Big Blue View - All PostsYour place for year-round New York Giants discussion and informationhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47371/bigblueview_fave.png2024-03-19T09:46:44-04:00http://www.bigblueview.com/rss/current/2024-03-19T09:46:44-04:002024-03-19T09:46:44-04:00Why haven’t the Giants re-signed Isaiah Simmons yet?
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<figcaption>Isaiah Simmons | Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Shane Bowen’s defense isn’t Wink Martindale’s defense</p> <p id="cZohwS">The question in the headline of this post — ‘why haven’t the <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">New York Giants</a> re-signed Isaiah Simmons yet?,’ is one that seems to come into the Big Blue View mailbox consistently.</p>
<p id="UCkNbo">So, here are my thoughts on Simmons and whether or not he has a future with the Giants.</p>
<p id="IKKcyH">The biggest consideration/reality is that the Giants have a different defensive coordinator. Shane Bowen is a coordinator who wants rush the passer with four. He wants to be strong against the run, and his defenses with the <a href="https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/">Tennessee Titans</a> were. Former defensive coordinator Wink Martindale was a blitz-happy ’rush the passer with numbers’ guy who wanted to scheme pressure. </p>
<p id="1YJWYC">There is merit to both approaches, and the purpose here is not to argue which one is better. The purpose is to talk about Simmons.</p>
<p id="3dbfJ0">The Giants acquired the former No. 8 overall pick from the <a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Arizona Cardinals</a> last season for a seventh-round pick. The Cardinals, frankly, had never figured out exactly what to with Simmons. For his part, no matter what Arizona tried to do with him, Simmons seemed to end up showing there were always down sides to whatever role he was put in.</p>
<p id="Hz50IF">Simmons is an athlete. An incredible one, as shown by his Relative Athletic Score (RAS):</p>
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<p id="JOPh3Y">What he has shown not to be is an incredibly instinctive player, or a guy who has one standout skill that forces defensive coordinators to keep him on the field. He is, really, what the Giants used him as last year. A sub-package player whose athleticism is useful in space, mostly in pass coverage or pass rush situations.</p>
<p id="lqEfFQ">When the Giants had an opportunity to acquire Simmons last season, they first went to Martindale to see if he had a desire to have the player and a viable plan for how to use him. He did, so GM Joe Schoen made the move.</p>
<p id="JqYQCD">Simmons played 377 snaps for the Giants, just 33% of the defensive snaps. Per Pro Football Focus, he played only 84 snaps in run defense. He simply isn’t physical enough to be a quality run defender. He played 91 snaps in coverage, producing just one sack and seven hurries. He played 203 snaps in coverage, where he was at his best. Covering backs and tight ends in short areas of the field, Simmons had a career-best 81.9 passer rating against.</p>
<p id="wesB1B">Simmons often came on the field when starting inside linebacker Micah McFadden came off. Simmons played some as an inside linebacker, some on the outside and a bit in the slot for Martindale.</p>
<p id="oeWGM4">As we have said, Bowen is not Martindale.</p>
<p id="ZdAMSy">What it comes down to is simply whether or not Bowen sees Simmons as a player who fits what he wants. If the belief is that Simmons doesn’t fit what Bowen wants to do, then Simmons won’t be brought back to the Giants.</p>
<p id="e2elD5">A deal could still happen, of course, but as of now that appears to be the case.</p>
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https://www.bigblueview.com/2024/3/19/24105190/nfl-free-agency-rumors-why-havent-the-giants-re-signed-isaiah-simmons-yetEd Valentine2024-03-19T08:09:57-04:002024-03-19T08:09:57-04:00WR Rome Odunze to New York Giants in latest Mel Kiper mock draft
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<figcaption>Rome Odunze | Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Kiper opts for play-making wide receiver instead of quarterback J.J. McCarthy</p> <p id="zmqD0I">Quarterbacks go 1-2-3 and wide receivers 4-5-6 in the <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/insider/draft2024/insider/story/_/id/39752638/2024-nfl-mock-draft-mel-kiper-updated-quarterback-predictions-32-picks-williams-maye-daniels">latest mock draft</a> from ESPN’s Mel Kiper. The <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">New York Giants</a>, with the sixth overall pick, land Washington’s Rome Odunze, giving them a much-needed potentially game-changing receiver.</p>
<p id="Mq6GVG">Kiper said he went with Odunze instead of quarterback J.J. McCarthy because he felt No. 6 was “too high” for the Michigan quarterback. He wrote:</p>
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<p id="iQwi5Q">This would make back-to-back-to-back quarterbacks at the top of the board, and then back-to-back-to-back wideouts right after that. That’s how loaded these groups are. The Giants have improved their receiving corps over the past two years — Darius Slayton, Jalin Hyatt and Wan’Dale Robinson are their top three guys right now — but they don’t have a true No. 1 guy who can dominate on the outside. They could add that in Odunze, a touchdown machine in a 6-foot-3 frame.</p>
<p id="q9fgPS">There have been rumblings about New York being a team to watch for the quarterbacks, but I just don’t see it. The team is committed to Daniel Jones for at least one more season because of the extension he signed last year, and I think this is too high to take J.J. McCarthy. Are the Giants willing to mortgage their future to try to move into the Patriots’ spot at No. 3? The most likely option might be adding a playmaker for Jones and seeing if he can return to his 2022 form. Then again, if Jones struggles, coach Brian Daboll & Co. might again be drafting around this spot in 2025.</p>
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<p id="E2axAe">Kiper did not include any trades in his mock. McCarthy went No. 11 to the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a>. A surprise was that Oregon’s Bo Nix went right after McCarthy, No. 12 to the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com">Denver Broncos</a>. </p>
<h2 id="v4jw8l">Valentine’s View</h2>
<p id="rYMHYM">If GM Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll agree with Kiper that this is too early for McCarthy — and we don’t know if they do — I would be thrilled with this selection in the real 2024 <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a>.</p>
<p id="H2gGEp">By now, you likely know that I am in the minority that likes Odunze more than Malik Nabers of <a href="https://www.andthevalleyshook.com">LSU</a>. I would be happy with either, and I think the Giants would, too, but it is Odunze who I am drawn to.</p>
<p id="oiZj8M">Odunze’s size at 6-foot-2⅞, 212 pounds, route running, contested-catch ability, terrific hands and consistency appeal to me. The work ethic and <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/2024/3/3/24089239/rome-odunze-viral-nfl-scouting-combine-workout-moment-ny-giants-nfl-draft">desire to be great</a> Odunze showed at the NFL Scouting Combine check another box for me.</p>
<p id="T2O9AV">The Giants have pure vertical threats in Darius Slayton and Jalin Hyatt. Odunze would give the Giants something similar to what Plaxico Burress and Hakeem Nicks brought, a quarterback-friendly, open even when he’s not open, receiver.</p>
https://www.bigblueview.com/2024/3/19/24105637/mel-kiper-mock-draft-wr-rome-odunze-to-new-york-giants-nfl-draftEd Valentine2024-03-19T06:00:00-04:002024-03-19T06:00:00-04:00Giants news, 3/19: Buffalo model, Caleb Williams, Daniel Jones, more headlines
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<p><em>New York Giants news for Tuesday</em></p> <p id="NRSzKW">Good morning, <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/"><strong>New York Giants</strong></a><strong> </strong>fans!</p>
<h4 id="7Vi9Ta"><a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/2024/3/18/24103885/does-the-very-buffalo-ish-approach-work-ny-giants-joe-schoen-bills-brandon-beane">Does the ‘very Buffalo-ish’ approach work? </a></h4>
<p id="w8EAE1">The approach includes de-valuing positions like running back and safety; spend your resources on premium positions; and be quarterback-centric on offense, and do what you have to do to get the guy you want.</p>
<p id="6UbR8K">No, the Giants have not — yet — swung a Josh Allen-style trade. They did, though, prioritize paying quarterback Daniel Jones over running back Saquon Barkley.</p>
<p id="DVj8D8">Question is, does it work? <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/2024/3/18/24103885/does-the-very-buffalo-ish-approach-work-ny-giants-joe-schoen-bills-brandon-beane">Click here</a> for a little point-counterpoint about the ‘Buffalo Model.’</p>
<h2 id="Metzbi">From Big Blue View</h2>
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<li id="i8qlgc"><a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/2024/3/18/24103894/nfl-free-agency-grades-how-analysts-think-the-new-york-giants-have-done">NFL free agency grades: How analysts think the New York Giants have done</a></li>
<li id="gzaxPk"><a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/2024/3/18/24104774/greg-cosell-top-5-wrs-in-the-2024-nfl-draft-ny-giants">Greg Cosell’s top 5 WRs in the 2024 NFL Draft</a></li>
<li id="MFZFUl"><a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/2024/3/18/24104788/2024-nfl-draft-prospect-profile-jonah-elliss-edge-utah-scouting-report-ny-giants">2024 NFL Draft prospect profile: Jonah Elliss, EDGE, Utah</a></li>
<li id="Zp7BUQ"><a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/2024/1/16/24040021/2024-nfl-draft-prospect-profiles-scouting-reports-who-will-be-giants">2024 NFL Draft prospect profiles: Who will be Giants?</a></li>
<li id="F7VuB4"><a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/2024/3/13/24099756/2024-nfl-draft-pro-day-tracker-ny-giants-watching-prospects">2024 NFL Draft pro day tracker: Who are the Giants watching?</a></li>
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<h2 id="8bcS6z">Other Giant observations</h2>
<h4 id="nzR6Xt"><a href="https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2024-nfl-draft-what-it-would-cost-giants-to-trade-up-for-a-qb-plus-more-on-draft-pick-trade-chart-values/">2024 NFL Draft: What it would cost Giants to trade up for a QB | CBSSports.com</a></h4>
<p id="aqpg4z">Can the Giants make the leap for a top-three QB? The article covers what it would take for the Giants to move up with the Patriots in a draft pick trade in the three different scenarios for trading the pick (baseline value, medium value, competitive-market value). Then we'll hit the price for moving up to No. 4 or No. 5 in the scenario where the Patriots keep the pick, or someone else outbids the Giants for No. 3 and they want to protect themselves from another trade up for the fourth QB on the board.</p>
<h4 id="8LLO1u"><a href="https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/is-caleb-williams-all-in-with-the-bears">Is Caleb Williams all in with the Bears? | Pro Football Talk</a></h4>
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<p id="BpOXxm">The teams currently holding the first four selections all have defensive head coaches. Thus, if any of them (Bears, Commanders, Patriots, Cardinals) would take Williams and if Williams would thrive there, the offensive coordinator inevitably would become a “hot” head coaching candidate — and Caleb Williams would have to start over with another offensive coordinator.</p>
<p id="HRlCMI">Williams has reasons to eyeball the Giants at No. 6. He could thrive in that market, setting him up for many more millions in off-field earnings. And his coach would be an offensive expert who has shown he can get the most out of Josh Allen, when Brian Daboll was the offensive coordinator in Buffalo.</p>
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<h4 id="NAWZgE">Drew Lock looking forward to be a member of Big Blue</h4>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">"Excited to get going" <br><br>- <a href="https://twitter.com/DrewLock23?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrewLock23</a> <a href="https://t.co/XT2wOFK8fL">pic.twitter.com/XT2wOFK8fL</a></p>— New York Giants (@Giants) <a href="https://twitter.com/Giants/status/1768399204228215197?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2024</a>
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<h4 id="Ils1k6"><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1641761&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheathletic.com%2F5345806%2F2024%2F03%2F16%2Fhowe-what-im-hearing-on-qb-battles-daniel-jones-vs-drew-lock-geno-smith-vs-sam-howell%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bigblueview.com%2F2024%2F3%2F19%2F24105004%2Fgiants-rumors-news-3-19-buffalo-model-caleb-williams-daniel-jones-more-headlines" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Howe: What I’m hearing on QB ‘battles’: Daniel Jones vs. Drew Lock, Geno Smith vs. Sam Howell | The Athletic</a></h4>
<p id="MTwMWE">Lock, indeed, was not offered a chance to compete for the starting job, according to a league source. The Giants did sell him on the idea of working with head coach Brian Daboll, who has a quarterback-friendly system that led to Jones’ best season in 2022.</p>
<p id="OeDTQK">Additionally, after working with Daboll, Taylor just earned a bigger contract with the <a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">New York Jets</a>. Before that, former <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> backup Mitch Trubisky also turned a 2021 stint with Daboll into a raise with the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a>.</p>
<h4 id="Vb0HjA"><a href="https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/how-strong-is-giants-faith-in-daniel-jones-examining-new-yorks-qb-plans">How strong is Giants’ ‘faith’ in Daniel Jones? Examining New York’s QB plans | FOX Sports</a></h4>
<p id="ZwIsuL">The Giants seem to be hedging their bets against Jones for the short term. But are they also plotting out new options for the long term? Is their “faith” in the 26-year-old Jones as strong as it was when they gave him that massive deal with $82 million in guaranteed money last March, or are they feeling “buyer’s remorse” as NFL Network’s Rich Eisen reported he heard at the combine?</p>
<h4 id="wma5Ys"><a href="https://www.nj.com/giants/2024/03/is-deonte-banks-ready-to-anchor-giants-secondary-after-xavier-mckinneys-departure.html">Is Deonte Banks ready to anchor Giants’ secondary after Xavier McKinney’s departure? | NJ.com</a></h4>
<p id="Qb73Xd">NFL free agency began one week ago. So the first wave is long since complete.</p>
<p id="YdmyGx">The Giants made a fascinating addition to their defense by trading for (and then giving a massive contract to) edge rusher Brian Burns.</p>
<h4 id="DttBiy">More changes coming to coaching staff?</h4>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">James Madison is targeting New York <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Giants?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Giants</a> assistant offensive line coach Chris Smith for its offensive line coach opening, a source tells <a href="https://twitter.com/247Sports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@247sports</a>.<br><br>Before the Giants, Smith was the offensive coordinator and OL coach under new JMU head coach Bob Chesney at Holy Cross.… <a href="https://t.co/TGHCVinzRO">pic.twitter.com/TGHCVinzRO</a></p>— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) <a href="https://twitter.com/mzenitz/status/1769786807296643397?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2024</a>
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<h4 id="fnbPgu"><a href="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10113181-nfl-teams-that-need-to-decide-if-theyre-a-contender-or-pretender-after-free-agency">NFL Teams That Need to Decide If They're a Contender or Pretender After Free Agency | Bleacher Report</a></h4>
<p id="CUKEgB">Daniel Jones should be healthy after a knee injury limited him to six starts, but he's still unproven at best. Jones hasn't showed the potential to legitimately carry a roster that lacks star power. He's never averaged more than seven yards per attempt—a number, by the way, that ordinarily is a tick below the league average.</p>
<p id="fRhoSi">Perhaps a deeper offensive line is the solution, but the Giants are otherwise banking on a ton of internal development.</p>
<h4 id="2SDHuY"><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1641761&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheathletic.com%2F5345342%2F2024%2F03%2F18%2Fnfl-free-agency-new-york-giants-joe-schoen%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bigblueview.com%2F2024%2F3%2F19%2F24105004%2Fgiants-rumors-news-3-19-buffalo-model-caleb-williams-daniel-jones-more-headlines" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Giants’ top free-agent fits remaining: Who could Joe Schoen sign on the cheap? | The Athletic</a></h4>
<p id="sf3AiY">While the soon-to-be 25-year-old Clyde Edwards-Helaire has battled injuries and primarily played backup, he knows how to make defenders miss after the catch. He topped the list of available running backs with an average of 13.4 yards after catch per reception. His pass-catching prowess could be an attractive option for the Giants in the absence of a true three-down back like Barkley.</p>
<h4 id="bQZd6n"><a href="https://nypost.com/2024/03/15/sports/giants-nfl-free-agency-grades-big-blue-swings-big-with-brian-burns/">Giants NFL free agency grades: Big Blue swings big with Brian Burns | New York Post</a></h4>
<p id="ArEmMZ">NFL free agency saw some big names change team. The Giants lost Saquon Barkley and Xavier McKinney but made a big trade for Brian Burns, let’s grade all their offseason moves thus far.</p>
<h4 id="w181DV">Spida Burns</h4>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Brian Burns' lock screen <a href="https://t.co/5xrlufrI3h">pic.twitter.com/5xrlufrI3h</a></p>— New York Giants (@Giants) <a href="https://twitter.com/Giants/status/1769000673193214165?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2024</a>
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<h4 id="s4vxMw"><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1641761&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pff.com%2Fnews%2Fnfl-2024-nfl-free-agency-5-perfect-scheme-fits-and-3-questionable-moves&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bigblueview.com%2F2024%2F3%2F19%2F24105004%2Fgiants-rumors-news-3-19-buffalo-model-caleb-williams-daniel-jones-more-headlines" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">2024 NFL Free Agency: 5 perfect scheme fits and 3 questionable moves | PFF</a></h4>
<p id="RUvLg6">The real question is whether Burns can live up to a lofty contract that pays him more annually than every edge defender not named Nick Bosa. Burns began to look like an elite pass-rusher in 2020, but his production since then has been more good than great, albeit on a struggling Panthers squad.</p>
<p id="snlKBw">Burns is still just 26 years old, so his best days may be ahead of him. The Giants are taking a huge gamble on him based on projection and fit in a more comfortable role. With the massive amount of resources they have invested in their defensive line, they need Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux to give them elite production.</p>
<h4 id="bnN8ey"><a href="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10112698-every-teams-updated-2024-nfl-draft-needs-top-targets-after-1st-wave-of-free-agency">Every Team’s Updated 2024 NFL Draft Needs, Top Targets After 1st Wave of Free Agency | Bleacher Report</a></h4>
<p id="CnkNir">Day 3 Draft Target: WR Ainias Smith, <a href="https://www.goodbullhunting.com">Texas A&M</a>. New York still needs receiver help, even after adding Isaiah McKenzie in free agency. While the Giants probably won’t find the No. 1 target they lack, they could find a developmental prospect with upside on Day 3. Texas A&M receiver Ainias Smith, for example, is a shifty, fluid pass-catcher who suffered a leg fracture in 2022 but rebounded with a 795-yard campaign in 2023.</p>
<h2 id="1tj01w">Around the league</h2>
<p id="o1FWhM"><a href="https://www.nfl.com/news/new-eagles-qb-kenny-pickett-on-reports-of-his-steelers-exit-i-m-confident-in-the-way-i-handled-it">New Eagles QB Kenny Pickett on reports of his Steelers exit: ‘I’m confident in the way I handled it’ | NFL.com</a></p>
<p id="qNymud"><a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/39759647/sources-cowboys-rework-dak-prescott-contract-reduce-cap-hit">Cowboys reportedly rework Dak Prescott’s contract to reduce cap hit | </a><a href="http://espn.com/">ESPN.com</a></p>
<p id="5ZeS20"><a href="https://www.nfl.com/news/former-cowboys-linebacker-leighton-vander-esch-retires-from-nfl-after-six-seasons">Former Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch retires from NFL after six seasons | NFL.com</a></p>
<p id="4jIpyx"><a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/39760159/commanders-austin-ekeler-energized-ready-prove-again">Commanders’ Austin Ekeler energized, ready to prove himself again | ESPN.com</a></p>
<p id="r2iQwK"><a href="https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/report-vikings-to-have-private-workout-with-jj-mccarthy-next-week">Report: Vikings to have private workout with J.J. McCarthy next week | Pro Football Talk</a></p>
<p id="UzOq8w"><a href="https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2024-nfl-draft-some-teams-view-malik-nabers-not-marvin-harrison-jr-as-top-wr-on-their-boards-per-report/">Jeremiah: Some teams view Malik Nabers, not Marvin Harrison Jr., as top WR on their boards | CBSSports.com</a></p>
<p id="rxl8qH"><a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/39760392/bills-give-cb-taron-johnson-3-year-31m-contract-extension">Bills give CB Taron Johnson 3-year, $31M contract extension | ESPN.com</a></p>
<p id="zbGZ81"><a href="https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/dolphins-star-tyreek-hill-had-alleged-domestic-dispute-in-january-vows-to-clean-up-off-field-behavior/">Dolphins star Tyreek Hill had alleged domestic dispute in January, vows to clean up off-field behavior | CBSSports.com</a></p>
<p id="BJri5e"><a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/2024/3/17/24104264/patriots-kj-osborn-signing-nfl-free-agency-analysis?_gl=1*1utvlsm*">What signing K.J. Osborn in free agency means for the Patriots | Pats Pulpit</a></p>
<p id="4s1uHV"><a href="https://www.nfl.com/news/free-agent-wr-mike-williams-to-visit-panthers-jets-and-steelers-this-week">Free-agent WR Mike Williams to visit Panthers, Jets and Steelers this week | NFL.com</a></p>
<p id="lezX4f"><a href="https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/mark-donovan-says-chiefs-could-leave-kansas-city-if-sales-tax-vote-doesnt-go-their-way">Mark Donovan says Chiefs could "leave Kansas City" if sales-tax vote doesn't go their way | Pro Football Talk</a></p>
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<p id="Unba3q"><a href="https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/nflpa-president-jalen-reeves-maybin-believes-shift-to-grass-fields-can-happen">NFLPA president Jalen Reeves-Maybin believes shift to grass fields “can happen” | Pro Football Talk</a></p>
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https://www.bigblueview.com/2024/3/19/24105004/giants-rumors-news-3-19-buffalo-model-caleb-williams-daniel-jones-more-headlinesJamesPHickey2024-03-18T14:00:00-04:002024-03-18T14:00:00-04:002024 NFL Draft prospect profile: Jonah Elliss, edge, Utah
<figure>
<img alt="COLLEGE FOOTBALL: OCT 21 Utah at USC" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/AMcpA3gArlqPmVkMfMjXU_th3dE=/0x0:3545x2363/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73215744/1749123044.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jordon Kelly/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Can Elliss build off his breakout 2023 season?</p> <p id="JaSlfZ">It’s been said quite a lot, but it bears repeating: the 2024 <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL draft</a> looks to be an deep and talented one at the most important positions on the field. And while this year’s edge class might not be quite as highly regarded as the tackle or wide receiver classes, this is still a good group of pass rushers.</p>
<p id="rIL2TH">Utah edge defender Jonah Elliss was in the midst of a breakout 2023 season that saw him average 1.2 sacks and 1.6 sacks per game (12.0 and 16.0 on the season, respectively) when he suffered a season-ending shoulder injury. While that was obviously unfortunate, Elliss slipping off the radar (a bit) could be a boon for teams looking to add a talented pass rusher.</p>
<p id="iBihKe">The <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">New York Giants</a> are transitioning to a “front-back” defense, and Elliss could be a good value pick for them on the second day of the draft.</p>
<p id="alkJU5"><strong>Prospect:</strong> Jonah Elliss (83)<br><strong>Games Watched:</strong> vs. Florida (2023), vs. UCLA (2023), vs. <a href="https://www.buildingthedam.com">Oregon State</a> (2023), USC (2023)<br><strong>Red Flags:</strong> Shoulder (2023)</p>
<h2 id="t1Vb6e">Measurables</h2>
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<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ZcgjTA_wbk_bY_vymFzozsF4mXE=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25342223/Screenshot_2024_03_18_at_10.33.48_AM.png">
<cite>Kent Lee Platte (<a class="ql-link" href="https://twitter.com/MathBomb" target="_blank">@mathbomb</a>) | <a class="ql-link" href="http://RAS.football" target="_blank">RAS.football</a></cite>
</figure>
<p id="Gj8kox">(<em>note: Elliss was unable to work out at the Combine as he recovered from shoulder surgery</em>)</p>
<h2 id="U04qpd">Strengths</h2>
<ul>
<li id="1H9ioc">Explosiveness </li>
<li id="4NHoMT">Competitive toughness </li>
<li id="IoZdxJ">Hand usage </li>
<li id="m1BQgV">Athleticism </li>
<li id="l8rx7V">Leverage</li>
</ul>
<p id="0dLMCh">Elliss is a compact, competitive, and explosive edge prospect with the potential to be very disruptive in opponents’ backfields.</p>
<p id="j6rgci">Elliss is relatively undersized at 6-foot-2, 248 pounds, but has long arms for his height at 33 inches, giving him a solid blend of length and leverage. He combines those physical traits with an explosive lower body and technical refinement as a rusher. </p>
<p id="4iDN7x">He’s able to accurately time his rushes and is generally very quick off the ball as a rusher. Elliss fires out of his stance with very little wasted motion or energy, maintaining good leverage to get under opponents’ pads and maximize his own play strength. He’s very rarely late off the ball and frequently one of the first defenders moving. </p>
<p id="IaW6nC">Elliss will come into the NFL with a good array of pass rush moves and a good understanding of how to use them – as well as how to rush with a plan. He’s shown club, rip, swim, swipe, long-arm, and spin moves on tape, and doesn’t seem to fall into a predictable pattern with them. Likewise, he’s able to string moves together to keep blockers from getting their hands on him and carry his speed into the backfield. He also understands how to set blockers up to expect his speed before using a good bull-rush and uncoiling his hips to turn speed into power. </p>
<p id="UonTCD">Elliss is generally disciplined as a run defender, understanding his role in the overall scheme and not freelancing. He’s able to disrupt in the backfield as well as use his positioning to force runners back to his teammates. </p>
<p id="kVYyI5">Finally, Elliss is a very competitive player. He gives full effort every play, is willing to fight through multiple blocks, is tireless in pursuit, and arrives at the ball carrier with bad intentions.</p>
<h2 id="ZDHjB8">Weaknesses</h2>
<ul>
<li id="CMgWG7">Play strength </li>
<li id="dqNpiE">Processing misdirection </li>
<li id="lxVT54">Track record</li>
</ul>
<p id="NgKyZk">Elliss has a build that is becoming increasingly common among edge defenders coming out of college. He’s an explosive rusher and his size gives him great natural leverage. However, his frame is also nearly maxed out and he lacks play strength compared to more “classic” defensive ends. </p>
<p id="39VTJM">That’s not a concern when he can be isolated on tight ends, however he struggles to match strength with offensive linemen. That can lead to him being tied up as a pass rusher when blockers are ready for his speed and able to mitigate his leverage advantage. Likewise, he can be overpowered in run defense when he can’t attack gaps or play against tight ends. </p>
<p id="1kuAU4">Elliss can also be a bit slow to process misdirection in the run and passing game. He occasionally seems to need an extra second or two to verify where the ball is and get into pursuit. That can also lead to him biting hard on playfakes and taking himself out of position if he misreads the play. </p>
<p id="UIppde">Elliss suffered a season-ending shoulder injury that required surgery to repair. Shoulder injuries always carry a degree of concern for linemen and teams will want to do their due diligence on his medical reports. </p>
<h2 id="lXv1bL">Game Tape</h2>
<div id="500j0d"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1y9Lbnrs9x4?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="h84H0M">(<em>Elliss is Utah EDGE number 83</em>)</p>
<h2 id="WOQY4g">Projection</h2>
<p id="RAdfsZ">Jonah Elliss projects as a rotational edge defender at the next level, though he has the upside to develop into a starter in the right situation. </p>
<p id="0z55Nh">Elliss’ athleticism, explosiveness, and technical refinement should make him an effective (and disruptive) pass rusher right away in the NFL. He obviously won’t be for every team, and defenses that value larger defensive ends to play a classic 7-technique might not grade him highly. However, he has the upside to be a very useful player in most one-gap “multiple” defenses at the NFL level. Elliss can rush from a 2 or 3 point stance, and anywhere from a Wide 9 technique to blitzing through the A-gap as a linebacker. </p>
<p id="SVDByU">Whether or not Elliss becomes a starter and most-downs player could well depend on how he develops as a run defender. Teams will want to do their homework to find out why he didn’t break out until his final season, as well as the long-term prognosis for his shoulder. Assuming those check out, Elliss should have quite a few fans around the League.</p>
<p id="FRBDzT"><strong>Does he fit the Giants?</strong><br>Yes. </p>
<p id="g7VxOO"><strong>Final Word:</strong> A good Day 2 value</p>
https://www.bigblueview.com/2024/3/18/24104788/2024-nfl-draft-prospect-profile-jonah-elliss-edge-utah-scouting-report-ny-giantsChris Pflum2024-03-18T13:22:01-04:002024-03-18T13:22:01-04:00Greg Cosell’s top 5 WRs in the 2024 NFL Draft
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<img alt="Goodyear Cotton Bowl - Missouri v Ohio State" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/yVwph4iBYVzSu0ScICiWsuB_SoE=/0x0:7728x5152/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73215628/1893435937.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Marvin Harrison Jr. | Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Cosell is bullish on Adonai Mitchell</p> <p id="CqwRqW">Esteemed NFL analyst Greg Cosell dropped by the Ross Tucker Football Podcast recently to assess his view of the top five wide receivers in the 2024 <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a>. Since that is a topic <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">New York Giants</a> fans are invested in leading up to the draft, I thought I would summarize Cosell’s take on the top 5.</p>
<p id="MKxuPw">The full episode is embedded at the bottom of the post.</p>
<blockquote><p id="BqMlxR">“I think he’s one of the better wide receiver prospects we’ve seen in a long time ... He understands route running, he understands how to set up corners and attack them ... I think he’s the best receiving prospect in this class.”</p></blockquote>
<p id="UrBfcM">Cosell’s No. 2 in Malik Nabers of <a href="https://www.andthevalleyshook.com">LSU</a>.</p>
<blockquote><p id="wbwEcA">“He’s got a complete receiver skillset, he’s got really high-level physical traits, he’s super competitive, really tough kid ...he needs a little work on sort of the nuances of route running. I think he relied almost exclusively on his high, high-level physical ability to both defeat press and run routes. But, I think it’s all there. I think he’s a really high-level prospect.”</p></blockquote>
<p id="dnFgnu">Rome Odunze is “another really strong prospect,” per Cosell.</p>
<blockquote><p id="NnzJUK">“Another guy with high-level traits. He’s a contested-catch guy. Great hands. Caught the ball away from his body. Made a ton of contested catches ... he was phenomenal going up and getting the ball.”</p></blockquote>
<p id="xS7L3Z">Cosell thinks Brian Thomas of LSU is “an ascending talent.”</p>
<blockquote><p id="Djz2HQ">“He’s a long, smooth athlete. He’s got accelerating speed to run by and get on top of corners ... you wouldn’t call him suddent and explosive, but there was a really easy gliding feel to the way in which he moved.”</p></blockquote>
<p id="zIwNnz">Cosell said “he may not be a big-time player Year 1, but I think he’s an ascending player and I was really fascinated by his tape.</p>
<p id="0B7wfh">For Cosell, Adonai Mitchell of Texas is WR5.</p>
<blockquote><p id="uJFoGK">“I really like this kid a ton. Anoth big kid, strong, solid frame. Great hands. He ran a ton of in-breaking routes at Texas, so you know he can work the middle of the field effectively. He’s got short-area quickness, he’s got burst to create separation ... it would not surprise me if this kid ends up being a top 10 or 12 wide receiver in the league as he develops.”</p></blockquote>
<div id="u7FWkX"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Fn5T51qF92I?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="f7eDy5"></p>
https://www.bigblueview.com/2024/3/18/24104774/greg-cosell-top-5-wrs-in-the-2024-nfl-draft-ny-giantsEd Valentine2024-03-18T09:28:50-04:002024-03-18T09:28:50-04:00Does the ‘very Buffalo-ish’ approach work?
<figure>
<img alt="New England Patriots v Buffalo Bills" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/I62y8ZulvlpxfLq5cYocdhdiG6c=/0x67:3826x2618/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73214973/1900964920.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Buffalo Bills GM Brandon Beane | Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Giants are largely following the model Joe Schoen learned with the Bills</p> <p id="97jWgv">Sports Illustrated NFL insider Albert Breer recently told the ‘Rich Eisen Show’ that the <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">New York Giants</a> under the direction of GM Joe Schoen are taking a “very Buffalo-ish” approach to their build.</p>
<p id="tJvhQU">This is absolutely true, and not a surprise since Schoen and coach Brian Daboll had front row seats to GM Brandon Beane’s build in Buffalo. The approach includes:</p>
<ul>
<li id="UCJEzQ">De-valuing positions like running back and safety.</li>
<li id="Ha2vmO">Spend your resources on premium positions.</li>
<li id="u5fLXc">Be quarterback-centric on offense, and do what you have to do to get the guy you want.</li>
</ul>
<p id="ckRhqD">No, the Giants have not — yet — swung a Josh Allen-style trade. They did, though, prioritize paying quarterback Daniel Jones over running back Saquon Barkley.</p>
<p id="VI7cMq">Question is, does it work? Tony DelGenio and I were debating that the other day, and we thought maybe we should float our opinions out into the world. At least the part of the world that cares about the Giants.</p>
<p id="dt79KJ">So, here is a little point-counterpoint about the ‘Buffalo Model.’</p>
<div id="vAhzTa">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">According to <a href="https://twitter.com/AlbertBreer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AlbertBreer</a>, the Giants have inquired with teams for a potential tradeup into the Top 3 for a quarterback and seeing what it might take to get there. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NYGiants?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NYGiants</a> <a href="https://t.co/tUbIEnOygP">pic.twitter.com/tUbIEnOygP</a></p>— WBG84 (@WBG84) <a href="https://twitter.com/WBG84/status/1767958466348376292?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<h2 id="u0xPhd">Tony DelGenio: Not really</h2>
<p id="mUszlm">The current “wisdom” in the NFL is that defense doesn’t win championships anymore. The genesis of that view is the emergence of one of the all-time greats among NFL quarterbacks, Patrick Mahomes, six years ago. Mahomes sat for a season and then burst onto the NFL scene with a 50 touchdown first year as starter and a thrilling loss to the other recent all-time great quarterback, Tom Brady, in the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/afc-championship-game">AFC Championship</a> game. Since then the <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com">Kansas City Chiefs</a> have made it at least that far every year, made the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a> four times, and won it three times. Brady, the previous GOAT, had won the Super Bowl three times in the previous five seasons and lost it once.</p>
<p id="hmcUAI">The message is clear: Find a great quarterback and build a great offense if you want to have any hope of winning the Super Bowl. The <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a>, along with several other teams, have attempted to duplicate that model. There is little question that Buffalo (Josh Allen), Baltimore (Lamar Jackson), Cincinnati (Joe Burrow), and the <a href="https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/">Los Angeles Chargers</a> (Justin Herbert) are among the NFL’s great quarterbacks. Several other teams have given out equally big contracts (Philadelphia, Jalen Hurts; Arizona, Kyler Murray; Cleveland, Deshaun Watson). That group is 0-fer, though, in lifting the trophy, and only Burrow and Hurts have even gotten as far as the Super Bowl, despite all of them making even more money per year than Mahomes does except Allen, who is only a couple million dollars behind him.</p>
<p id="EENrGh">The problem is: You can’t out-Mahomes Mahomes. You especially can’t do it since he is coupled with one of the greatest offensive coaching minds ever in Andy Reid. Even without great wide receivers, Mahomes was able to bring it home this season.</p>
<p id="Mag84n">The “Buffalo model” has worked to make the Bills a perennial title contender. It hasn’t gotten them to even one Super Bowl, though. They’ve only even gotten as far as the AFC Championship Game once, and that was three years ago. Three times they have been eliminated by...Mahomes. And now the bill has come due on Allen’s big second contract. Buffalo is shedding good players like a black cat sheds fur on a white rug to get under the cap. Even with that, they have had to restructure Allen’s contract - there is now $74M in money that Allen <em>has already been paid</em> that has not yet been accounted for in the Bills’ cap. Leonard Floyd, Poona Ford, Tre’Davious White, Von Miller, Jordan Poyer, Mitch Morse, Gabe Davis - all gone.</p>
<p id="ndyBtd">If Giants fans would be content with a team that makes the playoffs almost every year but never wins a ring, then I’d say yes, the Buffalo model works. I was a kid when the Giants lost consecutive NFL Championships to the Baltimore Colts in 1958 and 1959, then to the <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Green Bay Packers</a> in 1961 and 1962, and then to the <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a> in 1963. Let me tell you - it wasn’t fun. Sure, it was better than the 15-year wilderness period that followed, but at some point, you just have to find a way to get the Ring through Mordor and drop it into Mt. Doom.</p>
<p id="gWTEoV">There’s a lesson to be learned in the few Mahomes-era Super Bowls the Chiefs did not get to or win. In the 2018 season the Patriots won because Bill Belichick devised a Vic Fangio-style two-deep safety defense that confused Jared Goff and the Rams. In 2020, with the Chiefs’ offensive line playing several backups, the <a href="https://www.bucsnation.com/">Buccaneers</a>’ pass rush pressured Mahomes on 55.4% of dropbacks and held Kansas City to 9 points. In 2021, the Rams prevented Burrow from passing to Ja’Marr Chase for the winning score because Aaron Donald sacked him on fourth down.</p>
<p id="F4HOOF">In that sense the “Buffalo model” is the right one. Don’t pay safeties and running backs, value premium positions, be quarterback-centric. Where it breaks down is when you don’t get there while the quarterback is on his rookie contract, because there is no way these days to sign a good quarterback to a second contract without overpaying. Many Giants fans were outraged at the second contract Daniel Jones got. In retrospect, though, maybe Buffalo, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and the Chargers did something even worse: Sign a really good QB to a <em>really big</em> contract after wasting his rookie contract years, precluding the possibility of winning it all once the ink is dry. This will sound like heresy, but trading a top-flight quarterback to a bad team in exchange for a high draft pick replacement every five years might be a more sustainable philosophy.</p>
<p id="Ol7dnQ">I’m not saying the Giants don’t need to draft a quarterback. Just the opposite - they absolutely do. They need an explosive wide receiver as well, plus an offensive line that gives them a chance to function. I’m just saying that a good enough quarterback on a rookie contract running a creative offense, coupled with a ferocious defense that gets after opposing QBs, might do the trick. It was the Giants’ formula in 1990 and 2007. Maybe it deserves a comeback. Drafting Kayvon Thibodeaux, signing Bobby Okereke, drafting Tae Banks, re-signing Dexter Lawrence, and now trading for Brian Burns are moving them in that direction. The “big” contracts Lawrence and Burns got are chump change next to that of the top NFL QBs and well within what is feasible as the salary cap grows each year.</p>
<p id="4YEcIE">You could argue that the Giants aren’t close enough yet and so should just take a wide receiver at No. 6 and wait for 2025 to go quarterback. My counter to that would be that 2022 suggested that the Giants are not as bad as they seemed halfway through the 2023 season, and that they have moved several steps in the right direction with their free agency signings already. If they have identified a quarterback they like then it’s not unreasonable to get him this year, especially if next year’s prospects seem less impressive.</p>
<p id="u0L0NE">There’s no guarantee this strategy can work in today’s NFL - San Francisco sort of had that approach this past year and couldn’t get past Kansas City, though they came close. The odds of winning it all that way, though, may be better than the odds of finding the next Mahomes or out-scoring the current one.</p>
<h2 id="cUyxWX">Valentine’s View: Yes, it does</h2>
<p id="jIdNHi">No, the Buffalo Bills have not won a Super Bowl during Brandon Beane’s time as general manager. Yes, the Brandon Beane Buffalo Model works. It absolutely works.</p>
<p id="8YGy59">The Bills have been in the playoffs six of the last seven seasons, including five straight. The have won double-digit game in each of those last five seasons, going 61-24 (.706 winning percentage) during the regular season.</p>
<p id="R4lrkk">I get it. The Bills have not been able to vanquish the Kansas City Chiefs. That’s not about the Buffalo Model. It’s not about how the Bills are built. It’s about Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Andy Reid, Chris Jones and Steve Spagnuolo. OK, well, it’s mostly about Mahomes.</p>
<p id="sFtIxi">Still, the model didn’t lose to the Chiefs. The model has put them in position year after year to have a chance. </p>
<p id="0nqk5e">Beane’s model didn’t cost the Bills a game they should won in the divisional round against the Chiefs in 2021. Bad coaching and clock management by head coach Sean McDermott and defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier let the Chiefs tie a game they should have lost after Buffalo took a lead with :13 left. The Chiefs then won in overtime.</p>
<p id="MkzjgE">That’s not on the model. Mostly, that’s on McDermott.</p>
<p id="3zSZco">Positional value is now accepted doctrine in the NFL. Some positions affect the game down-in and down-out more than others. Those are the ones you spend money and use premium draft assets, on. Running backs impact games, if you choose to let them. Whether you do or not, they have a short life span during which they generally play their best football on their first contract. They can be replaced. So, they don’t generally get big dollars.</p>
<p id="cuWp8C">Every team in the NFL tries to find a quarterback on a rookie contract they can win with. That’s the Holy Grail because that inexpensive by NFL standards rookie deal allows money to be spent elsewhere, theoretically building a deeper, stronger roster.</p>
<p id="QZAJBG">Not every rookie quarterback barrels into the league like C.J. Stroud, though, and the ones who do become stars — like Buffalo’s Josh Allen — eventually earn ridiculous mega-contracts.</p>
<p id="BRkkXh">Yes, the Bills have been <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2024/3/13/24097202/buffalo-bills-2024-nfl-free-agent-rumors-signings-trades-news-tracker-draftkings">shedding players due to salary cap issues</a> this offseason. Maybe that is the model’s fault, but not in a way I can have a problem with. The Bills have been good — really good — for an extended period of time. When you are good and want to stay good you have to pay at least some of your best players. When you have to do that, eventually you have to make financial decisions. </p>
<p id="YY5xMo">Now I’m back where I started. Yes, the ultimate goal is to win a Super Bowl. It isn’t the model’s fault the Bills haven’t done that. It isn’t the model’s fault they haven’t been able to close the deal. Blame Mahomes. And a badly-coached 13 seconds.</p>
https://www.bigblueview.com/2024/3/18/24103885/does-the-very-buffalo-ish-approach-work-ny-giants-joe-schoen-bills-brandon-beaneEd Valentine2024-03-18T07:39:48-04:002024-03-18T07:39:48-04:00NFL free agency grades: How analysts think the New York Giants have done
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<figcaption>Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Joe Schoen’s work gets good marks</p> <p id="MS5RHU">How did the <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">New York Giants</a> do in the first week of NFL free agency? Here are how analysts across the Internet graded GM Joe Schoen’s work.</p>
<p id="t10ouo"><strong>Pro Football Focus</strong> gave the Giants a B, which was assigned prior to the depth signings of offensive linemen Austin Schlottman and Aaron Stinnie, as well as tight ends Jack Stoll and Chris Manhertz. The grade includes the trade for edge defender B <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1641761&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pff.com%2Fnews%2Fnfl-2024-free-agency-grades-all-32-teams%23NYG&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bigblueview.com%2F2024%2F3%2F18%2F24103894%2Fnfl-free-agency-grades-how-analysts-think-the-new-york-giants-have-done" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">PFF wrote</a>:</p>
<p id="5CO4ra">The most favorable way to look at this deal is that the Giants effectively used the draft capital they acquired for interior defender Leonard Williams to land a younger player looking for a second contract instead of a third contract. Burns addresses arguably the biggest need on this Giants roster and should have a lot less attention on him all the time now playing alongside Dexter Lawrence and Kayvon Thibodeaux.</p>
<p id="ihSIyU">Runyan is a solid, durable player, and the Giants desperately needed to improve on the interior of their offensive line. However, while Runyan started every game in 2023, the <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Packers</a> began rotating in second-year guard Sean Rhyan, and eventually, the snap counts were about 50-50 between the two.</p>
<p id="k3ZyMk">The Saquon Barkley era has ended in New York, and the Giants’ brass turns to a familiar face in Singletary, whom general manager Joe Schoen helped scout with the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> and Brian Daboll coached as the offensive coordinator. Singletary was solid in Houston in a fairly sizable role, beating out Dameon Pierce for the starting job.</p>
<p id="VUbdiZ"><strong>The Sporting News</strong> gave the Giants <a href="https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-free-agency-grades-2024-best-worst-offseason/5ee13013f6adbcb9daa63345">a B-</a>:</p>
<blockquote><p id="RltKJR">The Giants got aggressive with Joe Schoen in trading and then breaking the bank for Brian Burns to complement Kayvon Thibodeaux. They were smart not to force Saquon Barkley back and save plenty with Devin Singletary. Jon Runyan was a nice starting upgrade for the offensive line. Xavier McKinney leaving hurts, but they can find a good safety replacement in the draft.</p></blockquote>
<p id="Rdm4vR"><strong>CBS Sports</strong> gave the Giants <a href="https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2024-nfl-free-agency-team-by-team-grades-seahawks-improve-mark-with-qb-trade-quiet-cowboys-need-improvement/">a B</a>:</p>
<blockquote><p id="ZiE5GM">The Giants had a mixed bag to begin free agency. On the plus side, they acquired and locked down one of the most dynamic pass rushers in football. Burns is one of 10 players in the NFL to have 45 or more sacks, 10 or more passes defended and five or more forced fumbles since he entered the NFL in 2019. Having him alongside Kayvon Thibodeaux and All-Pro Dexter Lawrence gives New York one of the best defensive fronts in the entire league. Losing Barkley is unfortunate, but the Giants were better off not paying a RB big money. If they were close to contention, maybe, but they still most certainly are not given their quarterback uncertainty. The loss of Xavier McKinney is a big deal. He is the best safety in coverage in the entire NFL, and he is still just 24. It was surprising to not see the Giants fight harder to keep him. </p></blockquote>
<p id="CmRdp1"><strong>ESPN</strong> gave the Giants <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/insider/story/_/id/39633029/2024-nfl-free-agency-grades-signings-trades-latest-best-worst-deals-draft-outlook">an ‘A’ for the Brian Burns trade</a>:</p>
<p id="krrcaC">The Giants’ defensive line now features Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux and Dexter Lawrence II. In an NFC East that once again seems wide open, the Giants have a legitimate strength on one side of the ball. Defensive end is arguably the second-most important position in football, and while the Giants gave up draft assets and spent big on Burns, having to pay a good pass-rusher is a good problem to have. We saw the same thing play out with the Bears at last season’s deadline when they dealt for <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/3134690/montez-sweat">Montez Sweat</a> and immediately gave him a big contract. It’s much better than <em>not</em> having a premier player at the edge position.</p>
<p id="eDdpNh"><strong>Pro Football Network</strong> gave the Giants <a href="https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-free-agency-grades-first-wave-2024/">an A</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p id="lpHJih">Players like Burns are rarely available, so landing him for a package centered around a second-round pick is outstanding, even if the Giants had to extend him at market rate.</p>
<p id="Gw9WWW">Runyan and Eluemunor are reliable offensive linemen who can offer a high floor, which is precisely what New York’s beleaguered front five needs. Big Blue didn’t overpay to retain Barkley or McKinney at non-premium positions.</p>
</blockquote>
https://www.bigblueview.com/2024/3/18/24103894/nfl-free-agency-grades-how-analysts-think-the-new-york-giants-have-doneEd Valentine2024-03-18T06:00:00-04:002024-03-18T06:00:00-04:00Giants news, 3/18: Michael Strahan, music star Daniel Jones, more
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<p>New York Giants headlines for Monday</p> <p id="wqiUZX">Good morning, <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">New York Giants</a> fans!</p>
<h2 id="aOj4NS">Michael Strahan gets one up on Jon Runyan Sr.</h2>
<p id="pbLXVM">Former Giants great Michael Strahan and Jon Runyan Sr., an offensive tackle for the <a href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Philadelphia Eagles</a>, had many memorable confrontations. The two combatants eventually became friends, with Runyan attending Strahan’s Hall of Fame enshrinement.</p>
<p id="AYeHCY">With Runyan’s son, Jon Jr., now a Giant, Strahan is savoring the moment.</p>
<p id="ZCH9ej">“One of my favorite things is knowing that Jon Runyan has to root for the Giants,” Strahan said via the Giants’ PR Department. “That was the first thing that came to my mind, ‘Thank God, now Jon has to actually root for the Giants. This is going to be awesome.’”</p>
<h2 id="vAu44w">From Big Blue View</h2>
<ul>
<li id="efb6tE"><a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/2024/3/17/24102973/new-york-giants-mock-draft-what-trading-down-with-the-minnesota-vikings-looks-like">Ed’s weekly Giants mock draft: What trading down with the Minnesota Vikings looks like</a></li>
<li id="XJAwBw"><a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/2024/3/16/24098642/big-blue-view-mailbag-isaiah-hodgins-comp-picks-free-agency-more">Big Blue View mailbag: Isaiah Hodgins, comp picks, free agency, more</a></li>
<li id="Jkv4ug"><a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/2024/3/16/24102521/nfl-free-agency-ny-giants-jack-stoll-chris-manhertz-analysis">Jack Stoll and Chris Manhertz — it’s all about their blocking</a></li>
<li id="ijnH8W"><a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/2024/3/16/24102460/nfl-free-agency-best-available-free-agents-for-new-york-giants">Best available free agents for the Giants</a></li>
</ul>
<h2 id="yduJfs">More Giants headlines</h2>
<p id="BeUUtv"><strong>Daniel Jones has pipes? And personality?</strong></p>
<div id="L2NVX9">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Zach Bryan and Daniel Jones again <a href="https://t.co/TEik6Jzpnc">pic.twitter.com/TEik6Jzpnc</a></p>— Nick (@nicknyr8) <a href="https://twitter.com/nicknyr8/status/1768842331082404278?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p id="zpi0jV"><a href="https://nypost.com/2024/03/16/sports/carl-banks-slams-personal-attacks-on-eagles-saquon-barkley/?utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=nypost&utm_source=twitter">Carl Banks slams 'personal attacks' on Eagles' Saquon Barkley</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p id="mKKsEL">“Saquon Barkley has put this team on his back. He’s a New Yorker, once a Giant, always a Giant,” Banks said.</p>
<p id="KzgPFp">“And that fits him. And I hate the effing Eagles. I do. And I’m going to root for Saquon Barkley for 15 weeks. I’m going to wish him love and success for 15 weeks. The other two weeks, I hope he gets two yards. And if they see him in the third week, I hope he gets less yards than that.</p>
<p id="la0vtV">“Other than that, the kid has been everything that you would want a star player to be within your organization and outside of your organization. And, you know, again, I’m not singling out all fans but some of the behavior, some of the rhetoric towards you.” ...</p>
<p id="6O8Zid">“ ... some of the personal attacks — understand he’s in his twenties. He’s somebody. He’s got a daughter … And that’s hurtful stuff, folks. And understand this. Would you want someone to do that? Go to your son’s job. Somebody would go to you and call you all these types of names because you changed jobs. It ain’t like he didn’t put out for you. He put this team on his back.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="2KAMXz"><a href="https://nypost.com/2024/03/15/sports/tiki-barber-unloads-on-ryan-clark-in-media-feud-shut-the-hell-up/">Tiki Barber unloads on Ryan Clark in media feud: 'Shut the hell up'</a></p>
<blockquote><p id="IHfQri">“He’s making a story that fits his agenda and he doesn’t know me well enough to talk about me, so shut the hell up, Ryan Clark, please, you sound like a fool.”</p></blockquote>
<p id="HAAnQI"><a href="https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/overreactions-reality-checks-after-first-week-of-free-agency-giants-better-off-without-saquon-barkley/">Overreactions, reality checks after first week of free agency: Giants better off without Saquon Barkley? - </a><a href="http://CBSSports.com">CBSSports.com</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p id="WkmnK5"><strong>Overreaction or reality:</strong> Reality</p>
<p id="S2qQpS">The Giants built a team around Barkley over the last six years, but have just a playoff win and a 34-64-1 record to show for it. They were wise to move on from Barkey, not make an offer, and allocate their money elsewhere. </p>
<p id="W0xUME">New York spent that Barkley money on improving the offensive line, adding Jon Runyan and Jermaine Eluemunor. Their big move was trading for Brian Burns and paying him, creating a pass rush with him, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and Dexter Lawrence. </p>
</blockquote>
<p id="xc7ZKB"><a href="https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/nfl-draft-history-top-10-qb-selections-tell-us-about-the-2024-class">What can NFL Draft history of top-10 QB selections tell us about the 2024 class? | FOX Sports</a><br>How much does college QB experience translate to success in the NFL? Examining that trend in context of the pre/post rookie salary cap.</p>
<p id="6CXJgx"><a href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2024/3/16/24103363/saquon-barkley-signing-mistake-eagles-running-back-philadelphia-giants-nfl-free-agency-news-analysis">Is the Saquon Barkley signing a mistake for the Eagles? - Bleeding Green Nation</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p id="vwwC9V">The Eagles could have utilized that money in far more important areas than running back, and still retained Swift at a reasonable cost (three-year for $24 million/$15.4 million guaranteed). He was not used nowhere near as much as he should have been in 2023, catching 39 passes for 214 yards and a score in earning his first career Pro Bowl in 2023, while Barkley caught 41 passes for 280 yards and four touchdowns.</p>
<p id="GDlqXQ">What will make Barkley a benefit is how new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore uses him. Moore likes using play action, and was highly successful with that while the Dallas’ OC. Under Brian Johnson, the Eagles were 27th in the NFL running play action and last in the NFL when it came to Jalen Hurts being under center.</p>
<p id="i61cA6">Maybe there is a reason for that. Maybe Hurts is not best suited to running play action?</p>
<p id="XD1PWS">We will see this season.</p>
<p id="oZeWDE">The bottom line is this: Eagles’ management seems to have somehow forgot this team lost six of its last seven games and improved this week in an area of strength, while paying marginal attention to a glaring area of weakness (linebacker, safety, cornerback, defensive tackle depth). The 2023 Eagles were built to outscore teams, like it seems Roseman is trying to build the 2024 Eagles.</p>
</blockquote>
<h2 id="i5Vtik">BBV mailbag</h2>
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https://www.bigblueview.com/2024/3/18/24103233/giants-rumors-news-3-18-michael-strahan-music-star-daniel-jones-moreEd Valentine