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Professor's Offseason V2 - trades, OL depth, a new pass rushing corps, and more

This is something I've done for the last few years, it is fun for me like doodling on a napkin just to think what I'd do if I were GM. Like always, I start last first then walk through events in the same order as they'd happen leading up to the season. Annnnd here we go...

Final 53:

OL(8):

Starters: Nate Solder, Will Hernandez, John Halapio, Chris Lindstrom, David Edwards

Depth: Cameron Fleming(OT), Evan Brown(OC), Jamon Brown(OG)

WR(6):

Starters: Odell Beckham, Sterling Shepard, Cody Latimer

Depth: Corey Coleman(Z), Jawill Davis(Slot), Keesean Johnson(X)

TE(4):

Staters: Evan Engram, Rhett Ellison

Depth: Chris Manhertz re-signed with Carolina, Tommy Sweeney, Update: Blake Bell

QB(2):

Starter: Eli Manning

Depth: Kyle Lauletta

RB(3):

Starter: Saquon Barkley

Depth: Wayne Gallman, Paul Perkins

FB(1):

Starter: Elijhaa Penny

Depth: none, dun dun dunnn

DL(6):

Starters: B.J. Hill, Dalvin Tomlinson, Brent Urban

Depth: Josh Mauro, Daniel Wise, R.J. McIntosh

OLB(4):

Starters: Clelin Ferrell, Preston Smith

Depth: Lorenzo Carter, Shaq Lawson

ILB(5):

Starters: Deone Bucannon, Alec Ogletree

Depth: B.J. Goodson, Germaine Pratt, Nate Stupar

S(5):

Starters: Haha Clinton-Dix, Landon Collins

Depth: Michael Thomas, Sean Chandler, Kam Moore

CB(6):

Starters: Janoris Jenkins, Sam Beal, Grant Haley

Depth: Eric Rowe, Antonio Hamilton, Saivion Smith

Tenders and Tags, Re-Signs and Retirees, Cuts and Keeps, etc.

  • Josh Mauro (DL), re-signed, 2 years/$2.5M/-$1M cap hit

He was a solid value in the front 6 rotation, bring him back and let him take care of business again. You need these types of depth guys. I went with him over Wynn - Wynn is strong on ST but Mauro looked better on defense, with bringing back the majority of the other ST starters I went Mauro here.

  • Jamon Brown (OG), re-signed, 3 years/$10M/$3M cap hit

Brown is a serviceable RG and one you want to upgrade, but the Giants also sorely lack depth. Bringing him back puts a guy in place who will hold the fort in the event of injury and has shown he can be a solid starter in this league when paired with a better talent at RT.

  • John Halapio (OC), tendered

Halapio drew raves reviews from the FO already going in to the offseason, don't bet against him starting 2019. The chance to upgrade in the draft is certainly possible, but I'd be surprised if they spend in FA with how they've talked about him. Also offers depth at G if he gets beat out for starting C.

  • Corey Coleman (WR/KR), tendered

Giants keep their KR man and a guy to develop as a deep threat.

  • Cody Latimer (WR), re-signed, 2 years/$3M/-$1.5M cap hit

Latimer flashed at times as the WR3, but struggled with injuries. The injuries would have kept his FA market weak so he returns to NY and gets another shot. Don't forget he was one of the "locker room guys" as well, with his former captain role on ST. Nothing wrong with that cap hit.

  • Aldrick Rosas (K), tendered

No brainer. Lined up for an extension once the dust settles with the roster and cap around the time OBJ got his in August.

  • Zack DeOssie (LS), re-signed, 1 year/$1M cap hit

If it isn't broke, don't fix it, unless he announces he wants to retire then we should all be happy with this one. They brought in a young gun on a futures contract like they do every year, I'm not betting against the old man.

  • Elijhaa Penny (FB), not tendered / re-signed, 2 years/$2.5M/$1M cap hit

Penny had a solid year leading for Barkley and I'd like to see some consistency in their growth together. Lots of Barkley's biggest plays so Penny right in front of him. His versatility keeps him in favor with Shurmur. Not worth full $1.9M tender.

  • Antonio Hamilton (CB/ST), not tendered / re-signed, 1 year/$1M cap hit

He performed well as gunner on special teams and has that 4.4 speed. Every member of that #3 ranked ST unit deserves to be welcomed on to the 90 man offseason, I think he sticks. Not worth full $1.9M tender.

  • Nate Stupar (LB/ST), re-signed, $1M cap hit

Stupar is the new Herzlich as a ST glue guy. Need some of these cheap veterans.

  • Kareem Martin (OLB), cut, +2.3M
Martin is my one significant cut with Stewart and Barwin already off the books. In reality I'm not totally sure I see this happening, but I think it is possible. The Giants talked about keeping a lot of the roster and just upgrading, but this is another 2018 FA that simply didn't pan out as they'd hoped. Martin isn't a terrible player by any means and he has a modest cap number, but 1.5 sacks on 610 snaps just isn't cutting it. Like the other moves they move on quick.
  • Landon Collins (SS), transition tag, $10.2M cap hit

Tags are never an ideal situation for the team or the player but it is needed here. It wasn't so long ago that Collins was a DPOY candidate, but the last two seasons have been far short of that former praise and he's ended both seasons on IR. This is a prove-it deal. It does allow other teams to make him an offer and for the Giants to match that offer letting the market dictate his true value. If a team does offer him a market-setting deal then the Giants can also rescind the tag and pick up a compensatory pick for letting him walk. Bringing in a better FS for him to line up next to him instead of letting him walk outright (like Jamon Brown) makes sense.

Free Agent Class of 2019

  • Haha Clinton-Dix (FS), 5 years, $45M, $8m cap hit

Not only does Collins get a FS upgrade next to him, it is a guy who lined up next to him at Alabama. Safety quickly becomes one of the most expensive position groups on the roster, but it is also an important one in the Bettcher defense. Collins has no more excuses while on the tag and could even be extended if the two play lights-out together. Clinton-Dix may never hit free agency, the Redskins did give up a 4th for him after all. However, the Redskins will need the cap room to address QB in some fashion and HHCD is going to be paid well even in the weak FS market. Even if the Giants don't land him they need to be aggressive at the spot like they were last year with LT. Tre Boston makes a lot of sense, but the fact they didn't show interest last year kept me from adding his name. Adrian Amos may be the highest paid of the class, but the Bears certainly will work to keep him. Earl Thomas is too old for my taste and I simply doubt a life long Cowboys fan gives the Giants a call. Lamarcus Joyner is an intriguing 2nd option to Clinton-Dix. Jenkins could sweet talk him a bit to team up again and the Rams are not likely to bring him back after a disappointing season on the tag. He'd be an overpay at this price, but it may be warranted.

  • Brent Urban (DL), 2 years, $4M, $2M cap hit

The Ravens rarely let a starting defender escape and love to retain their own, but Urban may find the light of day as they take care of CJ Mosley. Urban is a solid run stuffing addition to the 3 man front to complement BJ Hill's pass rush. DL is a low cost group to attack in FA and someone like Urban won't attract too much attention but prying him from the Ravens. If Rodney Gunter shakes loose he'd be a nice option, but will command more. Quality depth for the DL is important for the rotation, upgrading the starting spot here is more important than it may get credit for with writers. The amount of $3-6M can go a long way here.

  • Cameron Fleming (OT), 2 years, $6M, $2.5M cap hit

Fleming has never stepped up to be a full time starter but is an upgrade over Wheeler and a viable swing tackle. Like Brown he offers enough that you can run with him if you need but you'd ideally like to upgrade in the draft. A foundation and depth piece in the OL as it looks to go from bad, to okay, to solid, to good. This contract is actually more than he got last year, but the cap hit is the same. Fleming is the more conservative sign, they could also target a bigger name like Trent Brown or Daryl Williams but I think conservative in FA and high in the draft is the play with the long term in mind for the OL.

  • Chris Manhertz (TE), 2 years, $3M, $1.5M cap hit Blake Bell, 1 year, $1M cap hit

Manhertz was a Gettleman find who saw the field a fair bit for the Panthers this year with Olson out. Manhertz didn't start playing football until after college, where his college basketball career earned him a camp tryout. He was one of the best pass blocking TEs graded by PFF, a role that has merit this early in his career with potential for some upside as he continues to get better at the game. Panthers site had him as a fringe chance of being brought back, I doubt he is tendered though. Re-signed with Carolina

Bell is an interesting name and good value with possible upside in many of the ways Rhett Ellison was coming to the Giants. While Ellison only had 9 receptions the season prior to NY, Bell only had 8 last season. Shurmur worked with Bell in 2017 and should be a known commodity. Nicknamed the 'Belldozer' he brings some versatility with his bruising blocking and running style - while at Oklahoma he was a late convert from QB to TE and was also used as a short yardage runner although that has yet to translate to the NFL.

  • Eric Rowe (S/CB), 2 years, $4M, $2M cap hit

Rowe has been moved around by the Patriots and offers depth for both groups in the secondary going forward, a good fit for the Giants defense that prioritizes versatility. The free agent market could always see him get more than he's worth and this is perhaps low, and Patriots may like him at this amount too, but as far as finding some cheap FA CB I think this is a the money to spend, could swap in a different name Gettleman can find as well.

  • Deone Bucannon (ILB), 2 years, $6M, $2.5M cap hit
Bucannon has seen his grades from PFF decline year after year, and where he once played nearly every snap as a rookie he was down to 35% this past year in the new defense. He returns to Bettcher's defense where he had a more defined role and the Giants get him on a good value. He adds depth and experience in the system to one of the weaker position groups.

  • Preston Smith, 5 years, $50M, $8M cap hit
Poaching two Redskins free agents is pretty unlikely to happen, they will surely try to bring both back let alone both get away, but their situation is tricky. If Smith doesn't hit FA Markus Golden on a prove-it deal also makes sense and I think he is much more likely to see the market. Smith is an under appreciated OLB and I think he is a great value at this price, but could potentially see even more money with his upside in a league that's always hungry for pass rushers. Still, his stat production has been modest so this seems attainable. With Ferrell or another edge guy in their sites come draft time a veteran like Preston just entering his prize rounds out the new look OLB corps that can grow in to quite the force.

Trades Before the Draft

  • Bills send Shaq Lawson for a 5th

Lawson returns to a 3-4 and gets a fresh start. Giants pull a Patriots and try to salvage a guy who is being passed by. Lawson has struggled injuries and never lived up to his first round billing. The Bills have also moved to a 4-3 from a 3-4 and he really is better suited standing up on the edge. He joins a fresh new OLB corps that is open for him to earn a spot long term with the 5th year option on his contract still open. Bills get some picks for a guy who is out of place.

Historically relevant trade: Patriots trade a 5th to the Browns for OLB Barkevious Mingo
  • Colts send a 2nd for Olivier Vernon and a 4th round pick

Vernon is a tough one and I see both sides of cutting and keeping. He is still pretty young and I just above I have Markus Golden signed as a FA who is only 6 months younger. Still, injuries are starting to creep and he's the #1 cap hit DE in the NFL this year. Sending him to a 4-3 defense and getting a fresh start is good for everyone. The Colts have an absolute insane amount of cash space so it is no skin of their backs. They give up their original 2nd since they have the Jets early 2nd that also doesn't sting too much and get the Giants original 2nd back.

Historically relevant trade: look no further than the JPP deal. Giants got an early 3rd for him and gave up a 5th. Giants get a late 2nd and give up a 4th.
  • Ravens send a 3rd for a 4th and 5th

Ravens like to move back and Gettleman likes to move up. As day 2 is winding down we see Gettleman pounce on a late in the day value at ILB and grab Germaine Pratt at ILB. Solid value. With the sheer volume of day 3 picks and Gettleman's history of moving up, something similar just has to happen at some point.

Historically relevant trade: in 2018 the Packers sent a 4th and 5th to the Panthers to move up and get ILB Oren Burks

The Salary Cap

  • $27.4 per Spotrac
  • +$12.7M net player adjustment: for each player who you add you are also removing a lower tier roster guy and 22 are removed as of right now.
  • +11.5M Oliver Vernon trade
  • +2.3M Kareem Martin cut
  • -$10.2M Transition Tag for Landon Collins
  • -$5.7M Tenders ($1.9M x 3) of Corey Coleman, John Halapio, and Aldrick Rosas
  • -$8M Haha Clinton-Dix
  • -$2.5M Cameron Fleming
  • -$2M Brent Urban
  • -$1.5M Chris Manhertz
  • -$1M Blake Bell
  • -$2M Eric Rowe
  • -$1M Nate Stupar
  • -$1M Zack DeOssie
  • -$1M Antonio Hamilton
  • -$1M Elijhaa Penny
  • -$1.5M Cody Latimer
  • -$3M Jamon Brown
  • -$1M Josh Mauro
  • -$2.5M Deonne Bucannon
  • -$8M Preston Smith

The 21: Victor Salako (495K), Robert Martin(495K), Alonzo Russell(495K), Ronald Zamort(495K), Jake Ceresna(495K), Myles Humphrey(495K), Nick Gates(497K), Chad Slade(570K), Avery Moss(570K), Quadree Henderson(570K), Garrett Dickerson(570K), Jylan Ware(570K), Taybor Pepper(570K), Tae Davis(572K), Ukeme Eligwe(645K), Brittan Golden(645K), Michael Hunter(645K), Kenny Ladler(645K), Chad Wheeler(652K), Brian Mihalik(720K), Jon Anderson(720K),

Leaves $1M remaining in season

That amount certainly is not enough going in to the season, here are the possible moves to open more space: OBJ restructure for +6.5M, designating Olivier Vernon as a post June 1 move +4M, and converting Alec Ogletree's roster bonus to a signing bonus +4M, that makes $14.5M that is easily available.

The Draft

1) Clelin Ferrell, OLB, Clemson

Ferrell is a good fit to take over the OV/Jones role in Bettcher's defense.He gets the DE label with his limited ability to cover, and that is fair. Bettcher doesn't run anything close to a pure 3-4 - he runs a hybrid 3-4/4-3 system with an important role on versatility, 72% of the time he has a 4 man front. This is the same defense that signed Dwight Freeney, went hard after JPP, drafted Markus Golden, and traded for Chandler Jones... all who had been playing DE in a 4-3. I've watched just about every game Ferrell has played living down here in SC (and attended 2) and all I can say he is an extremely smart and complete Edge player who can immediately come in and have his presence felt in both the run game and pass game. I'd take Josh Allen here if available, which I do think is possible in a 3 QB in the top 5 scenario, but for now I'm very happy with Ferrell in blue.

2) Chris Lindstrom, G, Boston College

Going in to the draft you don't want to shop hungry. It is true the Giants just paid Brown, but here they land another guy with Hernandez type value to be a 4 year starter on the other side. There isn't much to dislike about this pick. He's athetic enough to get to the outside on zone runs, he has good technique, his frame could add a few more pounds, he's quick on pickups... he's a day 1 starter.

Chris' profile: https://www.bigblueview.com/2019/1/23/18191425/2019-nfl-draft-prospect-profile-chris-lindstrom-c-g-boston-college-scouting-report-ny-giants

2) David Edwards, RT, Wisconsin (from Colts)

The Vernon trade pays off nicely with the Giants landing a Wisconsin RT that may exercise some of the demons from missing on Ramcyzk. Edwards had a bit of a disappointing season in 2018 after a first team all-american campaign in 2017. Edwards was plagued a bit by stingers which seemed to affect his play. He comes in though as a prototypical RT and has that TE athleticism that after a passed medical turn him in to a true value here in the second.

Chris' profile: https://www.bigblueview.com/2019/2/9/18218102/2019-nfl-draft-prospect-profile-david-edwards-ot-wisconsin-scouting-report-ny-giants

3) Germaine Pratt, ILB, N.C. State (from Ravens)

Giants land another 3rd rounder out of NC State (BJ Hill the other) with the pick aquired from the Raven at a position some may not have considered a stark need, but he's a true value here and an immediate starter. Pratt is a converted safety to ILB, but you may not know it unless you go back to watch his older footage before he put on the muscle which looks like it was there on his frame and hasn't cost him any speed. A sideline-to-sideline guy who may, gasp, finally break the TE coverage curse.

4) Daniel Wise, DL, Kansas

Wise is a solid depth piece for the front 6. He was a Senior Bowl standout and will help bolster the pass rush upfront. Chris' profile goes over him better than I'd be able to with his role in the defense. Wise fits the Bettcher profile of a defensive lineman as a 290-310 pounder who is capable of getting penetration.

Chris' profile: https://www.bigblueview.com/2019/1/17/18185878/2019-nfl-draft-prospect-profile-daniel-wise-dt-kansas-scouting-report-analysis-ny-giants

5) Keesean Johnson, WR, Fresno State

I have beaten in the drum for Johnson since October and am not stopping any time soon. At this point he may be gone by this point, but he's still being slept on a bit. Why you ask? His speed isn't at the levels teams want to see. I do not care - this guy catches everything, he fights and high points like a season veteran. This is a bargain Anquon Boldin in the 5th. A great complement to Shep and OBJ.

6) Tommy Sweeney, TE, Boston College

Sweeney has gotten lost in the mix of this TE class but deserves more credit for being a well rounded TE. He has good hands and has been a reliable blocker for the BC run game. He will need to clean up his hands as he was flagged a bit in the Senior Bowl, but in the 6th he can be groomed for a year to take over for Ellison.

7) Saivion Smith, CB, Alabama

Smith offers good instincts outside as a 7th round project.

Position Group Breakdowns

Wide Receiver

Shepard and OBJ return for a run with a new QB, not sure we even need to get in to that. Latimer, Johnson, and Coleman all bring something to the WR3 spot and can compete there. Johnson has the strength, Coleman has the speed, Latimer is the vet with a little of both. Jawill Davis is slot depth and handles punts, Quadree Henderson is brought to camp to compete with him.

Camp battle: SWR2 Quadree Henderson vs Jawill Davis, WR3 Cody Latimer vs Keesean Johnson

Running Back

Barkley. Okay, after that we have Gallman who can hopefully bounce back from a bit of a sophomore slump that saw his production dip a bit from 2017 - with a better right side of the line in place that seems reasonable. Speaking of sophomore slumps, let's not sleep on Perkins, we've seen him make big plays a with a season of rest should be fresh to compete. We had a good preseason from Robert Martin and he had a year on the PS and should be back to compete for depth. Spending a late round pick on the group or a cheap FA would be fine by me, I'd like to see a Sproles scat back type brought in very much. Elijhaa Penny is brought back and stays in the mix, a solid in-season find by Gettleman. I went with Perkins over Martin for his pass catching ability.

Upgrades: Jonathan Stewart -> Paul Perkins

Camp Battle: RB3 Paul Perkins vs Robert Martin

Offensive Line

What in blue blazes? It looks like the Giants have a good OL group. Veteran LT. Monster LG. Solid rookies at RG and RT. Rounding out the group we have home grown talent at OC who the staff moved and found. Not only that but some solid depth players.

Camp Battle: OC2 Evan Brown vs Spencer Pulley

Tight End

Like WR this group isn't too changed. People are quick to move on from Ellison in an attempt to pad cap numbers, but I think he is a solid roster piece who doesn't save enough to warrant removing. After that you have a development draft pick who has the makings of a well rounded guy and then a project with upside in the basketball convert who should have an immediate role in pass protection.

Camp Battle: TE4 Scott Simonson vs Chris Manhertz

Defensive Line

Bettcher's defense needs a blue collar group to rotate upfront and this group looks versatile and rounded to handle duties. Tomlinson and Hill you know. Wise is a solid pick to start day 3 who adds to the pass rush. McIntosh should be healthy going forward and flashed in limited late season snaps. Mauro and Urban bring a run stopping presence and could bookend Tomlinson on 3rd and shorts.

Camp Battle: RDE Brent Urban vs Josh Mauro vs Daniel Wise

Outside Linebacker

Clelin Ferrell is a perfect fit for Bettcher and should be playing 80%+ of snaps as a rookie, combined with Preston Smith should allow the Giants to make a smiith transition from OV. Ferrell, Smith, and Carter could form a nice trio for a long time if Carter can take the next step. Lawson adds some Belichick like depth with upside. This group truly looks upgraded.

Camp Battle: OLB3 Kareem Martin vs Shaq Lawson

Inside Linebacker

Ogletree brings back his leadership skills to hold the middle and Bucannon offers a nice upside player who knows the defense day 1. Goodson still can runstop as a rotation piece. Stupar is ST only and not a guy you want out there. Pratt is a nice find in the 3rd who offers upside as a replacement for Ogletree after a year. Tae Davis loses the camp battle here but wanted to mention him as a possible replacement for Stupar, while he had a forgettable rookie season, that's largely to be expected from an UDFA - I see people pining for homegrown players you develop, but I see few willing to actually stick it out through the bad reps. Davis has a 2nd year to see if he has what it takes at the next level and contribute on ST behind the starters.

Camp Battle: ILB2 Germaine Pratt vs Deone Bucannon, STLB Tae Davis vs Nate Stupar

Cornerback

Jenkins was given the restructured deal right before 2017 started so he's the name we keep out of the big 3 deals. We've seen him flash his elite talent a bit, but needs more consistency, having a true FS over the top should help. Beal takes Apple's spot as CB2 and we'll get to see what he's got, not much to report with him other than hoping he stays healthy. Haley is slotted to the slot and proved to be a solid starter last year and should only improve, the gem of the UDFA squad so far. As for depth Hamilton is brought back for his athleticism and knack for ST, but not much else, he's a project on the outside. BW Webb is in consideration to bring back as depth, but as one of the most penalized players in the league he simply isn't part of a winning foundation. Eric Rowe is a wildcard signing that I really like and can play both S and CB to contribute in versatile looks, a great fit for the defense and can play all over.

Camp Battle: CB5 Saivion Smith vs UDFA

Safety

Collins is on the prove-it deal that makes headlines, but it is Clinton-Dix that may really be the most important signing of the offseason. FS is very important in the defense and moving on from Riley in a major way should pay dividends all over. Better help over the top helps Jenkins and the 'rookie' Beal, which will help the blitzers get home, and allows LC to push up, which makes Ogletree's life easier, etc. - all good things. Depth we have Sean Chandler who was graded as top 5 ST players in the NFL by PFF, next to Michael Thomas the PFF ST player of the year. I have Riley in the mix here competing, I know he was awful but he has 1000 snaps at FS and you need depth bodies, he'd probably only cost another $600K and is still new at the position, put him on the 90 and see if he can learn more at the spot.

Camp Battle: S4 Sean Chandler vs Kam Moore

Final Thoughts

Most Improved Areas

  • Offensive line depth is seen for the first time in a long time
  • OLB and pass rush in general look much better. McIntosh and Wise bring more heat from the DL. Ferrell is a clean replacement for Vernon with tons of upside. Carter is in his 2nd year and hopefully improves. Last, going from Martin to Smith should pay dividends.
  • Defensive line with McIntosh back, Urban upgrade, and a day 3 investment in Wise sees a stronger rotation than last season.
  • Specific highlights: Curtis Riley -> HaHa Clinton-Dix, Kareem Martin -> Preston Smith, Chad Wheeler -> David Edwards

Areas of Concern

  • Inside linebacker still isn't a true strength, but this group is looking better
  • Cornerback and secondary depth still is pretty shallow, but the starters are there, this would get the #1 need grade going in to the year
  • WR3 still isn't anything to brag about, but Evan Engram was getting more looks as the season went
  • Many will still bemoan the QB situation, that is a boring topic for these write-ups though so I went a different way
QB Disclaimer
At first I was going to have Eli retire and the Giants go out and get Foles, and I do think that is both possible and makes some sense with the rest of this. I think a 3-4 year deal with Foles' year 1 cap hit being equal to Eli's cap savings could be a good way to maximize the years of OBJ + Barkley, but I digress. I figured it would cast a shadow over all else when really half the reason I like to write this is because it raises discussion outside of the already discussed-to-death QB spot.

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