Big Blue Huddle

When I look at the 2023 Giants I see an enormous imbalance between the performance of the offense versus defense.

By no means do I think the defense was elite in any way however I believe it was at least average across everything and maybe slightly above average in particular areas.

When I see the offense, I see completely subpar bottom 25th percentile in every facet of the offense from pass and run (especially consistency), blocking, WR ability to consistently separate, passing without a purpose to create real advancement down the field, lack of elite and consistent running, etc.  nothing good.

In this 2025 draft, if all of a sudden I see the Giants filling so-called holes on defense when much greater enormous holes and problems exist on offense, I will be livid.

We need a new QB, stud WR, RB1, a day 1 starting Guard and a real good all around TE.

Forget that we invested in Eze and McKethan.  They added nothing.  I dont care that we have a new OL coach.  Maybe the ingredients still are terrible.

Focus on the friggin offense please Joe Schoen.

I think the Giants feel if they get better OL play especially in pass rush plus get a WR1 and add another RB or TE that a healthy DJ can be a top 12 or maybe top 10 QB and that they can win with that.  I also think they are less concerned than fans are about the injury history and conclude better protection insures against that.  This is the reason they go WR at 6 and maybe RB in round 2 or 3.  If DJ fails, Dabs will be gone and a new coach will then go get another QB in 2025 however the offense will now have a true X WR1, plus a good WanDale and Jalin and a young RB to build around a new rookie QB.

Wondering how this board will feel if we go OL again at 6 and it's an OT.

I must admit that I did not get a chance to watch him play all that much.  I started reading about him, then started to watch video on him.  I can totally see why folks are so high on him.  He has got really sticky hands and does a great job of adjusting his body to the ball.  He plays big but unlike say Brian Thomas who looks almost exclusively pure X and outside the hashmarks, Pearsall looks like he is everywhere on the field including pure fearlessness over the middle.  Is he enough an X for the Giants as a potential 3rd round pick?  I am not sure, but if we want a Z, he checks a lot of boxes for me.

I think 100% the Giants will have a shot at MHJr at 6 because I believe Harbaugh wants to create the mindset the Chargers are a tough in the trenches type team so believe they will draft Joe Alt.  Book it Danno.  You heard it here first

We've discussed QB and WR ad nauseum and OT to a lesser extent with the 6th pick.  What position and prospect could get picked by the Giants at 6?

I am going to say CB and Quinyon Mitchell (sp?) from Toledo?  Tre Hawkins may not be the long term answer.  Critical position.

My fear with Nabers is his productivity is more from catching 4 yard passes and getting YAC than catching 20 yard + deeper routes.  Anyone have any stats on the distribution of how far downfield he caught most of his passes?

Also how many catches did he make from X versus Z versus slot WR posituons?

I must say I liked a 3 RB committee with each offering something different.  Then if one goes down to injury, still have 2 in rotation.

Would we go back to that under Dabs?

What RB type is Eric Gray?

Last spring (2023) I went out on a limb here and wrote a post asking to make a prediction. My prediction then was that JJ McCarthy would be a top 20 pick in the 2024 Draft.  Bold since he was at best a 3rd rounder prediction by everyone.

Now, I will add another prediction.  JJ will be the 2nd QB taken in the 2024 Draft.

Let's hear some predictions folks.

Wanted to post it to keep you informed.  Apparently the Commanders are having dinner with JJ the night before as they complete their draft rankings.

Everyone says you can get good interior OL players later in the draft as they are typically chased less in early rounds.  Lots of teams find success there.  Guys like Michael Onwenu of Pats, Trey Smith of the Chiefs, etc.

Giants double dipped with Eze and McKethan.  Both are near fails.  Imagine if one turned out to be a good starter at Guard and one was a good backup.  We'd be so much better off with our OL.

Was thinking this morning about this not in any sort of order:

1) love of talent/athleticism while missing mental intangibles like maturity, motivation, coachability.

2) Immature player they think they can mature through lockerroom chemistry, father figure coach.

3) Player they really like for intangible traits but overestimates player's physical skill.

4) Player they really like but fail to do enough background check on them.

5) Player whose skills are augmented by college team talent around him so without similar talent he is less effective.

6) overvaluing  college coach's recommendation of a player.

That will be my toss the computer moment.  If they think someone like Dallas Turner is better than Malik Nabers, Rome Odunze or Joe Alt, I will think Schoen is incompetent.  So clear early players are best on O side of the ball.

If they go CB, I'll feel the same way.  We may need a CB but none are worth 6th pick and none help with the biggest hole which is offense.

I keep thinking that this draft is an either or proposition.  Draft a QB like JJ or Jayden Daniels at 6, but leave immense talent like Malik Nabers or Rome Odunze on the draft board to benefit other teams.  Now, I am wondering is the following.  What if the Giants draft a Malik Nabers first with pick 6, then somewhere around pick 10 (assuming a QB they covet like JJ or another) is still there, they trade up with their other 2024 draft assets and say a 2025 1st to pick that player?  Maybe do something like give up their 2nd second round pick, a third round pick and next years's 1st round pick.  That solves two of their most glaring holes - QB and WR.  If they sign say a Michael Onwenu at RG in free agency, they will have plugged another major hole, then can use their remaining draft capital on BPA with emphasis toward defensive side of the ball.  With these moves, the Giants can look at 2025 draft to be more defense heavy in terms of selections as they should have secured their QB and WR of the future now.

Let's see where we stand

I think the Broncos won't go into the 2024 season with a journeyman QB.  Payton wants one he can bring along.  By cutting Wilson, I read that the Broncos have to absorb $85 million of dead cap money.  I am sure Payton did not do himself any favors with Broncos ownership with that so he needs to make a splash for self-preservation. I think they may be the team that gets irrational with say an aggressive trade package to move up into top 4-5 to block the Giants who most likely would take a QB.  Unless teams toss in say 2 non-QB players among first five picks, the Giants could be on the outside.  I believe strongly the Chargers won't take a QB, but they might be most willing to trade out of their pick making the Broncos or another team go there.

 

Heard all these reports coming out about how he was hardest to cover in the SEC.  After this season, I can't get a handle on his ceiling.  Trick plays only, high volume short yardage only WR, consistent intermediate threat, vertical threat, find zone holes to get first down, what exactly?

I liked what he gave us last season, but Is he enough out of that position long term?

I know I am always talking on this board about intangibles whether it is with players or with coaches.  A few days ago, I read a great story about Jim Harbaugh in which some of his former players told stories about him.  As a Michigan alum, I really enjoyed them, but more importantly, I thought they pointed to what I think is so important in team sports -- leadership and creating a team (not assembling them but creating a cohesive unit).  I believe these stories point to why Harbaugh is such a great coach.  It's so much more than Xs and Os.  Anyway if you get a chance, check it out.  Hope you enjoy it.

Joseph


https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/39625585/jim-harbaugh-former-49ers-michigan-players-stories-chargers-coach

Mike Sainristil is in my opinion the best slot CB in the country.  Converted WR.  He understood Jesse Minter's defense extremely well.  Watch video of him.  If we are looking for a top flight CB, draft this guy.  Here's a good article on him.

https://www.yahoo.com/sports/star-washington-wr-says-mike-152535039.html

As they address and uktimately select prospects, i hope they do the following:

1) RB - regardless of whether Barkley returns or not, I want them to draft a super fast RB.  They need an Achane type RB on the team.  More speed from another skilled position on offense.  Maybe Jaylen Wright from Tennessee woukd be a good fit.

2) WR - Giants need a much better version of Hodgins which includes a lot more speed.  I like a Xavier Leggette or Brian Thomas type size more than rail thin Xavier Worthy.

3) OL - if the Giants keep Neal at ORT, I think they need a RG who can move laterally very well and process DL movement quickly to also help Neal on twists.  I think Zak Zinter is a perfect fit here.

4) DL - will Bowen run a 1 gap or 2 gap style DL?  I assume the former so for that we need an explosively fast 3 tech DT who hits one shoulder/hole quickly and is relentless with interior penetration.  Who is that?

Giants priority needs not in any order at QB, WR, and OL.

Their first 3 draft picks (one first and two seconds) are in good spots.  I see no reason we can't address all three positions early.  If we go QB at six, then either stay still in seconds or use to trade up into 1st to grab best WR or OL making sure they dont give up the other 2nd in the trade.  Instead offer up other collateral.  Use the other puck to address the last remaining hole of the three.

1st pick - with 6 they take one of four QBs.

2nd pick - trade up for say a Brian Thomas or Jackson Powers or hold 2nd rounder and take a Xavier Leggette or Tony Franklin.

3rd Pick - use third picks on say a Zak Zinter.

I see real value with holding these picks.  I see at least two day 1 starters with a QB learning from the bench for a bit.

Chris Snee is the type of talent at Guard the Giants need.  What made him so good?  What did he not do well?

Michigan just created this position and hired someone to fill it.  Is this something the Giants should do?

The Director of Performance and Sport Science serves as the senior applied research scientist of the Athletic Department (or Organization). This position leads department research initiatives to identify critical qualities and metrics related to enhancing athlete performance, health and safety, and talent identification. The role oversees the delivery and implementation of sport science services across all integrated support team (IST) disciplines and is capable of influencing athlete performance planning, resources, and organizational processes through data collection, coordination, and analysis.

In addition, the Director of Performance and Sport Science possesses a broad understanding of IST specialties (i.e., strength and conditioning, sports medicine, nutrition, mental performance, etc.), in order to effectively provide leadership and support in a collaborative high-performance sport environment. The role requires frequent interaction with athletes, sport coaches, IST staff, department heads, and senior administration, in addition to the ability to develop and provide educational resources as needed, and to mentor and supervise multiple staff.

Loved that Dunkin Donuts commercial.  Matt Damon was priceless.

This guy's catches above his chest are spectacular.  Think he will post DK Metcalf measurables and blow up the Combine.  Probably 6'3" 223 pounds + in who will run a sub 4.35 40.

The only big question about him is why all his production was just this year as a senior.  This year he had Spencer Rattler throwing to him which may have helped.  He played against good SEC CBs.  He will need work as a route runner which will probably keep him out of the first round.

Talk about size/speed to be the X

Keep an eye on him.

Great college player but doubt about his size.  Tyler Lindenbaum.  6'3" 290 pounds in college.  Now a Pro Bowl center.

Best technique in college since Nelson from ND at guard.

We as fans need to learn from our mistakes.

This downward spiral to 1st round elimination must have them jumping off buildings and wanting to run Nick Sirianni out of the city.

Frankly, I really don't like Sirianni.  Walks like he built the team much like Ryan Day for Ohio St.

They are over 80 sacks in a season which is highest in my lifetime.  Yes they had injuries but they have not looked good at all.

How has management not pressed Dabs to make a coaching change midseason?  Judge did it and as I recalled, it helped a lot.

Do they possibly think he is not the reason for the OL's poor play?

https://houston.culturemap.com/news/society/ryan-leaf-menninger-clinic-annual-luncheon/

Please read this article as I am sure none of you have seen this.  Why do I suggest that?  The reason is twofold: 

First, fans focus too much on the physical attributes of a player.  Focus on the beginning of this article.

Second, fans like to say the teams have psych and background consultants who thoroughly dig up the necessary info on a player.  How did they miss this?

When you evaluate Williams and others, think about this article.

What if when it is time for the Giants to draft in round 1, the clearly best player prospect is an OT.  Do the Giants draft the OT?