Here are a few notes about our New York Giants, the NFL scouting combine and a couple of other items of interest.

• Peter King of SI.com had a very interesting note on Monday regarding Ohio State linebacker James Laurinaitis.
  

Agents have worked so hard to make their players presentable that teams now have to do things to get players out of their comfort zones. This year, I heard more and more stories about teams challenging players instead of simply interviewing them or exchanging niceties.

My favorite story involved a defensive coach for one team asking Ohio State linebacker James Laurinaitis why they should pick him. "Tell me something,'' the coach said. "When is the last time a linebacker from Ohio State came to the NFL and was worth a s---?'' That shook the Buckeye out of whatever confident zone he might have entered the room in.

Come to think of it, he makes a good point. A.J. Hawk has been OK, but nothing spectacular, and he followed the likes of Bobby Carpenter and Andy Katzenmoyer.

• Speaking of linebackers, here is a look at how the linebacker workouts went Monday.
• A trio of Giants' reserves signed free-agent tenders Monday -- not that they had any choice.
• Is Donovan McNabb pushing the Philadelphia Eagles for offensive upgrades before signing a contract extension?
• What exactly is Jerry Jones talking about when he says he wants the Dallas Cowboys to be 'Romo-friendly?'
• Any interest in Marvin Harrison now that the long-time Colts great will be hitting the open market?