2009 NFL Schedules Released!

The NFL released its schedule for the 2009 regular season tonight. This year the Giants will play the NFC South and AFC West, and NFC division winners Minnesota and Arizona.

The schedule is somewhat reminiscent of last year's. Of note: the Giants play four of their first six games on the road; former Giant TE Jeremy Shockey will face his old teammates in Week 6 and free agent departure Derrick Ward does the same in Week 3; their bye week comes at reasonable time in Week 10...

The Giants will play in 5 prime-time games in 2009, including Thanksgiving night against the Broncos. Nine of their opponents had winning records in 2008.

The Giants full schedule for 2009 is posted below:

Pre-Season

8/17, 8:15 pm, vs. CAR
8/22, 8:00 pm, @ CHI
8/29, 8:00 pm, vs. NYJ
9/3, 7:30 pm, @ NE

Regular Season

9/13, 4:15 pm, vs. WAS
9/20, 8:20 pm, @ DAL
9/27, 1:00 pm, @ TB
10/4, 1:00 pm, @ KC
10/11, 1:00 pm, vs. OAK
10/18, 1:00pm, @ NO
10/25, 8:20 pm, vs. AZ
11/1, 4:15 pm, @ PHI
11/8, 4:15, vs. SD
11/15, BYE
11/22, 1:00 pm, vs. ATL
11/26, 8:20 pm, @ DEN
12/6, 4:15 pm, vs. DAL
12/13, 8:20 pm, vs. PHI
12/21, 8:30 pm, @ WAS
12/27, 1:00 pm, vs. CAR
1/3, 1:00 pm, @ MIN

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No. 29 is not No. 1: Giants Draft Preview 3, WR

(This is Part 3 of 5 in a series of articles on Giants’ Steps that will examine some positions of interest for the Giants as they approach this year's draft. Part 3 looks at the Giants’ needs at wide receiver.)

Since the offseason began, speculation has been rampant about how the Giants will replace their two starting wide receivers – 13 year veteran Amani Toomer and legally-embattled quick-draw Plaxico Burress. Replacing the uniquely talented Burress has generated particular concern after the team’s collapse in his absence at the end of last season.

Undoubtedly, the Giants will rely in part on a talented stable of young wide outs already on the roster to pick up some of the slack. Steve Smith, Domenik Hixon, Mario Manningham and Sinorice Moss are all poised to have bigger roles in the offense next year, and all are seemingly capable of doing so. Barring a trade for a veteran wideout, or a free agent signing, Hixon would most likely assume one starting role. I suspect the other spot would be a competition between Manningham and Smith. Smith would line up in the slot in 3+ receiver packages…

With only 5 receivers currently on the roster however (Super Bowl hero David Tyree being the fifth), the Giants will almost certainly turn to April’s draft to fortify the WR position. There is a deep, talented crop of wide outs to choose from this year. When, and who the Giants select, will depend on what they are hoping to accomplish.

If they want to find a potential number 1 receiver in the draft to replace Burress next season, their best bet is to trade away for a veteran or trade up for an elite prospect. The Giants have an excess of picks at their disposal (ten), giving them plenty of ammunition to do just that. Should they choose to move up, there is some outstanding talent expected to go off the board in the early-to-mid first round.

The Cream of the Crop

Three names stand out to me among this loaded wide receiver class: Texas Tech’s Michael Crabtree, Missouri’s Jeremy Maclin, and Florida’s Percy Harvin. Crabtree and Maclin are projected to go in the top ten, with Harvin following shortly thereafter.

Crabtree dominated college football the past few seasons and many envision him as an immediate impact player a la Detroit’s Calvin Johnson from a few seasons ago. He has great athleticism and hands, and brings big play-making ability to the table. He has been recovering from foot surgery recently, which has led some to question his speed, but it’s very possible Crabtree could be the next Larry Fitzgerald.

Maclin is another explosive playmaker who scouts say “has the ability to score from anywhere on the field.” He averaged nearly eleven yards per touch during his college career and scored 28 TD’s over the past two seasons. What makes him particularly compelling to NFL teams is that he is also an outstanding kick returner – a phase of the Giants’ game that has lacked in recent years.

Harvin also brings great speed, quickness and play-making ability to the table. Many see him excelling as a slot receiver though, and that makes him an unlikely fit for Big Blue with Steve Smith on the roster.

4/19/09 UPDATE: Harvin's stock has fallen sharply in the past few weeks over concerns about character, off-the-field issues and coachability. Harvin could be the second coming of Pacman Jones, with talent...

Level 1A

If the Giants stay put at No. 29, and decide to select a wide-out, there will be no shortage of talent when their number is called. Maryland’s Darius Heyward-Bey bridges the gap between “Tier 1” and “Tier 1A.” This kid is fast – fast like a bullet discharged from an illegally concealed handgun tucked into your sweatpants. He ran a 4.30 40-yard dash at the combine and had a series of impressive workouts for pro scouts. DHB could go as early as the top ten, according to some, but could also remain on the board until the late first round.

If he’s not there at the end of the round, the Giants have a slew of other names to choose from, and Giants fans will certainly be familiar with them by now: North Carolina’s Hakeem Nicks, Rutgers’ Kenny Britt and Ohio State’s Brian Robiskie.

Nicks is an impressive combination of size, talent and physicality. The ACC’s leading receiver has great pass-catching ability, and knows how to create separation from a defender. He’s not lightning fast, but has an outstanding overall skill set, and all the tools necessary to be a big-time receiver in the NFL.

UNC's Hakeem Nicks: the next Michael Irvin?

Britt, a local favorite, who at 6-3 has a “Plaxiconian” mix of size and athleticism, could quickly provide the red zone threat the Giants lacked in the final games of last season. He knows how to read the field and has the ball skills to develop into a…Plaxiconian…playmaker.

Robiskie is not projected to go as high as the other two, however his pedigree and athleticism make him as appealing to some scouts as Nicks and Britt. He is the son of esteemed NFL receivers coach Terry Robiskie, and fittingly, possesses a high football IQ. He is a solid athlete and performed well at the Combine and Senior bowl. Robiskie strikes some scouts as the most “pro-ready” receiver in the draft.

OSU WR Brian Robiskie

Round Two

If the Giants do not use their first pick to select a wide receiver, they still have two second round picks on day one that they could use to address the position. If Britt or Robiskie aren’t available when the Giants pick 45th, there are some other players Jerry Reese and company might have their eyes on.

Mike Wallace (Mississippi) is tremendous speedster who could blossom into an NFL big-play threat. Juaquin Iglesias (Oklahoma) has great hands and route-running ability, and was selected to the All-Big 12 Conference team. He has an impressive skill-set, but one that is probably best-suited for a West Coast offense (i.e. not for Big Blue). Hakeem Nicks’ teammate at UNC, Brandon Tate, was once projected as a first round pick, prior to injuring his knee midway through last season. In addition to his receiving skills, Tate was also a force in the return game. Again, this dexterity could make him an appealing option for the Giants at the end of the second round.

Day Two

The Giants’ draft moves at wide receiver should not be limited to Day One. They do need to find a #1 receiver one way or another, but they also need to improve the depth and competition in the receiving corps going into training camp. (As I mentioned, they currently only have five proven receivers on their roster.)

Louis Murphy (Florida) is a projected third round pick with size, speed and athleticism. He has a lot of impressive physical tools for a WR, as well as some special teams ability, however he was not overly productive in college. He could be a developmental project for the Giants if they think he’s the right fit.

Derrick Williams (Penn State) is another fast athlete at the position. He has sound ball skills, blocks well, and makes plays after the catch. He has been inconsistent throughout his career though and does have a tendency to drop catchable passes. His return abilities could endear him to the Giants’ front office.

Ramses Barden (Cal Poly) is one of the tallest receivers in the draft at 6’6. His height could make him an appealing target for Eli Manning, who, to put it one way, likes to throw it up there. Barden is an excellent athlete with a terrific skill set and a knack for finding the end zone. He’s also a sound blocker. Although he was extremely productive at in college, he never played against top-notch talent and could struggle against press coverage at the pro level. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Giants gave him a look in the third round, as Reese has an eye for small school talent (Ahmad Bradshaw, Kevin Boss, etc.).

Other Day Two Prospects

In the middle and later rounds, the Giants will most likely look for good character, developmental talent with special teams and kick return promise. Some names to keep an eye on later in the day Sunday include Brandon Gibson (Washington State), Demetrius Byrd (LSU), Brooks Foster (UNC), Mohamed Massaquoi (Georgia), Kenny McKinley (South Carolina) and Sammie Stroughter (Oregon State).

Byrd and Foster have a lot of raw talent and upside, but will need to develop. Massquoi has a sound skill set and experience against elite competition. Most of these guys have questions about their durability…

"A Receiver in Jail is Worth Two in the Draft" (Wha?)

Wide Receiver is arguably the position of greatest interest for the Giants, though not necessarily the greatest need. There are a number of questions Jerry Reese and company need to answer before the draft puzzle can be solved. Where will the Giants’ next No. 1 receiver come from? Is he already on the team? Is he already in the league?

If the answer to the second question is “no,” I believe the Giants will trade away their first round pick in a package for a veteran wide out or an elite rookie prospect. Among the top receiving prospects, Maclin might get the edge because his kick return prowess would allow him to make an immediate impact in at least one phase of the game.

If the Giants do hold on to their top pick, I don’t know that a WR would be the most prudent choice. While Nicks, Britt and Robiskie all offer a lot, I don’t know that it would be the best value at that position or the safest investment. Wide receivers take time to develop and first round draft choices should be able to start at some point their first year.

The Giants could get great value and great talent at WR with their first second round pick. I suspect they will look for a receiver with the same criteria on the second day as well.


Click the following links to read the first two installments of the Draft Preview series - Part 1: O-Line & Part 2: Secondary.

Click here to read Part 4: Linebackers.


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Giants Release Burress: "The Next 17" Revisited

(A few weeks ago I posted an article on the Giants’ wide receiver situation called “The Next 17.” Click here to read it…)

Following the release of Plaxico Burress last Friday, one thing is certain: the Giants will have a new number one receiver next year. Who that will be is open to speculation. Will the Giants draft a wide out with their first pick in the draft? Will they trade up or trade away for an Anquan Boldin or Braylon Edwards? Will they pursue a free agent like Tory Holt? While these are certainly worthy questions for any Giants fan, I’m going to refer back to my first Burress article for the time being…

What I want to do instead is talk a bit about the release of Burress itself. For months, the Giants had been saying they would welcome Burress back if he resolved his legal and personal issues. His legal issues remained up in the air as of his release. His hearing was postponed from its original date on March 31st until mid-June because both sides failed to negotiate a plea. This did add an element of uncertainty to the Giants draft priorities, but I doubt it was the primary reason for his release. The Giants stand by their guys.

Instead, I believe that Burress’s release was the direct result of his inability or unwillingness to address his personal issues, and issues with the team, and his desire to no longer be a New York Giant. That’s right. From the bizarre Drew Rosenhaus e-mail declaring Burress on the trade market, to the stalls in contract negotiations for 2009 and the grievance over Burress’ one million dollar bonus, it’s clear Plaxico did not want to be a Giant anymore. If you need further proof, his actions and demeanor at the Michigan State Final Four game speak volumes.

The team decided enough was enough, and it was. Plax’s selfish, stupid behavior was a major reason the Giants ran out of gas at the end of last season (along with D-line injuries). Nobody’s bigger than the team, and Plax could not and can not accept that. While there may be a need for his production on the field, there’s no room for his nonsense in the locker room. The first can be replaced; the second can be removed.

My support for Big Blue and all who wear the jersey kept me hoping Burress could turn the corner and return to the Giants in some capacity next season. In the process, I think I overlooked the man’s obvious character flaws and long history of disciplinary problems. You can’t help someone who won’t help himself. The Giants will be ready to move on next year without number 17; the next number Burress wears will probably have a few more digits.

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The Secondary: A Primary Focus on Draft Day

(This is Part 2 of 5 in a series of articles that will examine some positions of interest for the Giants as they approach this year's draft. Part 2 looks at the Giants’ needs at defensive back.)

Much like the offensive line, the Giants secondary is more or less set at the starting positions. The unit is stacked with young talent as the Giants have spent 3 of their last 4 top picks at those positions. 2005’s top pick CB Corey Webster has developed into one of the better corners in the NFL, while his counterpart – 2007’s top pick CB Aaron Ross – though struggling at times last season, has proven himself as an effective starter. Last year’s number one pick, S Kenny Phillips, is set to assume a starting role this year after the departure of free agent James Butler, and third-year player Michael Johnson returns at the other safety position.

Again, much like the offensive line, depth has become an issue for the Giants’ secondary. In addition to Butler’s move to St. Louis, the Giants cut two veterans in CB Sam Madison and S Sammy Knight this offseason, and the awesomely-named DB R.W. McQuarters remains a free agent. Losing four contributors from a unit will undoubtedly leave holes to fill…

Last year’s second round pick CB Terrell Thomas provides a solid third man in the CB rotation behind Webster and Ross, and may even challenge Ross for a starting spot in camp this summer. The athletic Kevin Dockery is a restricted free agent and has yet to sign his tender with the Giants. It is more than likely though that he will return, giving the Giants a solid four-man rotation at corner. But injuries can evaporate depth at a position in an instant. For the Giants, whose defensive scheme relies heavily on the CBs ability to cover one-on-one, you need roughly a half dozen quality guys who can handle their business to safeguard against injuries.

S Kenny Phillips and CB Terrell Thomas should have much larger roles in 2009.

Behind Phillips and Johnson, the only real depth the Giants currently have at Safety is recently acquired free agent C.C. Brown. The former Houston Texan only played a handful of games last season before suffering an injury. Jerry Reese and Tom Coughlin have an eye for bringing in under-the-radar talent and maximizing their contributions though, so Brown could prove to be a solid addition. Still, much like Cornerback, the Giants need one or two more stallions in the stable to solidify the position. Depth in the secondary is thus an essential area for the Giants to address in the draft, with Safety getting priority.

Safety in Numbers

Ignoring the possibility that the Giants will trade their first pick, it is unlikely they would spend it on a defensive back to begin with, with more pressing needs to fill (like Wide Receiver) and more talented players likely available at other positions (like Linebacker). Safeties are unlikely to start coming off the board until the early second round anyway, but when they do, the first name called will likely be either Louis Delmas from Western Michigan or William Moore from Missouri. One of them could be available when the Giants get on the board with the 45th overall pick.

Western Michigan S Louis Delmas

Delmas is perhaps the best safety in the draft. He’s tough and physical and plays with good awareness. He’s stout against the run and in coverage, and can drop the boom with a big hit. Moore’s stock has fallen a bit recently, but at one point he was regarded as first round talent. He’s big and athletic with great play-making ability on the ball. He’s another solid run-player and can cover a lot of ground and deliver the big hit. He lacks fluid hips and can struggle in man coverage though.

Other Safeties that could come off the board in the second round include Rashad Johnson from Alabama, Sean Smith from Utah and Patrick Chung from Oregon. Johnson has great ball skills and solid instincts on the field. He matches up well in coverage and is a sound tackler. He also has that “Hit stick” ability to lay the lumber. Smith is a ‘tweener DB who played Corner in college but could move to Safety in the pros. He’s another solid athlete with speed, agility, and good hands. He plays the run well and is a good tackler, but struggles in the open field and lacks the fluid hips and closing speed to really excel. Chung could slip to the third round, but brings a solid skill set to the table that couples instinct with ability. His Special Teams potential could attract the Giants to him, but he lacks the speed to be that deep middle Safety the G-men need.

If the Giants are looking for more help at Safety on day two of the draft, some early mid-round prospects to keep an ear out for include Chip Vaughn from Wake Forest, Michael Hamlin from Clemson, and David Bruton from Notre Dame. Bruton could be a solid pick-up in the 3rd round.

On the Corner

Already four deep at the position, I don’t think the Giants will look to draft a Corner until the 3rd round at the earliest. Names like OSU’s Malcolm Jenkins, Illinois’ Vontae Davis, Vanderbilt’s D.J. Moore and Wake Forest’s Alphonso Smith should all come off the board in the first round. If available at the 29th pick, the Giants might be tempted to go for Moore or Smith because of their return prowess, but again, more pressing needs to fill…

I think it’s unlikely the Giants go for a Cornerback in the second round either, but given their recent history of drafting secondary in the early rounds, it shouldn’t be ruled out completely. One name to look for is UConn’s Darius Butler. He’s an excellent athlete with great physical tools: fluid hips, leaping ability, great hands and quick feet. He’s an intelligent player with good instincts and a lot of upside under the right coaches. He also has kick return potential. Oregon’s Jairus Byrd is a slower version of Butler. Byrd could come off the board as early as the late second round (though more likely early third). His lack of speed prevents him from being a good fit in some schemes (like the Giants’), but he could do well in the right system.

UConn CB Darius Butler

A few names who might be on the Giants’ radar for day two are Sherrod Martin from Troy (Osi Umenyiora’s alma mater), Victor Harris from Virginia Tech, and Kevin Barnes from Maryland. Martin may end up playing Safety in the pros. That might make him an appealing option for Big Blue in the third round if he’s still available.

Impact Players

I anticipate the Giants will draft at least two players for the secondary at this year’s draft. Safety depth is a more pressing need, and given the Giants’ recent penchant for taking defensive backs early, I think we could see a Safety drafted as early as our first second round pick. I suspect we will pick up another corner or two on the second day. Special teams and kick return ability could play big parts in the Giants’ decisions at these positions. Regardless, given their successes with DB draft picks over the past few years, I suspect whoever Big Blue drafts for the unit will make an impact.

Tune in next weekend for Part 3 in the series: Wide Receivers.

Click here to read Part 1: Offensive Line.

And be sure to cast your vote in the Giants’ Steps survey on the left-hand column!

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