Here are a few New York Giants-related notes for you on this Saturday morning.
We all know that the NFL Lockout stinks. For fans, though, this is the off-season and all it has meant for us is that we have been talking lockout instead of NFL free agency. For NFL coaches, though, this is generally a busy time of year, with OTAs going on, free agents coming and going and draft preparation ongoing. Well, there is still the draft to work on but not much else.
New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton says he feels "kind of helpless." Pittsburgh's Mike Tomlin allowed that he is "a little bit lost." Atlanta's Mike Smith said "it's not like it's supposed to be." He's got that right.
The NFL had proposed an 18-game season and it seems the players will not budge on that, meaning it won't happen. I had forgotten, though, that in the days of the USFL that league actually did play 18 games -- with no bye weeks. A few of the more recognizable names from the league reflected recently on what that experience was like.
Joe Burnett, signed earlier this offseason to a reseve/futures contract, may find himself an ex-Giant before he ever gets to put on the uniform. Burnett, a former Pittsburgh Steeler, was charged with DUI following a March 16 arrest.
Pro Day Notes
The Giants were represented at several Pro Day workouts on Friday.
The Giants were one of several teams at the UConn Pro Day, where running back Jordan Todman and linebacker Scott Lutrus might have been among the players the Giants were keeping a close eye on. ... The Giants were also in attendance Friday for the Miami Pro Day. Defensive back Brandon Harris and several other Hurricane prospects worked out for dozens of scouts. ... Tennessee State, where outside linebacker Sidney Tarver was the featured player, was another Pro Day attended by the Giants. ... The Giants were one of only three NFL teams to scout the UNLV Pro Day, where center John Gianninoto and guard Matt Murphy were featured. ... This one is a couple of days old, but Giants offensive line coach Pat Flaherty attended the Boston College Pro Day. BC offensive tackle Anthony Castonzo, of course, is widely considered a Giants draft target.