OFFENSE – Needs – OL, RB

The offensive line was been slowly dissolving into a weaker unit as a whole. Chris Snee and David Diehl are both getting up there in age, and the need for a rock solid starter for years to come should be a focal point at some point early in 2013. Luckily for the Gmen this year is a great year for lineman and they should have their pick of whoever may fall out of the top 15 this year, or even have the opportunity of taking a solid starter in rounds 2-4. The ability for that prospect to learn the nuances of the line from veterans like Snee and Diehl would also work in the Giants favor.

It’s believed up to 7 offensive linemen could go in the first round. I would not expect the top 4 lineman, Joeckel, Fisher, Cooper, and Warmack to be available at 19; however, guys like D.J. Fluker, and Melenick Watson would be an excellent addition for the Giants. Fluker earned preseason All-SEC recognition in 2012 and went on to earn many honors, including second-team All-America by AP and Walter Camp and first-team All-SEC from the coach and second-team from the media while starting each of the Crimson Tide’s games en route to the national title. Menelik Watson recorded a 27.5-inch vertical jump and 19 strength lifts. He played right tackle at Florida State but the feeling is he can play left tackle. If the Giants decide to go in another direction in round 1, look for Justin Pugh in round 2, or Barrett Jones in Round 3. Both players versatility is unparalleled to the entire lineman class outside of the top 4 lineman in the draft. Pugh may be the biggest reason Ryan Nassib is considered to be a good QB prospect since he kept him on his feet throughout his college career, while Jones was D.J. Flukers’ teammate and has won a national championship playing 3 separate positions on the offensive line (C, OG, and OT.)

Running back is a much smaller need since we’re really talking about a back-up here. David Wilson will be the #1 back going forward and Andre Brown can’t stay healthy, so were looking for a versatile back with some pass catching ability to be a fill in while Wilson and Brown get some rest. Brown will be a free agent after next season so there should be an interest in having some security at the position, but it won’t be until round 4 or lower. Guys I love like Michigan State Le’Veon Bell and North Carolina Giovanni Bernard will be long gone, so the Giants will be looking for a RB who can also be used as a punt returner, or a great blocker on special teams. Enter Florida RB Mike Gillislee. Gillislee went crazy in his senior season after finally getting the starting gig. He totaled 1,152 yards and 10 touchdowns in the SEC. That takes talent, and this kid has some serious upside. Considered a top prep-school prospect coming out of high school, Gillislee sat behind Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps before they both left for the NFL. Don’t get me wrong, he’s not going to be a starter, but he would be more than helpful. He should be chosen in rounds 4 or 5.

DEFENSE – Needs – LB, DB

Dan Connor, Mark Herzlich, Mathias Kiwanuka, Keith Rivers. Those are the best ILB’s on the Giants roster as of now. Kiwanuka is no slouch. He’s a heck of a player and a great LB, but he’s not a natural MLB. Rivers was just signed to a 1 yr. deal, but he’s not a MLB either. Herzlich is a fantastic story, and an inspiration in the locker room, that being said he’s not going to the pro-bowl this year, though I wish him the best on making it one day. The glaring need for a captain in the middle has been a problem for the last two years, and it should be a priority.

The problem is this isn’t a great class of ILB. As a matter of fact I only really like two of them and that’s LSU’s MLB Kevin Minter and Georgia LB Jarvis Jones. Just like Gillislee at Florida, Minter and Jones played in the SEC, which is a tutoring lesson for the NFL. So many great NFL players come from that conference. Minter was clearly the best defensive player on his team at LSU, but is he worth the #19th pick overall? Jones on the other hand would be a gift if he somehow falls to #19. Teams are very skeptical of Jones because of some pretty serious medical concerns. Jones was diagnosed with Spinal Stenosis, a narrowing of the spine that can result in numbness, loss of muscle control, and in some cases paralysis. He has since been cleared by doctors, saying that it was a miss-diagnosis, but that really tainted his draft stock. He is a top 10 talent that will fall some but I’m not sure he makes it to 19. If he should, would the Giants consider him healthy enough for them to draft? That’s a question for Jerry Reece. I think it would be an easy pick myself. Jones isn’t even considered a true MLB, which goes against my own thought process. He’s just too good to pass up if he’s still there. Now if he isn’t I think the Giants should look at OL or a CB in the first round.

With that being said, let’s talk about the CB / S class for the 2013 NFL Draft. This class has some serious talent. Dee Milliner barring any major injury will be a shutdown corner in the NFL. The Giants would need to move way up in the draft to even think about Dee and that’s not Mr. Reece’s style. Instead the Giants should be looking at 3 guys in particular.

(1) Florida State CB, Xavier Rhodes – Rhodes, like Jarvis Jones would have to fall in the draft according to most mock drafts. According to what you read, he could go to the Dolphins at 12, the Bucs at 13 and the Saints at 15. The kid has a 40.5” vertical leap, an 11’ broad jump, and he ran a 4.39 40 at the combine. All 32 teams were present at his pro-day, and is considered by most to be the second best CB prospect in this class.

(2) Texas FS, Kenny Vaccaro – Vaccaro emerged as arguably the best safety in the Big 12 as a junior, posting 82 tackles, eight tackles for loss, two sacks, eight passes broken up and two interceptions. While the Longhorns’ talented defense struggled in 2012, Vaccaro registered a career-high 107 tackles and five turnovers (two interceptions, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery). He has great instincts and hits hard, 2 qualities needed to be successful as a FS in the NFL. Giants’ fans should be thrilled if Vaccaro is taken at #19.

(3) Houston CB, D. J. Hayden – Hayden, also has similarities to Jarvis Jones. Hayden had what could have been a fatal injury last year. Hayden suffered a heart issue — a torn inferior vena cava — which was called the “most unique injury in the history of the draft” by a Packers executive, but he’s getting good news in his team physicals after checking out at the Combine. Hayden was elected to the 2012 ALL Conference USA team even though he only played 9 games after the heart related injury. He was a team Captain at Houston, and shows the willingness to fight through adversity. I would take him last of the three only due to the unbelievable injury he suffered in a practice! Still, he’s very talented and would be a good pick for the Giants.

For those of you who follow my draft and are wondering how I could have written this entire piece without mentioning Florida State DE Bjoern Werner after having him as the Giants pick for many weeks now, I say… I just did. (HA!) I would like to remind everyone reading this that the article is about players the Giants should be looking at to fill a need, not who they think is the best player available at the time. I know, semantics but hey! What can you do?

Follow me on Twitter @Jferguson631

Feb 21, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Syracuse offensive lineman Justin Pugh speaks at a press conference during the 2013 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Justin Pugh from Syracuse is projected as an early second day pick, so if he falls to the Giants, it will be another teams mistake. At 6’5 309lbs, Pugh, can play nearly every position on the offensive line with the most experience at LT. He would be a perfect pick for the Gmen with his versatility. The Giants should continue to look at offensive lineman throughout the draft as they need to get some younger talent on the roster.

1. Kansas City Chiefs – Luke Joeckel, OT/ Texas A&M – After the combine, Joeckel is still considered the best lineman in the draft, and now that the Chiefs have officially traded a 2nd round pick and a conditional 2014 pick to the 49’ers for Alex Smith he would certainly love a little protection. I am a firm believer a lineman must have great upper body strength. Joeckel did 27 reps of 225lbs. at the combine. Eric Fisher who is also getting some play at #1 also completed 27 reps, but Luke has the force on his side.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars – Sharrif Floyd, DT/ Florida – NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah was quoted as saying, “everybody” has Floyd pegged as a top-five pick.” At 6’3 297 pounds, with a solid 40 time, Floyd racked up 13 tackles for loss, three sacks, and two kick blocks as a junior before declaring. He is the one player whose stock went up the most due to the combine.

3. Oakland Raiders – Geno Smith, QB/West Virginia – ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reported on NFL 32Wednesday that the Raiders have interest in West Virginia QB Geno Smith with the No. 3 overall pick in the draft. This is exactly what I have been saying since January 26th when the first mock draft came out. Palmer’s 13 million dollar base salary is a big concern, and then there’s the fact that he’s 33 years old.

4. Philadelphia Eagles – Star Lotulelei, DT/Utah –As mentioned in the last draft with the hiring of Billy Davis as DC, The Eagles will run a strict 3-4 defense, as that’s all Davis runs. Any good 3-4 can’t run without a big body in the middle. Just ask the Jets! Lotulelei is considered to be the best DT prospect at this time.

5. Detroit Lions – Dee Milliner CB/ Alabama – According to Sports Illustrated’s Peter King, teams wanting Alabama CB Dee Milliner will “probably have to trade ahead of Detroit at No. 5 to get him.” I trust Peter King’s opinion. He has access to information few others do in the industry. Milliner will require surgery right after the combine but should be ready for training camp and my bet is it’s in Detroit

6. Cleveland Browns – Bjoern Werner DE/ Florida State – Werner has an incredible motor, and great hand use to keep separation, He is also very new to this game, after only picking up the game at 15. Remind anyone else of Jason Pierre Paul’s story? The Browns are also rumored to be interested in bringing in some QB competition for Brandon Weeden. I don’t see them going QB here, but I could see them go with Eric Fisher if the new regime believes Trent Richardson is their workhorse for the next few years.

7. Cardinals – Eric Fisher OT/ Central Michigan – Yes, the Cardinals need a quarterback and almost all this years’ QB’s are still available I get that. What’s the point if he isn’t standing upright after most downs? Call me old fashioned but I believe the only way to fix a bad offense is by helping both the run and the pass with a 6’7” 304 pound tackle who has the potential to be an immediate impact for Bruce Arians and his offensive prowess. Plus after the outstanding play of Russell Wilson some teams will feel confident in taking a signal caller later in the draft.

8. Buffalo Bills –Dion Jordan, DE/Oregon – Jordan ran a 4.53 unofficial time at the combine. WOW, that’s lightning fast. He honestly would be a top 5 pick if he was about 30 pounds heavier. At 6’6” but only 248lbs., he’s going to get pushed around at the next level, that is if they can catch him. The Bills defense needs a compliment to Mario Williams, and Jordan fits the mold.

9. New York Jets – Ezekiel Ansah DE/ BYU – With the hiring of Marty Mornhinweg, the Jets will be looking to change the pathetic attempt at ground in pound in an era known for quarterback and 5,000 yard seasons. That means there’s a chance they go offensive line here. Too bad they’re known for making poor decisions on the first day of the draft. As I had mentioned earlier, their defense can’t function without a pass rush. Ansah is as good of a prospect as the Jets could hope for and would certainly help their inept pass rush. Ansah finished as MVP of the senior bowl and one of the studs of the combine putting up ridiculous numbers including a 4.62 40 time.

10. Tennessee Titans – Chance Warmack, OG/Alabama – Considered the best guard prospect in this year’s draft, Jake Locker should be thanking his lucky stars if the Titans can have Warmack fall to 10. With 40 career starts and the ability to get to the second level, Warmack has developed himself into a definitive top ten selection. CBSSports.com has him ranked as the 2nd best player in the draft as of 2.27.2013.

11. San Diego Chargers – Barkevious Mingo, DE/LSU –Mingo possesses the frame at 6-5, 240 pounds and athleticism to warrant top 10 considerations but at this point he remains an unpolished prospect, and that’s why he will fall slightly out of the top 10. Mingo had a great combine as expected from the athletically gifted DE/OLB. He ran the 40 time in 4.58 which was incredibly fast, and his ten yard splits were also very good which is used to gauge short yardage burst. A skill needed at the OLB or DE position in the NFL.

12. Miami Dolphins – Cordarrelle Patterson, WR/Tennessee – Lots of rumors have been spread about Miami and their intentions. I stand by my thoughts that they take Patterson here though I read that he is considered to be as immature as he is talented. I was pretty sure the Dolphins just got rid of Brandon Marshall and have a hard time accepting they’d draft another knucklehead into that locker room. His baggage also come with some amazing talent as Patterson scored a touchdown via kickoff return, punt return, receiving, and rushing, joining Carl Pickens (receiving, KR, PR, INT) as the only players in Tennessee history to score a touchdown four different ways in a career. Since the Dolphins are high on hopes and low on offensive talent, Patterson seems like a likely target considering the shortage of first round talent on skill positions in this year’s draft.

13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers –Xavier Rhodes, CB/ Florida State – After not even including this guy in my first mock I have come to learn through a lot of reading that people consider him to be the 2nd best CB prospect in this year’s draft. Some even believe he has shutdown corner ability. With a 4.41 40 times, and 6’2 210 pound frame, Rhodes is now expected to be a top 20 pick post combine.

14. Carolina Panthers –. Jarvis Jones OLB/ Georgia – I can’t understand how a player with so many medical questions could choose to not participate at the combine. Think Da’quan Bowers. Bowers injuries weren’t nearly as significant of a concern as Jones. Now there are rumors that Jones has walked off most draft boards. His size 6’2” 242 is prototypical for his position and Mel Kiper loves this guy. Still his health risk is so high since Jones suffers from Spinal Stenosis; a restriction to the spinal canal that causes pain, numbness, and in some cases loss of motor control.

15. New Orleans Saints – Sheldon Richardson, DT/Missouri – The Saints have elected to move to a 3-4. This only makes me more confident in this pick. NO ranked 26th in sacks and 24th in forced fumbles, so evidently they need some help with the front seven. Richardson, became Mizzou’s first-ever All-SEC designee, as he was named to the 2nd-team for his outstanding play in 2012. Richardson led all SEC interior linemen with 75 tackles which is 2nd-best on the Tiger squad.

16. St. Louis Rams – D.J. Fluker, OT/Alabama – Bradford clearly needs protection. His head coach Jeff Fisher knows that and won’t disappoint his quarterback. On Feb 6th I read a post that said; “According to SI’s Tony Pauline, teams are “falling in love” with Alabama OT D.J. Fluker and “some in (the) scouting community” believe he could go as high as No. 19 to the Giants.” Well the Rams aren’t even going to let him get that far. Bradford threw for a miserable 59.5% completion in 2012 while constantly throwing off his back foot on the run. Expect Flukers presence to give his QB a chance for more accurate passes.

Our guest writer, and my co-host of “The Blue and Green Review” seen here on Tuesday nights at 7 Eastern, Miss Kristine Reese was kind enough to cover The Thurman Munson Awards and file this report:

On Tuesday night, the 33^rd annual Thurman Munson Awards Dinner was held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in New York City. The Thurman Munson Award recognizes athletes for excellence on the field and philanthropic efforts off the field, and this year’s honorees included Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia, Mets first baseman Ike Davis, Olympic Gold medalist Aly Raisman, former New York Knick Greg Anthony and now former Giants defensive tackle Chris Canty, among others.

Canty, who is as well known for his character and intellect as he is for being a part of the Giants’ famous four-man front, was honored with the award for his work with his foundation, aptly named “The Chris Canty Foundation,” which focuses on giving back to the community by enhancing the development and lives of youth through mentoring, education programs, and health and fitness activities. Canty’s foundation also raised money for Hurricane Sandy relief and donated holiday meals to those in need.

“Growing up in the Bronx in the shadow of Yankee stadium, you hear all the stories about the former captain Thurman Munson,“ Canty explained at the media portion of Tuesday’s event. “Standing here today, to be honored in that way, it’s all surreal to me.”

“The work I do in the community, for the kids, is a passion of mine. For people to recognize the quality of that work, to speak about the work and being of service to the community and just being in the same breath as Thurman Munson, the AHRC and the work they are doing, it’s an honor.”

At the event, Canty spoke candidly about the inspiration behind his philanthropy: his mother, who instilled at a very early age the importance of service, quoting Mark 10:44, which reads, “The son of man came to serve not to be served.”

Canty also noted that he views his service to the community and others as a responsibility and an obligation, another valuable lesson taught by his mother. In fact, the word responsibility was an adjective used by many of the evening’s honorees, including Knicks legend and YES Network analyst Greg Anthony.

Also present at the Awards was Canty’s brother Joseph, who is the President, Chairman and co-founder of the Chris Canty Foundation. In addition to dedicating himself to running the foundation, Joseph partners with a variety of charitable organizations supporting youth in New York City and Charlotte, NC, where he currently resides.

While the purpose of the event was to honor’s Canty’s foundation and his many contributions to the community off the field, there were plenty of questions for the defensive lineman about his and his team’s performance on the field, including difficult questions about the recent release of veteran linebacker Michael Boley, who had just been cut from the team a few short hours prior.

Canty was unaware of Boley’s release at the time of the interview and his visible emotional reaction to the loss of a close teammate and friend was difficult to watch.

“That’s some tough news,” Canty said, reacting to the Boley release. “Not only was he a good teammate, he was a good friend. He and I go way back, since before the scars. Me and Boley, we’ve know each other a long time. He’s a good person. He’s a good teammate, good friend.”

Less than 24 hours after the Thurman Munson Awards, Canty, along with several other Giants including running back Ahmad Bradshaw, was released as part of a major off-season salary cap purge. While it was widely speculated that the Giants would make several difficult cuts to get under the NFL’s projected $121.8 salary cap, few would have expected that the four-year veteran, who was major part of the Giants 2012 Super Bowl Championship, would be one of the victims.

Canty, who shared that he is “feeling healthy” after suffering through several injuries this season, had two years left of his contract at the time of his release. The cut saves the team $6.5 million off the cap.

Canty revealed on Tuesday night that he had not been approached by the team about his contract – something he disclosed he wasn’t concerned about – and he planned to stay in New York for remainder of his deal, which is likely part of the reason that, in an interview with ESPN Radio on Wednesday afternoon, Canty revealed he did not have any “inkling” he was going to released and that he was “a little disappointed in what took place, but it’s a business.”

Salary cap issues aside, Canty did admit that changes to the defensive line “are necessary” and the unit – and the football team as a whole – did not perform up to potential this past season.  He did add the team “has a plan” for the off-season but any details he was aware of would stay “in house.”

While Canty will no longer be a part of those plans, Canty’s versatility as a lineman could draw a lot of interest from other teams this offseason.

Tuesday night’s Thurman Munson Awards were about honoring philanthropy and service, but they were also a reminder of just how difficult and fleeting the business of football can be, making the importance of Canty’s work and the focus on something other than just the National Football League that much more significant.

Canty will always be remembered for his contributions to the Giants Super Bowl Championship, but perhaps more importantly, as he continues to make his mark on the entire Tri-State area with his service, he will be remembered and celebrated for much more.

Proceeds for the Thurman Munson Award dinner benefit AHRC New York City, which helps support programs for children, teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

You can learn more about Canty’s foundation by visiting ChrisCantyFoundation.org.

Kristine Reese is the NFL editor and lead New York Jets writer for Aerys Sports, the only online sports network run entirely by women. She is the co-host of “The Blue and Green Review” and one of five hosts on the fan-run web show “Flight 5 Live.” Her work, which ranges from sports, adventure to travel and pop culture, has been featured in various digital publications, including NJ.com and Dos Equis’ “Most Interesting Academy.” For more information, follow on Twitter @KristineReese or visit www.KristineReese.com.

1. Kansas City Chiefs – Luke Joeckel, OT/ Texas A&M – Johnny Manziels blindside protection is without question the best overall prospect. It’s just a matter of whether Kansas City puts an emphasis on rebuilding from the trenches or if they plan on drafting a quarterback. I still say Luke goes # 1.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars – Damontre Moore, DE/ Texas A&M – People are really hyping this guy up. But there are now questions as to if he can play at the line at the NFL level. I stand by my word he will “Moore” than do enough to get people in the stands, and a swagger to the Jaguars defense ranked 30th overall in 2012.

3. Oakland Raiders – Geno Smith – In my first Mock I mentioned that I wasn’t sure if Carson Palmer would be with the team by OTA’s. Well now I’m damn well sure of it! CBS Jason LaCaforna was quoted as saying there’s “no way” the Raiders pay Carson Palmers $13 Million dollar salary in 2013. This just reassures my belief in this pick. Jacksonville could rock the boat on this one, but there defense is appalling and there are a bunch of talented defensive players in this draft.

4. Philadelphia Eagles – Star Lotulelei, DT/Utah – This is another player whose stock keeps rising just based on pure speculation and hype. Much like Moore, everyone wants to put the Star on his back. ( Ha! Get it, Star! ) With the hiring of Billy Davis as DC, The Eagles will run a strict 3-4 defense, as that’s all Davis runs. Any good 3-4 can’t run without a big body in the middle. Just ask the Jets! Lotulelei is considered to be the best DT prospect at this time.

5. Detroit Lions – Dee Milner CB/ Alabama – According to DetroitLions.com the Lions will “certainly consider” drafting Milliner at the #5. That’s all I have to hear at this point. No one doubts Milliners ability. The question comes with taking a corner so high in the draft. If Jim Schwartz thinks it was his secondary that was allowing all the defensive mistakes they were making, then the Lions are in for another long season. Still I have no argument in taking a guy who was a first-team All-American and unanimous All-SEC first-team pick after finishing the regular season tied for third nationally with 18 passes defensed. He totaled 54 tackles, four for loss and 22 pass break-ups on his way to a national title.

6. Cleveland Browns – Bjoern Werner DE/ Florida State – Werner has an incredible motor, and great hand use to keep separation, He is also very new to this game, after only picking up the game at 15. Remind anyone else of Jason Pierre Paul’s story? JPP measures in at 6”5 278, Werner 6’4, 273. Both freakishly talented defensive ends with a nose for the QB. Werner is now listed on some drafts as high as 2, so Browns fans should be very happy.
7. Cardinals – Eric Fisher OT/ Central Michigan – Yes, the Cardinals need a quarterback and Tyler Wilson, Mike Glennon, and Ryan Nassib are still available I get that. What’s the point if he isn’t standing upright after most downs? Call me old fashioned but I believe the only way to fix a bad offense is by helping both the run and the pass with a 6’7” 304 pound tackle who has the potential to be an immediate impact for Bruce Arians and his offensive prowess. Plus after the outstanding play of Russell Wilson some teams will feel confident in taking a signal caller later in the draft.

8. Buffalo Bills –Ryan Nassib QB/ Syracuse– Buffalo will need to address the quarterback position at some point in the draft. Fitzpatrick is not a starter in this league anymore, but he can be a stop gap until the next guy is ready. Nassib will be battling with Chance Warmack here and we will see which way Doug Marrone and his new coaching staff decide to go. My guess is its quarterback all the way, but I keep hearing NC State QB Mike Glennons name rising up the boards. By draft time this may be a very fluid story.
9. New York Jets – Ezekiel Ansah DE/ BYU – With the hiring of Marty Mornhinweg, the Jets will be looking to change the pathetic attempt at ground in pound in an era known for quarterback and 5,000 yard seasons. That means there’s a chance they go offensive line here. Too bad they’re known for making poor decisions on the first day of the draft. As I had mentioned earlier, their defense can’t function without a pass rush. Ansah is as good of a prospect as the Jets could hope for and would certainly help their inept pass rush.

10. Tennessee Titans – Chance Warmack, OG/Alabama – Considered the best guard prospect in this year’s draft, Jake Locker should be thanking his lucky stars if the Titans can have Warmack fall to 10. The Cardinals, Bills, and Jets could all have interest in Warmack. With 40 career starts and the ability to get to the second level, Warmack has developed himself into a definitive top ten selection. CBSSports.com has him ranked as the 3rd best player in the draft.

11. San Diego Chargers – Jarvis Jones OLB/ Georgia – Jones will be fluctuating all over boards before draft day. I stay with what I said, that he has both the most to gain as well as the most too loose at this years’ combine. His size 6’2” 242, is prototypical for his position and Mel Kiper loves this guy. Still his health risk is so high since Jones suffers from Spinal Stenosis; a restriction to the spinal canal that causes pain, numbness, and in some cases loss of motor control.
12. Miami Dolphins – Cordarrelle Patterson, WR/Tennessee – It looks like Miami found their quarterback last year in Tannehill, now it’s time to give him a weapon. Patterson scored a touchdown via kickoff return, punt return, receiving, and rushing, joining Carl Pickens (receiving, KR, PR, INT) as the only players in Tennessee history to score a touchdown four different ways in a career. His versatility will be even more important now that it looks like Reggie Bush will be hitting the open market.

13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers –Xavier Rhodes, CB/ Florida State – After not even including this guy in my first mock I have come to learn through a lot of reading that people consider him to be the 2nd best CB prospect in this years draft. Kenny Vaccaro will fall if the Bucs don’t take him here, but I am riding Rhodes until we learn more about everyone post combine.

14. Carolina Panthers – Barkevious Mingo, DE/LSU –Mingo possesses the frame at 6-5, 240 pounds and athleticism to warrant top 10 considerations but at this point he remains an unpolished prospect, and that’s why he will fall to the Panthers. Mingo reminds me of former draft bust Vernon Gholston. Any Jet fan who is reading this just felt shortness of breath and may have felt a pain in their chest.

15. New Orleans Saints – Sheldon Richardson, DT/Missouri – Since the last mock the Saints have elected to move to a 3-4. This only makes me more confident in this pick. NO ranked 26th in sacks and 24th in forced fumbles, so clearly they need some help with the front seven. Richardson, became Mizzou’s first-ever All-SEC designee, as he was named to the 2nd-team for his outstanding play in 2012. Richardson led all SEC interior linemen with 75 tackles which is 2nd-best on the Tiger squad. Oregon Duck Dion Jordan is also another hot pick for the Saints right now.

16. St. Louis Rams – D.J. Fluker, OT/Alabama – I had the lineman order wrong last time. I had Barrett Jones being taken here, but it turns out Fluker has been rising up the board, probably because of Jones’ injury. Bradford clearly needs protection. The truth is that you can’t win games without a healthy QB, and with Brain Quick starting to come into his own late in the season, and the rams recent acquisition of Titus Young, I believe the Rams use this pick to make their O-line respectable instead of giving Bradford another weapon.

Photography by NEIL MILLER

Running Back DJ Ware tweeted this today: THANK U 2 my fans ur well wishes r overwhelming will miss u all an my team Im not done I will b playing in NFL going BIG! just not here

DJ Ware played for the Giants from 2007 to 2011. He has been primarily a third-down back. His concussion issues have limited his playing time.

I let it get to me, even though I tried not to let it. I was trying to protect myself from getting hurt — now I’m just giving it all.

That Jackson would be willing to admit to not trying his hardest is hardly surprising. This is a player whose premature celebrations have cost him  a touchdown not once, but twice. He’s also a player who, a season ago, was called for a 50-yard taunting penalty. Obviously, it’s easy to hate Jackson as a Giants fan, but I have to believe that even Eagles’ supporters have a tough time rooting for a guy with Jackson’s attitude and track record, despite his obvious talent.

Later on in the interview, Jackson went on to say that he felt “happy to finally get that contract. I felt with what I had done for the team, I deserved it.”

Contrast that with the following:

“Whenever the contract comes, it comes. I’m not going to be sitting back, waiting for it, thinking about it, because then I won’t be focused on football. When that time comes, we’ll cross that bridge.”

That quote came from Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz. Last year, Cruz set the Giants’ franchise record with 1,536 receiving yards while making $405,000. This year, he’s slated to make just slightly more than that. For comparison’s sake, Jackson had a career-low 961 receiving yards while being paid $555,000 in 2011.

Prima dona wide receivers are nothing new to the NFL, and particularly not to the NFC East. But it’s hard to argue that one of the things that makes the Giants so successful is the lack of egos among their star players. Eli Manning and Justin Tuck set the tone for the team on offense and defense, respectively, and one could hardly imagine a better mentor than either. The one muddy contract situation the Giants have had over the past few years was that of Osi Umenyiora, but even in his least happy year he racked up 9 sacks in 9 games last season, and added 3 1/2 more in the Giants run to the Super Bowl.

I don’t want to overstate the gulf between the Giants and their NFC East rivals. Clearly, not everyone on the roster is going to be happy at all times, and winning keeps a lot of those situations from becoming magnified. But still, it’s hard not to consider the extent to which that winning is due to having a team of stable leaders like Tuck and Cruz versus headaches like Jackson and Dez Bryant. Whatever personal issues the Giants players have with each other or with management, they never seem to affect the team between the lines. In this division and in this city, that’s rare.

I’m going to talk to the parties involved. As I understand it, there were some parts that were inappropriate, and anything that occurs within this family or within our group should not be a part of any social media aspect. I’m going to address that strongly, and I’ve spent a little time on that this preseason, but I’ll look into it further.

The video was originally posted by punter Steve Weatherford, who has since issued an apology via twitter. As for the video itself, it’s hard to tell whether the two players had an actual issue with one another, or whether it was just an innocent example of a couple young players horsing around. Pierre-Paul seems pretty pleased with himself at the end, smiling and high-fiving teammates while Amukamara appears much less enthused.

Overall, this seems to be a lot of smoke without much fire. Even if JPP and Prince do have a problem, nobody ever said that everyone on the team has to like one another for them to be successful. The most significant thing about the video is that it’s pretty funny, so I encourage you to take a look (warning: graphic language).

Witten suffered an injury to his spleen during the Cowboys first preseason game against Oakland, less than a week ago.

It’s unclear what Witten’s status will be for the opener, but he is out for the remainder of the pre-season.

“It’s a very serious injury and we’re really taking this thing day by day,” Garrett said. “He has to be very still and idle for the next week to 10 days, so you won’t see him out here on the practice field. He won’t play in the game this week or next week. We’ve just got to make sure he heals as well as possible, as quickly as possible.”

The hit, in which Witten supposedly was injured on, looked like an ordinary football play. It certainly wasn’t something you would sit back and think ‘Witten could be out for the year’.

The Giants have taken notice too. DE Justin Tuck, on a phone interview, wished his NFC foe a speedy recovery, just after week 1.

“You definitely don’t want to wish for anything but the best for your opponents in the NFL. Jason’s been a staple in that offense in the NFL. We do wish him a speedy recovery. (Pause) Hopefully it comes the week after we play them.” Tuck said.

As if Metlife Stadium wasn’t going to be hard enough to play in. Now, with a receiving core, already decimated by injuries and domestic violence’s, Jerry Jones and the Cowboys could have an even tougher time “beating the Giants asses!”

As you would imagine, Tom Coughlin is just as disciplined about how the Giants approach pre-season games as he is about everything else in his life.  The “starters” will play 15-18 plays.

“The objective is always to win, but it’s all about personnel,” Coughlin said. “We’ll play them just exactly the way that I’ve talked about it. I will not sacrifice that part of it. Hopefully, we’re good enough and deep enough that the guys will get in the game and respond and enjoy themselves. I want them to play hard and give us a chance to do some evaluating and trying to figure out how people fit.”

The season opener is less than four weeks away and this is the first step in building the roster, evaluating talent, and seeing who might step up and grab everyones attention.  Look for everyone to get a chance to show what they can do.  There are many players who will need to show something special this year.  The depth of this team is tremendous, and they will surely have to release some players that will be starters on other teams.  The competition should be good , and the opportunities plentiful.  Look for the execution from the regulars in the first part of the game, then sit back and enjoy the competition and the athleticism of the players.

“I took a prescription drug (Adderall) legally under a doctor’s care for an anxiety condition during the off season in March of this year,’’ Sash said. “The purpose was to help me with public speaking appearances. I had no idea that this prescription drug was banned by NFL policy

Reports in the Ny Post and his twitter indicate that Tyler has already appealed the four game unpaid suspension. Tyler Sash went on to say the following regarding his positive drug test:

“Although I take full responsibility for this situation, I also want to state that I have never cheated or taken performance-enhancing drugs, and I frown on those who do. I am highly disappointed by the league’s decision in this matter, but I will continue to do my best on and off the field. From this point on, I will be more conscientious about every single thing I put in my body. Once again, I want to reiterate that I have never been and will never be associated in any way with performance-enhancing drugs. The timing of this positive test was March 2012, a time during which there is no physical performance required of me. I hope this explanation reinforces my innocence and shows that my intentions were pure.”

Tyler Sash’s agent came to young safeties defense noting the following on his twitter account”

“It is obvious from the timing of the positive test that Tyler’s intent was not to gain any advantage of performance enhancement as there are zero physical or competitive requirements of him for anything during the month of March. Unfortunately, like many NFL players have experienced, the appeal process is usually an exercise in futility. After a passionate explanation during the appeal of the circumstances involved, the NFL ultimately denied the appeal. This is a young man who has done everything right, and who had never failed a test for any illegal substance or performance enhancing substance in his career, including college. He has been a good citizen, a good teammate, and has never troubled anyone. For players who came into the league in a lockout year and were rushed through the process of being prepared to play, in my eyes were at a distinct disadvantage to the educational process offered to rookies about the protocol for obtaining exemptions for specific prescriptions.

What can you say about this? As a Giants fan I’m upset.  As a fan of the NFL I’m upset. As a Psychologist I’m upset about this. As a human being I’m upset about this too. Tyler Sash did nothing morally or ethically wrong. He took a prescription that was prescribed for him and by all accounts he took the correct dosage. I understand fully that teenagers, young adults, and adults abuse Adderall all the time but obviously Tyler did not.  I support the NFL 99.99 percent of the time. However, this time I disagree. The NFL needs to examine their drug policies as Tyler Sash took a drug that is used to treat ADHD/Anxiety per dosing guidelines with the proper documentation. The NFL needs to use common sense. 

On a night where past and present New York Giants gathered for a good cause, it was the future that was on the minds of the Giants.  Eli Manning has recently said that he is going into the 2012 season looking at the 2011 Giants as a 9-7 team, and not as the Super Bowl champions.  His teammates apparently share in that attitude and are looking to improve–and repeat–in 2012.

Joseph asked his mother why Jacobs left to play in San Francisco.  She explained the Giants didn’t have enough money to keep him, so Joseph emptied his piggy bank and wrote Jacobs a letter.  It reads:

“Dear Brandon Jacobs,  So you could go to the Giants, here is my money.  Love, Joe”

Jacobs tweeted he almost cried when he saw the letter and may pay a surprise visit to Joseph.  I hope he finds the time to follow through on that visit.  Too often we see players whose only loyalty seems to be to the almighty dollar.  We hear a lot of talk about being a part of a team and how money is not the issue.

The late, great George Young, former NY Giants GM who brought us the Parcells era, once said it’s always about money and when players say it’s not about money, then it’s REALLY about money.  He also said the NFL is not a business of well adjusted people.  This combination adds up to grown up people acting very juvenile on a very public stage.  It’s a scene we see all too often.

Fortunately, Jacobs exit from New York was relatively drama free.  He was willing to take a pay cut to stay in New York.  But in the end, the two sides were unable to come to terms.  I think most of us understand it was time for Jacobs to move on.

But Joseph doesn’t understand salary caps.  Paying $5 million a year to a back up running back isn’t on his radar.  He only understands he was willing to give everything he has to keep his hero in blue.

By that measure, Joseph is a bigger Giants fan than all of us.  Unfortunately, even Joseph will soon mature past his own standard.  But it was fun seeing the NFL through his eyes one more time…even it’s only for a little while.  And I hope Jacobs gives Joseph his $3.36 back!

Some blame the sport which made Seau the man he was.  His death has re-ignited the discussion about brain injury and its connection to dementia and depression.  Many connect Seau’s suicide to former Chicago Bears all-pro safety Dave Duerson who also killed himself with a self-inflicted gunshot to the chest.

Duerson’s final wish was to have his brain studied for evidence of trauma.  Boston University researchers found plenty.  According to the New York Times, a neuropathologist found “indisputable evidence” of chronic traumatic encephalopathy without “evidence of any other disorder.”  In plain English, the researchers believe they found a connection between Duerson’s football related brain injuries and his declining mental state.  Duerson is just one of many.  http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/03/sports/football/03duerson.html

(more…)

Jonathan Vilma

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell showed no mercy to the New Orleans Saints coaches and management and he is showing no mercy to the Saints players. He has finally come to a decision on the fate of Saints players who were involved in a cash-for-hits bounty system and these are some of the heaviest penalties in NFL history. Here are the penalties and the players who received them:

LB Jonathan Vilma: Suspended for all of 2012 without pay. This is effective immediately and runs through the playoffs and the Super Bowl. It is reported that Vilma placed $10,000 cash on the table in the team’s meeting room and said he would pay anyone who knocked Brett Favre out of the NFC Championship Game in January of 2010.

DL Anthony Hargrove: Eight-game suspension without pay. The NFL said that he targeted Favre in the NFC Championship Game. The NFL says, “Hargrove also actively obstructed the league’s 2010 investigation into the program by being untruthful to investigators.” Hargrove later confessed to his role in the bounty program. Hargrove is now with the Packers.

DE Will Smith: Four-game suspension without pay. Smith helped to create the bounty program with former defensive coordinator Gregg Williams.

LB Scott Fujita: Three-game suspension without pay. He participated in the bounty program when he played for the team. Fujita is now with the Browns.

In the statement from the NFL Roger Goodell stated, “It is the obligation of everyone, including the players on the field, to ensure that rules designed to promote player safety, fair play, and the integrity of the game are adhered to and effectively and consistently enforced. Respect for the men that play the game starts with the way players conduct themselves with each other on the field.”

Goodell also stated, “In assessing player discipline, I focused on players who were in leadership positions at the Saints; contributed a particularly large sum of money toward the program; specifically contributed to a bounty on an opposing player; demonstrated a clear intent to participate in a program that potentially injured opposing players; sought rewards for doing so; and/or obstructed the 2010 investigation.”

Here’s some fun stuff from Giants.com.  The players had a long, loud, fun trip back from San Francisco last night.  Here are some of their thoughts they shared on twitter.

DE Justin Tuck (@JustinTuckNYG91): Just landed back home. But I feel like I’m still flying              

TE Travis Beckum (@TravisBeckum47): Proud to be a GIANT!! Go G-Men

FB Henry Hynoski @HenryHynoski: So excited i cant even sleep….this is a dream come true! Blessed to have this opportunity!

WR Victor Cruz (@TeamVic): Super Bowl bound baby!!!!

WR Devin Thomas (@IamDevinThomas): I love my bros on this team! ALL IN BABY! GMen fans… WE GOIN TO THE SUPERBOWL!!!

CB Prince Amukamara (@PrinceAmukamara): Shoutout to all the fans who believed in us #nyg

LB Spencer Paysinger (@SpittyP): Undrafted, NFC champ, SuperBowl bound. Not bad for a Rookie… We got business to handle in 2 weeks. But tonight we rejoice! #NYG

Frank D Parent Elementary, Beverly Hills High, University of Oregon, Giants, NFC champ, Super Bowl. Reppin all of them to the fullest!

LB Mark Herzlich (@MarkHerzlich): Well finally gettin to get to sleep. Great night great win. Couldn’t be happier. #NYC #BIGBLUE #ALLIN

DE Jason Pierre-Paul (@DatBoyJPP): We won and we kept on fighting to the end thank you lord. I would like to thank the fans for believing in us thank u guys.

WR Ramses Barden (@RamsesNYG): Headed back to NY… With hardware in-hand. Goodnight.

P Steve Weatherford (@Weatherford5): Lawrence Tynes is the man!!! Thank you #9!!!!!

TE Bear Pascoe (@BearPascoe): heck yes we are “@mcjunkind: “@DCarr8: The Dogs are headed to the SuperBowl

Meanwhile, players on injured reserve sat back and watched the overtime thriller like every other Giants fan.

WR Domenik Hixon (@domenik_hixon): I was yelling with you!!! Lol RT @ieyesis: @domenik_hixon did you yell at the tv in celebration like I did??? CONGRATS

WR Michael Clayton (@MClayton83NYG): Heads up play by d thomas. It obviously hit his leg. Will these ref be great rt now or will they drop the ball. They have been great so far

My reaction on Thursday was unacceptable,” the star defensive tackle said in a statement on his Facebook page Friday night. “I made a mistake, and have learned from it. I hope to direct the focus back to the task at hand — by winning.”

Well it took almost 30 hours for Suh to come to his senses. Why it took so long we may never know. However, it is too late in my eyes. The damage has been done.

It was not bad enough that he crossed the line on the football field but then to deny it after the game….Suh needs to pay and he needs to pay a hefty penalty. The league should act fast and not let this drag into the games on Sunday. Suh should be fined upwards of 100k (Rex got 75k for dropping an F-BOMB) AND he should have to sit out at least two games. He has no one to blame but himself and needs to take some time to look in the mirror.

 

BMarshall19 Brandon Marshall

To: Media When we win Sunday please don’t say the Giants didn’t take us serious.

“I kind of got my feet out from under me a little bit and slipped on the way in. If I could have just kept my balance and come out of that thing a little faster, I probably could have got two hands on the ball, and the outcome may have been a little different.”

Vic, the outcome would have been COMPLETELY different. The fact that Cruz slipped and tipped the ball into the air on the timing pattern makes all the diference in the world. As we learned last year, tipped balls into the heart of the defense go for INTs and some of the time, it turns into a Pick 6. And that was all she wrote yesterday. Now if it had been caught, or even have been batted incomplete, there was a good chance for a game cinching TD there for the Giants. It didn’t go that way for the GMEN, and the whole game obviously turned on that one play. It was unfortunate that things ended that way for the Giants — it wasn’t an exemplary finishing performance simply because Cruz happened to slip in the most critical moment of the drive.