Professor's 2013 NFL MOCK DRAFT 3.0

2013 Mock 3.0

* I will not be projecting trades until all coaching and front office positions are filled.

1. Kansas City– Mike Glennon, QB, N.C. State – “I am the walrus, goo goo g’joob”. Andy won’t try to resurrect Cassel or Quinn. Obviously, he must find a new signal caller. The market for trading the pick will be slim. After many trials and tribulations, the Chiefs will select Glennon 1^st overall. Geno Smith will remind Andy of Michael Vick.

2. Jacksonville – Jarvis Jones, DE/OLB, Georgia – Scouts see a Von Miller clone. Jones could be a difference maker at the next level. The Jags may bring in a new Head Coach, from the college ranks, and let Tim Tebow run the read/option. The RG3 effect is cascading across the league.

3. Oakland – Star Lotuelei, NT, Utah – The Raiders are a mess. No single move will turn this thing around. For years Al Davis built from the outside in. Popular wisdom suggests the opposite is needed. No better way to begin than to draft this anchor. Terrelle Pryor will replace Palmer as the starting QB.

4. Philadelphia – Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M – Foles is a keeper, and McCoy will be the focus of any new offensive system. The personnel on the Eagles are much better than their record. I expect, a mean streak, a disciplinarian, to be named as head coach.

5. Detroit – Damontre Moore, DE/OLB, Texas A&M – The Lions are a pass rush away from the playoffs.

6. Cleveland – Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia – I still can’t believe how Holmgren flinched on moving up for RG3! The fate of the franchise, for a decade, defined by a blink? Well, maybe not? My guess is ownership wants to adopt the read/option and hire a coach from that perspective. If so, the pick will be Smith. After working out, both, Smith and Tyler Wilson, they may choose to go with the slightly more polished Wilson.
   
   
   

7. Arizona – Tyler Wilson, QB, Arkansas – Will the Cards add Mike Vick to their roster? Is resurrecting Kevin Kolb an option? I doubt they attempt to do either. Drafting Wilson or Smith will be perceived as the lowest of the risks.

8. Buffalo – Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan – Lewan has elected to return to Michigan so Fisher is the next OT off the board. Marrone will add a QB and a WR early in the draft. Could this be where Ryan Nassib lands in the 2^nd round?

9. N.Y. Jets – Bjoern Werner, DE/OLB, Florida State – The Jets will breath a sigh of relief that the top QBs are off the board. Management can throw up their hands and stick with Sanchez another year. Rex will covet this edge rusher.
   
   
   
   
   

10. Tennessee- DeMarcus Milliner, CB, Alabama – Top CB in the draft added to a challenged secondary.

11. San Diego - Johnathan Hankins, NT, Ohio State – Include Hankins in the new breed of mass and power that run the 40 in around 5 and change. The Bolts must upgrade a pedestrian defensive front.

12. Miami – Johnathan Banks, CB, Mississippi State – The Dolphins traded Davis to the Colts. With Banks, they add a quality corner and continue to build a culture of responsibility. If they don’t resign Long, perhaps this pick is Jonathan Cooper.

13. Tampa Bay – Dion Jordan, DE/OLB, Oregon – Milliner and Banks are off the board, and Bowers health is a concern. Jordan will be compared to Chandler Jones. An improved rush will help hide weaknesses on the back end (Giants 2011).

14. Carolina –Jonathan Cooper, OT, North Carolina – Dave Gettleman has been named The Panther’s GM. He will bring with him the Giant method for approaching the draft. 1- He will select the Best Value Available. 2- Next to QB, an OT has the highest positional value. 3- The continued development of Cam is job 1. Cooper brings elite ability to a position of high value.

15. New Orleans – Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri – The Saints begin rebuilding a defense by grabbing this beast.

16. St. Louis – Chance Warmack, G, Alabama – Sam Bradford’s development is the priority. Warmack is a special talent. The Rams add a WR with the 22^nd pick.

17. Pittsburgh – Manti Te’o, LB, Norte Dame – The scar from the National Championship game remains. Te’o falls into a “Steel Curtain”. They will make him a star.

18. Dallas– Jonathan Jenkins, DT, Georgia– Rob Ryan has been let go. Jerry watchers should expect a focus in the draft on defense. The “Boys” look first to stiffen a soft defensive front.

19. N.Y. Giants – Barkevious Mingo, DE/OLB, LSU – The 1^st round CBs are off the board. With Osi moving on and Tuck wearing down, the Giants will start Kiwanuka at LDE, and permanently plant JPP at RDE. They will restructure Tuck to a low cost/ low term deal and hope he can stay healthy while retaining his important leadership. The Giants will expect Mingo to splash at OLB. Someone has to chase RG3 around!

20. Chicago – Alec Ogletree, ILB, Georgia – Sooner than later, Urlacher will follow Ray Lewis into the HOF. The Bears will expect Ogletree to follow in that great tradition. Heavy shoes to fill!

21. Minnesota – Keenan Allen, WR, California – The Vikes cannot continue to exclusively rely on Peterson. Ponder must punish defenses for loading up the box. Percy Harvin is a question mark.

22. Cincinnati – C.J. Mosley, ILB, Alabama – Never replaced Joseph, but the top CB’s are off the broad. Mosley will go along way to shoring up the Bengal middle.

23. St. Louis (from Washington) – Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee – The Rams select a freaky receiver with unbelievable upside.

24. Baltimore – Ezekiel Ansah, DE, BYU – Ray Lewis’s replacement is not in this draft. There may never be another Ray Lewis! The Ravens can only hope that Ansah develops into a dynamic defender.

25. Indianapolis – Sam Montgomery, DE, LSU - Mathis and Freeney will need to be cycled out soon. Montgomery fits the mold.

26. Seattle – Terrance Williams, WR, Baylor – Pete must layer some additional options into his offense. The Seahawks should not rely, too heavily, on Wilson’s creativity.

27. Houston – Tyler Eifer, TE, Notre Dame – The Texans won’t score enough points to advance to the big dance. It’s a copycat league. Eifer and Daniels could provide the Texans with dual TE alignments, similar to what the Pats are running.

28. Green Bay – Barrett Jones, C, Alabama – Jeff Saturday is done. Jones can fill any of the offensive line positions. An excellent player and great value at 28.

29. New England – Justin Hunter, WR, Tennessee – Josh gets a new toy for his fast-break offense. Hunter’s skill set has been absent from the Pats offense since the departure of Randy Moss.

30. Atlanta – Jesse Williams, NT, Alabama – The middle of the Falcon defensive front could use an upgrade. They will find a truck to compete with Turner in the later rounds.

31. San Francisco – Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia – Randy Moss is toast. Manningham was underwhelming and will be returning from an ACL. Jenkins is a project. Crabtree will continue to be smothered in coverage. Kaepernick’s mobility offers high reward in the short run and higher risk down the road.

32. Denver – Oday Aboush, OT, Virginia – The whole thing is built on keeping Peyton upright. He makes average talent perform at above average levels.

Professor's 2013 NFL MOCK DRAFT 2.0

2013 Mock 2.0

* Until all Coaching and Front Office positions are filled. I will not be projecting trades.

1. 
   Kansas City– Mike Glennon, QB, N.C. State – Romeo and Scott Pioli are gone. Andy won’t try to resurrect Cassel or Quinn. Obviously, he must find a new signal caller. The market for trading the pick will be slim. After many trials and tribulations, the Chiefs will select Glennon 1^st overall. This may be worth noting, sitting behind Glennon at State was Russell Wilson who transferred to Wisconsin to be their starter.

2. Jacksonville – Jarvis Jones, DE/OLB, Georgia – Scouts see a Von Miller clone. Jones could be a difference maker at the next level. The Jags may bring in a Head Coach from the college ranks and let Tim Tebow run the read/option. The RG3 effect is cascading across the league.

3. Oakland – Star Lotuelei, NT, Utah – The Raiders are a mess. No single move will turn this thing around. For years Al Davis built from the outside in. Popular wisdom suggests the opposite is needed. No better way to begin than to draft this anchor. Terrelle Pryor will replace Palmer as the starting QB.

4. Philadelphia – Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M – Foles is a keeper, and McCoy will be the focus of any new offensive system. The personnel on the Eagles are much better than their record. I expect, a mean streak, a disciplinarian, to be named as head coach.

5. Detroit – Damontre Moore, DE/OLB, Texas A&M – The Lions are a pass rush away from the playoffs.

6. Cleveland – Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia – I still can’t believe how Holmgren flinched on moving up for RG3! The fate of the franchise, for a decade, defined by a blink? Well, maybe not? My guess is ownership wants to adopt the read/option and hire a coach from that perspective. If so, the pick will be Smith. After working out, both, Smith and Tyler Wilson, they may choose to go with the slightly more polished Wilson.
   
   
   
   
   

7. Arizona – Tyler Wilson, QB, Arkansas – Will the Cards add Mike Vick to their roster? Is resurrecting Kevin Kolb an option? I doubt they attempt to do either. Oddly, drafting Wilson or Smith is the lowest risk and offers the biggest splash of the available options. That’s called the sweet spot.

8. Buffalo – Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan – This year’s Luke Kuechly. Buffalo is closer than most think. Marrone will add a QB and a WR early in the draft. Could this be where Ryan Nassib lands?

9. N.Y. Jets – Manti Te’o – The Jets require an almost complete rebuild on the offensive side of the ball. The trenches must be addressed, but they won’t pass on Te’o. Expect an OT in the 2^nd round.
   
   
   
   
   

10. Tennessee- DeMarcus Milliner, CB, Alabama – Top CB in the draft added to a challenged secondary.

11. San Diego - Johnathan Hankins, NT, Ohio State – Include Hankins in the young new breed of mass and power that run the 40 in around 5 and change. The Bolts must upgrade a pedestrian defensive front.

12. Miami – Johnathan Banks, CB, Mississippi State – The Dolphins traded Davis to the Colts. With Banks, they add a quality corner and continue to build a culture of responsibility. If they don’t resign Long, perhaps this pick is Eric Fisher.

13. Tampa Bay – Bjoern Werner, DE/OLB, Florida State – Milliner and Banks are off the board, so the Bucs decide to blitzkrieg. Bowers appears to have settled into average at best. An improved rush will help hide weaknesses on the back end (Giants 2011). The Bucs will pick a 2^nd round CB in the 2^nd round.

14. Carolina – Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan – Panthers must build a solid nucleus. The continued development of Cam is the single most important piece of the puzzle. Get that wrong, and nothing else matters! Ron and Cam will lobby for WR in the 2^nd round.
    
    
    
    

15. New Orleans – Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri – The 1^st round freaks won’t last to the 2^nd round. The Saints begin rebuilding a defense by grabbing this beast.

16. St. Louis – Chance Warmack, G, Alabama – Sam Bradford’s development is the priority. Warmack is a special talent. The Rams can add a WR with the 22^nd pick.

17. Pittsburgh - Dion Jordan, DE/OLB, Oregon – Jordan is one of the premier edge rushers in this draft. This is a good place to add some teeth to a defense long in the tooth.

18. Dallas– Jonathan Jenkins, DT, Georgia– I expect Jerry to look to stiffen a soft defensive front. Jenkins fits need and value.

19. N.Y. Giants – Barkevious Mingo, DE/OLB, LSU – The 1^st round CBs are off the board. With Osi moving on and Tuck wearing down, the Giants will start Kiwanuka at LDE, and permanently plant JPP at RDE. They will restructure Tuck to a low cost/ low term deal. The Giants will hope Tuck can stay healthy while adding his leadership into the mix. The Giants will expect Mingo to start at OLB. Someone has to chase RG3 around!

20. Chicago – Alec Ogletree, ILB, Georgia – The middle of the Bear D needs replacing. Urlacher may follow Ray Lewis into the sunset. The Bears D has always featured a dynamic MLB. Urlacher may leave a hole to big to fill?

21. Minnesota – Keenan Allen, WR, California – The Vikes cannot continue to exclusively rely on Peterson. Ponder must punish defenses for loading up the box.

22. Cincinnati – C.J. Mosley, ILB, Alabama – Never replaced Joseph, but the top CB’s are off the broad. Mosley will go along way to shoring up the Bengal middle.

23. St. Louis (from Washington) – Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee – The Rams select a freaky receiver with unbelievable upside.

24. Baltimore – Ezekiel Ansah, DE, BYU – Any potential replacement for Ray Lewis is not in this draft, or off the board. I expect the Ravens to look to free agency to replace this HOF player.

25. Indianapolis – Sam Montgomery, DE, LSU - Mathis and Freeney are a 147 combined! Great value for the Colts in this slot.

26. Seattle – Terrance Williams, WR, Baylor – Pete will layer second year options for his outstanding rookie QB. The Seahawks will go as far as Wilson goes.

27. Houston – Tyler Eifer, TE, Notre Dame – The Texans won’t score enough points to advance to the big dance. They have a Super Bowl defense. They must help Schaub. It’s a copycat league. Eifer and Daniels will provide the Texans options in two TE alignments, similar to what the Pats are running.

28. Green Bay – Barrett Jones, C, Alabama – Need to strengthen the C position. Jeff Saturday is done and Jones offers value at the 28th slot.

29. New England – Justin Hunter, WR, Tennessee – Josh gets a new toy for his fast-break offense.

30. Atlanta – Jesse Williams, NT, Alabama – The middle of the Falcon defensive front could use an upgrade. They will find a bull to compete with Turner in the later rounds.
    
    
    
    
    
    
31. San Francisco – Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia – Randy Moss is toast. Manningham is underwhelming. Jenkins is a project. Crabtree will continue to be smothered in coverage, until the 49’ers have a dynamic 2^nd option. The reason for moving Smith to the bench was this need for another option. Kaepernick’s mobility offers high reward in the short term and high risk in the long term.
    
    
    
    

32. Denver – Jonathan Cooper, G/C, North Carolina – Peyton Manning is everything to the Broncos! The whole thing is built on keeping him upright. He must be protected at any cost.

The Professor's 2013 NFL Mock 2.0

* Until all Coaching and Front Office positions are filled. I will not be projecting trades.

1. 
   Kansas City– Mike Glennon, QB, N.C. State – Romeo and Scott Pioli are gone. Andy won’t try to resurrect Cassel or Quinn. Obviously, he must find a new signal caller. The market for trading the pick will be slim. After many trials and tribulations, the Chiefs will select Glennon 1^st overall. This may be worth noting, sitting behind Glennon at State was Russell Wilson who transferred to Wisconsin to be their starter.

2. Jacksonville – Jarvis Jones, DE/OLB, Georgia – Scouts see a Von Miller clone. Jones could be a difference maker at the next level. The Jags may bring in a Head Coach from the college ranks and let Tim Tebow run the read/option. The RG3 effect is cascading across the league.

3. Oakland – Star Lotuelei, NT, Utah – The Raiders are a mess. No single move will turn this thing around. For years Al Davis built from the outside in. Popular wisdom suggests the opposite is needed. No better way to begin than to draft this anchor. Terrelle Pryor will replace Palmer as the starting QB.

4. Philadelphia – Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M – Foles is a keeper, and McCoy will be the focus of any new offensive system. The personnel on the Eagles are much better than their record. I expect, a mean streak, a disciplinarian, to be named as head coach.

5. Detroit – Damontre Moore, DE/OLB, Texas A&M – The Lions are a pass rush away from the playoffs.

6. Cleveland – Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia – I still can’t believe how Holmgren flinched on moving up for RG3! The fate of the franchise, for a decade, defined by a blink? Well, maybe not? The Browns will bring in Chip Kelly, who will need a QB capable of running the read/option. I believe the pick will be Smith. After working out, both, Smith and Tyler Wilson, they may choose to go with the more polished Wilson?
   
   
   
   
   

7. Arizona – Tyler Wilson, QB, Arkansas – Will the Cards add Mike Vick to their roster? Is resurrecting Kevin Kolb an option? I doubt they attempt to do either. Oddly, drafting Wilson or Smith is the lowest risk and offers the biggest splash of the available options. That’s called the sweet spot.

8. Buffalo – Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan – This year’s Luke Kuechly. Buffalo is closer than most think. Teo is a high motor, high character upgrade to a pedestrian LB core. Marrone will add a QB and a WR early in the draft. Could this be where Ryan Nassib lands?

9. N.Y. Jets – Manti Te’o – The Jets require an almost complete rebuild on the offensive side of the ball. The trenches must be addressed, but they won’t pass on Te’o. Expect an OT in the 2^nd round.
   
   
   
   
   

10. Tennessee- DeMarcus Milliner, CB, Alabama – Top CB in the draft added to a challenged secondary.

11. San Diego - Johnathan Hankins, NT, Ohio State – Include Hankins in the young new breed of mass and power that run the 40 in around 5 and change. The Bolts must upgrade a pedestrian defensive front.

12. Miami – Johnathan Banks, CB, Mississippi State – The Dolphins traded Davis to the Colts. With Banks, they add a quality corner and continue to build a culture of responsibility. If they don’t resign Long, perhaps this pick is Eric Fisher.

13. Tampa Bay – Bjoern Werner, DE/OLB, Florida State – Milliner and Banks are off the board, so the Bucs decide to blitzkrieg. Bowers appears to have settled into average at best. An improved rush will help hide weaknesses on the back end (Giants 2011). The Bucs will pick a 2^nd round CB in the 2^nd round.

14. Carolina – Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan – Panthers must build a solid nucleus. The continued development of Cam is the single most important piece of the puzzle. Get that wrong, and nothing else matters! Ron and Cam will lobby for WR in the 2^nd round.

15. New Orleans – Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri – The 1^st round freaks won’t last to the 2^nd round. The Saints begin rebuilding a defense by grabbing this beast.

16. St. Louis – Chance Warmack, G, Alabama – Sam Bradford’s development is the priority. Warmack is a special talent. The Rams can add a WR with the 22^nd pick.

17. Pittsburgh - Dion Jordan, DE/OLB, Oregon – Jordan is one of the premier edge rushers in this draft. This is a good place to add some teeth to a defense long in the tooth.

18. Dallas– Jonathan Jenkins, DT, Georgia– I expect Jerry to look to stiffen a soft defensive front. Jenkins fits need and value.

19. N.Y. Giants – Barkevious Mingo, DE/OLB, LSU – The 1^st round CBs are off the board. With Osi moving on and Tuck wearing down, the Giants will start Kiwanuka at LDE, and permanently plant JPP at RDE. They will restructure Tuck to a low cost/ low term deal. The Giants will hope Tuck can stay healthy while adding his leadership into the mix. The Giants will expect Mingo to start at OLB. Someone has to chase RG3 around!

20. Chicago – Alec Ogletree, ILB, Georgia – The middle of the Bear D needs replacing. Urlacher may follow Ray Lewis into the sunset. The Bears D has always featured a dynamic MLB. Urlacher may leave a hole to big to fill?

21. Minnesota – Keenan Allen, WR, California – The Vikes cannot continue to exclusively rely on Peterson. Ponder must punish defenses for loading up the box.

22. Cincinnati – C.J. Mosley, ILB, Alabama – Never replaced Joseph, but the top CB’s are off the broad. Mosley will go along way to shoring up the Bengal middle.

23. St. Louis (from Washington) – Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee – The Rams select a freaky receiver with unbelievable upside.

24. Baltimore – Ezekiel Ansah, DE, BYU – Any potential replacement for Ray Lewis is not in this draft, or off the board. I expect the Ravens to look to free agency to replace this HOF player.

25. Indianapolis – Sam Montgomery, DE, LSU - Mathis and Freeney are a 147 combined! Great value for the Colts in this slot.

26. Seattle – Terrance Williams, WR, Baylor – Pete will layer second year options for his outstanding rookie QB. The Seahawks will go as far as Wilson goes.

27. Houston – Tyler Eifer, TE, Notre Dame – The Texans won’t score enough points to advance to the big dance. They have a Super Bowl defense. They must help Schaub. It’s a copycat league. Eifer and Daniels will provide the Texans options in two TE alignments, similar to what the Pats are running.

28. Green Bay – Barrett Jones, C, Alabama – Need to strengthen the C position. Jeff Saturday is done and Jones offers value at the 28th slot.

29. New England – Keenan Allen, WR, California – Josh gets a new toy for his fast-break offense.

30. Atlanta – Jesse Williams, NT, Alabama – The middle of the Falcon defensive front could use an upgrade. They will find a bull to compete with Turner in the later rounds.
31. San Francisco – Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia – Randy Moss is toast. Manningham is underwhelming. Jenkins is a project. Crabtree will continue to be smothered in coverage, until the 49’ers have a dynamic 2^nd option. The reason for moving Smith to the bench was this need for another option. Kaepernick’s mobility offers high reward in the short term and high risk in the long term.

32. Denver – Jonathan Cooper, G/C, North Carolina – Peyton Manning is everything to the Broncos! The whole thing is built on keeping him upright. He must be protected at any cost.
    
    
    
    
    

6-4 Giants on a break, or on the brink?

By The Professor

Staff Writer NFL PRO ZACH

As the Giants head out for a much needed break, what are we to think?

The Defense/ segment 2:

1. The Giant Defense has struggled at the point of attack. In the trenches, Linval Joseph has been a solid contributor. Chris Canty has had mixed results since returning from knee surgery. Rocky Bernard snaps have limited by injury. 7th round rookie, Markus Kuhn, has been pressed into service. A major disappointment, Marvin Austin, has been relegated to inactive. With Kuhn’s most recent ACL he moves to IR. Austin will be pressed to step up. A DT will be added to the 53.

2. On the edges, play has been spotty. Jason Pierre-Paul has been moved around to compensate for the deficiencies of Tuck and Umenyiora. In Tuck’s case, big days appear to be done. In Umenyiora’s case, he is allergic to playing the run. So far, the cumulative effects have been to stunt JPP’s growth for marginal gains. Adrian Tracy and Adewale Ojomo have offered very little.

3. 
   Support from the LB core has been mixed. At MLB, Chase Blackburn can be counted on to be average. Herzlich can’t be counted on. At WLB, Michael Boley, is having a Pro Bowl caliber year. Keith Rivers has demonstrated why he was a 1st round draft choice, and has confirmed why the Bengals traded him for a 5th rounder. At SLB, Mathias Kiwanuka has become a question mark, and Jacquian Williams is nursing a bum knee. Spencer Paysinger is getting increased playing time. Perry is frustrated and searching.

4. With the exception of Corey Webster, the back end has been a pleasant surprise. Prince Amukamara is demonstrating the ability to become the shutdown corner, they had hoped for, when the Giants drafted him in the 1st round. Stevie Brown and Will Hill may be added to the list of Reese’s notable finds. Jayron Hosley has ability and is being groomed to replace Webster. Andrel Rolle is solid in run support, and is the leader of the group. Kenny Phillips could return from injury after the bye. I doubt he will have much to offer.

So there you have it. At the point of attack, the Giants are soft. Play action becomes more effective as the D compensates and overreacts. Additionally, the Giant front 4 is not generating a dependable pass rush. The Giants have blitzed more than I can remember. A ballooning amount of blanketing is being demanded from the DB’s. Through the first 10 games we have witnessed some of those balloons popping. The bottom-line is that this is a talented group. It is not impossible for this Defense to play at a playoff caliber level.

NY GIANTS: 6-4 Giants on a break, or on the brink?

By The Professor

Staff Writer NFL PRO ZACH

As the Giants head out for a much needed break, what are we to think? We have watched this team go from dominant to doormat, in the space of 4 weeks! It is far too easy to interpret this latest debacle as another November swoon. I truly hope that the Giant players do not regard their most recent performances as lack of effort or focus. It is obvious that the fundamentals run far deeper. Below, I will try to quantify the structural flaws in this year’s band of brothers. I will present this in 2 segments. 

First the Offense:

1. The Giants can’t run the ball. Most of the statistical rushing yards, accumulated by the Giants, versus the Bengals were in “garbage time”. For the most part, the Giants haven’t been a running team since the Bill Parcells regime.
2. Compensating for this apparent inability to run the football has been a very effective passing game, directed by a top 5 QB. Now that dynamic air attack appears to be anemic. The million-dollar question is what has happened?
3. 
   The Giants honor their ancestors. Big Blue must retain the ability to run the football. They are in a minority that retains a roster spot for a fullback. Their TE must block first and catch second. But between a salary cap reality and their immediate needs, they have a conflicted agenda. They drafted a running back in the 1st round, but with the exception of Will Beatty (2nd round), they have drafted OL (projects) in the later rounds. David Baas came via free agency. FIRST STRUCTURAL PROBLEM – the Giants have made very little investment in the offensive trenches. The present Giant OL is, at best, an accumulation of pass blocking skill sets. The “Black Unicorn” is a 1-year project that won’t be mistaken for Aaron Hernandez. His free agent acquisition could be argued, as the commitment I suggest is absent?
4. Just so we understand each other, I think Jerry Reese is a genius. I do not question how this 2012 team is constructed. I do, very much, question how the coaching staff is utilizing those pieces! SECOND STRUCTUAL PROBLEM – the Giant Coaching Staff is wasting a lot of effort, and a lot of downs, keeping up appearances. Believe me, they are not fooling the NFL coaching pool. You either can or can’t run the football, when it counts. Refer to point # 1, if you need reminding?
5. 
   The Giants cannot afford Nicks to be at 50%. Without his burst, everything in the box is congested. There is less room for Cruz to operate, and Randle cannot stretch the field, or he is not trusted to? This may be too simple, but the Giants offense can no longer threaten opposing defenses with the big play. The Nicks injury forces the Giants to play small- ball and demands perfection in tighter windows. As those windows open and close in a nano-second, the ball is being held longer by Eli. No wonder the sack total and interceptions are starting to rise! THIRD STRUCTUAL PROBLEM –options are too thin at the skill positions to adjust to injuries to the playmakers. Of course, Wilson and/or Randle may alter the dynamic with opportunity or some maturing. I’m guessing that unless the week off enables Nicks to recover (may be a season nagging injury), they bump Cruz out wide, and move Barden or Jernigan into the slot. Cruz is the best slot receiver in the league, but moving Cruz wide would also draw the double coverage wide, effectively unclogging the middle.

* Stay tuned. I’ll do light review of the Defense this week.  

NY Giant's Post Pittsburgh Thoughts (6-3)

By The Professor
Staff Writer NFL PRO ZACH

1.With Hakeem Nicks at less than 50%, with Defenses bracketing Cruz (to the point where he is starting to flinch), and with an indecisive Bradshaw, Eli is pressing. His reluctance to take what the opposing Defenses are giving is telling. Both Dallas and Pittsburgh dared the Giants to run the football.  I expect the Bengals to offer up a similar scheme. If the Giants don’t improve the running game, Eli can expect a steady dose of flooded coverages. Nicks must get healthy or Randle must grow up now!

2.If the Giants can’t get the running game going, Gilbride must make some changes. Perhaps, a 1st and 2nd down 4 or 5 wide packages, Wilson’s speed pressing the edges, or going no huddle? It appears that the Giants offensive front will be challenged to match straight up! The Giant offense may need a mix of Plan B.

Diehl

3.Plan B should also include relegating David Diehl to the big packages, and returning Sean Locklear to starting RT. Of course, if Snee can’t go this coming Sunday, Diehl will slide over to RG and Locklear will regain his position at RT.

4.With regard to   the Defense, it should obvious that at this point, Mark Herzlich is a better feel good story than a MLB. It was nice/sad to see Osi and Webster make, what seems like, their first big play. Marvin Austin has been a big disappointment and has fallen behind Markus Kuhn on the depth cart. Redman and the Pittsburgh running game ran it right down the Giants throat! Is Jerry going to be forced to use a high draft choice on a DT? God help us, if the MVP of the Giant Defense is Chase Blackburn!

Blackburn

5.Has there been a Kiwi sighting? The man has been invisible!!

6.I can tolerate Hosley’s rookie mistakes. He has a bright future.

7.The Giants will welcome back Will Hill. He also has a place in the Giant plans (assuming he can stay clean). Tyler Sash is no more than a special teamer.

8.Speaking of Special Teams, Lawrence Tynes has been almost flawless this season. But, his kickoffs at Met Life were mostly line drives. The coverage had almost no time to adjust. His best kick was a short popup. Hang time must improve!

NY GIANTS: Reese’s (Random) Pieces / 5-2 edition

First things first! Lets hope the unfortunate fellow, who fell from the stadium elevator, will be ok.

Is Cory Webster the new Aaron Ross? God, the man appears to have no ability to play man.

As the Professor predicted, Prince is a stud!

I know Hosely got beat by Moss. Guess what? In 2013, Hosely will be starting opposite Prince, in place of Webster!

How bout that Eli? All game he was off, about a subway sandwich, from his intended target. Then with a minute and change, he mind-melds with Cruz, and drops a bomb into his gut. Eli got smacked just as he was releasing the throw. It reminded me of the Super Bowl throw to Mario Manningham. Cruz’s intelligence gets overlooked. If you don’t know, you should! Eli is clutch.

Chase Blackburn’s expiration date says he’s way past due. Jerry knows he must find a replacement. My guess is Mark Herzlich will not develop into that guy. Perhaps, some configuration of Boley, Williams, and Rivers will become the future alignment?

Martellus Bennett, “Black Unicorn”, has become a vital component in the Giant offense. His hands seem better than I expected, and his blocking is first rate. I am sure Jerry will try to resign him at years end. It doesn’t appear that Adrien Robinson, “the JPP of TE’s”, is developing at a rate that would allow the Giants to let Bennett walk. Of course, Cruz needs a new deal. There may not be enough money to go around. Expect a lot of “name” veterans to be encouraged to test the market.

So far, Markus Kuhn is a pleasant surprise and Marvin Austin is a minor disappointment. There’s still time to make firm conclusions.

Stevie Brown has become a solid replacement for the void at SS.

David Wilson and Ruben Randle will be guys the Giants build there future around.

Welcome back, Chris Canty.

Will Hill, come back ready to go. You have a short leash.

Why was Ahmad Bradshaw channeling Brandon Jacobs? Did he realize the Giants needed to be sharper? A wakeup call, or is he just plain crazy?      

NY Giants: 10 Giant reactions after week 2

By The Professor

NFL PRO ZACH Staff Writer

1. Jerry Reese is a genius. Osi, never played the run, but now he has become an ex-sack artist. Jerry was so right in not extending his contact. Now Perry needs to stop kicking JPP inside on clear passing downs. Stop negating your greatest strength. The NASCAR package must be pulled into the pit.

2. 

   Jerry Reese

   Jerry Reese is a genius. Justin Tuck has been the heart and soul of the Giants since the departure of Michael Strahan. Unless he is hiding an injury, it looks as though there’s not much gas in the tank. Again, great call on waiting to the very last minute to decide on his contractual future. Perry needs to rotate Osi and Tuck on clear passing downs and leave JPP alone.

3. Personel dictates scheme! The Giants may need to transition to a 3-4 on passing downs and utilize a blitz package. Adding Rivers, Williams, and Hill to the 3^rd down mix fits with realities of the roster. Of course, if Ojomo is ready to contribute, he may be an alternative in the 4-3. Note, how a strength can become a weakness in less than a year!

4. Kenny Phillips is a step slow and Antrel Rolle takes unbelievably bad angles to the ball. Neither could play centerfield for a local Babe Ruth team. The Giants base defense is cover 2. Without a consistent pass–rush and credible Safety play, the Giants will be giving up large amounts of points each and every game. Is it time to transition to Will Hill?

5. I am not worried about the play of the Giant CBs. Prince Amukamara and Jayron Hosley will develop this season into solid contributors. The glaring weakness at CB will stabilize.

6. Coach Tom is a conservative man. He would rather accept dependable and average, than tolerate the precociousness of young talent. Coach Tom don’t do change! It took a David Diehl injury to reconfigure the OL in a way that was way past needed. It took an Ahmad Bradshaw injury to give another running back a chance to revive an anemic running attack. Coach Tom is amazingly inflexible in a League that demands constant change and instant adjustment.

7. 
   Thank God for Eli Manning.

8. Nicks and Cruz are the best receiving tandem in the NFL.

9. Black Unicorn is a physical freak with average hands.

10. Lets have more misdirection with David Wilson. This is a speed league.