New York Giants notes: Kirk Morrison?
by Ed Valentine on Mar 12, 2010 7:00 AM EST
in News
111 comments
Here are a few stories of interest for New York Giants fans on a Friday without football.
We know the Giants are scouring the globe, looking far and wide for a middle linebacker to add to their defense. Giants brass was out in force the other day for Rolando McClain's Pro Day. There is also a short list of restricted free agent MLBs. One of those, Kirk Morrison of Oakland, did not offer any hints during a radio appearance Thursday as to whether not the Giants are among teams interested in his services.
"I'm technically an Oakland Raider still. That's No. 1," Morrison said. "But at the same time, you have to explore your options for the future, for the long term. There are some teams out there that would be a good fit, I feel like. But we just have to wait and see."
Morrison declined to name those teams right now. I'd have a hard time believing the Giants wouldn't be one of them. I'd think they would have at least had preliminary discussions with Morrison's agent, Bruce Tollner, who said earlier Thursday there's nothing to report.
"There are some teams we're looking at and we've talked to," Morrison said. "Hopefully, in the next couple of weeks we can get something done ... either with the Raiders or with other teams. I know next year I'm going to be playing football. I just want to make sure I'm in the best, most comfortable position I can be in."
"The biggest thing is I just want to go out and win," Morrison said when asked what he'd be looking for in a a new team, should he decide to go that route. "Get into a situation that puts you in the best opportunity to win football games. Being in this league for five years already and losing more games than you win week in and week out, it's hard to play at the kind of level that you want to being on the losing end. But you never give up your effort, you never give up who you are as a football player."
- Don Banks of SI.com had an interesting post Thursday about the impact of free agency on the upcoming draft. Here is what he said about the Giants.
New York chose to not pursue Karlos Dansby as an option to fill its need at inside linebacker, but the Giants are certainly glad it was the Dolphins who landed the ex-Cardinal. That's because it might just put New York in the driver's seat to draft Alabama inside linebacker Rolando McClain with its No. 15 pick. It would be a perfect union of need and first-round value if that scenario unfolds. Having signed another ex-Cardinal free agent in safety Antrel Rolle, the Giants are no longer a potential home for either Texas safety Earl Thomas or USC safety Travis Mays. If McClain isn't available when New York's turn rolls around, defensive tackle is the likely focus, with Tennessee's Dan Williams carrying a solid mid-round grade.
Funny that Banks mentioned Williams, the 327-pound defensive tackle from Tennessee. The Giants are a 4-3 team, but they ave occasionally used alignments the past couple of seasons which require a nose tackle. That guy had been Fred Robbins, who is now in St. Louis. Pat Traina of Inside Football mentioned the Giants need for a nose-tackle type during our radio show Thursday night, and Williams name immediately came to mind. - Speaking of the Blog Talk Radio show Traina and I co-host, if you missed the latest edition of 'New York Giants Talk' you can still listen to the podcast. Lots of good topics last night, including Antrel Rolle, Osi Umenyiora and the hunt for middle linebacker. Missed connections with D.J. Ware, who was scheduled to join us, but we will have him on at a later date.
- The Giants were supposed to be among the NFL teams represented at C.J. Spiller's Pro Day on Thursday at Clemson. Spiller, though, chose not to run.
``There really was no need to run it. Why waste the energy?'' said Spiller, the Atlantic Coast Conference player of the year. ``Everyone knows that I'm fast.'' Spiller and Ford, who also ran track together at Clemson, proved that last month at the NFL's scouting combine in Indianapolis. Spiller clocked 4.37 seconds, second best among running backs to Cal's Jahvid Best. Ford outdid his friend and teammate - and everyone at the combine - with a 4.28.
- This last one is not a Giants story, but it's too good not to mention. A long-time Pittsburgh sportscaster completely shredded Ben Roethlisberger Thursday. Check out this rant from radio guy John Steigerwald.
"First of all, none of this surprises me. Ben is a bad citizen. He doesn't know how to treat people and he definitely doesn't know how to handle being the quarterback of the Pittsburgh Steelers. In my more than 30 years of working in the Pittsburgh sports media, I have never had any player come close to generating as many unsolicited questions from fans as Roethlisberger has. They want to know why he's such a jackass. And these aren't just Steelers fans who got turned down for an autograph. It's men and women from all walks of life."
Wow! I can't imagine anyone ever referring to Eli Manning as a bad citizen. Say what you will about Eli, he is a terrific representative for a fabulous franchise.
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Morrison
I’m not against signing Kirk Morrison but don’t want to give up a 3rd round pick for him. He’s 28 and has been nothing special so far in his career. Granted it’s not easy to distinguish yourself playing in Oakland. Trading Moss and a 5th round pick or DJ (don’t call me Danny) Ware or something like that would be much more appealing to me.
I agree
This is a deep draft with lots of quality defensive players at LB, DT and DB … all areas where the Giants need help. To me, it’s a draft you want to take advantage of. It’s not a year where you want to be giving away picks, unless you are 100% sure you are bringing in the right guy.
by Ed Valentine on Mar 12, 2010 7:23 AM EST up reply actions
So Morrison not worth a 3rd?
Do not know the guy well but from what I read on this board and elsewhere he is solid and reasonably proven. He fills a need.
And I read more and more that some of the most attractive LBs in the draft are “3-4” LBs whatever that means. An inside LB SHOULD be able to play inside in either scheme.
IMO if Morison is all that I WOULD give up a third for him to fill a need. Last year’s third did not play in 2009 and Beckum remains a questionmark.
True
But last year you couldve said the same thing about the previous years 3rd pick (manningham) and thats shaping up to be alright I would say. Give beckum a chance, He just might surprise us, he has immense talent and upside however i do think our sysytem is to crowded for him to shine!
But dont tell em i told you that !!!!!
Yeah but having too many good linebackers is a good problem to have!!
He is worth a third, Kirk Morrison is a starting MLB in the NFL. Third round picks can have the potential to start, but the waiting process can be frustrating. No bad can come from a trade like that.
If I may....
I checked some scouting reports and the stats on Morrison. This is an effective starting MLB that has played on a pitiful team. He has a ton of solo tackles which, to me, means he wraps up and finishes his tackles. He doesn’t need alot of help or other players coming in to put a tackle away. He is an under the radar guy who would only cost a third rounder. Come on guys, are you really going to choose a unproven rook over an established NFL starter? I say the Giants should lock this guy up pronto.
Someone with a lot more potential could drop to the 3rd round
like Arthur Jones.
Definitely would prefer him over a mediocre MLB like Morrison. In fact I’m not sure that Morrison is even an upgrade over Goff
by mclaren_is_the_best on Mar 12, 2010 7:43 PM EST up reply actions
Hey Ed..
You mentioned Spiller and Ford running at the combine, who is Ford, wasn’t mentioned
earlier in the blog? BTW, guys like Moss and D.Ware with a 5th or whatever would not get you a proven commodity like Morrison.
by Great Gatsby on Mar 12, 2010 8:59 AM EST up reply actions
Jacoby Ford
He’s a wide receiver from Clemson — also returned punts and KOs with Spiller. On the shorter side at 5-9, but obviously fast. Was the 100M NCAA champion a year or so back. Upped his stock at the combine with the 4.28 and showing good hands in the drills. Likely a late second or mid third rounder, excluding Al Davis taking him in the first, of course.
This years Percy Harvin
Probably won’t run many conventional routes, but returning kicks, catching the short stuff from the slot and racking up YAC, maybe getting sent on some deep burn routes like DeSean Jackson. He’s going to be a good player for someone.
Sexy but overpriced
With players like Akwasi Owusu-Ansah CB out of Indiana of Pennsylvania and Deji Kareem RB out of Southern Illinois available in the 4th -5th rounds and serving multi purpose duties, why would you even consider a PR/KR/WR when we have as many Wideouts as we do.
We can always use CB’s and if anybody is looking for a smaller, change of pace back with home run potential Kareem is pretty exciting.
Bleeding Blue since 1962
Not suggesting we get him
I never said we should get him. I’m very happy with our wideouts, well except Moss could be shown the door. I just said he is going to be a good player for someone. I don’t think that he’ll be playing for us nr am I advocating for such, but I do think he’ll be playing successfully in the league somewhere.
Ford is fast
but on tape he isn’t any good
by mclaren_is_the_best on Mar 12, 2010 6:36 PM EST up reply actions
Is this possible?
For a restricted FA, can a team offer something other than the pick the FA was tendered at? In other words, could it be a possibility to trade a player plus a lower pick when a FA was tendered at a 3rd round pick? Also, when do we find out if we get any supplemental picks? I know last year we picked up a 3rd due to the loss of Ward.
If the player signs his tender
he can get traded to another team for whatever they want to trade for him
by mclaren_is_the_best on Mar 12, 2010 7:51 AM EST up reply actions
agree with you Wilba.
3rd round to be honest isn’t a big deal to give up for an established MLB who’s 28 y/o and has plenty of good football left.
But the Giants have some assets in the form of players taht could be worth something to Undead Al.
I’d rather they go by draft route anyway, I think Insane McClain or Spooner (or others in the draft) would have more potential with them.
Master of the squeegee
by FreeBradshaw on Mar 12, 2010 8:10 AM EST up reply actions
Established yes
But is Morrison actually good? and worth a 3rd rounder? Because almost everyone whos watched him play game in and game out has said that he is mediocre and a big reason to why the raiders run defense has stunk for the last 5-6 years.
Maybe Ed could try to get in touch with the editors of “Silver and Black Pride” and ask them for their opinions on Morrison?
by mclaren_is_the_best on Mar 12, 2010 8:41 AM EST up reply actions
Last year was by PFF standards one of Morrison's worst (at least in the 3 years PFF existed)
it was better then anything Antonio Pierce ever did…including 2007, when Pierce was good.
Also according to PFF, Morrison’s strength is the run, but his weakness is pass coverage. He’s been in the top 5 for the past 3 years….#1 against the run in 2007.
…its Profootballfocus, so take it with a grain of salt, but I’d think you can take from it that Morrison’s NOT the reason the Raiders stunk at playing the run.
If the GIants front 4, as well as the 2 OLB’s surrounding Morrison, would be good….I don’t think its a problem and would solidify the LB’s.
I’d rather see if we can get him for something other then a 3rd rounder…so we’ll see.
Master of the squeegee
by FreeBradshaw on Mar 12, 2010 8:51 AM EST up reply actions
But
Why has’nt Morrison been getting any offers publicly like other people, IMO if he was as highly touted as his #’s would suggest not only would he be tendered higher than a 3rd round but some other team would have gladly been all over him like the saints.
But dont tell em i told you that !!!!!
doesn’t matter…
you put an offer out to him, you gotta wait a week for the Raiders to not match it (unless they trade with them)
Master of the squeegee
by FreeBradshaw on Mar 12, 2010 10:22 AM EST up reply actions
th Raiders probably tendered him low still planning to keep him. They probably want low offers to come in so they can match and keep him on the cheap.
It would appear that you are correct.
They want him back, just don’t want to pay for him. By putting him out there on a low tender, they can keep his price down. Pretty much a strategy being used, league-wide.
Bleeding Blue since 1962
also...
while not “publicly” naming suitors….Morrison said it himself, there’s teams out there bidding for his services.
Since there’s a long waiting period…probably keeping these sorts of things hidden is a good way to go
Master of the squeegee
by FreeBradshaw on Mar 12, 2010 11:50 AM EST up reply actions
He's got that Raider stink on him.
I live in the Bay Area, and I couldn’t even tell you if he’s any good or not. That “team” is just that tragic. Asomugha can play, though.
I left my swagger in my other pants.
Used to live in Petaluma, now back in Jersey
I miss the weather, it was always great out there
Way to exaggerate.
Try removing your bias the next time you watch the Raiders. They’re only a few pieces away from being competitive.
I love the Giants, and would never wish failure upon them. But some of you on here (i.e., the ones who love to bash the Raiders for no apparent reason) deserve to face a few years of failure. It might humble you a bit. Ironic how the Giants started going downhill after Pierce (perhaps justifiably) put down the Raiders, isn’t it?
"We're Rock Stars... We're Lakers."
-- Lamar Odom
"We had the skull-and-crossbones on our helmets, the black jerseys, and the whole bit... and we lived it."
-- George "The HitMan" Atkinson
"WE STOMPED YOU OUT!"
-- Michael Strahan
by 5_Giant_Raider_Clipper_Laker_13 on Mar 13, 2010 1:03 AM EST up reply actions
Believe me, us older Giants fans have already suffered miserably for years..
Leading up to ‘86..I have absolutely no problem at all with Raiders players..I do have a problem with that old fart Al Davis and the asshole coach he hired that beats the shit out of his assistant coach…The Raiders will never reach the top again until Davis decides to take a walk and forget to comeback, and they get a coaching staff that has some assemblance of knowing what the hell they are doing..The players on that team are as good as any other team, except maybe QB..Their D-Line is a mystery, I don’t know why they are under-performing..but I think the crux of the problem is Al Davis and the coaching staff not the players.
"When I was a boy and had no sense I got my pecker stuck in an electric fence..Well it curled my hair and tickled my balls, and made me shit in my overalls"
5_Giant_Raider_Clipper_Laker_13 You seem like someone whos seen Morrison play often
What is your opinion of him? Do you think he is a quality player?
by mclaren_is_the_best on Mar 13, 2010 2:46 AM EST up reply actions
The more i watch these 3 QB's careers and personalities develop
the more i’m glad that Eli is ours. I like all 3, including ben, for his hard nosed style of play. But Ben and Philip(who can be an asshole too) would have gotten eaten up by NY media, sports talk, and fans’ word of mouth. Eli is not my usual guy that i root for; my favorite all time players are Shockey, Big Boy, LT, Sprewell, Mike Tyson, Darryl and Doc(see a pattern there? lol!) but no one fits the role of QB of the Giants like Eli, he’s what we need, just like Simms, and he’ll probably go down as the greatest Giant QB ever. Thank you Archie. Thank you for your loins.
by wilddre22 on Mar 12, 2010 7:45 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Agreed
Eli is a very good QB, and a better representative of the franchise and the city.
by Ed Valentine on Mar 12, 2010 7:55 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
First I loved Steigerwalds rant on the 'Big Dope'...
I have always thought BR to be an idiot ever since entered the league..without good players around him he is nothing but a tackle dummy.
I am very happy having Eli as our QB and his personality is perfect for a team that can be a rough town to play in..nothing bothers him and he certainly isn’t a guy interested in partying and getting in trouble or putting himself in precarious situations..He’s a good guy.
I do have a problem with anyone who calls Phillip Rivers an asshole..He is not..He is the nicest guy you’d ever want to meet..I watched him play his entire college career and have chatted with him..He’s more animated than Eli on the field, but he is a pure gentleman off of the field and if you met him you would know it..He’s a family man.
I don’t mind seeing a little tenacity in a QB..Remember Steve Young?..If you watch his career highlights, I never saw or heard a QB berate his offense as much as he did on the field..Nobody called him an asshole..because he wasn’t..neither is Rivers.
I would have been just as happy with Rivers as I am with Eli as our QB..The four QBs in this league that exemplify class are Eli Manning, Payton Manning, Phillip Rivers and Drew Brees..
I left out Tom Brady and Tony Romo because even though they are good QBs they tend to draw too many distractions..The jury is still out on guys like Sanchez for the Jets and Henne for Miami..The rest of them all pretty much stink.
"When I was a boy and had no sense I got my pecker stuck in an electric fence..Well it curled my hair and tickled my balls, and made me shit in my overalls"
I won't go into ex-QBs..that were tenacious..there are alot of them..
But the funniest damn thing I ever saw was Fran Tarkington getting pissed off after Bob Lilly sacked him and roughed him up…Tarkington gets up off the ground, and proceeds to throw a fucking bullet to the back of Lillys head..damn near knocked him down..Me and my Dad almost died laughing..as I’m sure most fans back then did..It was the best personal foul penalty I ever witnessed…Back then we stunk so bad that the only things you could walk away from a game with that made you feel good as a fan were plays like that..but that is certainly my all-time favorite..I’m laughing aloud now thinking about it and it was years ago.
"When I was a boy and had no sense I got my pecker stuck in an electric fence..Well it curled my hair and tickled my balls, and made me shit in my overalls"
2005 – 116
2006 – 128
2007 – 121
2008 – 136
2009 – 133
Well over 100 tackles per season and we don’t want that for a third round pick? I’m confused. The drum was beaten loudly for Dansby and his best year wasn’t Morrison’s worst. Is it just because he’s on the Raiders? Watching Raider games, the guy can play and a 3rd round pick for a proven guy in our middle is not a large price to pay.
Tackles aren't the most important thing for linebackers
and if your DLine infront of you sucks you will have more tackles than if you were behind a good DLine
by mclaren_is_the_best on Mar 12, 2010 8:36 AM EST up reply actions
ive also read on the raiders blog that most
have the opinion that morrison arm tackles too much for comfort.
he makes tackles yes, but with a not so great Dline, a lot of traffic comes his way
I’m not sure how high the staff is on goff..but if we could sign morrisson for less than a third(if that is possible) and also draft mcclain.. id be for that 100%
then we could shoot for a OT, then DT in the following rounds
I understand where your coming from ed and wilba and I do agree, but I think I want a veteran in there somewhere. And kirk comment on hard it is to play at a higher level when you keep losing. The giants could shoot new life into him and his experience would be of help. We already have rolle who should be able to direct traffic in the back field and morrison could be our traffic cop for the line of scrimmage. I don’t think it would be a bad move. With the changes on defense already and if osi can stop crying and just play and our offense we can make another run for the superbowl within the next few years if not this year, and I think I few key veterans in the right positions can make a big difference.
and on eli
Eli is a great qb and has a potential to go down as the best giants qb ever. My wish is he breaks simms record for most super bowl rings by a ny giants qb by getting three. And that plays in all of them. Not a shot at phil btw, phil will always be my favorite qb.
Eli is the MFing Manning
Here’s one;
We’ll see how much the Giants truly believe that Eli is the man of this team.
Constantly, year in and out….Big Brother’s team has a GIGANTIC questionmark about their defense. What do they do? Draft a RB, WR…TE…RB..WR. Most of their defense is filled with 5-7th to UDFA picks.
What do they do? Win. That is all.
The Giants draft CJ Spiller to give Eli a swiss army knife of an offense…let Perry Fewell and health (Antrele Rolle and maybe Kirk Morrison too…) return the D to “glory”….
Master of the squeegee
I'm inclined to agree
with you on this Free. I’m a bit of a Goff believer, so picking up Morrison, who can cover backs and TE’s, makes sense to me. Use our high pick for a Spiller or at DT would seem to be a reasonable approach. Just as Rolle alleviated our anxiety about safety, Morrison could do the same for MLB.
And a very good point about Eli. He performs under pressure, but it seems that most of the time, down in the red/green zone, the coaches take the ball out of his hands. Maybe more weapons for Eli is the way to go.
Hey Free
I am becoming more of a Spiller believer now (although I woud take McClain if he was there, and they don’t trade for a MLB). I heard on the NFL Network, 21 of his 52 touchdowns were
40+ yards.
by Great Gatsby on Mar 12, 2010 9:08 AM EST up reply actions
Give Eli...
…a swiss army knife. Awesome.
by Last year in Sec 127 on Mar 12, 2010 10:12 AM EST up reply actions
what?
Boss, smith. Manninghan, bradshaw, jacobs are not enough? Not saying don’t get more, but we have good all-american players that should be able to get the job done. we just need to execute.
those are good weapons..but
alont with execution, we need to be mroe creative in the play selection in the green zone.
If Killdrive was rated as a coach b/w the 20’s.. id say hell yes lets keep him.. but the guy seems to fizzle in the greenzone and becomes a very “safe” playcaller.
With a better play selection(more Eli throwing into the defense rather than to the sidelines/flats) and increased execution(more than one occasion has one missed block stopped a TD) we should be good/
S/n: spiller is a gamechanger, the guy looks like a faster, more agile version of Marshall Marshall Marshall in his prime
Last Night...
On NFL Network, compared him to Felix Jones (who personally I like, and would start if
Jerry hired me to replace Bum Phillips, I mean Wade, without the ten gallon hat Phillips).
by Great Gatsby on Mar 12, 2010 9:18 AM EST up reply actions
they don't use Boss
AB and Jake are always hurt.
…not saying they’re not enough….but that’s not the point.
More weapons..is the point.
Master of the squeegee
by FreeBradshaw on Mar 12, 2010 8:52 AM EST up reply actions
Barden in the GZ?
We have weapons. Some get hurt. Some we don’t use well.
If CJ turns into Harvin I will eat my words but at this point I am not big on him in the 1st round under most – but not all – scenarios. If he drops to 2nd round – not likely – that is a different story.
Hixon, Ross, AB, Manningham and others all constitute options. Who we use and how well they do…who knows?
So who is going to tell me to “start munching” first?
Ross?
The point on CJ is he could foreseeably touch the football one time on offense….and take it to the house.
Maybe Nicks, maybe HAM….I don’t see anyone like that. AB can juke DB’s till there’s no tomorrow…but he gets caught up in it and caught from behind.
Spiller makes one cut, displaces defender from jockstrap..and is off.
Explosive is the word. Desean Jackson like impact to our offense. But of course we don’t have to rely on it like the Eggs do, with all the others on the team being capable of marching down the field.
He’s simply unlike anything the Giants have ever had.
Master of the squeegee
by FreeBradshaw on Mar 12, 2010 11:37 AM EST up reply actions
Free, take a look at Deji Kareem from Southern Illinois. You might just like him
Bleeding Blue since 1962
I know about him.
him and Joique Bell from Wayne State are a few I was looking at as 6-7th round sleepers, along with Darius Marshall (clone of AB) and Keith Toston from OK State.
Kareem and these others are a lot like Danny Ware and Bradshaw…Derrick Ward.
aka, the type that the Giants are most likely to look at should they not get someone like Spiller
Master of the squeegee
by FreeBradshaw on Mar 12, 2010 11:43 AM EST up reply actions
Karim(sorry about the earlier spelling) will go in Rd. 5
Here’s a youtube clip, the only one I could find to share. A buddy of mine who is on the staff at Northwestern sent me a DVD and it’s kind of scary to watch him. 1,694yds 18TD’s and 7.1 avg for a 5’9" and 210lbs who runs a 4.37.
He is #31:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ej8pypXXA7k
Bleeding Blue since 1962
I hear ya, but
I am still not sold on CJ in Round #1 given all the other needs we have.
Agree Giants have rarely had any game breakers like him.
Ross returned punts at UT – and broke more than a couple for TDs. Giants may have used him like that 1x or 2x in his rookie pre-season. Not since then.
the “Jason Sehorn” effect hopefully scares the Giants from using Ross there tho.
He’d probably sprain his wrist catching the punt and be listed as doubtful for 7 weeks
Master of the squeegee
by FreeBradshaw on Mar 12, 2010 12:54 PM EST up reply actions
You forgot Nicks...
who is probably the gamebreaker of the group.
Earl Thomas
are we really out of the running for this guy? last I heard Jerry was approaching this season as if we weren’t going to have Kenny Phillips… that leaves us with one safety I like and the collective group of idiots from last year, Better but Not Good.
I still think we should look at this guy seriously if he’s still on the board at 15, and McClain and Spiller aren’t
I wonder too...
I don’t think so, I’d think if ET is still the best player there, its got a chance (…tho hopefully Taylor Mays doesn’t). ET can play CB too, so his potential versatility to see the field is a good thing.
Master of the squeegee
by FreeBradshaw on Mar 12, 2010 9:11 AM EST up reply actions
Remember
There are quite a few guys who should be good NFL safeties who will be available in the second and third rounds. But, yes, I think the Giants need to do more at that spot.
by Ed Valentine on Mar 12, 2010 9:18 AM EST up reply actions
up until we got Rolle alot of folks on this site were sold on him. I just don’t think Rolle is enough to change the fact that we need people that can play the ball back there as we go forward.
as is without Phillips, as Reese is playin it, were an ankle turn away from reliving last years nightmare all over again
3 quality CBs
Ross, TT, Webster
Giants could use the same at safety – meaning they are missing at least one.
Draft a safety in round 2 or 3
Man
Yeah, he’s not worth giving up a 3rd for. Kirk Morrison sounds like a bit of an underachiever for the Raiders, and he’s better suited as an OLB, just like Michael Boley. Shedding blocks and taking on bigger offensive lineman isn’t his strengths. It’s more like ‘run and hit’
Not my 3rd pick.....no sir!
I feel as though the linbackers in the draft have just as much if not more potential than morrison, he is good but im sure he will want a good contract as well and if you go by his #’s alone, he deserves one. This draft is full of worthy inside backers in the first two rounds. I want us to draft a linebacker who we can call our own. Someone who can be our Urlacher or Ray Lewis. That first round pick is getting harder and harder to determine which position it should go to but I still would draft McClain, weatherspoon or move up in second round and take spikes.
But dont tell em i told you that !!!!!
+1
If we’re not lucky enough to grab one of the top prospects at MLB, I’d rather grab Chaney in the 2nd than give up our 3rd for Morrison.
Bleeding Blue since 1962
Chaney is under the radar
He will be there in the 3rd
by mclaren_is_the_best on Mar 12, 2010 6:41 PM EST up reply actions
MLB position
Here are my thoughts on the MLB position for the Giants. I think Goff and I think he deserves his shot if he plays well in camp. But I also think they need other options in case he doesn’t step up. I watched some Morrison highlights and a couple of Raider games and he seems fast and fiery. I like him. I’m just not sure he is stout enough to fill the MLB position with the Giants. He seems to excel more at coverage and blitzing more than stuffing the run and shedding blockers inside. I’ll let Jerry make the call, I’m sure he’s watched a ton of tape on him by now.
I also watched some highlight stuff of McClain and Weatherspoon. I have to say, I agree with those who like Weatherspoon better. He plays much faster and with less arm tackling than McClain. McClain’s propensity for not trying to run through the ballcarrier and preferring to time his hits so he arm tackles and spins guys to the ground really alarmed me. I think I pass on him at 15 even if he’s still there.
If they signed Morrison ( providing they decide he could play MLB in Fewell’s system), they could then gamble by trading down a few spots and get that 3rd rounder back. And then still get lucky and pick up Weatherspoon if he’s still there. That would be my dream scenario right now. Then we’d have some nice depth at LB for a change.
My point exactly
I like McClain alot but everyone acts like he is so polished, to me he is not as polished as some of the other backers but he is intelligent and likes to be a sponge for his DC but i said before he is the arm tackle king……and thats not going to fly in the NFL. He also isnt as strong as his size would lead us to believe he has trouble bringing ball carriers dwn immediately. they are always taking him another 3-4 yrds while he tries to bring them dwn………tremendous upside but as you really disect him, his buzz is more than his play IMO right now……… compared to last years backers in the draft i dont think he would be as highly touted as he is this year……. still like the kid tho and he is worth the # 15 pick but so are others.
But dont tell em i told you that !!!!!
Agreed
And I like his leadership in a big time program as well. That is an important asset at the position.
But to draft a linebacker at 15 in the NFL, I’d like to see more quickness, speed, and a dominance of blockers and running backs at the point of attack on the highlight reel.
And now with this lingering hammy ( how many times have we seen a hammy ruin a rookie year!) and the fact that he blamed his disease flare up for his less than stellar performance at the combine. Well, It just raises some flags for me, you know?
He was just being honest
He wasn’t blaming it on his disease. Rolo was letting NFL GMs that he has this and therefore the team has to weigh his options and help him with it. That is a priority for an organization, to take care of their employees.
Pretty sure
he also blamed a flare up of Crohn’s for his lack of a stellar showing at the combine, along with the hammy. I could be wrong.
But remember, this disease is very variable. Some get worse as time goes on, and some people even get their colon removed so they can live a more normal life. When you are drafting in the 1st round that has to be a major concern. I hope he has a great career and it doesn’t affect his play on the field. But it is definitely a concern.
Correction
I meant to say I like Goff, not think Goff. LOL
I’d say nickel corner…maybe some safety (probably why they don’t need to go safety so early).
Doesn’t really matter to me…..he’s gotta get on the field first.
Master of the squeegee
by FreeBradshaw on Mar 12, 2010 10:29 AM EST up reply actions
That's exactly right Free..Ross needs to get on the field and out of the trainers room.
"When I was a boy and had no sense I got my pecker stuck in an electric fence..Well it curled my hair and tickled my balls, and made me shit in my overalls"
Kareem McKenzie
Master of the squeegee
by FreeBradshaw on Mar 12, 2010 10:35 AM EST up reply actions
Save Hixon for the trade up with Denver to nab McClain
and pick up Owusu-Ansah CB from Indiana of Pennsylvania and Deji Kareem RB from Southern Illinois. They’re both KR/PR and add bodies to positions that could use bodies. Kareem may be an answer to the small, quick, change of pace back everybody is saying we need. He is explosive and was productive at Brandon Jacobs Alma Mater,
Denver could use a speedster and will probably get another 1st for Marshall, before all is said and done. I like Hixon, but he’s reduced to ST and would be more valuable to the Bronco’s than us. He’s actually regressed as a returner, maybe going back to Denver will get him more reps as a receiver.
Bleeding Blue since 1962
Morrison > 3rd round pick
This guy is established, nasty, smart, and a 4-3 MLB who wants nothing more then to win. bring him over. well worth the 3rd IMO
Please Mets.. over .500 this year? Please??
by Plaxico Burress on Mar 12, 2010 10:40 AM EST reply actions
I still on the Goff bandwagon..and perhaps drafting McClain if he is there..
I still dream however of Spiller being there when we pick…I suppose Morrison wouldn’t be a numb-nuts move to go peek at..I did like his comments it has to be hard playing for a perennial loser..It is going to be interesting to see what Fewell has planned…by now I’m sure the staff has a plan in place that clearly defines the direction they head into the draft with..Obviously, they aren’t to to show their cards yet..but I sure wish I was a fly on the wall in their meetings..lol
"When I was a boy and had no sense I got my pecker stuck in an electric fence..Well it curled my hair and tickled my balls, and made me shit in my overalls"
I'm all for bringing Morrison in...
If you can trade with the Zombie King, do so. If not, I’m willing to go the third rounder prior to the draft. That would leave the Giants having solved the #1 issue at safety and the #1 gap at middle linebacker. If Goff can beat out Morrison for the position, so be it, we’ve suddenly got depth at the position. Even losing a third rounder if necessary, the Giants have two higher picks to deal with other areas, and if you’ve covered the pressing needs at safety and linebacker, you’re in pretty decent shape going BPA. If the worry is Morrison will require $‘s, that would indicate that he’s played well enough to demand them. If at his worse, he’s better than Pierce at his best, they should get him.
This draft is very deep
I would rather keep the pick and build through the draft. How about Osi and the 15th pick for Morrison and the 8th pick.
that's too much...
how about Osi for Morrison and a #2 or 3?
Master of the squeegee
by FreeBradshaw on Mar 12, 2010 1:30 PM EST up reply actions
If Dead Davis would go for it....
I’m all for it. I don’t think Osi is worth that much, but hopefully the Darth Davis thinks he is.
McClain falls from them... they go --
Running back, first round.
Morrison
I don’t get y ppl don’t think he’s worth a 3rd his worst season he had 116 tackels
by hotshot5568@aim.com on Mar 12, 2010 3:41 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Because tackles is not a good way to see how good a Linebacker is
and Morrison stat pads because of a terrible DLine anyway
by mclaren_is_the_best on Mar 12, 2010 6:45 PM EST up reply actions
Dan Williams
Months ago, I was the one here touting Dan Williams as a viable DT for the Giants. I backed off of that after I read reports that questioned his commitment and work ethic. However, from a strictly need-fit analysis, I still prefer him over Price. He wouldn’t have any problems playing in a 4-3 since he excelled in a 4-3 Tampa 2 scheme under Monte Kiffin at Tennessee. If McClain isn’t there at #15 and the Giants feel comfortable with Williams’ discipline, I hope they take him.
He can play any scheme, unlike Terrence Cody. He’s big enough to play 3-4, but also fast and agile enough to play defensive tackle in a 4-3, and he actually has experience in a cover 2 scheme at Tennessee so, despite his size, he can play that scheme at the next level. I can’t see him falling past Tennessee at 16, who needs a big defensive tackle to play in their cover 2 defense.
Ed...Is TRAVIS Mays a relative...
of that fine tackle Mr. Buluga, who’d be a whale of a deal for the Giants at #15? Sorry – couldn’t resist ;-D
I would take Morrison
so that we could use our first round pick to solidify our D-line by taking either morgan or williams. Or we could give up our 3rd pick for morrison adn take weatherspoon and play him at OLB, I believe weatherspoon is a versitle enough of a player play OLB. This way we would have Boley, Morrison, and Weatherspoon as our LBs, which wouldnt be to bad in my opinion
Move down
Trade down 1st round pick- still get Price
Trade up in 2nd round- Spikes
3rd round- DE/OT
I’m not saying Spikes can start for a contender as a rookie, but I would trust him more than any of the other options out there not already on our roster, (I like Goff) at worst, he is good competition for Goff. He is BIG, Mean, He stuffs the Run, and 4 int as a junior 2 int as Senior- he can drop into coverage as good as any MLB out there.
Brian Price (to me) seems like a Barry Cofield clone- I could deal with that
I wouldn’t be opposed to Dan Williams at all.
Morrison seems like a mediocre player on a bad team. I would go along with this if we can see how the draft goes and sign him afterwards.
Does anyone know if we can Sign Morrison after the Draft- so we are giving up a 3rd rounder in 2011????
Not bad..Pitch..
To be honest though I am not sure but I think when they tender these players it is only valid for this year..I don’t think you can offer picks for the following year..You can still trade though, so to again be honest I’m confused..with all this lack of CBA stuff..and how that comes into play.
"When I was a boy and had no sense I got my pecker stuck in an electric fence..Well it curled my hair and tickled my balls, and made me shit in my overalls"
I think
that were better off grooming a linebacker from the draft than taking a mediocre MLB like Morrison
by mclaren_is_the_best on Mar 12, 2010 6:49 PM EST reply actions
Well I'm with you on that..I like Goff..I think he will be a good one and he learned watching AP..
We do need some re-enforcement via the draft…in several areas including LB..There is rarely a player that is going to get drafted and walk on the field as a starter..So anyone they pick will be for the future..and that doesn’t necessarily mean they won’t contribute in some fashion..but they sure won’t be starting from day one…I think Fewell has his work cut out for him, but he seems to be making the right moves/changes to get our defense back on track..I think our offense is going to be awesome this year..can’t wait to see Barden in the mix..that kid is like a giant redwood tree..If it is first and 10..he can catch a ball and fall down over ten yards. He’s a giant.
"When I was a boy and had no sense I got my pecker stuck in an electric fence..Well it curled my hair and tickled my balls, and made me shit in my overalls"
Me too....
How many of those tackles are for a loss? I coudn’t find that stat. A solo tackle 5 yards down the field is not all that helpful. Why was he tendered with only a 3rd? Lots of questions.
I have the Oakland game on DVR and will watch it again this weekend to see what I can find out. I was there in person and don’t recall any plays made by him. Was he one of the guys grasping at air as Bradshaw danced into the endzone??
I think alot of the 'arm tackle' comments concerning Morrison are do to that fact..
That he looks always to be on the chase because their D-line stinks..Shit LT made alot of arm tackles..once he got an arm on you you were toast..So I’m not all amped up about that..I just don’t like giving away a three pick for him and see them spend money that could be better used elsewhere.
"When I was a boy and had no sense I got my pecker stuck in an electric fence..Well it curled my hair and tickled my balls, and made me shit in my overalls"
I don't typically quote other posts
but found this on nj.com about our boy Kirk. Some facts of the sort I’ve been looking for. Posted by another nj.com blogger……
Some food for thought for all clamoring for Kirk Morrison. The Oakland Raiders offense in 2009 was ranked #31 and scored 12.3 ppoints per game. Time of possesion was 28:17 for the Raiders and 31:42 for their opponents. Their turnover ratio was -13. What these numbers state is that the offense was obviously awful, which put the burden on the defense and kept the defense on the field for long stretches of time, meaning the defensive numbers are both inflated and misleading. The Raiders defense in 2009 was ranked #23, gave up the 5th worst yards per game and were the 4th worst run defense. The defense actually wasn’t as bad as these numbers would indicate, they simply were on the field too long. Kirk Morrison had 133 total tackles, 109 solo and 24 assisted tackles, 2 sacks and 6 tackles for loss. Decent enough numbers seemingly but when you consider the opposing team ran the ball a league leading 548 times at 4.5 yards per clip, you begin to see how the numbers could be inflated and misleading. Kirk’s 6 tackles for loss on 548 times run at means he barely made any impact tackles behind the line of scrimmage. Thomas Howard had more tackles for loss with 54 less tackles. Kirk also didn’t record an interception and had 1 pass defensed on 438 passes against, which means he wasn’t an impactful pass defender. This may be a little long winded but I wanted us all to see who we would be getting for our 3rd round pick. The way I interpret these numbers is if the offense was halfway decent then he wouldn’t have had all those tackles. He also wasn’t a game changer or an impact MLB, so by no means do I think we should trade for him and sign him to a lucrative long term extension as we would most certainly have to do. He doesn’t provide enough bang for the buck to give up our #3
Yeah, ive noticed that a lot
people on here seem to think that because the rest of the team is bad and he is their MLB with a lot of tackles so it means he is a good player that will be even better with the giants supporting cast.
by mclaren_is_the_best on Mar 12, 2010 10:01 PM EST up reply actions
Excellent information..got me thinking here..and that's dangerous..lol
I think we stick with Goff and draft..Which has been my thought all along..I don’t understand why everyone thinks we need a MLB anyway..Goff as I said has a few games under his belt..Why is everyone all worried about MLB?..Goff is a good player..He has good range and can stuff the run..plus he’ll have Fewell tutoring him during the camps…Do we really need to solve a problem via FA that most likely doesn’t exist?
"When I was a boy and had no sense I got my pecker stuck in an electric fence..Well it curled my hair and tickled my balls, and made me shit in my overalls"
Do we really need to solve a problem via FA that most likely doesn’t exist?
A: No.
A: CJ Spiller
Q: So..what who to get with that first rounder?
Master of the squeegee
by FreeBradshaw on Mar 13, 2010 8:45 AM EST up reply actions
Didn’t know enough about him, so I had to go digging for what video and info I could find. What I found certainly wasn’t bad. I’d say he is worth serious consideration. First and foremost we know he can play as a starting MLB in the NFL. No matter how much any of us like any draft prospect we can’t say for sure they can come in and start without a doubt (especially year one). Morrison you can say yes absolutely he can be the starter. It’s hard to go by stats because he was on such a horrible team, but he looked good on the video I could find. If we signed him on we could actually go BPA in rnd 1 and not feel like we ‘had’ to pick any position. We could even still grab a LB this draft and feel comfortable about having time to bring him up to speed. Is he a “must have”? No, I guess not, but he would give us some stability and lots of options.
Well, it would be hard to make a lot of tackles for loss....
when your defensive line is getting blown three yards off the line of scrimmage with regularity. I still think he’s worth getting, and is less risk than a typical #3 pick. I also would try and pry him loose via trade with Darth Davis so that we might have Morrison AND the third round pick. I’ve got nothing against Goff, and as I said earlier, if Goff improves enough to take the position, then we at least have depth where at the moment we have a hold and a question mark. Further, we’re a Goff injury from having just the hole. I agree with bigblue that with Rolle and an acquisition of Morrison, we’ve both strengthened ourselves and opened the door to go BPA, and to also explore the offensive side of the game as well. I’m not trying to refute that the Raiders aren’t a good team, but surrounded by a competent unit, and with an offense that kept him on the field a more average amount, the chances are just as great that he’d be less nicked up, tired and be making more big plays. I just don’t think you can take stats from one situation and extrapolate them into much more than a guess. For five years, the Raiders have started him, and I’m assuming even Darth would have had him replaced if they had anything better. And yeah, it’s a lot of tackles and maybe it is “inflated”, but those were also tackles he made, which the lineman in front of him didn’t.
No picks in the 1st 3 rounds for KMorrison at all!No trading Osi unless its outright robbery on our part!
If Mcclain,Trent Williams,or Spiller aren’t there you trade down and get more picks,in this very deep draft.No DT that will be there is worth #15.Price falls all over himself 2 yards into the backfield and is a 1 trick pony that gets engulfed if he can’t blow through the gap.DWilliams isn’t worth the pick at that # either.
I've been seeing Weatherspoon mentioned alot at our #15....
But I thought he was rated atleast 5-10 picks lower,has he really moved up much?If he would slide to 20-25 should we just target him and trade down?
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