Daily NFL Draft Prospect Profile: Earl Thomas, S, Texas
by Ed Valentine on Feb 8, 2010 11:00 AM EST
in 2010 NFL Draft
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PrintIn our continuing series of prospect profiles for the upcoming NFL Draft, it is time to turn our attention to a guy many of you would absolutely LOVE to see in a New York Giants uniform in 2010.
That would be Texas safety Earl Thomas. He is considered a ball-hawking safety with cornerback-type coverage skills (when is the last time anyone said that about a Giants safety?) and the more I read about the guy the more I wonder how or why the Giants would pass if he is available when their turn comes up at No. 15 in the first round.
Earl Thomas Scouting Reports
Here is Walter Football talking about what Thomas brings to the table.
Earl Thomas is the kind of football player you just love to watch on tape. You fall in love with his speed, athleticism and instincts, but some teams might be scared of his small frame, which really seems to be the only thing holding him back from being a top-10 draft pick. Thomas projects as a free safety in the NFL and seems to be too good to fall out of the top 25 picks.
If you watched the Giants safeties this season -- and, sadly, I know you did -- you have to absolutely drool when you read what SB Nation's Mocking The Draft says about Thomas' ability to play the football.
Thomas has perhaps the best ball skills of any defensive back in this year’s class – Eric Berry included. Thomas is a natural with the ball in the air. He catches the ball like a wide receiver. ...
Possesses elite recognition skills – both against the pass and sniffing out the run. When he plays back in coverage, Thomas does an excellent job of reading the quarterback’s eyes. ...
Thomas has the skills to be a starting cornerback in the NFL. He stays low in his backpedal and doesn’t take false steps in his break. Adept playing in zone. ...
Thomas has shown he has the football acumen to play at the next level. Played safety in college, but some teams might consider him a cornerback. His ball skills, agility and speed would say as much.
Why Thomas fits with the Giants
All of the above. All the reports indicate he has cover skills no Giants' safety -- including Kenny Phillips -- possesses. The Giants have got to find a way to stop giving up the big play in the passing game, and a safety with cornerback coverage skills -- particularly in zone, which we know Perry Fewell historically favors -- seems like an outstanding choice.
Why the Giants should pass
When you guys think of a good reason, let me know. I sure can't come up with one. The Giants have a desperate need, Thomas has the skills, and all reports indicate mid-first round is the right place in the draft for him to come off the board. The only reason I can possibly see that they would pass is if Alabama middle linebacker Rolando McClain is there, and they like him more. And, to be honest, that is debatable.
(E-mail Ed at bigblueview@gmail.com)
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As much as I fear drafting a safety early
It would be hard to trash a selection of Earl Thomas. Especially when you consider that Kenny Phillips career is almost certainly shortened, and probably lessened, it is a position of extreme need.
It is comforting to know that the Giants haven’t selected a dud in the first 3 rounds in the last 3 years. That kind of consistency leads one to believe that Reese and Co will know what to do with some higher picks.
Get Him!!
Unless we plan on making some sort of monumental trade to get an established player, there is no reason to not select him if he’s on the board. I know everyone will say “Get the MLB taken care of first”…but that is not the way to go. Remember those 1st two game where our secondary was swarming because of Phillips. It will happen again if we get another playmaker. I think Phillips will comeback, but as a shell of his former self. He’ll still be servicable….but not the great safety we had envisioned. Either way…GO BIG BLUE!
Now we're talking
I’ll let the stats do some talking on this one
I’ll focus on one. TFL. ET had 4.5 tackles for a loss in 2009 and 3 in 2008. That’s ridonkulous for a safety (and a reminder to call “fool” to those who say he can’t stop the run).
Forces fumlbes (5 in 2 years), playmaker…as much as the more hyped Eric Berry.
Playmaker, is the best term for him. He makes plays. Not the biggest guy, but he’d probably instantly be the fastest DB on the team (unless you wanna give that to Bruce Johnson)
Rectum? Damn near killed em!
Good Numbers
and I’m sure far better than anything Michael Johnson has done so far.
15 is a good number
by I_Formation27 on Feb 8, 2010 1:24 PM EST up reply actions
best of the safeties
it’s a position of need and there are other LB’s later…. a shake of the magic 8ball reveals… all signs point to yes
He could be the BPA at 15
for us and could have a huge impact with our special teams while Fewell gets him ready
We need some insurance if KP does not make it back
You can see a lot just by observing-Yogi Berra
Ed, stop making us drool like this!
j/k. There are still 2 long months ’til the draft.
When’s the last time the Giant’s had a ball-hawking safety? Gbril Wilson in his first year? Seems like the safetys are always invisible on this team.
Thomas
Giants should trade up because Earl Thomas is a ball hawk we need to make big decisions and signings
may feel better at corner.
thomas ,ross, and web. are all bigger. hitting guys in the next level is a little dif.
Safety over LB
I agree with drafting a Safety over a LB in this draft. With Phillips no guarantee to come back 100% and the secondary being as weak as it was last year, a stud in the secondary is the right move. I can’t imagine going into next season’s cover 2 without a reliable deep man. Sign Kirk Morrison or Demeco Ryans and draft Berry (slim chance), Thomas or Mays.
LarryHarryCarlPepper
I disagree
Its harder to find a big time LB than a safety. Safeties have shorter shelf lives. There are more of them out there. Many work their way up from late round picks. They are smaller so naturally there are more gifted athletes at that position because there are more people with safety size as opposed to elite LB size. You need 2 good safeties and 3 good LBs. We should use our first rounder on McClain.
i agree..but
our current safties are less skilled,talented than our current set up lb’s.. plus there are a few servicable lb’s that can be found in FA this offseason.. cant say the same about safties.. although if mcclain is there at 15, we should grab him no doubt.. but that is highly unlikely. also w/ dt being pretty deep this draft. we can afford to go S in the first round but only if berry/thomas are there. NOT mays
The Giants have a team that can win now. They shouldn’t wait for a player to develop into a good stater at LB. Having a rookie middle linebacker; even if its McClain wont be an instant solution. Having Dansby; Bracket (as Troy O suggested) or Morrison at LB and then a Thomas, Mays type to clean up the back alongside Phillips, Thomas and CWeb would surely have more impact in 2K10.
LarryHarryCarlPepper
OLine is fine for 2K10
If Beatty can do the job, this line has the experience and skills to win Now. There are 3 pro-bowlers in the line for gods sake. Name 5 other OLine’s in the league that you would rather have; collectively.
LarryHarryCarlPepper
My 5
Cowboys
Jets
Ravens
Vikings
Bengals
15 is a good number
by I_Formation27 on Feb 8, 2010 2:32 PM EST up reply actions
I wouldn't trade Dave Diehl at his worst for anyone on the Cowboys OL?
Was that a joke?
LOL! then
Rectum? Damn near killed em!
Pies run blocking
speaks for itself, they were in the top 5 in rushing yds this past season, they have a huge O-line and they ran over us for 200+ yards in the 1st game against us if I remember correctly. Maybe not the best passblockers, but Romo holds onto the ball longer than Manning, and they both were running for their lives about equally. The only time they looked really weak was in the playoff loss. I know there were a lot of injuries on the Giants line and blah blah, but you can’t deny the Boys line is pretty good especially in run-blocking. Complete hate for the boys aside, you have to agree with that.
15 is a good number
by I_Formation27 on Feb 8, 2010 3:36 PM EST up reply actions
I dunno...
most Cowboy fans say their OL is not all that good. They’re very old too, its only downhill from here.
The Titans OL is probably the best in the league, followed by the Saints.
I dunno if the Cowboys OL is all that much better then the Giants in 2009….
Rectum? Damn near killed em!
The Cowboys line is getting old
But Colombo has been a fine RT, and Davis at G has been very very good.
As a group just for next season, they are probably equal to Giants, same problem, neither team has a LT that really gets it done.
Correction**
The Boys were not in the top 5 in rushing, my mistake, they were 5th in the post season and 7th in the reg season, not that far off though.
It was Jets, Titans, Panthers, Dolphins (skewed by Wildcat), and Ravens. As far as the future, it prob IS all downhill from here. But this past season alone, I would have rather been 7th in rushing yds than 17th! And they only allowed 2 more sacks than the Giants did. And I’m not saying that rushing yards are the only determining factor in an O-lines success, but our running game was non-existant.
15 is a good number
by I_Formation27 on Feb 8, 2010 4:04 PM EST up reply actions
Well...
Jacobs apparent meniscus tear in week one, Bradshaw’s stress fracture I believe in week 5?, Ware’s dislocated elbow on the first kickoff of the season!
THe OL graded out, aside from Diehl (go to profootballfocus) as some of the best run blockers in the game…
I’d take the Dolphins OL over the Cowboys too. Jake Long is one of the 3 best OT’s in the game as with the rest of their OL is quite good.
Rectum? Damn near killed em!
the 1st list
i put wasn’t in order of who I’d take over our line but they are ones I would def consider over ours. I’d actually take Jets, Titans, Panthers, Dolphins and also Ravens b4 Boys.
15 is a good number
by I_Formation27 on Feb 8, 2010 4:21 PM EST up reply actions
maybe you're forgetting.....
That we were the number one rushing team in ’08 with the same personnel on O-line.
Bleeding Blue since 1962
No I'm not
but 09’ was a year later and we fell back 17 spots in the area of rushing yards, so yes I would still def take the Titans or Vikings line over ours who have been consistent more recently. Chris Johnson would not have had 2,000+ yards this year in a Giants uniform I don’t care what anyone says.
15 is a good number
by I_Formation27 on Feb 8, 2010 4:16 PM EST up reply actions
And you don’t think the injuries at RB and more importantly FB, and no veteran WRs on the team had anything to do with a subpar running year?
LarryHarryCarlPepper
by gr8kicks on Feb 9, 2010 2:52 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
The injuries to RB and FB
did contribute to the poor rushing totals, but you cant place all the blame there. Jacobs and Bradshaw were healthy enough to play. If they really thought their injuries were that detrimental, then they would have been playing Gartrell and some other pickup off the practice squad. When big running lanes are created by the O-line, RB’s are afforded the opportunity to make a play, injured or not. and no, the lack of vetran WRs had nothing to do with it lets be serious.
15 is a good number
by I_Formation27 on Feb 9, 2010 9:39 AM EST up reply actions
they could play through them...
but they were a shell of themselves. Our top 3 RB’s got injured in the season. The fourth was on IR before preseason.
Gartrell obviously wasn’t up to speed for Coughlin to be confident in him.
I’d place 90% of the blame on the RB’s. 6% on Diehl taking a dump, and the other 4% on nicks and dings to the rest of the OL.
I know its kind of arbitrary ratings, but go look at profootballfocus.com
Everyone aside from Diehl, even Kevin Boss, are ranked pretty high when it comes to run blocking. They must’ve been doing something right.
Rectum? Damn near killed em!
by FreeBradshaw on Feb 9, 2010 10:43 AM EST up reply actions
rudd and ryans are restricted. i dont like giving up picks
brackett or dansby would be a better way to go. with 22 mill. coming off the books i see no prob, being very active. thats not in cluding raises and not cutting jacobs.
Was just posting that :)
I’d include that Goff might improve dramatically (low rounders improve slower), or draft someone in rounds 2 or 3.
Plenty of good LBs are found in rounds 2 & 3, some play well immediately:
DeMeco Ryans
Barrett Ruud
Curtis Lofton
David Harris
Tatupu
Kalos Dansdy and others
And I'd add
That trading a pick to move up ignores the notion that the team needs a 2nd safety (from the draft, a trade or FA), and probably should be looking at RT’s for 2011.
Also FB could be upgraded, especially if the guy can catch the ball. Every extra weapon we give Eli the better. He is great at spreading the ball around, but you can see he looks long and hard at the guys he trusts.
i’d put S, Mlb, DT, and even Oline in front of needs for a new FB. just last season Mhedge was a beast blocking the run.. his hands are suspect but he also has came through with big plays recieving too.
OK
But in round 5 (or later) you could pick the best FB, or a low level DT that has little chance to actually make the team, who do you pick?
But I also included FB as a thought for UDFA’s (thats often how you find one), just saying its time to consider moving on from Hedge-Hands
Easy way to not use the Hedge in passing...
don’t send him out on patterns.
Either that, or use Beckum to chip block and go out on a patter.
Rectum? Damn near killed em!
I would be thrilled
But to be fair, Beckum who looked like he could get open, did not look like he had adjusted to the speed of the game.
Usually that improves dramatically in year 2.
Since IMO S is our biggest need,
I wouldn’t even have to think about it if this guy was available—automatic # 1 pick!
If he is BPA
at 15, and they think he has more value than any DT’s on the board, then all signs point to HELL YES. Aside from KP, all the safeties on the Giants roster are highly suspect and leave far too much to be desired.
Also, Fewell is an expert on the secondary and I’d love for him to give our DB’s the absolute best chance to succeed. Of course that starts with the D-Line play improving.
15 is a good number
this guy is overrated for sure
Yeah, he is an ok player but on that Texas team everybody will look good.
The MLB is a more important position for the giants than safety as well so its important to get the right guy
by mclaren_is_the_best on Feb 8, 2010 1:25 PM EST reply actions
Then why look at any of these guys?
Rolando McClain played on a NFL caliber defense (I’d take them all over the Giants 2009 D probably…).
Texas has constantly churned out solid DB prospets over the years. The last safety as good as ET at Texas was Mike Griffen, who’d be a Pro Bowler every year if not for Reed and Polamalu.
Thomas stood out as the best playmaker in that secondary. Players look good on Texas….cuz they are good players.
Cuz Brian Price stood out on UCLA makes him a better prospect? I dunno about that.
MLB position is important..yes. But not a rookie.
The MLB needs to know everything from day one. No MLB’s gonna be that right away.
Best option for MLB, to start from day one, is Goff, a FA, or Blackburn or Pierce.
Rectum? Damn near killed em!
"MLB is more important for the Giants"???
Not sure how you can say that. Status-wise, MLB has been in decline league-wide over the years, eclipsed first by LT (our LT, not the position) and the fast OLBs and pass-rushing DE’s, and now by safeties who can totally disrupt an offense (Polumalu, Reed, Sanders, Wilson). I’m not claiming that defending against the run is umimportant, but let’s face it, every elite team nowadays has a brutal air attack (as demonstrated in yesterday’s SB).. Good safeties are more a necessity in the modern NFL than is a killer MLB.
I’ll leave it to those who know more Xs and Os than me, but frankly I wonder whether a team using a 4-3 can more easily adjust and cover for a weak MLB than almost any other position on the team. For example, stout DTs can stuff the run, making less burden fall on the MLB. est flaw to cover in a defense.
I think that the position is morphing
OLB used to be a run stuffer and pass defender. Then LT re-defined the position. Right now I think the MLB position is morphing into a guy like Steve Atwater used to be for Broncos.
Atwater at 6-3 and 220 morphed the safety from a pass defender who could tackle into an intimidator against the run who could also cover. Look at this draft and you will see at least 3 players in his vein. Most notably Chad Jones.
My expectation for MLB is in line with Darryl Washington and Pat Angerer. Smaller, faster players that can cover, but who are also big enough to help out against the run.
But I may be influenced by what I have seen with the Giants. Pierce, Michael Johnson, James Butler, Gibril Wilson, all more stout as traditional run defenders, less able as pass defenders and frequently exposed.
Kenny Phillips, faster, who can cover looked like a future star.
The guys is a football player
unless Mclain or some stud DT is available then there is no doubt, take him. I don’t care about his size, he can play football and the Giants need a football player in the secondary.
Also KP may never be as quick again he might be relegated to SS this guys seems like a legit FS. If KP can come back and be a comprable to very good SS and Earl Thomas develops that’ll be be pretty dangerous back there. If size is the only thing holding him back than he might be a steal. I’d rather question a guys size than his heart, production, desire, football skills, and attitute. Size is not as much of an issue for me. (Maybe cause I played ball at 5 “8” lol!)
Safety
in today’s NFL has become far more important than in times past. I’ve been on the Thomas bandwagon for quite awhile and it he is available I think we should get him.
He brings what we need…..a playmaker at safety.
kirk morrison
is a restricted free agent so are Ryan and Ruud. The only quality URF MLB is keith bullock but he’s coming off knee surgery.
Brackett could fit tho
he has been solid in the Colts D for years. He’d be a lot like an Antonio Pierce signing, except he’s a bit of a better athlete.
he wouldn’t cost nearly as much as Dansby.
Even if they sign one, that’s no reason to not go and draft a LB for the future.
…I still think Goff, Kehl and Sintim deserve a shot.
Rectum? Damn near killed em!
Goff had his shot and didn’t show anything, Kehl is terrible and Sintim is a pass rusher.
None of them improve our defense by playing MLB
by mclaren_is_the_best on Feb 8, 2010 5:07 PM EST up reply actions
"Goff had his shot"
To be fair, Goff only Started 4 games. He played in several other games but I don’t think anyone can conclude that he’s not a starting caliber MLB with his minimal experience. Also, His only starting games are under forgettable DC Bill Sheridan, who had the entire Defense looking terrible. He’ll get a shot in camp.
15 is a good number
by I_Formation27 on Feb 8, 2010 5:21 PM EST up reply actions
awfully fickle aren't ya!
agree with i_formation.
Kehl hasn’t gotten a shot either actually and you don’t know that Sintim is strictly a pass rusher.
The sample size is minuscule……
Rectum? Damn near killed em!
I’m positive that Sintim is strickly an OLB
and
its not like Kehl has never played football with the giants, they see him in training every day and they obviously don’t think he is worth a shot at MLB.
by mclaren_is_the_best on Feb 8, 2010 5:51 PM EST up reply actions
MLB?
Kehl’s a OLB as is Sintim..yea…not following where your going with that one. I wouldn’t move either to MLB?
Goff is the MLB.
Kehl is going into his 3rd year, its not unfathomable for him to contribute in his third year
Rectum? Damn near killed em!
If you dont want to move them why did you bunch them up together earlier
you said “I still think Goff, Kehl and Sintim deserve a shot.”
by mclaren_is_the_best on Feb 8, 2010 6:21 PM EST up reply actions
I mentioned Dansby first
Dansby’s a OLB in the 4-3.
I think they all deserve a shot. I didn’t say at any spot, just to see if they do anything
Rectum? Damn near killed em!
this guy sounds familiar...
a texans db whos a bit of a cb/s tweener, a thorpe award finalist, advertised as a ballhawk, and projected as a mid-to-late first round pick? aaron ross anyone? ross has been good, but really hasn’t lived up to his potential thus far in his career (something that hurts even more considering he was picked only 10-15 picks after revis). makes me a little hesitant. that said, i love thomas as a prospect. just playing a little devil’s advocate here
Well..to be honest..
No one would know if Ross could ever be Revis…but the guy is a nagging injury waiting to happen. This hamstring thing has hindered him throughout his career. During his rook year, there was a reason he was the best CB on the team for most of the year…he was damn good.
If Ross stayed/stays healthy…I think he’s got as much talent as anyone. He was as good as Revis that year coming out of college…
Just like any rook..Thomas has all the talent of a first rounder. If he doesn’t get hurt like Ross…and KP, I think he could be a star.
Rectum? Damn near killed em!
I think Ross doesn't want to play against the cowboys
He probably rooted for them for the first ~20 years of his life, its not easy to suddenly have to compete with them in the division.
Probably this Thomas guy will be the same way.
by mclaren_is_the_best on Feb 8, 2010 5:10 PM EST up reply actions
i dont disagree with you
im just saying, their situations coming out of school are eerily similar. and if theres a top flight safety in this draft that i would consider frail, it would be thomas (despite berry’s shoulder).
i think a better route would be to go for mcclain, even if that means trading up a couple of spots, or sitting where we are and taking price. then, in the second round, go for nate allen out of usf. to me, thomas to allen isnt that much of a drop off in talent, so it would be worth it.
agree...
except for the Trade up part. Any one of the top 10 teams can get McClain..so where we’d have to trade up, I dunno. He’s not getting past the Broncos……that’s pretty much the floor.
What it would cost to get him? I dunno.
But IMO…I’d rather give Goff a shot at MLB. Draft someone like Brian Price in round one. Get a safety like Allen in round 2.
…then use round 3 to maybe draft a best available LB or get a RT to build with.
Giants need all their picks. Trading up for McClain’s gonna not allow them to draft an important piece.
Rectum? Damn near killed em!
Nobody is saying we have to trade half our picks for McClain
only 2-3 picks. A 3rd and a 5th or next years 2nd and switch 4’s, something like that.
If they were to make the trade it would be on draft day not now when you have no idea whether McClain would be there or not.
by mclaren_is_the_best on Feb 8, 2010 5:13 PM EST up reply actions
I ain't giving up next year's second...
that’s just nearsighted.
You don’t dip into next year’s draft….
Rectum? Damn near killed em!
When you can acquire one of the best players in the draft at a position of huge need
why not?
by mclaren_is_the_best on Feb 8, 2010 5:52 PM EST up reply actions
its just 1 less player
its not like we would trade our whole 2011 draft (which will not be as good as this year with the uncertainty of a lockout and rookie cap BTW)
And in return we get a fabulous prospect who is likely going to be a major part of our defense for the next 10 years.
by mclaren_is_the_best on Feb 8, 2010 6:24 PM EST up reply actions
who could also be a bust
I doubt there’s gonna be a lockout no matter what the Union head said…and the rookie scale is irrelevant to the talent pool.
The best teams don’t give away picks, they accumulate picks.
Rectum? Damn near killed em!
Who are the best teams?
Patriots moved up for Mayo and Steelers moved up for Holmes(and we got the short end of that deal when we moved back).
I believe those were the 2 best franchises of the 2000s?
by mclaren_is_the_best on Feb 8, 2010 6:59 PM EST up reply actions
Patriots actually moved back for Mayo...
they had the 49ers picks at I believe 6 or 7 and traded back for 10. That’s actually a case of giving up your 2 rounder for a 1st rounder the following year…..
The Steelers traded up with us for Holmes. Giants got Kiwi then used their extra pick to trade up for Sinorice Moss.
Also, the Steelers even with their moving up with the GIants, had 9 picks in that 2006….
Rectum? Damn near killed em!
sorry it was one of their 2 first rounders
NE traded one of its 2 first rounders to the Niners for a 2007 4th rounder and a 2008 first rounder.
2008 first rounder was #7 overall, they traded back with the Saints for the 10th overall (and swaped NO’s 3rd for NE’s 5th)
Rectum? Damn near killed em!
Yeah..
and how is the kiwi / holmes trade looking now?’
Holmes = SB MVP and Kiwi won’t ever even sniff a pro bowl in his career.
by mclaren_is_the_best on Feb 8, 2010 8:45 PM EST up reply actions
I wouldn't
Kiwi is only starting because Osi’s knee got messed up last year
He wouldn’t start on most teams in the league
by mclaren_is_the_best on Feb 8, 2010 9:24 PM EST up reply actions
yea right...
only 10 DE’s had more QB pressures then him. Only 6 DE’s hit the QB more then him.
He was #1 in the NFL in tackles made by a DE.
yea..he only had 3 sacks. That’s not the greatest way to judge a DE
Holmes is good. Kiwi’s more valuable.
Rectum? Damn near killed em!
maybe we should nickname him
almost kiwi
since he is always almost making a play but never actually does
by mclaren_is_the_best on Feb 8, 2010 10:08 PM EST up reply actions
Yup
Yet it could mean he’s “also ready to be an All-Pro”. I still think they stunted his growth after that 2007 LB move.
He was coming off a big injury too in 2008 and played very good.
This year, like the rest of the team…nothing worked, but he (and Tuck too..) did their jobs. It was the other guys who didn’t.
I bet Kiwi makes the Pro Bowl in 2010.
Rectum? Damn near killed em!
by FreeBradshaw on Feb 8, 2010 10:18 PM EST up reply actions
What job was this that they did?
Making life easy for the opposing QB?
by mclaren_is_the_best on Feb 8, 2010 10:22 PM EST up reply actions
Nope.
Just..here
Sort for the QB pressures, hits, solo tackles, stops….
Tuck and/or Kiwi are usually in the top 15.
Rectum? Damn near killed em!
by FreeBradshaw on Feb 8, 2010 10:32 PM EST up reply actions
Did you link the wrong thing?
that is an article about Phillips
by mclaren_is_the_best on Feb 8, 2010 10:54 PM EST up reply actions
yes I did...
Rectum? Damn near killed em!
by FreeBradshaw on Feb 8, 2010 10:56 PM EST up reply actions
very encouraging article though
I will definitely feel better about next year if Kenny P is healthy and ready to go
by mclaren_is_the_best on Feb 8, 2010 11:23 PM EST up reply actions
"It should be a full recovery."
Thats the best news I’ve heard in a long time. Free stop hoarding all the good articles! lol. I know I can find them myself, but it’s easier if you just post it or link it.
15 is a good number
by I_Formation27 on Feb 9, 2010 9:51 AM EST up reply actions
I made a fan shot :)
Rectum? Damn near killed em!
by FreeBradshaw on Feb 9, 2010 10:43 AM EST up reply actions
well we would get a player in return
so we are -2 in terms of players but one will be in next years draft and the other would be a lower rounder who is unlikely to make the team anyway
so we end up with 6 players in the 2010 draft and the 2011 draft but in return we get a great prospect who can really help our defense
by mclaren_is_the_best on Feb 8, 2010 11:26 PM EST up reply actions
Lets assume that the Giants must move to #9 to get McClain
Since I can’t imagine him sliding past Bronco’s.
- = 1350 #15 = 1050
So you have to give the Bills an extra 300 pts in draft picks or players.
That would equal the Giants 3d, 4th and 5th round picks. Of course that is approximate. But that is the going rate to move up from pick 15 to pick 9.
jacksonville is who i would trade with
our 1st, 4th and next year’s 2nd for their 1st and 5th. Something like that.
Now if the broncos get the 10th pick instead of the jaguars then that sucks for us and we just have to hope that they go in another direction because its not worth it if we have to move that far up.
But if McClain is there at 12 the Dolphins will take him for sure so we cannot let him slide so far down.
by mclaren_is_the_best on Feb 9, 2010 2:41 PM EST up reply actions
On the other hand
Rey Maualuga, and Kenny Phillips both went into free fall
So maybe we stay put and hope, if he falls, jackpot, if not we could always trade for him then.
Yeah if Brandon Marshall wants out of Denver that could really fall into our hands
They will be almost forced into picking a WR because their offense would be completely anemic without him.
They couldn’t even beat the chiefs without him in the line up
by mclaren_is_the_best on Feb 9, 2010 9:56 PM EST up reply actions
B. Marshall
The latest reports are that he and the owner have talked things out and he’ll most likely be staying in Denver. There are no solid facts to support this but I wouldn’t count on Marshall leaving Denver just yet, that move would be worse than sending Cutler off. Don’t think they’d risk the possibility of an offense that consists of weak-armed Orton, fumble-prone Moreno, and a starting a rookie WR.
15 is a good number
by I_Formation27 on Feb 10, 2010 9:47 AM EST up reply actions
Except that Marshall
is a certified nut bag. He is almost certainly on the juice, and it doesn’t seem to bring out the mellow intellectual side of him.
by giantblue63 on Feb 10, 2010 11:29 AM EST up reply actions
i understand
that the mcclain situation is a bit out of reach…but only a little bit. that suggestion was based on potential knocks on his draft stock (i.e. he performs worse than expected at the combine).
price in the first and allen in the second was my second suggestion. to be honest, i’m as high on allen as i am on thomas. he has prototypical size and speed, is an extremely reliable tackler, and is constantly found around the ball. his intangibles and ball skills are both well above average and he is known to be a great leader and coach on the field (something the g-men definitely need, especially when bringing in a new coach). his main weakness is that he can struggle in man to man coverage, however, he excels in zone coverage, which fewell favors from safeties. i can’t really imagine a better fit of a safety
scouting report on allen
http://www.draftcountdown.com/ScoutingReports/S/Nate-Allen.php
“outstanding instincts, tough, physical, great motor, hard worker, smart, a lot of experience, classic centerfielder renowned for playmaking ability, exceptional intangibles”
can’t find a thing i don’t like on there
Thomas
the only reason I would see the giants passing on Thomas is if Rolando McClain, suh or McCoy drop which is very unlikely i think Thomas is a guy who could fit perfict in a Fewell/Tampa 2 system hes a great ballhawk
by hotshot5568@aim.com on Feb 8, 2010 3:52 PM EST reply actions
Yes
lets get a Byrd 2.0
15 is a good number
by I_Formation27 on Feb 8, 2010 4:45 PM EST up reply actions
Byrd should be the reason why this guy is not the best player
by mclaren_is_the_best on Feb 8, 2010 6:24 PM EST up reply actions
I'm sorry
I mean not the best pick for us
by mclaren_is_the_best on Feb 8, 2010 6:25 PM EST up reply actions
Well if Reese and maybe Fewell
think they can get a good safety/DB in the 2nd, like the Bills did with Byrd last year (he was technically a CB), then I’m sure thats what they’ll do. Only if they think they we can fill a more pressing need with our 1st.
15 is a good number
by I_Formation27 on Feb 9, 2010 9:57 AM EST up reply actions
Nate Allen
yeah he has great speed he stayed around the ball, there are alot of good DB’s coming out this year to be honest i wouldn’t b mad going after one early and late.
someone like Allen
since he could be there in round 2, is a reason why passing on Thomas isn’t a bad idea, as Nate Allen’s damn good too.
To get Earl Thomas in round one, and who knows in round 2.
…vs. Brian Price in round 1 and Nate Allen in round 2? I’d rather go with this.
Rectum? Damn near killed em!
My question
Is Thomas better than Bulaga?? I’m not sure. And I love the idea of the team having 2 pass block OTs.
dont need to pass blockers
beattys fine on the left and diehl and mckenzie have the right
You can never have enough good OL, esp OT.
And Diehl really should be moved back to G.
I think Earl Thomas would be a great addition to our Defense
I think we make huge strides this year with Fewell as our DC.
On the bright side
If KP comes back and plays well and we add Earl Thomas, we may have KP, TT, ET, and CWeb. That sound real good for several seasons.
by wangstu13 on Feb 8, 2010 8:08 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
A while back I voiced my concern about Thomas's size
Nobody has quelled my concerns that he is a bit small. If you bring up Byrd, he was on IR as a rookie so that’s not a good argument. The Giants better do their due diligence on whether he can bulk up. Kenny Phillips bulked up considerably before his second season. However, not everyone can.
Size
Why does it really matter as long as the guy can make plays on the ball. It’s a passing league, and the Giants have plenty of safeties w/size, but not any of them can cover. If the guy can cover I don’t care how big he is.
by Ed Valentine on Feb 8, 2010 10:52 PM EST up reply actions
My concern about his size
is unrelated to his talent level. It’s his ability to withstand the pounding and physicals rigors of the NFL.
Its tougher to cover guys that are 6’1 and up when you’re 5’10 yourself.
even worse if hes in man coverage against tight ends who are most often 6’3 and up
by mclaren_is_the_best on Feb 8, 2010 10:57 PM EST up reply actions
Height is only part of it
At the combine his arm span measurement will matter. If he has an undersized arm span it will be harder, a longer one, easier.
No coincidence that Nicks shined with his long arms and hands. Every time he reaches for the ball he has an advantage.
not saying he'll be as good...
but Troy Polamalu was 5"10 205 coming into the league.
Thomas is 5"10 197.
He’s also 20 years old….so he may not be done growing.
Rectum? Damn near killed em!
by FreeBradshaw on Feb 8, 2010 10:58 PM EST up reply actions
2 inches is not all that much....
its just makes people feel better when the guy’s 6"0 vs 5"10 (Bob Sanders is 5"8…)
he’s got long arms, very good timing and excellent leaping ability. That makes up for his ‘lack of size’.
And before someone writes “Sanders is always on IR, Polamalu was hurt this year”…give me a reason why I shouldn’t flush that garbage idea down the toilet.
Rectum? Damn near killed em!
by FreeBradshaw on Feb 8, 2010 11:01 PM EST up reply actions
Antoine Bethea
is 5"11 203.
People like the idea of getting him right? That’s an inch and a rack of ribs bigger then Thomas
Rectum? Damn near killed em!
by FreeBradshaw on Feb 8, 2010 11:03 PM EST up reply actions
Antoine Bethea
Yes I am def on his bandwagon. And also Atogwe. I don’t REALLY wanna trade Osi, but what about trading Osi straight up for Atogwe? Atogwe has put up great numbers for the otherwise terrible Rams D. I’m sure he would also be a great teacher to our talented safety core (which consists of KP and whatever S we draft).
15 is a good number
by I_Formation27 on Feb 9, 2010 10:09 AM EST up reply actions
Otogwe and their #33 pick.
Nothing less then that.
Rectum? Damn near killed em!
by FreeBradshaw on Feb 9, 2010 10:43 AM EST up reply actions
where do you get your ribs
I want a 6-pound rack for dinner
You play to win the game!
by Simms-McConkey on Feb 9, 2010 10:51 AM EST up reply actions
I hear ya...........I hear ya
it would be nice to draft an impact safety but dont we have a more pressing need at LB? Huh? I dont know…………..I think we could go either way but I would like to see a LB.
by giantsNYrangers on Feb 8, 2010 10:50 PM EST reply actions
Remember
That there are 7 rounds. As long as the emphasis is improving the defense, it really shouldn’t matter.
by Ed Valentine on Feb 8, 2010 10:53 PM EST up reply actions
Ok so I know we def need help in the secondary and ET
would be a great fit and it def is something sorely lacking with this team and if we do go DB in the 1st round, are there any good free agent LB’s out there?
by giantsNYrangers on Feb 8, 2010 10:57 PM EST reply actions
Safety first
We need the best safety available at #15. We can line-up three servicable DTs and can put some midling MLB’s out there, but have no sure safeties, given KPs arthitic knee. We have no other choice.
DT has to be First
There is way less value in drafting a Safety or Linebacker in the first round, than there is drafting a DT. Plus, if you want our edge rushers to return to their former glory AND thus take pressure off the secondary – then someone has to push the pocket. Who is going to do that, Canty? Bernard? NOT. An impact DT would make our safeties better. But whatever great safety you want to put in there – if the QB has all day to throw, it does not matter how good they are, they will be toast.
As much as we do have a glaring need at Safety – good Safeties and Linebackers, TE’s, Fullbacks, Guards are a better bet in later rounds than DT’s, DE’s, WR’s, QB’s and CB’s.
If we take a safety in the first round, then I like trading OSI and moving up to get Berry – or better yet Suh. But I hope we draft a DT and then look for Safeties later.
DT's and DE's are just as likely later on for the Giants.
Tuck was a 3rd rounder. Cofield a 4th rounder. Robbins was a 4th rounder? Osi and Strahan 2nd rounders.
Kiwi was #32 overall…basically a 2nd rounder.
If anything, the Giants have shown that they draft defensive lineman later in the draft and get DB’s early on.
If there was a LB worthy of their spot…I’m sure they’d get it. But as for DB, or in this case safety…if there’s an equally rated DT and Safety…you can bet on the safety. They value drafting secondary high.
It depends on who’s there. If the DT is the best overall player at #15 or wherever they actually end up, then get it.
But there’s no need to draft one position over the other cuz you can get it later on.
The Giants have been successful geting basically every position from any point in the draft. This is why JR’s a good GM.
Rectum? Damn near killed em!
by FreeBradshaw on Feb 9, 2010 10:47 AM EST up reply actions
**Robbins was actually a 2nd rounder to the Vikings in 2000
Rectum? Damn near killed em!
by FreeBradshaw on Feb 9, 2010 10:48 AM EST up reply actions
DB
Safety is the “weaker” of the DB positions. You can be bigger and slower as a safety. CB’s are worthy of first round picks. Safeties are not in my opinion. For every Ed Reed, there are fifty average guys that have marginal impact on the game. A good cover cornerback has as much impact on the game as a great DE or QB which is why they deserve to be first round selections.
DB/Secondary positions are not created equal.
Also, stating “this guy came from the 4th round” and such is meaningless. Joe Montana came out of the 6th round – but – overall, if you want to compare the success of QBs drafted in the 1-2 rds versus those drafted in later round, I would wager to say the guys drafted high have furnished higher returns. If you want to say “we can get a good QB in the 6th” because of Montana, whatever, but I contend its unlikely. You can get a great guard there, you are most likely not getting a great DT there……
wait....so when I say you can get a good DT later on its meaningles...
but when you say you can get a good safety later on…its OK?
Nah.
The QB position is completely irrelvant to this argument….that’s different and if anyone said they’d rather get a QB in the later rounds over a top pick, they’re a moron.
DT’s, LB’s, CB S’s…they come from all over the draft. The Giants have been successful, getting them from all over the draft.
Didn’t the 2009 GIants prove that if you have no safety help, it can bit you in the ass? They need a safety, cuz they have no safeties.
Rectum? Damn near killed em!
by FreeBradshaw on Feb 9, 2010 12:20 PM EST up reply actions
lets not 4get the William Joseph debacle..........
drafting a DT in the first is usually more bust than anything else…………
by giantsNYrangers on Feb 9, 2010 4:54 PM EST up reply actions
I don't agree with this.
You can be bigger and slower as a safety
If the last 3 Supe’s have taught us nothing, it is that the league is going speed and skill over brawn.
The slowest part of the Colt’s D, was the secondary and it killed them. You have to speed the game up to play defense.
THey were missing alot of starters
Marlin jackson and Bob Sanders were especially missed. I dunno that the Colts defense was that bad either. They got kicked in the balls by that onside kick, and Peyton’s INT were basically the difference.
Not having a 100% Dwight Freeney played a part too.
Brees is gonna complete his 25-30 passes, not many are gonna stop him from doing that especially when he’s got 2 weeks to prepare for you.
And I agree on the safety. You CAN be bigger and slower. YOu can also drive a car with your feet. Doesn’t make it a good idea tho does it?
Rectum? Damn near killed em!
by FreeBradshaw on Feb 9, 2010 12:23 PM EST up reply actions
"The slowest part of the Colt’s D, was the secondary" - Disagree
Colts Safeties in the SB
Melvin Bullit: Had a 4.48 – 40 time
Antoine Bethea: Had a 4.44 – 40 time
= Not slow
What killed the Colts D was those soft cover 2 zones they were using which allowed Brees to pick them apart. And the lack of blitzing.
15 is a good number
by I_Formation27 on Feb 9, 2010 12:57 PM EST up reply actions
The Colts D is fast everywhere
But to my eye, not straight 40 times, the DBs looked slow.
Perhaps it was the soft coverages, perhaps they just react slower, or maybe it was the atrocious tackling (I like Pierre Thomas, but at times he looked like a young Jim Brown breaking multiple tackles on play after play).
I think the Colts lost because they choked. The pressure got to them. It started in 2nd Qtr, after the Saints went on that long drive. Then the shut down at the end of the half, instead of the 2 minute drill.
Again to me, the Coach and the QB both looked stressed. Especially after it turned into a game instead of a coronation.
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