I have always been a fan of Jerry Reese. I think his draft history is much stronger then he is given credit for. Usually I like or can at least justify the roster moves he makes. Today though I find myself questioning several decisions that shape the 53 man roster.
I like Steve Weatherford and did not want to see him leave but I understand the logistics behind releasing a pricey punter.
I do not agree with the release of wide receiver James Jones, fullback Henry Hynoski, or linebacker Jameel McClain.
I absolutely disagree with the decisions to keep defensive tackle Markus Kuhn and cornerback Jayron Hosley.
Sep 21, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants outside linebacker Jameel McClain (53) reacts against the Houston Texans during the third quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
James Jones, I thought, gave the Giants a very scary passing attack. He is a veteran receiver with experience in Ben Mcadoo’s offense. He provides depth on the outside as a possession receiver in the event Odell Beckham or Rueben Randle go down. He had a very good season last year considering he was catching balls from a rookie quarterback on a team with no run game. I just cant justify letting him go. If he ends up back in Green Bay, which some speculate, I guarantee you he has an excellent season.
Fullback Henry Hynoski has been a bulldozing lead blocker since 2011. His efforts have been overshadowed with a porous offensive line in front of him. The fullback is an endangered species in the NFL and Hynoski is one of the best remaining. I guess Nikita Whitlock’s ability to play special teams gave him priority. Still Hynoski is an outstanding fullback with NFL experience and playoff experience as well. This move was a real shock to me, I like Whitlock, just not more then Hynoski.
Jameel McClain started 14 games at middle linebacker last season and led the Giants with 117 tackles. McClain is not a starter but he is a damn good 4th linebacker who has the ability to play all 3 linebacking positions. McClain’s speed is not a strong point to his game but when Jon Beason inevitably goes down to injury this season his versatility and experience will be missed. With that being said I am a big fan of Unai Unga but other players could have be cut to make room for him.
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Two of those guys that could have been cut to make room are Markus Kuhn and Jayron Hosley. These two players have contributed next to nothing since being drafted in 2012. They have a combined 57 tackles over 3 seasons and are frequently over matched and picked on by opponents. The best case scenario here is they are just holding roster spots until replacements in their positions are found. This still makes no sense for Kuhn though, The Giants kept 10 defensive lineman, not including Jason Pierre Paul. I thought it would be a no brainer to get rid of these two.
Maybe with the release of Adrien Robinson and Brandon Mosley, GM Jerry Reese did not want to bail out on on nearly 60% of one draft class in just one offseason. The only other remaining player on the Giants roster from the 2012 draft class is wide receiver Rueben Randle. First round pick David Wilson was forced to retire, though I never though he would be more then a scat back, and offensive lineman Matt McCants never played a game with the G-Men and was an Oakland Raider by 2013.
Still, pride is no reason to keep dead weight on the roster.