Loading ...Giants training camp kicks off on Sunday, and I could not be more excited. Here are some things I will be keeping an eye on throughout the preseason.
- How Does Linebacker Depth Pan Out? We know that the newly signed Keith Bulluck is the favorite to win the Giants middle linebacker job, and Clint Sintim and Michael Boley are will be starting on the outside. The Giants have a lot of young depth behind these players, many who will have to be cut by the end of preseason. You have Jonathan Goff, the favotite to start at MLB before the Bulluck addition and Gerris Wilkinson, a great special teamer (when healthy) who could back up the middle and weakside. There are experienced depth players, who are favorites of the coaching staff such and Chase Blackburn and Bryan Kehl and young players like rookies Adrian Tracy and Phillip Dillard, along with Kenny Ingram, who was on the practice squad last season. The linebackers will be an interesting group to keep an eye on this preseason, as a few longtime Giants will likely be released in favor of youthful depth. When Bulluck (knee) is sitting out one practice a day, keep an eye on who is taking first team reps, if it is Dillard then Goff is on the roster bubble.
- Who is the Fifth Cornerback? The Giants top four corners are set, with Corey Webster, Terrell Thomas, Aaron Ross and Bruce Johnson. An injury to any of these players would really make this unit thin, and we all know Ross has had trouble staying healthy in the past, so the fifth cornerback could play a big role in 2010. The likeliest candidates are D.J. Johnson, Courtney Brown and undrafted free agent Seth Williams. The Giants would be crazy to carry only four cornerbacks, so one of these three will make the final roster this season.
- Offensive Line Changes? Will Tom Coughlin and his coaching staff make changes to the offensive line, or stick with an experienced unit that struggled in 2010? Second year tackle William Beatty played very well in limited action last season, and I have been calling for him to start on the left side, sliding Dave Diehl to left guard and making Rich Seubert a valuable reserve at center or guard. The Giants have not committed to this move, though they have admitted that it is possible. I think that starting Beatty makes the unit stronger, but have my doubts that the Giants staff makes such a radical move and changes a unit that they have been comfortable with in the past.
- Who Will Return Kicks/Punts? The loss of Domenik Hixon hurt the Giants badly in this department. Some names have been floated around (Antrel Rolle, Ahmad Bradshaw, Aaron Ross, Mario Manningham) but these players are far too valuable in other facets of the game to risk in the return game. Sinorice Moss will get a look in the return game, but he has been unable to win the job in the past. Other unknowns like D.J. Ware and Tim Brown will also have the opportunity to compete, but I cannot help but thinking that the player who wins this job is not on the current roster. I am sure Jerry Reese will be closely monitoring who is released during final cuts around the league, because if someone with return skills is out there, the Giants sure could use them.
- Who is the Fourth Receiver? The Giants top three receivers are set in stone with the talented young core of Steve Smith, Hakeem Nicks and Mario Manningham leading the way. Injured return man Domenik Hixon would have been the favorite in the fourth receiver role, but his knee injury opened up a serious competition for that spot. The consensus amongst fans seems to be Ramses Barden should have every opportunity to win this job, but while he has made some legendary catches in practice, we have yet to see him do it on Sundays. Playing Barden more could have some major advantages, because none of the other Giants receivers have his size, and he could become a major threat in the red zone. Other players who will be competing for this spot include veterans Sinorice Moss and Derek Hagan, and second year Tight End/H-Back/Slot Travis Beckum will also see reps.
- How Healthy are the Walking Wounded? The Giants had to have been the most banged up team in the NFL last season. How healthy are Kenny Phillips (knee), Justin Tuck (shoulder), Osi Umenyiora (hip, knee), Hakeem Nicks (toe), Mario Manningham (shoulder), Kevin Boss (ankle), Chris Canty (calf, hamstring), Barry Cofield (knee), Rocky Bernard (shoulder), Rich Seubert (shoulder) , Kareem McKenzie (knee, back), Shaun O’Hara (knee), Ahmad Bradshaw (foot, ankles), Brandon Jacobs (knee), Jay Alford (knee), Corey Webster (knee), Aaron Ross (hamstrings), Michael Boley (hamstrings), Andre Brown (Achillies), Keith Bulluck (knee)? Are they all going to be ready to go for the 2010 season kickoff versus a Panthers team that ran the ball down their throats just a few months ago?
- NOTES: It was announced that Super Bowl legend David Tyree and former first round pick and longtime possession receiver Ike Hilliard have both signed one day contracts to retire as Giants. Hilliard actually had a productive 12-year career (8 years with the Giants) and Tyree was a career special teamer (made the Pro Bowl in 2005) who played five of his six years with the Giants, and will always be remembered for his miracle catch in the Super Bowl XLII victory over the heavily favored Patriots. Both guys are class acts and I am proud to see them retire as Giants.
- The Giants claimed defensive end/linebacker Alex Hall off waivers from the hated Philadelphia Eagles. Hall (6’2 250lbs) had his most success playing outside linebacker in the Browns 3-4 defense with 28 tackles and 3.0 sacks in 2008, but was traded to the Eagles as part of the Sheldon Brown deal, where he struggled as a traditional defensive end. I would put Hall’s chances of making the Giants at slim, and think he will eventually catch on with another defensive 3-4 team (the Bills need all the help they can get). Prove me wrong Alex, prove me wrong.
- The Giants waived rookie safety Chad Jones, who was tragically injured in a car accident, and nearly lost his leg. This move had to be made, as once Jones clears waivers, he will be placed on the non-football injury list and will no longer take up a roster spot. The Giants are also no longer obligated to pay Jones a base salary, but will “take care of him in some form or fashion.” The team has already paid him a $825,000 signing bonus.
- First round pick Jason Pierre-Paul and second round pick Linval Joseph are both still unsigned, with the start of training camp looming on Sunday, but I expect both players to be signed and report on time. I’ll update the post if either one inks a deal.
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freakin’ Osi.
Ouch, Ravens cornerback Dominique Foxworth tears his ACL and is done for the year. Baltimore was searching the waiver wire for corners BEFORE this injury. Definitely a tough one for the Ravens.
I’m sure Darelle Revis took note of that…
lol. Sucks. They were definatly thin at CB to begin with!
I want waffles
ROC – Giant raining camp ? Is this your prediction on how you think camp will go ?
Wow how did I miss that one? I even proofread it this time. Thanks for the catch, FIXED.
But seriously what hit me the most on what you wrote was
“How Healthy are the Walking Wounded? The Giants had to have been the most banged up team in the NFL last season”
If the Giants come back from playing an extra 4 or 5 2nd team players or banged up 1st team players last year to playing mostly first teamers who are HEALTHY , then I believe that that will be the biggest improvement in the team .
In the division I think that the eagles will struggle transitioning from Mcnabb to Kolb and I think that the Redskins will also struggle as they get used to new players and schemes . As far as the cowboys go , I see them having made some improvements but I see the Giants taking advantage of Free instead of Flozell who Isee has signed elsewhere
Drizzydre – Im in what my wife calls stupid mode – remind me again what team does waffles play for ?
ROC – yeah but now my post makes absolutely no sense which is actually in line with most of what comes out from me , so its par for the course LOL
Sorry about Chad Jones wrapping his NFL career around a pole. But the Giant’s paid him the better part of a million dollars… and seem to be taking an interest in his rehab. It’s a shame for sure. But he’ll probably be physically fine in terms of leading a normal existence. Not everyone can play pro ball. He’ll end up 23… with a hefty bank account… and a college degree. Life ain’t too bad. Lots of folks would trade places. I’m guessing several billion folks.
i’m not giving up on Chad Jones having somewhat of a professional athletic career.
However, it almost most likely won’t be with the NY Giants. He’s still young, and determined. and his physical shape will take him a long way.
i can see him returning to MLB or maybe even the NFL in 3-5 years.
Damn shame. The kid looked promising.
Here’s to his health.
im hoping Barden takes the 4th WR spot but if not, hagan can ball 2. i really hope that tim brown can get a fair shot at the kickoff and punt return duties. hes quick and fast just small but so was Dante Hall. really dont want Rolle returning punts/kickoffs! i expect the guys to sign today or tomorrow.
whats the deal with fat al? wasnt he “working out on his own and lost 32pounds”? im so happy we didnt get that head case!