The running backs are going to look a whole lot different in 2013 after Ahmad Bradshaw, who led the team in rushing carries and yards each of the last three years, was cut this offseason. While the veteran running back is only 27-years old and remains unsigned, it’s unlikely that the Giants would bring him back with the level of depth they already have at the position. Let’s take a look at that depth:

The Returnees

Andre Brown: Brown figures to enter training camp with the inside-track to get the majority of the team’s carries. While Bradshaw suffered through injuries most of last year, Brown emerged to average 5.3 yards per carry. He doesn’t have the same pass-catching or pass-protection ability as Bradshaw (at least not yet), but he might already be a better rusher.

David Wilson:  After fumbling away his first career carry and ending up in Tom Coughlin’s doghouse for most of the season, Wilson showed some home run ability towards the end of the year. He had a couple big runs from the backfield, but his most electric plays came on the kick return. Wilson probably opens the year as the third-down back, but he’ll need to improve his catching skills.

32. Baltimore Ravens – Kevin Minter, ILB/LSU – I am not alone in thinking Baltimore will be looking to somehow replace Ray Lewis and the skill set he gave the Ravens throughout his career. Minter has been compared to Jets LB David Harris. Harris has 22.5 sacks in 6 seasons with the Jets, so to be honest; I think Baltimore would be thinking bigger than those numbers. Minter was the most dependable player on an LSU defense chock-full of prospective NFL talent, According to NFL.com’s Rob Rang, Minter compares to DeMeco Ryans and not Harris as mentioned before. Rang was quoted as saying “Like Ryans, Minter is slightly undersized and relies on his instincts and reliable tackling ability — rather than sheer explosiveness — to accumulate impressive stat-lines. Florida International SS Jonathan Cyprien is another name to watch for here.

31. San Francisco 49ers – Zach Ertz, TE/Stanford – I believe the 49’ers will move up in the draft in order to secure Ertz. Zach has been mentioned as a target for plenty of teams and because of his popularity, as well as the 49’ers having more picks than anyone else in the draft, they’ll move up somewhere in the teens to make this pick. With the departure of Delanie Walker the 49ers need a substitute for their 2 TE sets. Colin Kaepernick needs the keep with the same offensive sets to make the pistol offense as effective as we saw it in 2013. Ertz is a poor blocker and will struggle at time at the next level, but his hands are that of a possession WR. Look for the NY Jets to trade out of the #13th pick they just got from Tampa in order to acquire 2-3 picks from San Fran in exchange.

30. Atlanta Falcons – Desmond Trufant, CB/ Washington – The brother of Seattle Seahawk CB Marcus Trufant and NYJ CB Isiah Trufant, little brother Desmond may be the best of all three. He set career-bests in 2011 as a junior with a pair of interceptions and 16 passes defended, and has the luxury of picking the brains of his two older brothers about the trials and tribulations of the NFL. Atlanta is also short at the DE position and if a big name, (Moore, Werner, Jones) were to fall to 30, I think they’d gobble them up.

29. New England Patriots – Margus Hunt, DE/ Southern Methodist – The Patriots are one of the best at scouting small school kids, with big time talent. Speaking of talent, Hunt hails from Karksi-Nuia, Estonia, and came to SMU as a decorated track and field athlete (he’d set a junior world record in the discus throw at the 2006 World Junior Championships). Margus first started playing football in 2009 and set an NCAA record with 17 blocked kicks (10 field goals, seven extra points) for Southern Methodist. His lack of time spent around the game of football may be the only critique scouts have given him. Good for Margus, Coach Bill Belichick can push him into the film room, and let him learn in training camp and practices what it takes to be a complete NFL player before rushing him out there.

28. Denver Broncos – Datone Jones, DE/ UCLA – Offense is no longer a problem in Denver, thank you Peyton Manning, Wes Welker, etc.. Jones ran a 4.80 official forty at the Combine and was a top-five performer among defensive linemen in the 20-yard shuttle (4.32). Gil Brandt of CBS believes Jones is more of a fit as a DE in a 4-3. Denver will be looking for a replacement for Elvis Dumervil who recently signed with Baltimore. Jones will team up with Von Miller to cause havoc on the rest of the AFC West.

27. Houston Texans – Cordarrelle Patterson, WR/Tennessee – 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. Andre Johnson isn’t getting any younger and this kid would be a top 12 selection if he had his head on straight. I think going to a veteran team like Houston would be a great fit. He would get to see how real professionals work every day, and learn how to read and react to defenses, while making crisp cuts and running good routes. Originally I had Patterson going as high as 8 to the Bills, but as we get closer to the draft, the chatter in Buffalo is to move down and grab Syracuse QB Ryan Nassib somewhere in the 20’s.

26. Green Bay Packers – Eddie Lacy, RB/ Alabama –This is a luxury pick. The luxury of having one of the best QB’s in the game! Aaron Rodgers has done virtually everything possible in the passing attack for the Packers. Having a quality, forceful downhill runner to get those tough third downs, is something Lacy proved he could do having totaled 1,046 yards and 17 touchdowns in 7 games last year. He’s proven to be worthy of a 1st round pick.

25. – Minnesota Vikings (Via Seahawks) – Alec Ogletree, ILB/Georgia – Coach Leslie Frazier strongly hinted that the Vikings may use one of their first-round picks on a middle linebacker, and it should be between Ogletree, LSU ILB Kevin Minter, and Notre ‘ Manti T’eo. NFL Network’s Mike Mayock says he is “scared to death” of Georgia LB Alec Ogletree as a first-round pick due both to off- and on-field concerns, but the need for a linebacker is too high for the Vikings to not take the chance that Mayock is wrong.

24. Indianapolis Colts – Cornellius “Tank” Carradine, DE/ Florida State – Can I start by saying I love his nickname “Tank.” With Dwight Freeney looking to sign elsewhere, the Colts will be in a position of need at DE. “Tank” has been rising up boards and some have him going to the Vikings who sandwich the Colts with picks after the Percy Harvin deal. We’ll get to the Vikings in a second; Carradine suffered a torn ACL in November of 2012, and was performing at his pro day in April. That’s Adrian Peterson like, heh, another Vikings reference. With that being said…

23. Minnesota Vikings – Sylvester Williams, DT/ North Carolina – How do you continue to make the Williams wall work in Minnesota?? Draft another Williams of course! In the first of their 2 picks the Vikings will give the Williams wall a little help at DE and DT with Sylvester’s help. If Williams gets past the Cowboys, which is a big “If,” I would expect Minnesota to jump at the chance of having what many consider to be a highly touted prospect.

22. St. Louis Rams (Via Redskins) – Matt Elam, S/Florida – At 5’9”, Elam’s size is a major concern for NFL teams looking to draft him since he will be the last line of defense against the Gronks and Calvin Johnsons on the league. He was asked to cover slot receivers at Florida so he has shown his ability to cover well, and he’s also known for laying a hit. St. Louis has many needs, safety being one of the most prevalent. The Rams should send Robert Griffin a thank you card for this one.

21. Cincinnati Bengals – Jonathan Cyprien, SS/ Florida International – The Bengals will be choosing between a DB, S, and RB so there is no guarantee on Cyprien. However the needs to address to secondary may seem more logical when what most seem to think is the best Strong Safety in this years’ class is still on the board. Since TE’s have become such an important factor for how offenses move the ball these days, the ability to stop them becomes a defensive priority. Cyprien is known to explode into opposing players, but is criticized for taking bad angles on plays, therefore missing tackles. Something a coach can fix if he’s willing to listen.

20. Chicago Bears – Tyler Eifert, TE/ Notre Dame – In my last draft I had mentioned that I wouldn’t rule out the Bears as a potential landing spot for Eifert. Well after more reading, I understand new HC Mark Trestman likes to run a 2 TE set in his offense often, and that was the key to this pick. Martellus Bennet just signed with Chicago, but having Eifert on the opposite side would give Jay Cutler 2 safety nets, when his offensive line fails him again and again. Offensively, Eifert is a beast. At 6’5” 250lbs. he’s a massive target with great hands. His only trouble is blocking. He ran a 4.68 40 time at the combine and it’s been suggested on other mock drafts that he could go as early as the Dolphins. If there is one of the top 7 offensive lineman still available at this point Eifert should be an after-thought considering how often Jay Culter gets rushed out of the pocket. The likelihood of that happening seems to lessen the closer we get to draft day.

Tomorrow GmenHQ will post picks 19-10 with all the latest information corresponding to each team, and picks 9-1 on Thursday.

Follow me @jFerguson631

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

2. Jacksonville Jaguars – Dion Jordan, DE/Oregon – Dion is an anomaly. Most prospects unable to compete at either the combine or their pro day typically fall on draft boards. Instead, all this kid has done is run a 40 and he’s being considered as one of the best defensive players available this year. Jordan was unable to help his draft stock at the Oregon Pro day because he is recovering from a recent surgery to repair a torn labrum. He ran a 4.53 unofficial time at the combine, which is amazing. GM David Caldwell recently said, “We’re pretty close – It’s down to two people.” Most people believe the two he referenced are Oregon DE Dion Jordan and West Virginia QB Gen Smith.

3. Oakland Raiders – Geno Smith, QB/West Virginia – I jokingly put “the ghost of All Davis lives” when I first put Geno to the Raiders in late January. The truth is Davis would have been drooling at the opportunity to grab a mobile QB, especially if he had been alive to see RGIII the year before. Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie will be left with making a franchise changing decision, as QB’s taken in the top 5 can cost a GM their job if they don’t pan out. Just ask Mike Tannenbaum. The Raiders released Carson Palmer due to salary cap issues, and have only have Matt Flynn & Terrelle Pryor on staff at QB. This pick is easy.

4. Philadelphia Eagles – Ezekiel Ansah DE/ BYU – Ansah reportedly didn’t hire a trainer for the combine instead focusing on finishing his classes at BYU. His draft stock was already high but this news makes him seem kind of freakish. Measuring in at 6-foot-5 and 271 pounds with 35 1/8-inch arms, Ansah posted the sixth fastest forty times (4.63) of 37 defensive linemen who ran, and his 34 1/2-inch vertical tied for seventh. There is also a rumor that his 40 at the combine was the first one he ever ran in his lifetime. Ansah is a lightning in a bottle type of player and would be a welcome addition to any defense that drafts him. Billy Davis should be thrilled.

5. Detroit Lions – Dee Milliner CB/ Alabama – The Lions were active in free agency acquiring RB Reggie Bush, DE Jason Jones, and CB Chris Houston. Former Colts GM Bill Polian mentioned Detroit as the “greatest show on turf.” That ought to be billboard material for division rival Bears, Vikings and Packers. The ability to stop those teams, as well as the rest of their opponents next year will be a priority on draft day. In a past mock I mentioned that 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. Enough said.

6. Cleveland Browns – Sharrif Floyd, DT/ Florida – NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah was quoted as saying, “everybody” has Floyd pegged as a top-five pick.” The reason for his fall to six has more to do with the rise of Dion Jordan and Ziggy Ansah up opposing teams’ draft boards. 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. Cleveland recently spent some big money on DE Paul Kruger and will be developing an intimidating pass rush after drafting Floyd to compliment him. Utah DE Star Lotulelei could also fit nicely here.

7. Arizona Cardinals – Eric Fisher OT/ Central Michigan – Carson Palmer was recently acquired and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on Total Access that the Cardinals are unlikely to draft a quarterback at No. 7 overall. This may not be the popular thing to do from a fan perspective, but it makes a heck of a lot of sense. The QB class outside of Smith is not worthy of a selection this high and a good LT is a necessity in a rebuilding process. Bruce Arians and his imaginative play calling would love to feel confident their QB, whoever it is, will stay upright no matter what the play, and Fisher can do just that. Watch for Arizona to draft a QB in the 2nd round.

8. Buffalo Bills – Cordarrelle Patterson, WR/Tennessee – I am less confident in this pick every day. Last time I had mentioned “Patterson needs a coach that isn’t going to take any crap and can bring him in with more a drill instructor mind set than a player coach mentality”. Now there are reports from a WR coach that Patterson would be an offensive coach’s dream. This is pure crap. You don’t change from a head case to a saint in the time since the combine. GM Buddy Nix mentioned to the press that he wanted to draft a big time WR as well as a franchise QB. Good luck with that. Patterson is considered to be as immature as he is talented. There was a report from a scout that he questioned Patterson’s intelligence and thinks the team that drafts him will have to simplify their offense to make him successful. Still, he 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. Some drafts have Buffalo grabbing Ryan Nassib here, but I can’t see it. His combine was average and he’s not coming from a football powerhouse in Syracuse. His talent is fantastic, but even with his former coach now in charge of the Bills; Nassib would be a major risk here. I do however think West Virginia WR Tavon Austin has a legitimate chance to be drafted here.

9. New York Jets – Star Lotulelei, DT/Utah – The Jets are a tough team to gauge simply because they have so many needs and on both sides of the field. Lotulelei has been all over draft boards due to his supposed heart issues which have since been declared a non-issue. Star won the Morris trophy which is the award given to the best defensive player, voted by the Pac-12 offensive lineman he played against. His prototypical size at 6’3 311lbs. will help Rex Ryan in his pursuit of a pass rush. He should be a great addition to a line that just lost Sione Pouha and is in desperate need of improvement.

10. Tennessee Titans – Chance Warmack, OG/Alabama – I stand by this pick since the first mock in Late January. The Titans need to give Jake Locker a chance. Ha! Chance… In order to do that he needs to stay on his feet and taking the best guard at 10 would be a big time pick for the Titans. Warmack is a wild card to me, as the Jets, Cardinals, and Eagles could all use some help at the offensive line, so if he’s still available Tennessee will pounce. CBS Sports has Warmack as the second best prospect in this year’s draft behind only Luke Joeckel.

11. San Diego Chargers – Lane Johnson, OT/ Oklahoma – The new regime of GM Tom Telesco, HC Mike McCoy, and OC Ken Whisenhunt have a lot of work to do to keep the Chargers relevant. Johnson did 28 reps of 225lbs at the combine and with his strength will help Philip Rivers try to redeem himself after getting sacked on 50 of his 587 drop backs. The Bolts’ most glaring need is at left tackle, where Jared Gaither up and quit last season, and Johnson will also help fill the void on the right side where Louis Vasquez played before he departed to Denver.

12. Miami Dolphins – Jonathan Cooper, OG/North Carolina – Miami lost Jake Long to St. Louis and now are left with Jonathan Martin at left tackle and they brought in Nate Garner to be a swing tackle/guard. That being said, neither of those guys is going to a pro bowl any time soon. Cooper will help Miami recover from their loss of a former 1st round lineman. Greg Cossel from NFL films praised Cooper saying “the most purely athletic guard I can remember seeing” coming out of college. Cooper plays with “light feet, great balance,” and also showed a “nasty streak,” consistently “looking for contact.” Cooper is considered by some to be the best guard prospect in the class.

13. New York Jets (Via Tampa Bay Buccaneers) – Tavon Austin, WR/West Virginia – For this to happen, Derrelle Revis must first become a Buccaneer. Consider it done! This trade is going to happen and it will happen before the draft, simply because no team would be willing to give up a first round pick for a player that they haven’t medically deemed healthy. Austin is a heck of a talent and will do wonders in the west coast offense the Jets are planning on using. Jets fans should also be looking towards receiving a 3rd round and maybe a late round pick or a pick in 2014 in the Revis trade.

14. Carolina Panthers – Sheldon Richardson, DT/Missouri – The Panthers statistically had a top 15 defense in 2012 finishing 10th in the league for yards per game allowed. Richardson, who stands 6’2”, 294lbs., became Mizzou’s first-ever All-SEC designee, as he was named to the 2nd-team for his outstanding play. His presence should help solidify Carolina’s front seven.

15. New Orleans Saints – Menelik Watson, OT/ Florida State – This kid is very intriguing. He has only played 2 years of football after coming over from Manchester England, but is considered by NFL.com’s Gil Brandt as a “very good offensive lineman.” Pursued by the likes of Oklahoma, Oregon, Auburn, Cal and Rutgers, Watson elected to sign with Florida State where he emerged as a starter in just his second season of playing the sport. Drew Brees and Mark Ingram will enjoy Watson’s services as he is helpful in both the run and the pass.

16. St. Louis Rams – D.J. Fluker, OT/Alabama – Some scouts doubt if Fluker can play tackle in the pro level. St. Louis is in dire need of offensive line help, so the concerns will be listened to, but ignored. D.J. Fluker who measures in at 6’6” 339 would be the 7th offensive linemen taken in this mock and the second of the first round coming from a SEC powerhouse in Alabama that produces NFL players every single year.

SIGNED 

T Will Beatty – A priority coming into free agency, Beatty re-signed to a 5-year deal. Will likely be the opening day left tackle. 
DT Cullen Jenkins – Perhaps the team’s biggest offseason addition, the Giants signed Jenkins away from the rival Eagles to fill the starting DT spot vacated by Chris Canty’s departure.
CB Aaron Ross – Our old friend is back to provide depth and guard against another year of Corey Webster underperformance.
DT Shaun Rogers – Back after blood clot kept him out last year.
RB Ryan Torain – Back to add RB depth behind Andre Brown and David Wilson.
K Josh Brown – With Lawrence Tynes on the way out, Brown is the frontrunner to win the kicker’s job.
LB Keith Rivers – Signed one-year deal and will have first crack at replacing Michael Boley’s role. Played well in the limited time he saw last year.
S Ryan Mundy – Steelers castoff will try to be the Giants 3rd safety behind Stevie Brown and Antrel Rolle.
TE Brandon Myers – Hopes to follow in the footsteps of Kevin Boss, Jake Ballard and Martellus Bennett as TEs that Eli Manning turned into household names.
LB Dan Connor – Expected to replace Chase Blackburn at MLB.
WR Louis Murphy – Will provide Depth at WR with Domenik Hixon and Ramses Barden both free agents and likely to sign elsewhere.
QB David Carr – The only tandem of #1 draft pick QBs in the NFL stays intact for another year.
G Kevin Boothe – Versatile offensive lineman is back for another year.
DT Mike Patterson – Another former Eagle DT to help fix the run defense.

GONE

TE Martellus Bennett – Signed four-year, $20 million deal with Chicago. Leaves the Giants after short-lived success playing with Eli Manning. This worked out really well for Kevin Boss.
S Kenny Phillips – Signed with Philadelphia for one-year deal for very little money. Have to believe Jerry Reese doubts his ability to stay on the field.
DT Chris Canty – After being released, landed with Ravens. Maybe the biggest loss of the offseason, but offset by the addition of Cullen Jenkins.
LB Chase Blackburn – Agreed to two-year deal with Carolina after Connor addition. The Super Bowl folk hero will be missed.
DE Osi Umenyiora – Signed with his hometown Atlanta Falcons after publicly feuding with management for years. Sad to see him go nevertheless.
WR Domenik Hixon – Another Giant heads to Carolina to join Dave Gettleman.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS 

K Lawrence Tynes – The team wanted to re-sign Tynes, but his asking price was too high. Will always be remembered for sending the Giants to 2 Super Bowls with clutch overtime field goals.
DT Rocky Bernard – Good player, but may be the odd man out with all the other additions to the defensive line.
WR Ramses Barden – We’ll always have the Carolina game.
TE Travis Beckum – Injuries hampered Giants career.
T Sean Locklear – We’ll see later this summer based on knee recovery.
CB Justin Tryon – The Giants need corners, but maybe not this one.
RB Kregg Lumpkin – Likely gone with Brown, Wilson and Torrain already in the mix.
CB Brian Witherspoon – Has to come back from another ACL tear.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

WR Victor Cruz – You may have heard of him.
S Stevie Brown – Signed his second-round tender. Gave Giants the freedom to let go of Kenny Phillips. Led the league in takeaways last year.
RB Andre Brown – Tendered at second-round level. Should be the opening day starter to replace Ahmad Bradshaw.
TE Bear Pascoe – Giants already re-signed blocking tight end.

EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS

DE Adrian Tracy – Already tendered. Could compete for fourth DE spot. Has already drawn comparisons to Osi Umenyiora, which isn’t too shabby.
C Jim Cordle – Re-signed and back to provide much-needed O-line depth.
DE Justin Trattou – Trattou is back and may compete with Tracy as extra pass rusher.

(list C/O ESPN)

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. There are rumors that Jaguars owner Shad Khan was present at Geno Smith’s Pro Day, and Blaine Gabbert hasn’t proven anything at the NFL level, so this is still a fluid situation.

3. Oakland Raiders – Geno Smith, QB/West Virginia – The fever is here! The QB buzz is beginning to rise, and Geno Smith is obviously the best QB prospect in this draft. Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie will be left with making a franchise changing decision, as QB’s taken in the top 5 can cost a GM their job if they don’t pan out. Just ask Mike Tannenbaum. The Raiders retained Terelle Pryor and Carson Palmer on their roster, however neither of them is in the future plans for the Oakland Raiders.

4. Philadelphia Eagles – Dion Jordan, DE/Oregon – Jordan was unable to help his draft stock at the Oregon Pro day because he is recovering from a recent surgery to repair a torn labrum and he’s still a top 5 pick! Jordan ran a 4.53 unofficial time at the combine, which is amazing. 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 Eagles will run a 3-4 defense under DC Billy Davis and Jordan should be a dynamic speed rusher from the outside for Davis defensive unit.

5. Detroit Lions – Dee Milliner CB/ Alabama – The Lions were active in free agency acquiring RB Reggie Bush, DE Jason Jones, and CB Chris Houston. Former Colts GM Bill Polian mentioned Detroit as the “greatest show on turf.” That ought to be billboard material for division rival Bears, Vikings and Packers. The ability to stop those teams, as well as the rest of their opponents next year will be a priority on draft day. Last mock I mentioned that 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’m still working off that theory, until I read something that tells me otherwise.

6. Cleveland Browns – Ezekiel Ansah DE/ BYU – Ansah reportedly didn’t hire a trainer for the combine instead focusing on finishing his classes at BYU. His draft stock was already high but this news makes him seem kind of freakish. Measuring in at 6-foot-5 and 271 pounds with 35 1/8-inch arms, Ansah posted the sixth fastest forty times (4.63) of 37 defensive linemen who ran, and his 34 1/2-inch vertical tied for seventh. There is also a rumor that his 40 at the combine was the first one he ever ran in his lifetime. Ansah is a lightning in a bottle type of player and would be a welcome addition to any defense that drafts him, especially one that just signed DE Paul Kruger to rush from the opposite side.

7. Arizona Cardinals – Eric Fisher OT/ Central Michigan – NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on Total Access that the Cardinals are unlikely to draft a quarterback at No. 7 overall. This may not be the popular thing to do from a fan perspective, but it makes a heck of a lot of sense, even if West Virginia QB Geno Smith was somehow still on the board. The QB class outside of Smith is not worthy of a selection this high and a good LT is a necessity in a rebuilding process. Bruce Arians and his imaginative play calling would love to feel confident their QB, whoever it is, will stay upright no matter what the play, and Fisher can do just that.

8. Buffalo Bills – Cordarrelle Patterson, WR/Tennessee – Patterson needs a coach that isn’t going to take any crap and can bring him in with more a drill instructor mind set than a player coach mentality. Doug Marrone may have his hands full, but GM Buddy Nix mentioned to the press that he wanted to draft a big time WR as well as a franchise QB. Good luck with that. Patterson is considered to be as immature as he is talented. There was a report from a scout that he questioned Patterson’s intelligence and thinks the team that drafts him will have to simplify their offense to make him successful. Still, 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. The Bills would welcome his talents. Now all they need is a QB and will be looking towards Ryan Nassib in the second round.

9. New York Jets – Jarvis Jones OLB/ Georgia – The National Football Post reported Georgia OLB Jarvis Jones’ neck injury is “starting to look like it might be a non-issue on draft day,” and “there is little chance he falls out of the top ten.” Jones has so much risk attached to him, and yet so much potential. The Jets need a pass rush, but missing out on what could be a dynamic MLB is more of a risk than Jones supposed neck injury. ESPN is reporting the Jets are looking beyond the upcoming season and are already planning for the 2014 draft where Texas A&M QB Johnny Manziel would be eligible to be drafted if he chooses to leave. The Jets have been working on a Darrelle Revis trade with the Tampa Bay where they are looking to acquire at least a 2014 first round pick.

10. Tennessee Titans – Chance Warmack, OG/Alabama – I stand by this pick since the first mock in Late January. The Titans need to give Jake Locker a chance. Ha! Chance… In order to do that he needs to stay on his feet and taking the best guard at 10 would be a big time pick for the Titans. Warmack is a wild card to me, as the Jets, Cardinals, and Eagles could all use some help at the offensive line.

11. San Diego Chargers – Lane Johnson, OT/ Oklahoma – The new regime of GM Tom Telesco, HC Mike McCoy, and OC Ken Whisenhunt have a lot of work to do to keep the Chargers relevant. Johnson did 28 reps of 225lbs at the combine and with his strength will help Philip Rivers try to redeem himself after getting sacked on 50 of his 587 drop backs. The Bolts’ most glaring need is at left tackle, where Jared Gaither up and quit last season, and Johnson will also help fill the void on the right side where Louis Vasquez played before he departed to Denver.

12. Miami Dolphins – Jonathan Cooper, OG/North Carolina – Miami lost Jake Long to St. Louis and now are left with Jonathan Martin at left tackle and they brought in Nate Garner to be a swing tackle/guard. That being said, neither of these guys is going to a pro bowl any time soon. Cooper will help Miami recover from their loss of a former 1st round lineman. Greg Cossel from NFL films praised Cooper saying “the most purely athletic guard I can remember seeing” coming out of college. Cooper plays with “light feet, great balance,” and also showed a “nasty streak,” consistently “looking for contact.”

13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Star Lotulelei, DT/Utah –I personally think this guy is a top 5 pick who will fall all the way to the Bucs because of concerns with his heart. There are many rumors that his heart related issues could be nothing more than a dietary problem which would make Tampa the big winner if that were true. Star is exactly that, a star in the making, and Tampa just lost Michael Bennett to Seattle so they will need some depth on the line to compliment Gerald McCoy and Da’Quan Bowers who should be starting this year.

14. Carolina Panthers – Sheldon Richardson, DT/Missouri – The Panthers statistically had a top 15 defense in 2012 finishing 10th in the league for yards per game allowed. Richardson, became Mizzou’s first-ever All-SEC designee, as he was named to the 2nd-team for his outstanding play. His presence should help solidify Carolina’s front seven.

15. New Orleans Saints – 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 15. 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 gain short yardage burst. A skill needed at the OLB or DE position in the NFL. With Jonathan Vilma back playing for an entire season, the Saints should regroup and be a much better defense than they showed in 2012.

16. St. Louis Rams – Tavon Austin, WR/West Virginia – The Rams were able to lure OT Jake Long from Miami, so the need to draft a lineman here is much less. Danny Amendola left in free agency to the Patriots after they lost Wes Welker, which is ironic because Austin wants his game to resemble Wes Welker. The Rams would love to get that kind of production from him which would give Sam Bradford a target across the middle much like Tom Brady did for so many years with Welker.

19. New York Giants – Manti Te’o, ILB/Notre Dame

Someone is going to spend a first round pick on Te’o and each week it’s a different team. Maybe this is so when the draft actually arrives, no one take Te’o, but as much fun as it is to hate on his fake girlfriend and his bad 40-time, Te’o isn’t that bad of a prospect. He was slow at the combine, but he’s got football speed and that’s something more valuable than a linebacker being able to quickly run 40-yards.  Te’o will be a side-to-side player, not a straight line player and he fills a major hole for the Giants that they can’t fill on the open market.

I want to say this as clearly as possible, If Tavon Austin and Bjoern Werner are still available and Jerry Reece picks Manti “Catfish” Te’o? I would ask the team doctor to check him for a concussion. I hope he has a baseline test like all the players for the doctors to work with because something doesn’t seem right. First of all, Reece has an affinity for DE, just look at Osi, JPP, Kiwanuka.. . Second, if by some disastrous circumstance the Giants can’t resign Victor Cruz, your gonna pass on a slot receiver like Austin? Somebody get the smelling salts. I wholeheartedly disagree with this pick. Sure the Giants need help at LB. We all get that Chase Blackburn is not the answer, he’s more of a complimentary player next to a stud in the middle. LSU LB Kevin Minter, or even the supposed immature idiot Georgia LB Alec Ogletree are safer picks than Te’o.

Dan Connor played for the Dallas Cowboys in 2012 and played for the Carolina Panthers from 2008 to 2011. Connor is 27 years-old, 241 lbs, and 6’2″. He was a third-round pick from Penn State in 2008. Connor is most comfortable in the middle linebacker position which makes me wonder about the future of Chase Blackburn who is a free agent.

Louis Murphy could be a nice addition to the receiving corps. It looks like he’ll be competing with Jerrel Jernigan for the number fourth receiver spot. However, Domenik Hixon and Ramses Barden are both free agents and first-round tender has been placed on restricted free agent Victor Cruz. Murphy will give the Giants some negotiating room and also serves as a solid back up plan if they lose a few receivers to free agency.

Louis Murphy was a fourth-round pick for the Oakland Raiders in 2009. He is 25 years old, 200 lbs, and 6’2″. He played in Oakland for three years and was with the Carolina Panthers in 2012. In 2010, Murphy had his best year with 41 receptions and 609 yards. What I really like about Murphy is his speed. He has a career average of 14.5 yards in his 115 receptions.

Tight end Brandon Myers will visit with the New York Giants. Myers is 27 years old, 250 lbs, 6’4″. He was the sixth-round draft pick from Iowa in 2009. He’s played all four years of his NFL career with the Oakland Raiders. Myers had a breakout season last year with 4 TDs, 79 catches, and 806 yards. This is a guy who I believe is ready to be a top-tier tight end and exactly what the Giants need to overcome their red zone problems.

I like what Jerry Reese is doing here. He’s bringing on young, hungry players with 4-5 years experience in the league and giving them one year to prove themselves worthy of a longer contract to play out the remainder of their careers. After a breakout season last year, Brandon Myers is probably looking for a longer contract and probably deserves it. I suspect that if he signs with the Giants he’ll have a two-year deal, but not a three or four-year deal.

19. New York Giants – Zach Ertz, TE/Stanford

Eli Manning got a taste of what life is like with a great pass catching tight end and Zach Ertz would bring him up to date with the rest of the elite passers in the NFL. Brady has Gronkowski, Brees has Graham and Manning would have Ertz. He’s smart, he’s huge and most importantly he’s ready to play right now. Ertz is going to create matchup problems all over for opposing defenses and he can beat defenders up the seam as well. Defensive end and linebacker are areas of need as well but Ertz is too good to pass up if the Giants are serious about exploiting Manning’s skills to their fullest.

The Giants would be taking a risk drafting the 6’6″ 252lbs Ertz at #19. Still, the Stanford standout had a phenomenal 2012 season and with any training may have the chance to be another one of these deadly, huge targets that love to go across the middle and dare linebackers to try to wrap them up. Ala Gronk, Graham, Hernandez. The risk here isn’t necessarily the player (Ertz), it’s where the players being drafted. 19 is where top 15 talents fall because of other teams, well, let’s just say “unique” decisions. I have been adamant about drafting a defensive player so far, and it would seem Josh Hill and I would disagree on many picks in his most recent draft. But if he’s right, that means my boy MLB Alec Ogletree would still be available, and in my opinion makes a heck of a lot of sense here.

This coming offseason, Cruz will be a restricted free agent. Assuming they place a first-round tender on him, he’ll be slated to make something in the neighborhood of $2.7 million next year. That would be a huge increase over what he’s making now, but nothing close to Cruz’s value on the open market – and the open market is exactly what the Giants want Cruz to avoid. By signing him to a long-term contract soon, the Giants would be able to get him for below market value, with the benefit to Cruz being that he would get to stay home and that he’d get his money sooner, eliminating the risk of a possible injury that would wreck his value.

“I love this team. I love this organization. I want to, God-willing, one day retire a Giant. I want to stay here and fulfill my journey with the New York Giants.” – Victor Cruz

If the Giants allow Cruz to play out the next year under only his tender offer, he would become an unrestricted free agent after next season. If that happens, and he stays healthy, his value will skyrocket. To give you an idea, Vincent Jackson was rewarded with the most lucrative contract of any free agent receiver this past offseason, getting five years and $55.5 million from the Buccaneers. Cruz has much better statistics than Jackson and is 4 years younger.

The Giants are going to have to make some tough decisions over the next few years with many of their own free agents. The contracts of Kenny Phillips and Martellus Bennet both expire after this year, and Hakeem Nicks, Justin Tuck, David Diehl, Linval Joseph, Michael Boley and Corey Webster will need to be resigned or let go in 2014. Not all of those players will stay, but keeping Cruz should be a no brainer. The Giants’ passing attack has carried the team over the past two years, with Eli throwing for 4,933 yards in 2011 and 2,109 so far this season – which leads the league through 7 weeks. None of that is possible without Cruz, especially considering Nicks’ recent injury problems.

The Giants know they struck gold with Cruz, an undrafted free agent from UMass Amherst. When these types of success stories fall into your lap, you can’t simply let them go. To Cruz’s credit, he’s said all of the right things so far, insisting that he wants to retire a Giant and that he’s confident the contract situation will work itself out. But the fact that he’s been so mature about the process only makes it all the more urgent to keep him in a Big Blue uniform for the foreseeable future. My instinct says a long-term deal will get done this offseason, if not sooner. The Giants understand what they have, and Cruz deserves to be rewarded for his tremendous production over the past year and a half. One way or another, Cruz figures to be a Giant for a long, long time.

Here is the updated inactive list for the Giants injury report:

OUT: Amukamara (ankle), LB Keith Rivers (hamstring), RB Da’Rel Scott (knee), DE Adewale Ojomo (hamstring). WR Jerrel Jernigan, T James Brewer, and TE Adrien Robinson.

Rookie Jayron Hosley will get the start in place of Amukamara. Michael Coe started in week 1 against Dallas, however he is hampered by a hamstring injury that will limit his play. Intriguing indeed.

DT Marvin Austin will make his NFL debut today. Austin has not played since the 2009 Meineke Car Care Bowl for North Carolina.

Offensive Coordinator Kevin Gilbride has confirmed that Domenik Hixon will start as the third wide receiver. Hixon was pretty much the front runner for the position throughout camp and he’s a veteran who knows what the Giants expect out of the position. It would be a great story if Hixon is able to have a breakout season. He’s put himself back into the mix this summer after two consecutive seasons with torn ACL’s derailed his playing career.

Hixon most likely will fill the void created by the departure of free agent Mario Manningham. He has big-play potential and with Nicks lined up on the opposite side it allows for Cruz to stay in the slot position where he had so much success last season. It’s important to remember that the Giants also can put Ramses Barden, Rueben Randle, and Jerrel Jernigan in on certain situations, so the depth is definitely there in the passing attack.

Injuries to Prince Amukamara (high ankle sprain) and Terrell Thomas (ACL) have forced the Giants to rely on unproven players to step up and seize the moment in their defensive secondary.

Defensive Coordinator Perry Fewell has confirmed that Michael Coe will be the starter against Dallas at cornerback in place of Amukamara. The Giants are impressed with Coe’s speed and mental toughness. Coe isn’t exactly a new face to the league, he’s 28 years old and entering his sixth season in the NFL. This will be his first ever NFL start after enduring through injuries and being waived by the Colts, Jaguars, and Giants in his first stint with the team.

Coe will get to play opposite veteran Corey Webster and he knows that Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo will most likely try to test him early by throwing in his direction as much as they can.

The Giants are also expecting to have rookie cornerback Jayron Hosley ready to play on Wednesday night. Hosley suffered a turf toe injury that cut short his preseason, however he’s going to be counted on to be ready to go.

As for Amukamara, the Giants are holding out hope that the he’ll be ready to go in week 2 against Tampa Bay. Thomas was placed on injured reserve for the second consecutive year ending his season before it can start.

The “Battle for New York”, as the NFL Network is touting it, or the quest for bragging rights as the announcer says in the voice over.  Wow, could you imagine the amount of bragging that could happen this week if the Jets, and Tim Tebow, actually beat the Super Bowl Champion New York Giants in a pre-season game where the starters will only play about 25 plays?  They will own New York, this magical team that manages to win this test of wills, this statement game so early in the pre-season.  I’m sure the Giants view it a little differently.

The Giants who will be out tonight are: WR Hakeem Nicks, CB Terrell Thomas, CB Brandon Bing,CB Michael Coe, LB Jacquain Williams, LB Michael Boley, LT Will Beatty, DT Shaun Rogers, DT Marcus Thomas and DT Marvin Austin.  Once again there are no surprises found on this list, but there is some disappointment in not having the ability to see Marvin Austin and Will Beatty participate in a game.  It is getting dangerously close to the opener and these players need to show they will be ready to go. Nicks and Thomas are forbidden to participate due to new rules found in the CBA, since they haven’t been ruled active for at least three days.

But, fear not The Jets, and Tm Tebow, vow to show up and play like Wildcats!

Burress’ phone hasn’t rung much this off-season, coming off his first year back in the NFL after being charged with two felony weapon counts, and serving jail time. He hasn’t generated any interest in the free agent market after the one-year deal he signed with the New York Jets expired.

Apparently, until now.

Multiple sources have indicated that Dallas and agent Drew Rosenhaus are engaging in early talks about Burress signing with the Cowboys.

Dallas lost some depth when WR Laurent Robinson left via free agency to join the Jacksonville Jaguars signing a 5-year, $32.5 million contract. The Cowboys’ best receiver Miles Austin is again showing up in the headlines with some injury issues, currently battling a hamstring strain. Those headlines though, are still better than the ones his teammate Dez Bryant has made as of late. The troubled receiver was recently in the news (again), this time for having some physical altercation with his mother.

Although owner Jerry Jones has shot down any rumor, dealing with the Cowboys and Burress, it seems unlikely they wouldn’t at least pick up a phone.

Burress, who is set to turn 35 on August 12th, is certainly past the prime of his career. However, he is still a serious threat in the red zone. Last year he tied Santonio Holmes with a team high 8 receiving TDs. With Romo, Witten and either Austin or Bryant (or both) Burress wont gather the attention he did in New York (for either the Jets or Giants).

A potential deal would make sense for both sides, but with Jerry Jones, who really knows what makes sense?

 ”Mike Jenkins will not practice while the Cowboys are in California and his availability to start the regular season is in doubt.”

The lack of depth on the Cowboys is stunning.  They signed former Jet safety Brodney Pool this offseason, and then cut him this week.  Signing a Jet safety probably wasn’t the best idea, and Pool proved he’s not interested in working hard.  Thaf leaves Gerald Sensabaugh and Barry Church as the starters right now.  No wonder Hakeem Nicks is working so hard to get back healthy for opening night.  Behind them are listed 5 guys with a combined 4 years of experience.  The dream of having a shut down secondary might have to put on hold for a while.  Add to this the fact that Morris Claiborne is already hurt, and Mike Jenkins and Orlando Scandrick were the guys you wanted to replace, are the backups.

On offense it doesn’t look any prettier: Dez Bryant, who is one wild weekend away from a suspension, and Miles Austin are the starting wide-outs.  Miles managed to get into 10 games last year because of injuries, while Bryant played in 15.  Behind them?  Kevin Ogletree at 6′ 1″ and 190 and Dwayne Harris at 5’10″.  At running back they have DeMarco Murray and Felix Jones.  Murray had a great season last year, but was injured the final 5 games and registered just 17 carries for 63 yards in that span.  Felix finished the season with efforts of 4/24 against Philly and 11/30 versus the Giants in must win games.

The new NFL is a pass first league.  The Cowboys seem ill prepared for such a journey.  They seem to have no available answers for the 4 and 5 wide sets they will see against most teams.  They also seem like they are one nagging injury away from a losing season.

Jan 19, 2012; E. Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants general manager Jerry Reese before practice at the Giants practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Mills/The Star-Ledger via US PRESSWIRE

The New York Football Giants are now less than 5 weeks or 41 days from kickoff of their 2012 NFL season. Some people have been tweeting and e-mailing asking for the GIANTS  current roster. Well here it is. The Giants will have to cut their current roster down to 80 players on August 28 and then down to the final 53 on Sept. 2. Similar to last-year Gmenhq.com will be identifying key position battles and the last five players that may get cut on the final cut down day. As always follow on twitter @gmenhq and @tom_brant

Active

WR Julian Talley (UMass), WR David Douglas (Arizona), RB/FB Joe Martinek (Rutgers), S Jojo Nicolas (Miami), S Janzen Jackson (McNeese State), DE Matt Broha (Lousiana Tech), DE Adewale Ojomo (Miami), and G Stephen Goodin (Nebraska-Kearney).

One player thought to be a UDFA — WR Damian Davis (Mary Hardin-Baylor) is actually here on a tryout.