Good morning, New York Giants' fans! Here are your Monday morning links.
NFL notes: Jake Ballard could be key figure | Boston Herald
The Pats ruffled some feathers last offseason when they snatched [Jake] Ballard off waivers from the Giants. No one in the Big Apple was happy when that happened. Giants coach Tom Coughlin reportedly was livid, particularly over the fact Ballard was left exposed in the first place. Patriots coach Bill Belichick also took heat in some corners by violating an unwritten rule that frowns upon claiming injured players.
At the time, the poaching of Ballard didn’t make much sense in light of the Pats’ stable of premier tight ends, but when injuries enter the picture, the move appears a shrewd one, especially if Ballard picks up where he left off with the Giants.
The 6-foot-6, 275-pound tight end looked pretty good during the Giants Super Bowl season, catching 38 passes and scoring four TDs in the regular season. He also hauled in five more passes during the postseason run before blowing his knee out in the Super Bowl against the Pats.
What we know from what we’ve seen during the Giants games against the Pats, is he was very effective, with Eli Manning hitting him time and again during key situations. He was also a decent blocker.
Rookie safety models himself after former Giant - NYPOST.com
[Jason] Sehorn said he hopes the Giants don’t ask [Cooper] Taylor to bulk up for a move to linebacker. "Size is the box they place you in in the beginning, and it’s up to you to convince them it’s inappropriate or it’s wrong,’’ Sehorn said. "Leave him at safety. Let him break the mold. I know when I got to the Giants that first year they put me at safety and I was kind of miserable because I didn’t really want to play safety. I felt I was athletic enough to play corner.’
Cruz talks "moving slowly" | ProFootballTalk
Giants receiver Victor Cruz continues to look for a load of chips to go with his salsa. A source with knowledge of the situation tells PFT that the Giants and Cruz continue to talk, but that the process is "moving slowly." Talks are expected to resume this week.
Charley Casserly's best available free agents - NFL Videos