Die Hard Giants Fan

Most of the news this week has been about the OTA’s.  We got to hear from the entire coaching staff, and they provided us with some foresight as they head into the 2008 season.

Giants.com:

Offensive Coaches Speak - Michael Eisen pointed out that the Offensive Staff met with the media today.  Eisen provided the entire transcript.

Transcript: Tight End Coach Mike Pope - Giants.com had a Q&A Session with Mike Pope.

Newsday:

Giants expect reluctant Shockey to attend camp - “Pope said yesterday that he expects his star pupil to be in attendance at the team’s mandatory minicamp next month and when training camp begins in Albany in late July.”

New York Daily News:

Giant coach says Jeremy Shockey’s in Super Bowl shock - “Pope, the Giants’ tight ends coach, believes that’s the primary source of Shockey’s unhappiness - that he had to watch the Giants win Super Bowl XLII because his broken leg kept him off the field.”

New York Post:

SNEE AWAITS GIANT REWARD

New York Times:

Giants Face Questions About Two Key Players - “Many people in the Giants’ organization have had to parry questions about the futures of Jeremy Shockey and Michael Strahan.”

The Star-Ledger:

Pope says Shockey rift fixable - Mike Pope had this to say about Jeremy Shockey at this week’s OTA:

I don’t think you can individualize this. Any player who’s a big part of the team and gets out of the roster for a period of time, it’s a terrific shock because that’s what they do. … I know he was very, very upset about not being able to finish what we collectively started. I’m sure there was a lot of disappointment.

I don’t think he’s any different than other players. Once the team gets back together and they get involved together, those things — whatever they have been — tend to become less of a factor and they eventually disappear. You start playing together, you start winning and the upside of the game is what you’re looking at, then things usually run fairly smoothly.

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According to NFL.com, the Dallas Cowboys have reached agreements with RB Marion Barber and CB Terence Newman to long-term extensions today.

• “Barber agreed to a seven-year deal worth $45 million, with $16 million in guaranteed bonuses. The deal will total $21 million over the first three years, all of which puts him in the salary range of LaDainian Tomlinson, Edgerrin James and Larry Johnson — heady stuff for a guy whose only career start came in his last game.”
• “Newman’s deal is a six-year extension. Since he had one year left on his original contract, that means he’s also locked up through 2014, just like Barber. His contract is worth $50.2 million, including $22.5 million guaranteed.”

So now we gotta face the Barbarian for the next 7 years.  Newman doesn’t bother me because he’s so wrapped up in talking smack that he forgets to play the game.

Giants.com:

Defensive Coaches Speak - Michael Eisen pointed out that the Defensive Staff met with the media today.  Eisen provided the entire transcript.

Transcript: Safeties Coach David Merritt - Giants.com had a Q&A Session with David Merritt.

Transcript: Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo - Giants.com had a Q&A Session with Steve Spagnuolo.

New York Post:

ELI READY TO ‘SHOCK’ - Dan Martin tells us that Eli Manning is looking forward to playing with Jeremy Shockey in ‘08.

The Star-Ledger:

A late vote for SB MVP - David Merritt believes that James Butler was the MVP of Super Bowl XLII.

TE coach Pope on Shockey - Mike Garafolo lets us know that Mike Pope was asked a bunch of questions from the media about Shockey, and Pope has not spoken to Shockey.

Snee not worried about his contract

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The NorthJersey.com Giants Blog called True Blue found out that New Orleans Saints are no longer in pursuit of Jeremy Shockey, and the Saints GM Mickey Loomis told Sirius NFL Radio:

It’s no secret we had some discussions with them and we just couldn’t come to a conclusion on the right compensation. I understand that. He’s a very good player and the Giants don’t want to just give him away - unless they feel like they’re getting really good value.
But for the most part that’s dead … I don’t anticipate that being rekindled.

Newsday:

NBC to broadcast preseason Giants games - The AP also covered this story that Giants.com released yesterday, ”The New York Giants and WNBC-TV have reached a multiyear agreement for the network to broadcast preseason games for the Super Bowl champions.”

New York Daily News:

Michael Strahan: $8M or goodbye - Ralph Vacchiano wrote an article about how Michael Strahan wants $8 million to come back in 2008.  You know that I don’t want him back for $1 million, but it’s not my decision.  With that said, Vacchiano rarely includes any quotes from the actual player or source so I don’t always know how credible his sources are.  If you read the article then you won’t come across a threat of an $8 million contract.  What you will read is that Strahan says that money isn’t an issue so I don’t understand the title.

New York Post:

WYNN VISITS WITH BIG BLUE - Paul Schwartz also covered this story about Renaldo Wynn visiting the Giants which The Star-Ledger reported yesterday.

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I am one of the many who do not want see Jeremy Shockey go but regardless we still have a team. Big Blue has not stood out because of one player really, it is about the whole squad.

There’s no speculation about Shockey wanting to leave the team. He has mentioned where he would like to play and that’s the man’s decision. I will look past that and focus on who we could get that will be a good fit to our team. Over the weekend I heard something on ESPN radio about trading Shockey to Baltimore for Ray Lewis. I know Lewis is above age but he’s not washed up. He can also be a great locker room influence and with the heart these Giants are known to play with it could be a positive experiment.

In general, I will miss Shockey if he decides to leave but I won’t be sad about it. I’m focused on the team as a whole and I’m tired of the commentators still giving the Giants no props. We are still being categorized under the Cowboys and can’t wait to turn these knuckleheads’s brains around.

We are the Superbowl champs and can make the impossible happen. We are the real thing baby…bring it!

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Die Hard Giants Fan would like to wish you a Happy Mother’s Day!  Most of today’s news is a continuation of what’s been written the past couple of days.  Mostly it’s about Kenny Phillips wearing Tiki’s No. 21 in tribute to the late Sean Taylor and what Kevin Gilbride thinks about Jeremy Shockey’s future with Big Blue.  There are a few new topics mixed in below.

Giants.com:

Rookie Mini-Camp Concludes - Michael Eisen provided a report on the Giants‘ Rookie Mini-Camp.

Transcript: Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo - Giants.com had a Q&A Session with Steve Spagnuolo.

Transcript: Offensive Coordinator Kevin Gilbride - Giants.com had a Q&A Session with Kevin Gilbride.

New York Daily News:

Giants’ first-rounder Kenny Phillips embraces Sean Taylor’s number, spirit

Kevin Gilbride says Jeremy Shockey’s future up for grabs - Ralph Vacchiano also covered the story that The Star-Ledger covered yesterday about Kevin Gilbride being uncertain about Jeremy Shockey’s future.

New York Post:

ONE GIANT PLAYMAKER - According to Paul Schwartz, Kenny Phillips believes he can live up to performing like a first-round draft pick should.

SHOCKEY STATUS VEXING GILBRIDE

New York Times:

If N.F.L. Doesn’t Call, the Army Will - Joshua Robinson pointed out that Owen Tolson, who signed with the Giants as a free agent, will end up serving in the Army if he doesn’t make the team.

The Star-Ledger:

For Giants rookie, mom is judge and jury - Mike Garafolo wrote up a long article about Jonathan Goff.

Gilbride supports Shockey

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Michael David Smith at ProFootballTalk.com also assembled a Giants Minicamp Report.  For the most part, it is the same as what is below.  The other day, Mike Garafolo of The Star-Ledger stated that Kenny Phillips might be wearing No. 21 as a tribute to the late Sean Taylor.  According to multiple articles below, it turns out that he was correct.

Giants.com:

Transcript: Coach Tom Coughlin - Giants.com had a Q&A Session with Tom Coughlin.

Rookie Mini-Camp Report - Michael Eisen reported on the first day of practices that the Giants held with 2008 rookies.

Transcript: LB Bryan Kehl - Giants.com had Q&A Session with Bryan Kehl.

Transcript: QB Andre’ Woodson - Giants.com had a Q&A Session with Andre’ Woodson.

Newsday:

Rookie Phillips grabs No. 21 in homage to Taylor - Tom Rock informs us as to why Kenny Phillips wants to wear No. 21.

New York Daily News:

Mario Manningham is a test case - Ralph Vacchiano lets us know why Mario Manningham is on a “short leash”.

New York Post:

TALK TO STRANGERS - Paul Schwartz stated that Coach Coughlin plans on having a chat with the rookies about his expectations.

MARIO LOOKS SUPER AT GIANTS MINICAMP

New York Times:

Safety Set to Blaze Path With Familiar Number

The Star-Ledger:

Even Gilbride’s unsure about Shockey - Mike Garafolo captured Kevin Gilbride’s thoughts on the Jeremy Shockey situation.

Woodson and Manningham hurt

Giants can invest long-term in Woodson - Jenny Vrentas discusses Andre’ Woodson’s role on the team.

Phillips’ 21 is a tribute

Afternoon practice report

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According to The Times-Picayune, “League sources indicate the Saints’ pursuit of Giants tight end Jeremy Shockey did not end when a draft-day deal between the clubs could not be reached. Coach Sean Payton believes Shockey is a perfect fit for the Saints’ offense, and he still desperately wants the player to be wearing a black-and-gold uniform this season. Shockey has informed the Giants of his unhappiness, and apparently unwillingness, to play again in New York. Don’t be surprised if the trade is finalized in the coming weeks. According to New York’s Newsday, Shockey has four years remaining on his five-year, $26.3 million contract extension, including $1.9 million due this season. . . .”  Even after the Draft, the New Orleans press still thinks a trade could be made.  If the Saints’ offer was good enough then the trade would’ve been done.  We’ll find out how serious the Saints are when they make an offer that Jerry Reese is fond of.

Giants.com:

Fans Take - A Giants‘ fan expresses his thoughts about the 2007 season.

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At the end of the NFL Draft, here’s the list of the players that the New York Giants selected (click on the player’s name to view the NFL.com Draft Player Profile):

• Round 1, Pick 31 (31): Miami FS Kenny Phillips
• Round 2, Pick 32 (63): Southern Cal CB Terrell Thomas
• Round 3, Pick 32 (95): Michigan WR Mario Manningham
• Round 4, Pick 24 (123) (From Steelers): BYU OLB Bryan Kehl
• Round 5, Pick 30 (165): Vanderbilt LB Jonathan Goff
• Round 6, Pick 32 (198): Kentucky QB Andre’ Woodson
• Round 6, Pick 33 (199) (Compensatory selection): Southern Miss DE Robert Henderson

According to Bob Brookover of The Philadelphia Inquirer, the Philadelphia Eagles are suing Terrell Owens “in an attempt to recover the bonus money Owens never paid after being suspended for the final seven games of the 2005 season.”  The Eagles and their fans have never given up messing around with T.O.  It keeps going on and on.

New York Daily News:

Former coach Lloyd Carr says Mario Manningham is Giant bargain - Ralph Vacchiano found out what former Michigan Coach Lloyd Carr thinks of Mario Manningham being drafted by the Giants.  Here’s what Coach Carr had to say about Manningham.

I think Mario is a good person and he’s made some choices that he has apologized for. I believe him. I’m confident that he’s going to have a very good career.

He went to the combine without much preparation because he had a problem with his agent. He’s made some mistakes. Yet I think he’s with an organization that will give him good support. I think the biggest thing is, I’m sure and I’m confident that he’s learned some things in this process. He’s a young guy.

The biggest thing is that he has an opportunity now to go to a great organization in a very, very difficult environment, where the expectations are big, the media and scrutiny in New York certainly is as intense as it gets. But he’s got an opportunity to go in with a great young quarterback, an organization that’s coming off of a Super Bowl, so he couldn’t ask for a better opportunity. And I think we’re all confident that he’s going to take advantage of that.

New York Post:

NO GIANT SHOCK-ER - Paul Schwartz explains why he believes that keeping Jeremy Shockey in New York was the right move.

JINTS GIVE DT A SHOT - Paul Schwartz wrote an article about the undrafted free agents that the Giants are interested in.  Like Mike Garafolo of The Star-Ledger wrote yesterday, Paul pointed out that one of the undrafted free agents named Nate Robinson came out of Irvington, NJ.  Schwartz lets us know what Robsinson has been up to since graduating from Irvington.  At the bottom of the article, Paul wrote, “Some of the free agents expected to sign with the Giants or be invited to next month’s rookie mini-camp include:”

• S Nehemiah Warrick (Michigan State)
• DE Wallace Gillberry (Alabama)
• DE Antonio Reynolds (Tennessee)
• OL Glenn Bujnoch (Cincinnati)
• G-C Andrew Bain (Miami)
• OT Dylan Thiry (Northwestern)
• WR D.J. Hill (Alabama)
• OT Carnell Stewart (LSU)

The Star-Ledger:

Moss (genuinely) excited about Manningham - Mike Garafolo found out what Sinorice Moss thinks about the Jints drafting Manningham.

Giants sign Irvington’s Robinson - Mike Garafolo reported that the Giants signed defensive tackle Nate Robinson as an undrafted free agent.

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I got back from South Carolina around midnight.  Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to get anything done down there.  I also wasn’t able to check out what happened in the NFL Draft, MLB, or NHL.  I apologize to all of you for that.

A few Mock Drafts had the Giants picking Kenny Phillips in the first round.  That turned out to be accurate.  From what I’ve read, the Giants are very happy with that pick.  I never heard of Phillips until he starting appearing in the Mock Drafts.  The Giants signed Terrell Thomas in the second round, and I never heard of him before.  Out of the players that the Giants signed, I’ve only seen Mario Manningham play and he’s the real deal.  Overall, the Giants stated that they are happy with who they selected.  I hope that turns out to be accurate.  It makes me feel better when the team says they are content with how it all played out.

Giants.com:

Something to prove - Thomas George pointed out that the Giants sixth round draft choice, Kentucky QB Andre’ Woodson will have time to develop.

Transcript: Post-Draft Coach Tom Coughlin

Transcript: Post-Draft GM Jerry Reese

Giants wrap up NFL Draft - Michael Eisen summarized all of the Giants selections.

Vanderbilt LB Jonathan Goff - Giants.com put together a Bio about Jonathan Goff.

QB Andre’ Woodson - Giants.com put together a Bio about Andre’ Woodson.

BYU LB Bryan Kehl - Giants.com put together a Bio about Bryan Kehl.

Michigan WR Mario Manningham Bio

Transcript: GM Jerry Reese - Michael Eisen had a Q&A Session with Reese regarding Manningham.

Giants select WR Mario Manningham - Michael Eisen reported that the Giants selected Michigan WR Mario Manningham in the third round.  Eisen captured the Reese’s thoughts of Manningham,

We did our homework on him. Yesterday you guys talked about (first-round choice) Kenny Phillips and why didn’t we bring him in. There really wasn’t a lot to bring him in for. We brought this young man in. Our coaches spent a lot of time with him. We interviewed him at the combine. We did our homework on him. He has tremendous value right now where we are picking. We think he will be okay.

He convinced me, he convinced our coaches – and it’s well documented – that he made a couple of mistakes. He is a young kid. He is a junior. So hopefully he learned from his mistakes and he will come in here and he will give us a big play threat on the outside. This guy has got the production you want. He has got a big strike on the outside. He gets big strikes on the outside. And that was attractive for us.

Talent-wise, I think the guy could have really gone in the first row,” Reese said. “But at this point at the bottom of the third row, we think this is a guy that has great value and he is talented. He is really talented. And again, we did our homework on him. We have a couple of different testing agencies, psychological testing and stuff that we did with him. We are satisfied that he will be okay. And obviously when he comes in, probably kind of like Ahmad (Bradshaw) last year, we will bring him in and say, ‘Look, this is what it is going to be and we expect you to do that.’ And hopefully he will do that.

Bradshaw also had some collegiate issues off the field and was told told he would be on a short leash after being drafted in the seventh round by the Giants. Bradshaw became an important contributor late in the season and in the playoffs.

If you are screwing up, we are not going to spend a lot of time on you. You are on a short leash, just like Ahmad last year – I don’t care if you are seventh round or third round (choice). If you come in here and do the wrong things, we are not going to tolerate that. We don’t think he will do that.

Terrell Thomas Bio

Kenny Phillips Bio

Giants select CB Terrell Thomas - Michael Eisen reported that the Giants selected USC CB Terrell Thomas in the second round.  Eisen found out what Ross thought of the pick, and he wrote up a Bio about Thomas.  Ross stated that,

We don’t draft like that, by need. I think that is when you get hurt, when you say, ‘We need this, we need to take a corner, we need to take this.’ How the board falls and how we have them stacked, that is how we take them. I wouldn’t classify them as need picks.

We are happy we got two good football players. We didn’t go in saying we have to take two defensive guys or two offensive guys. We went in and stuck with our board and took two football players we really like. We didn’t have a game plan in mind of what positions or what side of the ball. We just wanted to get good football players.

2008 Draft Blog - John Schmeelk covered the first round of the Draft.

Giants select safety Kenny Phillips - Michael Eisen reported that the Giants took University of Miami safety Kenny Phillips with the first round pick.  Eisen captured the thoughts of Reese and Coughlin about this regarding this pick, and he put together a Bio about Phillips.  Jerry Reese stated had this to say,

We got nice value and we got a need position as well. That’s what we like to do in the draft. We don’t want to reach for guys. We got what we wanted. We got need and value with this pick.

Tom Coughlin stated that,

We were pleased to have the opportunity to draft a player of Kenny Phillips’ ability when we did in the bottom of the first round. We had him ranked high. We had him as the best safety on the board. It is a need position for us. He is an excellent football player. He is a guy that will come down in the box and tackle and can play in coverage. He has played over wide receivers during his career. He has a career which gives you the balance and the versatility of a player of his ability with his interceptions, his tackles, etcetera. We are excited to have an opportunity to draft this player. There is great value in this pick and it is a need position, so we have been able to accomplish a bunch of things here with Kenny Phillips.

Transcript: Dir. of College Scouting Marc Ross - On Friday, Michael Eisen asked Marc Ross about the upcoming Draft.

Transcript: GM Jerry Reese - On Friday, Michael Eisen asked Jerry Reese about the upcoming Draft.

2008 Draft Preview

Talent Evaluator - Michael Eisen sits down with VP of Player Evaluation Chris Mara.

Newsday:

Giants take chance on Michigan receiver Manningham - Tom Rock expresses his concerns on Manningham.

Reese takes a gamble on Manningham - Bob Glauber is also concerned about Manningham.

Giants don’t do deal for Shockey

Still a Giant, Shockey is the talk of the draft

Giants loved No. 31 pick Phillips from beginning

NFL Draft - Newsday pointed out where the Giants and the Jets will pick in the Draft.

“Good chance” Shockey could be traded - On Saturday, Tom Rock wrote that Jeremy Shockey could be traded over the weekend.

New York Daily News:

Giants select talented but troubled WR Mario Manningham in third round

Deja Blue all over again

Giants get their man, draft Miami safety Kenny Phillips with 31st pick

Michael Strahan to Giants: Don’t trade Jeremy Shockey

Live Blog: Behind the scenes at the 2008 NFL Draft

Will Giants trade Jeremy Shockey to the Saints?

New York Post:

SUPER MARIO - Paul Schwartz believes that Manningham was a steal in the third round.  I have been waiting for someone to put this spin on it because that’s what I believe.  I’ve watched him for years at Michigan, and he is much better than a third round pick.  So off the field issues dropped him down two rounds.  The Giants are paying third round money for first round talent which is much better than drafting first round talent for first round money with off the field issues.

GRABBING BARGAINS IN THE LATER ROUNDS

LOCALS HAVE AVERAGE DRAFT - Steve Serby graded the Giants and the Jets, and he gave them each a B.

THE CHAMP’S PICKS

GIANT RISK

GIANTS AND JETS: DRAFT DAY TWO

A TRADE OFF - Paul Schwartz reported that the Giants didn’t trade Shockey and they drafted Phillips.

MEET THE NEW GIANTS

GIANTS PLAY IT SAFE - Paul Schwartz likes that the Giants drafted Kenny Phillips.

DRAFT SHOCK-ER - Paul Schwartz believed that a Shockey deal could be a huge factor of the Draft.

New York Times:

Giants See Potential and Take a Chance

At Round’s End, Giants Find What They Need

The Star-Ledger:

Irvington grad Nate Robinson headed to Giants - Mike Garafolo reported that the Giants signed Nate Robinson to a free agent contract.

Big Blue drafts insurance behind Manning

Giants hope gamble pays off once again

A few undrafted free agents - Mike Garafolo reported that Big Blue signed two undrafted free agents last night: Cincinnati OL Glenn “Digger” Bujnoch and Alabama DE Wallace Gilberry.

A QB and a DE in sixth round - Mike Garafolo reported that, “With picks No. 198 and 199, the Giants selected QB Andre’ Woodson and Southern Miss DE Robert Henderson.”

Another LB in the fifth round - Mike Garafolo reported, “In the fifth round, with the 165th overall pick, the Giants selected LB Jonathan Goff from Vanderbilt.”

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The good news is that I’m flying down to Charleston, SC for a wedding this weekend.  The bad news is that I won’t be able to cover the NFL Draft to the extent that I would’ve otherwise.  I’m a Mets fan and a Rangers fan too so I’m going to miss a Braves-Mets series and Games 1 & 2 of the Rangers-Penguins series.  I set my DVR to record all of that except for Game 1 of the Rangers-Penguins series because it’s on Versus, and I don’t have it.  Also, MrJokah has to attend his brother’s Baby Shower tomorrow and Phessional is turning 30 this weekend.  So it’s a busy weekend for all of us.  We should be able to get a few posts out per day, but nothing like if I was home.  I would watch the entire Draft live, and let you know about each pick.

By the end of the weekend, we will know who’s going to be on our team and what the Giants will do with Shockey.  It’s definitely going to be interesting.

Go Jerry Reese!

Newsday:

Umenyiora unhappy with contract, but won’t hold out

Giants should only trade Shockey for real value

Giants listening to offers for Jeremy Shockey

Bob Glauber’s 2008 NFL mock draft - Here’s who Bob Glauber thinks Big Blue will pick:

31. Giants. Jerod Mayo, LB, Tennessee. Giants also like Phillips, but if he’s off the board, Mayo is a terrific get at this spot. Can be impact weakside ‘backer from the get-go.

New York Daily News:

Osi Umenyiora scraps idea of holdout

Mock NFL Draft: Jets have sights set on Darren McFadden - Gary Meyers has the Jints picking:

31. GIANTS: Kenny Phillips (S, Miami)
Jerry Reese’s phone could be red-hot if Ryan is the only QB off the board. The Falcons, Chiefs and Ravens could all want to move up a few spots to jump ahead of Miami to get Brian Brohm, Joe Flacco or Chad Henne. Tough call for Reese between Phillips and Tennesse LB Jerod Mayo. Can’t go wrong with Miami safeties.

New York Post:

MAKING A MOVE - Paul Schwartz believes that Gerris Wilkinson must take charge at his position or he may get passed over.

JINTS’ OSI: I WON’T HOLD OUT

The Star-Ledger:

Shockey could be part of draft-day blockbuster

The mid-round possibilites - Mike Garafolo added more names that the Giants may select in the later rounds this weekend.

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