency:

Giants Tender Chandler Fenner; Antrel Rolle on ESPN Radio

 Posted by
Mar 052015
 
Chandler Fenner (48), Kansas City Chiefs (August 30, 2012)

Chandler Fenner (48) – © USA TODAY Sports Images

[contentblock id=1 img=html.png]

New York Giants Tender Cornerback Chandler Fenner: The New York Giants have tendered exclusive rights free agent cornerback Chandler Fenner. By tendering him with a 1-year, $510,000 contract, Fenner is now locked into re-signing with the New York Giants. Other teams cannot offer him a contract.

Fenner was originally signed by the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2012 NFL Draft. He did not make the team but the Seattle Seahawks signed him to their Practice Squad in December 2012. Fenner missed all of 2013 with a knee injury that landed him on Seattle’s Injured Reserve. The Giants signed Chandler Fenner in August 2014. He did not make the team but was signed to the Giants Practice Squad. In October, the Giants signed Fenner to the 53-man roster in October. Fenner played in 11 games for the Giants in 2014, mainly on special teams, and finished the season with seven tackles.

Both of the Giants only two exclusive rights free agents – Chandler and tight end Larry Donnell – have now been tendered.

A complete list of New York Giants free agents is available in the New York Giants 2015 Free Agency Scorecard section of the website.

Antrel Rolle on ESPN Radio: The audio of Thursday’s ESPN Radio interview with S Antrel Rolle is available at ESPN.com.

Article on TE Larry Donnell: Giants’ Larry Donnell on plane that skidded at LaGuardia Airport by Art Stapleton of The Bergen Record

Latest New York Giants Free Agent Rumors

 Posted by
Mar 052015
 
Jerrel Jernigan, New York Giants (September 8, 2014)

Jerrel Jernigan – © USA TODAY Sports Images

[contentblock id=1 img=html.png]

Latest New York Giants Free Agent Rumors: Teams can begin negotiating with free agents on other teams on March 7 and begin signing players on other teams on March 10. Here are the latest New York Giants free agent rumors:

  • According to a BigBlueInteractive.com (BBI) source, the Giants hope to have a new, long-term deal with defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul by Monday, but there are significant differences over guaranteed money.
  • According to a BBI source, the Giants and linebacker Jon Beason have agreed to a contract re-structuring that will create more cap space for the team.
  • According to a BBI source, the Giants intend to invite unrestricted free agent safeties Devin McCourty (Patriots) and Rahim Moore (Broncos) to visit.
  • According to a BBI source, the Giants rumored interest in unrestricted free agent defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh is smoke.
  • The New York Daily News is reporting that while there have been talks between the Giants and unrestricted free agent safety Antrel Rolle, the discussions have not been productive and Rolle may receive much higher contract offers from other teams on the open market. NJ.com believes Rolle will sign with another team. Rolle is denying he and the Giants have talked about a new contract.

  • The Daily News is reporting that the Giants and unrestricted free agent cornerback Walter Thurmond have talked about a new contract, but he will likely test the open market. NJ.com believes Thurmond will sign with another team.
  • The Daily News is reporting that the Giants would like to re-sign unrestricted free agent safety Stevie Brown but a source told the paper that his chance to return is “50-50”. NJ.com believes Brown will re-sign with the Giants.
  • NJ.com and The Daily News are reporting that unrestricted free agent linebacker Jacquian Williams will hit the free agent market. NJ.com says it is unlikely that the Giants will re-sign him.
  • The Daily News is reporting that the Giants are not interested in re-signing unrestricted free agent wide receiver Jerrel Jernigan. NJ.com believes Jernigan will not be re-signed.
  • The Daily News is reporting that there have been talks between the Giants and unrestricted free agent tight end Daniel Fells but nothing substantial. NJ.com believes Fells will not be re-signed.
  • The Daily News says there were talks about bringing back unrestricted free agent defensive tackle Mike Patterson before defensive tackle Cullen Jenkins accepted a pay cut. Now it is unclear if the Giants want Patterson back. NJ.com believes Patterson will not be re-signed.
  • The Daily News reports there have been talks between the Giants and unrestricted free agent linebacker Spencer Paysinger, but Paysinger is expected to hit the open market. NJ.com believes the Giants will re-sign Paysinger.
  • The Daily News is reporting that the Giants have been in talks with unrestricted free agent cornerback Chykie Brown and Brown could be re-signed soon. On the other hand, NJ.com believes Brown will not be re-signed.

NJ.com also believes the Giants will re-sign unrestricted free agents linebacker Mark Herzlich, fullback Henry Hynoski, and guard John Jerry. NJ.com does not believe the Giants will re-sign unrestricted free agents cornerback Zack Bowman, tackle James Brewer, safety Quintin Demps, running back Chris Ogbonnaya, and guard Adam Snyder.

Article on the New York Giants and Free Agency: If Rolle bolts, these 4 safeties could help Giants secondary by Paul Schwartz of The New York Post

New York Giants 2014 Positional Review: Defensive Backs

 Posted by
Feb 232015
 
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Walter Thurmond, New York Giants (August 9, 2014)

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Walter Thurmond – © USA TODAY Sports Images

[contentblock id=1 img=html.png]

Before the season, many had anticipated that the secondary might not only be the strength of the defense, but the strength of the entire team. The Giants had parted ways with long-time contributors such as Corey Webster, Aaron Ross, and Terrell Thomas and had reinforced the unit with free agents Dominique-Rodgers Cromartie (DRC), Walter Thurmond, Quintin Demps, and Zack Bowman. The team also re-signed Trumaine McBride and Stevie Brown. As for those already under contract, Prince Amukamara appeared primed for his best season, Antrel Rolle was coming off his best season, and Will Hill appeared to be a budding star.

But these high expectations soon began to turn to dust. Will Hill failed yet another drug test and was cut in early June. Jayron Hosley also failed a drug test and was suspended for the first month of the season; when he returned, guys signed off the street quickly passed him on the depth chart. Cooper Taylor looked sharp in the preseason but broke his foot in August and was lost for the year. Injuries then struck hard at corner once the regular season began. Nickel corner Walter Thurmond was placed on Injured Reserve after only two games, followed by  Trumaine McBride and Prince Amukamara. The loss of Amukamara – who indeed was having his best season – was particularly a hard pill to swallow. Without two of their top three corners, more pressure was placed on DRC, who was also dealing with a litany of injury issues to the point where he could not play a full game. A year after playing his best season, Rolle may have played his worst, failing to make many impact plays. And Stevie Brown and Quintin Demps were both disappointing at the other safety spot, both losing the starting job to the other at different points of the season. Stevie Brown’s 2012 season – where he led the team with eight interceptions – appears to have been a mirage.

The Giants were quickly left to scramble and made in-season roster moves including signing Chykie Brown, Mike Harris, and Chandler Fenner. Chykie Brown and Harris performed reasonably well given the circumstances, but overall, the secondary failed to fulfill their preseason boasts as one of the best units in the NFL. The Giants finished 18th in the NFL in pass defense.

THE CORNERBACKS

Although Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie played in all 16 games, hamstring, back, side, and shoulder injuries limited practice and game snaps for much of the season and impacted his play on the field. Nevertheless, Rodgers-Cromartie remained the team’s most physically-talented defensive back and he often shut down his opponent. Rodgers-Cromartie finished the season with 38 tackles, two interceptions, and 12 pass defenses. Rodgers-Cromartie was originally drafted in the 1st round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals. He was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2011 and signed with the Broncos as an unrestricted free agent in 2013 and the Giants in 2014. Rodgers-Cromartie combines superb size and overall athletic ability, including speed, size, and leaping ability. When motivated and focused, Rodgers-Cromartie is one of the better cover corners in the NFL. But he needs to be more consistent, and he s not a very physical player as a hitter or tackler.

Prince Amukamara, New York Giants (September 25, 2014)

Prince Amukamara – © USA TODAY Sports Images

Prince Amukamara was having his best season before being placed on Injured Reserve in November 2014 with a torn biceps muscle. Amukamara started eight games and finished the season with 45 tackles, three interceptions, and 11 pass defenses. Amukamara was drafted in the 1st round of the 2011 NFL Draft by the Giants, but his initial season was a virtual wash due to a broken foot that required surgery. Amukamara also battled a high ankle sprain and hamstring injuries in 2012. Amukamara is a well-built corner with good overall athleticism and speed. He usually does a good job of keeping his opponent quiet during a game and he finally started making more plays on the football in 2014. Amukamara flashes in run defense with his hitting and tackling.

Walter Thurmond III was placed on Injured Reserve in September 2014 with a torn pectoral muscle that required surgery after playing in only two games. Thurmond was originally drafted in the 4th round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the Seahawks. He missed much of the 2011 and 2012 seasons recovering from a broken leg (fibula), playing in only eight regular-season games. In November 2013, he was suspended four games for violating the NFL’s drug policy. That year he played in 12 regular-season games, with three starts, and finished with 33 tackles, six pass defenses, and one interception that he returned for a touchdown. The Giants signed Thurmond as an unrestricted free agent in March 2014. Thurmond combines decent size with good speed and quickness. Smooth in coverage, Thurmond is considered one of the better slot corners/nickel backs in the NFL. Thurmond obviously has off-the-field concerns.

Trumaine McBride, New York Giants (December 22, 2013)

Trumaine McBride – © USA TODAY Sports Images

Trumaine McBride was placed on Injured Reserve in October 2014 after thumb surgery. He finished the 2014 season 21 tackles, 1 sack, 1 interception, 1 pass defense, and 2 forced fumbles in six games with one start. McBride was originally drafted in the 7th round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears. The Bears waived him in September 2009. He has also spent time with the Cardinals, Saints, and Jaguars. The Giants signed McBride to a Reserve/Future contract in January 2013. That season, McBride played in 15 games with 10 starts, and he finished the season with 37 tackles, 15 pass defenses, 2 interceptions, and 1 forced fumble. McBride lacks ideal size and speed, but he plays with good quickness and instincts.

The Giants claimed Chykie Brown off of waivers from the Baltimore Ravens in November 2014. He ended up playing in eight games with four starts and finished the season with 31 tackles and two pass defenses for the Giants. Brown was originally drafted by the Ravens in the 5th round of the 2011 NFL Draft. In four seasons with the Ravens, Brown played in 46 regular-season games with two starts. Brown has decent size and athletic ability. While he struggled in Baltimore, Brown held his own for the Giants in the final month of the season.

The Giants signed Mike Harris off of the Practice Squad of the Detroit Lions in October 2014. He ended up playing in five games with one start, mainly at slot/nickel corner where he performed at a reasonable level. Harris finished the season with 21 tackles, one interception, and two pass defenses. Harris was originally drafted in the 6th round of the 2012 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars. In two seasons with Jacksonville, Harris played in 31 games with eight starts. Harris was waived by the Jaguars in August 2014 before signing with the Lions in October. Harris has decent size and athleticism. He is a good tackler and special teams player.

Zack Bowman, New York Giants (October 19, 2014)

Zack Bowman – © USA TODAY Sports Images

Zack Bowman played in all 16 games with five starts but saw his playing time decrease as the season progressed despite all of the injuries that hit the secondary. He finished the year with 24 tackles, two interceptions, and six pass defenses. Bowman was originally drafted in the 5th round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Bears. In six seasons with the Bears, Bowman played in 73 regular-season games with 23 starts. The Giants signed Bowman as an unrestricted free agent in March 2014. Bowman is a big, physical corner who can make plays on the football. He lacks ideal speed and quickness and can be beat deep. Bowman is a good special teams player.

Chandler Fenner was signed to the 53-man roster from the Practice Squad in October 2014. He played in 11 games, mainly on special teams, and finished the season with seven tackles. Fenner was originally signed by the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2012 NFL Draft. He did not make the team but the Seattle Seahawks signed him to their Practice Squad in December 2012. He missed all of 2013 with a knee injury that landed him on Seattle’s Injured Reserve. The Giants signed Chandler Fenner in August 2014. Fenner has a nice combination of size and athleticism and he plays a physical game.

Jayron Hosley has not developed since being drafted in the 3rd round of the 2012 NFL Draft. He not only received a 4-game suspension for drug use at the start of the season, but he was quickly by-passed on the depth chart by guys signed off of the street when injuries hit the secondary hard. Hosley ended up playing in just six games with two starts. He finished the season with eight tackles and one pass defense. Hosley lacks ideal stature, but he is athletic with good speed and quickness. However, despite his athletic ability, Hosley’s play against the pass actually seems to have deteriorated since being drafted. He has also been very injury prone, missing significant time in both 2012 and 2013.

Bennett Jackson was signed to the Practice Squad in August 2014 and placed on the Practice Squad/Injured List in October 2014 with cartilage damage knee injury that required microfracture surgery. The Giants drafted Jackson in the 6th round of the 2014 NFL Draft. Jackson converted to cornerback from wide receiver at Notre Dame and could project to safety. He has good size and decent speed for a corner, but may lack ideal quickness for the position. He is a good hitter and tackler. Jackson was a team captain at Notre Dame and a good special teams player.

Josh Victorian was signed to the Practice Squad in November 2014. Victorian was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2011 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens. Since then, he has spent time with the Patriots (2011), Saints (2012), Steelers (2012-13), Texans (2013), and Lions (2014). He has played in 12 NFL games, four for the Steelers with one start in 2012 and eight for the Texans in 2013. Victorian has average size and lacks ideal overall athleticism, but he is a hard working, instinctive football player.

Travis Howard was waived/injured and placed on Injured Reserve in August 2014. Howard was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the Houston Texans after the 2013 NFL Draft. He spent some time on the Practice Squad of the Patriots that season before the Giants signed him to their Practice Squad in December 2013. Howard is a physical corner with good ball skills. He has good size and long arms, but lacks ideal speed and quickness. Howard is a good hitter, but he needs to become a more consistent and reliable tackler.

Antrel Rolle, New York Giants (December 14, 2014)

Antrel Rolle – © USA TODAY Sports Images

THE SAFETIES

Despite starting all 16 games, Antrel Rolle did not have the same impact on the playing field that he did in 2013. Rolle finished the season with 87 tackles, three interceptions, nine pass defenses, and one forced fumble. Rolle was steady but did not make many big plays. Rolle was originally drafted as a cornerback in the 1st round of the 2005 NFL Draft by the Arizona 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 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 and has often been called upon to play the slot corner position. He is a good tackler and run defender. Rolle has become one of the key leaders of the defense. He also has been very durable, never missing a game in his five seasons with the Giants. Rolle has been voted to the Pro Bowl twice (2009 and 2010) and named All-Pro twice (2010 and 2013). He also played in the 2013 Pro Bowl as a second-alternate.

Stevie Brown played in all 16 games. He started the first three games of the season, lost his starting job for eight weeks, then regained it for the last five weeks of the season. Brown finished with 38 tackles, one sack, and one pass defense. Brown was originally drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the 7th round of the 2010 NFL Draft. The Raiders released him in September 2011 and he then spent time with the Panthers and Colts. The Giants signed him in April 2012. Brown had a tremendous season in 2012, intercepting more passes in a single season by a Giant in 44 years. He was placed on Injured Reserve in August 2013 after tearing the ACL in his left knee in the preseason. Brown has superb size for a safety, but lacks quickness and range. Despite his size, he does not stand out as a run defender and tackler. Against the pass, Brown lacks range and quickness, and is prone to making mental mistakes. Contrary to 2012, he rarely made plays on the football in 2014.

Quintin Demps, New York Giants (September 25, 2014)

Quintin Demps – © USA TODAY Sports Images

Quintin Demps begain the season as the Giants’ third safety, was promoted to the starting job for half the season, then lost it again the final month of the season. Demps finished the year with 57 tackles, four interceptions, seven pass defenses, and one forced fumble. Demps was originally drafted in the 4th round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles. He has spent time with the Eagles (2008-09), Houston Texans (2010-12), and Chiefs (2013). The Giants signed Demps in March 2014. Demps has a nice combination of size and athletic ability. He’s a frustratingly inconsistent player who flashes play-making ability but also makes too many mistakes in coverage. He does not stand out against the run either.

Nat Berhe, a 5th round pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, played in all 16 games. Although he was mainly relegated to special teams, he did see some time on defense and finished the season with 10 tackles. Berhe lacks ideal size and speed, but he is a smart, aggressive competitor who plays hard all of the time. In college, Berhe made a ton of tackles against the run, but was not as active in pass defense.

Cooper Taylor was placed on Injured Reserve in August 2014 with a semasoid bone issue in his foot that required surgery. Cooper was impressing with his play during training camp and the preseason. Cooper was selected in the 5th round of the 2013 NFL Draft by the Giants. A heart condition caused him to slip in the draft. Taylor has an excellent combination of size and athleticism. Taylor missed six games in 2013 with shoulder and hamstring injuries. He played in 10 games that year, serving almost exclusively on special teams.

Thomas Gordon was originally signed by the Giants as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2014 NFL Draft. The team waived Gordon in August, but re-signed him to the Practice Squad in December 2014. Gordon lacks ideal height, but he is well-built and a decent athlete. He is a good run defender who hits and tackles well. He started 38 games at Michigan.

 Older Entries