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As the dust settles following a tumultuous week of free agency in the NFL, fans find themselves looking at the bigger picture. Which team came out on top? Who failed to make a move and who was too aggressive? The New York Giants sit at No. 26 in our aggregated rankings.
NFL.com: No. 27
The Giants have a fresh start in an Eli-free world, and their work in free agency thus far indicates Big Blue is now taking a more methodical approach to team building. GM Dave Gettleman made a couple of splashes, adding cornerback James Bradberry and middle linebacker Blake Martinez on substantial deals, and the decision to franchise Leonard Williams came with a hefty price tag ($16.1 million). But the whispers connecting the Giants to Jadeveon Clowney proved to be false, and the team didn’t make a big splurge to upgrade the offensive line that many predicted. Don’t be surprised if Gettleman uses the Giants’ first draft pick (No. 4 overall) to address the team’s offensive line or pass-rush needs.
New York Post: No. 26
CB James Bradberry will match up with Amari Cooper. MLB Blake Martinez is a smart tackling machine and upgrade over Alec Ogletree. OLB Kyler Fackrell is a capable pass-rusher and special teamer. Cameron Fleming is a nice swing tackle. Cody Core was re-signed because he is an elite special teamer.
USA Today: No. 25
The Joe Judge era began with the New York Giants making key moves on the defensive side of the football. With a need at cornerback, they added James Bradberry, a cornerback with a blend of man and zone coverage skills. Then they added Blake Martinez, a talented young linebacker with pass-rushing skills but perhaps a weakness against the run. That might make his fit in the Giants’ defense a bit of a reach if they are looking at him to be a forward-facing run stuffer. They still have needs as the draft approaches, and while Cameron Fleming is a nice swing tackle, you might expect them to address offensive tackle with the fourth overall selection
NBC Sports: No. 27
Big Blue gave James Bradberry a mint. They made some smart adds, especially on defense, but nothing that’ll make one think they’ve expedited their rebuild. One problem: it’s in the hands of Dave Gettleman. That spells trouble.