My NFL Award Predictions 2012: MVP and Comeback Player of the Year

MVP and Comeback Player of the Year: 

ADRIAN PETERSON 

a.k.a. "The Robot"

He's a straight up beast. He's averaging 6.0 yards per carry, which is up there with the greats. Unless Marshawn Lynch obliterates the NFL record book, Peterson will lead the league in rushing. He's 102 yards away from 2,000, which has only been touched six times. He is already eighth on the single season rushing list.
Peyton Manning took a division champion team, and made them a Super Bowl contender. Adrian Peterson took a team with the third overall draft pick and made them a playoff contender. This is better than what Barry Sanders has done, because Barry never tore up him knee.
Adrian Peterson had his knee destroyed while he was on pace for his fifth consecutive 1,000 yard season. He was projected to return half way through the season but, he returned in time for the regular season. Peterson ran for 182 yards against Seattle, 108 yards against Chicago, 210 yards against Green Bay, 154 yards against Chicago again, and 212 yards against St. Louis. If he runs for 100 yards against Green Bay this weekend then he will have run for 100 yards in every NFC North Divisional game this year.
All the analysts and commentators for ESPN said that he will never be the same. Personally, I think he looks better with his new knee.

"ESPN: The Worldwide Leader In Sports."ESPN: The Worldwide Leader In Sports. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Dec. 2012. <http://espn.go.com>.
Peterson, Adrian . Adrian Peterson leg. 2012. Adrian Peterson Fan Site, Minnesota . Adrian Peterson . Web. 24 Dec. 2012.

What will happen to the Giants’ running game?

 

USA TODAY Sports

With Andre Brown out until the Giants play in the Super Bowl, the Giants are now at a standstill. As Ahmad Bradshaw has said, they went through a similar situation in their title run in 2007. Derrick Ward, the Giants’ primary backup, went down with a broken fibula, just like Brown. In 2007 though, Bradshaw was the Giants’ speed guy, which seems to be David Wilson’s role, so far this season. Bradshaw seems to fit more into the Brandon Jacobs role. Although him and Jacobs have different playing styles, Bradshaw will see most of the carries like Jacobs did in 2007.

            The Giants signed two running backs, Ryan Torain and Kregg Lumpkin. Lumpkin will serve the DJ Ware role in the offense. He will be the back that goes in to catch passes out of the backfield. Last year with the Buccaneers he posted forty-seven catches, two hundred ninety-one yards, and seven and a tenth yards per catch (NFL.com). He can be a power runner, but I think the Giants are more interested in his pass catching abilities.

            What the Giants will miss most from Andre Brown, the touchdowns he scored for the Giants. All eight touchdowns he scored were for two yards or less. Bradshaw could get the goal line carries, but then his career with the Giants will be a lot shorter than him and the organization may like. Torain, will likely have the first shot at the goal line carries, if he doesn’t succeed, then Kregg Lumpkin will get his chance. If both do not work out, I’ve heard that Henry Hynoski a.k.a. “The Hynoceros,” might also have a chance (Giants.com).

            Brown was also a guy they could plug into Bradshaw’s role if Bradshaw was injured. Brown averaged five and a third yards per carry. Now that role will fall to Wilson, David Wilson has been inconsistent as a runner, although he has been a spark in the kick return game. This leaves the Giants with some uncertainty. Right now for the Giants, only an injury to Eli Manning would be worse than an injury to Bradshaw.

            What the Giants have to do is minimize Bradshaw’s carries, and rest him for the playoffs. On the other side of that, they will need to run him early in order for the Giants to keep the defense guessing, like we saw last week against the Green Bay Packers.  The Giants started to run the ball with some consistency, and then they mixed in the play action, which they really stung the Packers with. None of Eli’s touchdowns were off the play action, but he completed a fifty-nine yard pass to Ahmad Bradshaw off the play-action (NFL.com).

The best thing for the Giants to do, is run the ball early and get an early lead. In doing this, Ryan Torain, David Wilson, and Kregg Lumpkin should see the carries late.

• USA TODAY Sports. "Big Blue View, a
  New York Giants community." Big Blue View, a New York Giants community. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Dec. 2012. <http://www.bigblueview.com/>.

Youtube Channel

Please check out my Youtube channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/Groaner97.

Fantasy Football

So I decided to talk some fantasy football today. Last year I came in first in a league with my friends, and I came in second in a strangers league. I personally think I'm pretty good at fantasy football, the only reason, I'm good is because I do a lot of research.
Last year, my strategy was get runningbacks. At the end of the season, my roster for my friends league looked like this:
Matt Stafford
Carson Palmer
Ray Rice
Chris Johnson
Maurice Jones-Drew
Willis McGahee
Hakeem Nicks
C.J. Spiller
Jimmy Graham
Marques Colston
Dwayne Bowe
Laurent Robinson
Torrey Smith
Demaryius Thomas
Evan Royster
Danny Woodhead
Giants D/ST
Dan Bailey
Ryan Grant
(Adrian Peterson)*
(DeMarco Murray)*
*Peterson and Murray were put on IR last year, so I released them. They would of most likely been on my roster at the end of the season.
Last year I tried my best to stack up on runningbacks. I traded eleven times. At the beginning of the season I traded for Calvin Johnson, then traded him away that week.
The first of my methods is buy and sell. Buy a great player and then sell him, at his highest point. It is a lot like buying stocks. When you see potential you buy, and when you see them drawing even, you sell. I sent Calvin Johnson, Shonn Greene, Michael Turner, and received Maurice Jones-Drew, Adrian Peterson, and Hakeem Nicks. Before I traded him he had eight touchdowns through four games. In the next twelve games he had eight touchdowns.
This year I drafted a lot of good wide receivers. In one of my leagues I drafted A.J. Green, Brandon Marshall, Steve Smith (CAR), Eric Decker, Malcom Floyd, Michael Floyd, Doug Baldwin, and I traded for Rueben Randle. The key point is I drafted smart. In the second round, players like Andre Johnson, Greg Jennings, Ryan Matthews, and Mike Wallace were available. I went for A.J. Green because he has more physical tools then the receivers available and two because he outproduced most of the players available. In the fourth round, Roy Helu, Steve Smith, Dez Bryant, Darren Sproles, Ahmad Bradshaw, and Mark Ingram were available. I took the producer Steve Smith. He outproduced both receivers (Brandon Marshall and A.J. Green) I took before him. In the fifteenth round players like Devery Henderson, Delone Carter, Dan Bailey, Doug Baldwin, Rob Bironas, and LaMichael James were available. I took Doug Baldwin, a guy who went undrafted last year and still placed 4th in yardage , 4th in catches, and 6th in touchdowns among rookies. Devery Henderson is also a good pick because of the loss of Robert Meachem.
The key for drafting is to look for production and not look at the best player available on auto pick.

Old Work

I am going to give you a sample of some of my old work. This is from approximately two years ago. This piece is from my old website nflstatmaster.weebly.com.
    Danny Woodhead, the little general came in from no where and stole America's heart. He went to Chadron State a Division II He won the Harlon Hill Trophy in 2006 and again in 2007. His 9,259 all purpose yards ranks second in NCAA history. In his first year he had 1,840 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns. In his second year he had 1,769 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns. In his third year he had 2,756 rushing yards and 34 touchdowns. In his final year at Chadron State he had 1,597 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns. For Chadron State he wore number 3.
       He ran a 4.3 Forty Yard Dash at the combine. He went undrafted in the 2008 draft. He was called by the New York Jets before the draft ended. Soon after that he signed a undrafted rookie free agent contract. He spent his whole rookie season on waived/injured list. On September 3, 2009, in a preseason matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, he rushed for 158 yards and two touchdowns. He wore number 22 for the Jets in the preseason. He made the final cuts but was waived on September 6. He was resigned to the Jets on October 17, he was moved to receiver, but was mainly used in the backfield. He wore number 83, and rushed for 64 yards and caught 87 yards. Despite having an ok preseason with 57 rushing yards and a fumble recovery he was cut after the Jets first game.
        After he was released by the Jets he was signed by the Patriots. At first people thought they signed him to learn more of the Jets plan, then after a game against the Bills we knew Belichick found a star. In his second game after the Patriot got him he had 42 rushing yards and his first touchdown off of 3 carries. In the next game against the Dolphins he had a 11 yard receiving touchdown. He found the endzone again in Randy Moss's home on a direct snap from three yards out. He had a 36 yard touchdown run in the Patriots 31-28 win over Colts. He had a 104 yard receiving performance against the Jets in a Monday Night game. His next scoring game was against the Bears. His last score of the regular season was against the Buffalo Bills. He finshed the regular season with 547 rushing yards and 5 rushing touchdowns. He also had 379 receiving yards and 1 receiving touchdown.
http://cmkelham.wordpress.com/2010/09/17/
http://www.csc.edu/athletics/football/
http://www.sportslogos.net/logo.php?id=7nojjsgq15xjegiqtichf47vr
http://www.nfl.com/
http://www.wikipedia.org/
http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2010/12/05/vikings-photos/
http://www.eurthisnthat.com/2010/09/13/video-patriots-randy-moss-pulling-a-lebron/
http://www.legendofcecilioguante.com/2009/09/56-white-running-back-runs-for-158.html
http://www.jerseyjetsfan.com/2010/05/19/danny-woodhead-moving-back-to-rb/

Victor Cruz Preseason

Alan Maglaque-US PRESSWIRE ©
Go to this link and watch the video. It's about Victor Cruz in his first preseason game.
http://www.nfl.com/videos/auto/09000d5d819cfd57/Victor-Cruz-highlights
In Victor Cruz' first preseason game he had six catches for 145 yards and three touchdowns. He came out as an undrafted free agent out of the University of Massachusetts. He wasn't supposed to make the team, but he stunned almost everyone, but himself in the preseason. He forced his onto the roster, and became one of the best players in the league the next year. Most players from small universities don't make the roster, but Victor did. So when I'm saying Victor Cruz preseason, I just mean a great preseason.
Maglague, Alan. NFL Rewind: New York Jets Getting their First Taste of New York Giants’ Victor Cruz in 2010 Preseason. 2012. NFL Rewind: New York Jets Getting their First Taste of New York Giants’ Victor Cruz in 2010 Preseason, New Jersey. Rant Sports NFL. Web. 13 Aug. 2012.

New York Giants' Defensive Lineman Part 2

 Anthony Mongelluzzo©

I decided to add a Part 3 to the Giants Defensive line saga. I realized that trying to fit 9 players into one section was a bad idea, I rather get more details in about each player. 

Adrian Tracy is a guy the Giants converted to a linebacker, but is listed at defensive end on the Giants' depth chart. The Giants have kept him around for two years, and this will probably be his last year with the team if he does not make the roster. He is not a great pass rusher, but is good against the run, which is something the Giants want to improve this season. He will have to really battle it out in the preseason in order to make the roster because of Justin Trattou. 

Justin Trattou played in six games last year with the Giants as an undrafted free agent, right now he's out with what seems like a sprained ankle. He says he has trouble walking on it, but he will likely be back within the next two weeks. He showed good depth last year, but did not shine in any one way. He is a decent pass rusher and a decent run stopper. He is likely to make the roster, and be a backup defensive end.  

Shaun Rogers' best season came in 2007 with the Detroit Lions, when he had 7.0 sacks and one interception. He has appeared lazy and without a good work ethic, he was added to provide depth on the inside on the Giants' defensive line. With the signing of Rocky Bernard he is unlikely to make the roster, unless he has a Victor Cruz preseason. 

Craig Marshall is a defensive end from the University of South Florida, he totaled 9.0 sacks in his career. He is a former teammate of Jason Pierre-Paul, I will go as far to say he reminds me of Justin Tuck. He can make the roster if he outperforms Adrian Tracy, and Justin Trattou,  which is not surprising if he does. He has a high motor and he could crack the rotation on the defensive line later in the season, if he makes the roster. 

Martin Parker a defensive tackle, was on the Giants practice squad last year. He is unlikely to make the roster because of the return of both Rocky Bernard and Marvin Austin, he could make the roster or practice squad, with a Victor Cruz preseason. He had 3.0 career sacks in college. 

Next is the final part of defensive ends.Mongelluzzo, Anthony. "Justin Tuck Air Guitar." 2012. Raw image file.

"Giants.com | Depth Chart." New York Giants Training Camp Central. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 Aug. 2012. <http://www.giants.com/team/depth-chart.html>. 

Schauer, Pete. "New York Giants: One Burning Question for Every Member of the Roster | Bleacher Report."Bleacher Report | Entertaining sports news, photos and slideshows. N.p., 8 Aug. 2012. Web. 9 Aug. 2012. <http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1288196-one-burning-question-for-every-member-of-the-new-york-giants-roster/page/6>.

Logan, Scott. "New York Giants' 53-Man Roster Projection 2.0 | Bleacher Report." Bleacher Report | Entertaining sports news, photos and slideshows. N.p., 18 June 2012. Web. 9 Aug. 2012. <http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1221668-new-york-giants-53-man-roster-projection-20/page/8>.

New York Giants' Defensive Lineman Part 1

 Anthony Mongelluzzo©

The captain Justin Tuck, will again be leading the Giants defense this year. He has been playing the inside and outside. He had a monster postseason with the Giants, having 3.5 sacks. In his last six games of the season he had 5.5 sacks. Jason Pierre-Paul had a breakout season, totaling 16.5 sacks, almost quadrupling his numbers from the prior year. His play of the season was him blocking the Cowboys' game tying field goal in Week 15. 

Osi Umenyiora totaled 9 sacks in nine games with the Giants in the regular season, and then added in 3.5 sacks in the postseason. He signed a new contract with the Giants, so the Giants trio of pass rushers will be back in 2012. Chris Canty is on the PUP list, with an injured knee. He will be the starter if he returns before about the third preseason game. Linval Joseph was a great run stopper this past year for the Giants. He helped to shut down "The Burner" Michael Turner in the Wild Card round. He also had a career high 2.0 sacks. Marvin Austin, Giants defensive tackle had a total of nine sack in college, and he hasn't  played football since 2009. He was dismissed from the University of North Carolina football team in 2010 and then tore a pectoral muscle in the preseason with the Giants last year. Defensive Tackle Rocky Bernard turned 33 in April, but he is still going strong. He was a run stopper last year, with no sacks in the regular season and one sack in the postseason. He was signed before training camp to provide experience at the tackle position. 
Part Two will be put up next.
Mongelluzzo, Anthony. "Justin Tuck Air Guitar." 2012. Raw image file.

New York Giants' Offensive Line

 Anthony Mongelluzzo©

I decided to put the entire offensive line together because the Giants love versatility on the offensive line. Right now the offensive line right tackle to left tackle is Diehl, Snee, Baas, Boothe, Beatty. The backup right tackle to left tackle is Brewer, Petrus, Cordle, Capers, and Locklear. The final group is Reinders, Goodin, White, Mosely, and McCants. 

Diehl, started last year as the Giants starting left guard, but moved to left tackle after Beatty was put on injured reserve. Diehl has been good, but is definitely on the back end of his career. Snee is starting to decline, but is one of the more consistent lineman on the Giants. David Baas struggled early last year, then was injured, but looked good, like all the Giants on their final stretch of games. Boothe was a coach's player last year playing the left guard and center position. He had a stellar year last year. Will Beatty has struggled his entire career and will likely be the starting tackle until someone else dethrones him, which does not seem likely, at least for now. 

Brewer is a guy the Giants expect and want to compete for one of the tackle positions. He has yet to be on the field in a regular season game. Mitch Petrus started 3 games last year for the Giants, and appeared in all of the playoff games. He has improved and eventually will battle for the Giants starting guard position in future years. Jim Cordle played in nine games last year with the Giants, but is not likely to make the roster because of Kevin Boothe's versatility on the offensive line. Selvish Capers who has a lot of potential will have a shot at making the Giants roster, but must compete with the rookies they drafted. Sean Locklear is a guy who might compete for the starting position with the Giants, but will likely just be a backup, when it comes down to it. 

Joel Reinders, Stephen Goodin, and Chris White are all unlikely to make the roster because of the Giants versatility. Brandon Mosely is a fourth round pick of the Giants and is going to make the roster, he is a developmental player. Matt McCants is likely to make the practice squad because of the Giants' depth at tackle. If he surprises everyone in the preseason, I'm sure the Giants will keep him, but a practice squad spot seems likely now. 

Next is defensive line.  

Mongelluzzo, Anthony. "Giants Offensive Line." 2012. Raw image file.

New York Giants' Tightends

 Anthony Mongelluzzo© 

Wow I never thought that a player under contract with the Super Bowl Champions, would ever end up on the loser's team. Jake Ballard had a torn ACL and the Giants tried to sneak him through the waiver system, but failed as the Patriots claimed him. Tom Coughlin, the rest of the organization and fan base were speechless as this happened. Now the Giants have one healthy tightend from last season's active roster. 

Bear Pascoe is that one. He is a hybrid, tightend and fullback. He is more of a blocker than a pass catcher. He scored his first NFL touchdown against the 49ers in the NFC Championship Game. In Super Bowl XLVI he caught four passes for 33 yards. He most likely will be the starter going into the season, but it will not surprise me if Beckum (when he gets healthy)  or Martellus Bennett surpasses him on the depth chart.
Next is to Martellus Bennett, he is 280 pounds, right now. When he came into training camp he weighed in at 290-295, that's the weight of one of the tackles on the Giants. He is very talented, but he hasn't had the determination or work ethic to put that talent to use. Right now he is either going to boom or bust with the Giants.
Travis Beckum was put on the PUP list (Physically unable to perform) at the start of training camp. The Giants will not take him off until he is a 100%. The Giants will have to make use without him. Beckum hasn't shown a lot of productivity when in the starting position.
Adrien Robinson is a tightend the Giants drafted, he is likely going to be developed this year, and will compete to start when and if he is ready. He has a lot of the physical ability, but lets see how he adjusts to the pro game.
Christian Hopkins who was on the practice squad last year, is going to battle for a roster spot, but it seems right now the Giants are not going to carry a fourth tightend. The Giants have raved about him, but unless he pulls a Victor Cruz, he won't be making the opening day roster. I would not be surprised if he ends up on the practice squad.
Ryan Purvis and Larry Donnell are also on the training camp roster, but both are unlikely to make the roster, because they don't stand out physically, and they haven't put up big statistics in college or the NFL. Ryan Purvis' best season came in 2007 when he had 54 catches for 553 yards and 4 touchdowns. For Larry Donnell it came in 2008 for Grambling State where he caught 18 passes for 235 yards and for six touchdowns. Both are highly unlikely to make the roster.
In the next few days I will put up the tackle situation.
Mongelluzzo, Anthony . "The Giants Training Camp Starters." 2012. Raw image file.

New York Giants' Wide Receivers

 Anthony Mongelluzzo © 

Victor Cruz shattered Giants records and was near the top on the NFL leader board in yards. He had fans chanting his name and putting emphasis on the R. I personally like to pronounce it by rolling the R (Crrruz). I'm getting off topic now. 

Victor Cruz will either play the number one receiver, the number two receiver, or the slot receiver. If Hakeem Nicks can play on opening day then Victor Cruz will most likely see action at the number two receiver and slot. Where Cruz plays is very dependent on how the other receivers do and where the other receivers are in the depth chart. 

Right now it seems like Domenik Hixon will be the slot or number two receiver, but it will not surprise me if Rueben Randle eventually beats him out for that spot. I've heard he is a lot like Hakeem Nicks physically, but is a better route runner. Hixon is returning from a torn ACL. Ramses Barden, a six foot six receiver who has struggled in every game of his career, except this year against the Patriots in the regular season, will also compete for the third string spot, and will also battle for a roster spot. Jerrel Jernigan a third round pick from last year's draft has looked good and will also compete for that craved number three spot. 

Lets talk about the final receivers. 

Isaiah Stanback has looked good at practice and was on the Giants practice squad this past year. Giants.com has said they think he is a dark horse to make the roster. Dan DePalma and David Douglas looked similar in practice, they both had o.k. hands, they are unlikely to make the roster, unless pulling off a Victor Cruz in the preseason. David Douglas did not appear good at all in practice, at least catching wise, it was wet out when I saw him, so that could of been a factor. Julian Talley looked about the same if not a little worse than Douglas and DePalma. Talley was constantly hanging out with Cruz during practice.

If you only remember when thing about the Giants receivers, remember that they have two or three good to great receivers, and they have a bunch of o.k. guys on the back end of the roster.  

Mongelluzzo, Anthony . "New York Giants' Receivers." 2012. Raw image file.

Google

Thank you all for one upping me. Better Than The Experts is officially on google. Thank you to all the fans. I am still determined to get the viewership up. You all are getting me to the path, all bloggers desire. Thank you again.

New York Giants Training Camp

Today I will write about what I saw when I went to Giants Training Camp. I mostly studied the offense today. The Giants practice was moved to the lacrosse field because of the rain.
Quarterbacks: Eli Manning looked great today. He threw a pretty good long ball, but his short passing was inconsistent. He is still trying to build chemistry with Victor Cruz, he placed a five yard out route ball on the inside shoulder when they were supposed to fit it in on the sideline. Eli also practiced his goal line fade ball that worked oh so well last year. David Carr looked ok, but he did look like backup. Ryan Perrilloux showed off his arm in practice, but did struggle in simple drills such as footwork and fade routes. He has a lot of talent, but the fundamentals are not there.
Running backs: Da'Rel Scott did not practice. Ahmad Bradshaw looked fast, and healthy. He looked like he can handle ten to fifteen carries a game. David Wilson looked fast, quick, and agile. After practice he showed off his athleticism with a standing back flip. D.J. (don't call me Danny) Ware looked the same as previous years. Andre Brown looked faster than usual, I would say stronger, but they aren't in lower pads yet.
Fullbacks: Henry Hynoski looked good again. Joe Martinek looked fast one moment, but like a fullback the next. He will have to step it up in order to make the roster or even an impression.
Wide Receivers: Victor Cruz looked great today, making a one-handed sideline catch. His route running could be the best in the league. Hakeem Nicks was out with his foot injury. Rueben Randle had the third best hands of the day, but his route running was second, only to Cruz's. Isaiah Stanback had great hands and great speed. Dan DePalma, Ramses Barden, Jerel Jernigan, and David Douglas' hands also stood out among the rest. Juilan Talley and Brandon Collins struggled in the five yard out routes.
Tight ends: Bear Pascoe took first team snaps, and Travis Beckum sat out. Martellus Bennett the 280 lb tightened looked slow and sluggish. None of the other tight ends stood out.
*Note Adrian Tracy looked mad when he got cracked on a helmets and shoulder pads play.
*Note Mark Herzlich made a nice toe-tap interception that was tipped.

New York Giants' Fullbacks

Source: Chris Trotman Getty Images© 

Henry Hynoski is going to be the starter, without injury. He hurdles, he catches, and he blocks. He looked pretty good last year even without a long off season. His catching will hopefully improve, because of the Giants lack of experienced tight ends. The only other fullback on the roster is rookie hybrid Joe Martinek. He is fast for a fullback. He likely will not make the roster because of the depth at running back and fullback. The Giants will likely stash him on the practice squad if there is an injury. Also Bear Pascoe who is seeing first team snaps can also play fullback at a high level. So Martinek will likely not see a roster spot, barring any injuries.

I went to Giants training camp today, so I will try to put something up about that today, and I will try to get wide receivers up before Wednesday.

Trotman, Chris. Henry Hynoski. N.d. Henry Hynoski Photos, Indianapolis.Zimbo. Web. 28 July 2012.

New York Giants' Running backs

Ahmad Bradshaw of course is going to be the starter and main guy. I've heard that Coughlin wants to run a two back system, but D.J. Ware hasn't shown that he can replace Brandon Jacobs. Whenever Jacobs was out, D.J. would take his spot in the rotation and would struggle. I know the offensive line wasn't great last year, but averaging 3.5 yards per carry off of 46 carries isn't great, for a change of pace player. D.J. can get the Giants two points though. He got 2 two point conversions during the regular season.
Bradshaw is slowing down, but is still running hard, he played 2011 with two hurt angles. He will most likely get the majority of the carries.
First round pick David Wilson looks like a young, faster Ahmad Bradshaw. The reason he might not see many carries early is because he is not good in pass protection. Ahmad Bradshaw who is the best small pass protector in the league, can hopefully teach him how to be a better pass protector, so he can get on the field. The faster David Wilson gets on the field the better for the Giants.
Da'Rel Scott who is a speed demon will likely battle for a roster spot with Andre Brown who has looked better each year he comes to the Giants. Da'Rel is not very quick and did not get on the field that much last year as a rookie. Andre Brown looks bigger and stronger than last year. The last running back roster spot for the Giants will be a battle. Who ever doesn't make the roster will likely be signed to the practice squad or another roster.
I will do fullbacks later today.

New York Giants' Quarterbacks

AP PHOTO© 

Of course there is Eli Manning. He is coming off a career season and a franchise season. He shattered the Giants' passing record for yards in a season, he set. He is also coming off his second Super Bowl MVP. He is in one the most select groups in NFL history, having multiple Super Bowl MVP awards. He is of course going to be the starter and David Carr will be the backup, barring any injuries. David Carr is in his second stint with the Giants, last season he did not appear in any games with the Giants, but him and Eli have similar styles of play, so there is the reason for keeping him.
Now there is only one quarterback left on the active roster, Ryan Perrilloux. He is a second year player with a strong arm. He is likely to get cut and will most likely get signed to the practice squad unless another NFL signs him. Tomorrow is running backs.

New York Giants Projected Roster

I will try each day to get a new position up and state what the chances are, in about two weeks, I will have the projected roster up.

Fantasy Football Mock Draft

This is a mock draft I did on ESPN, my team name is the World Champions. I will describe the thinking that I do round by round. *Note this a snake draft.
Round: 1
(1) Team Smith - Aaron Rodgers QB 
(2) Team Oukrop - Arian Foster RB 
(3) Team payne - Ray Rice RB 
(4) Team Colangelo - LeSean McCoy RB 
(5) Team miller - Ryan Mathews RB 
(6) Team verm - Maurice Jones-Drew RB 
** (7) World  Champions - Tom Brady QB 
(8) Team Koontz - Calvin Johnson WR 
(9) Big Daddy K - Larry Fitzgerald WR 
(10) Team Witsoe - Drew Brees QB 
When I got the 7th pick I was excited because I usually get an early pick and I really needed to practice my late round picking. When I got this pick I looked at my list, and saw there was a possibilty that I would not be able to draft one of the top three quarterbacks or running backs. I decided I was going to pick either Larry Fitzgerald or Cam Newton. Then when the two teams in front of me drafted Maurice Jones-Drew and Ryan Matthews early (which was a bad decision), I decided to draft either Tom Brady or Drew Brees. I decided since Brady has his head coach I'll take him.
Round: 2
(11) Team Witsoe - Chris Johnson RB 
(12) Big Daddy K - Wes Welker WR 
(13) Team Koontz - Matt Forte RB 
** (14) World  Champions - A.J. Green WR 
(15) Team verm - DeMarco Murray RB 
(16) Team miller - Darren McFadden RB 
(17) Team Colangelo - Matthew Stafford QB 
(18) Team payne - Roddy White WR 
(19) Team Oukrop - Rob Gronkowski TE 
(20) Team Smith - Andre Johnson WR 
Here I immediately asked myself if I wanted to draft Marshawn Lynch, or A.J. Green. i decided that A.J. Green is worth drafting over everyone else on the board (If this was an actual league I would of drafted Matthew Stafford and try to trade him away). A.J. Green had a good rookie season, and has the physical tools and production to be a top five receiver in the NFL. Round: 3
(21) Team Smith - Adrian Peterson RB 
(22) Team Oukrop - Greg Jennings WR 
(23) Team payne - Mike Wallace WR 
(24) Team Colangelo - Jimmy Graham TE 
(25) Team miller - Hakeem Nicks WR 
(26) Team verm - Julio Jones WR 
** (27) World  Champions - Marshawn Lynch RB 
(28) Team Koontz - Michael Turner RB 
(29) Big Daddy K - Jamaal Charles RB 
(30) Team Witsoe - Fred Jackson RB 
Let's just say I was on the edge of my seat in the picks before mine. Getting Marshawn Lynch in the third round, when most people are drafting backup receivers is a major steal. I heard today about his arrest, but I will still take him, because of again, trade value. Round: 4
(31) Team Witsoe - Brandon Marshall WR 
(32) Big Daddy K - Steven Jackson RB 
(33) Team Koontz - Frank Gore RB 
** (34) World  Champions - Trent Richardson RB 
(35) Team verm - Cam Newton QB 
(36) Team miller - Dez Bryant WR 
(37) Team Colangelo - Jordy Nelson WR 
(38) Team payne - Darren Sproles RB 
(39) Team Oukrop - Eli Manning QB 
(40) Team Smith - Victor Cruz WR 
I drafted Trent Richardson, here because, I needed another workhorse running back, because I know about the receivers who are sleepers. As you see Cam Newton also got drafted in this round. I've seen Cam Newton get drafted in the mid first round and as you see here mid fourth round. My philosophy is first look at the picks that fall, and then judge them based on the players you like. Round: 5
(41) Team Smith - Steve Smith WR 
(42) Team Oukrop - Roy Helu RB 
(43) Team payne - Michael Vick QB 
(44) Team Colangelo - Ahmad Bradshaw RB 
(45) Team miller - Brandon Lloyd WR 
(46) Team verm - Marques Colston WR 
** (47) World  Champions - Miles Austin WR 
(48) Team Koontz - Tony Romo QB 
(49) Big Daddy K - Reggie Bush RB 
(50) Team Witsoe - Willis McGahee RB 
Here I selected Miles Austin. Last year he looked great early in the season, especially against the 49ers. He's shown he can be a top five receiver, but he also has shown he could be a fantasy bust. Before picking Austin I wanted to pick Marques Colston, with Meachem gone and Henderson moving up, it's basically the same thing happening in New Orleans. Without the Coach.Round: 6
(51) Team Witsoe - Vincent Jackson WR 
(52) Big Daddy K - Philip Rivers QB 
(53) Team Koontz - Dwayne Bowe WR 
** (54) World  Champions - Vernon Davis TE 
(55) Team verm - BenJarvus Green-Ellis RB 
(56) Team miller - Antonio Gates TE 
(57) Team Colangelo - Jonathan Stewart RB 
(58) Team payne - Percy Harvin WR 
(59) Team Oukrop - Shonn Greene RB 
(60) Team Smith - Beanie Wells RB 
Here I decided to go after Vernon Davis, with the acquisitions of many new receivers, it will be harder to be double teamed. He could also see less targets, with the acquisitions. Round: 7
(61) Team Smith - Peyton Manning QB 
(62) Team Oukrop - Steve Johnson WR 
(63) Team payne - Jason Witten TE 
(64) Team Colangelo - Jeremy Maclin WR 
(65) Team miller - Doug Martin RB 
(66) Team verm - Demaryius Thomas WR 
** (67) World  Champions - Eric Decker WR 
(68) Team Koontz - Antonio Brown WR 
(69) Big Daddy K - DeSean Jackson WR 
(70) Team Witsoe - Jermichael Finley TE 
I targeted Eric Decker hard here, because he produced more touchdowns, yards, and catches with Tebow, than Demaryius Thomas. He looks a lot like Brandon Stokley, Austin Collie, Anthony Gonzalez, and Blair White. Also I heard he's working out with Peyton Manning.Round: 8
(71) Team Witsoe - Torrey Smith WR 
(72) Big Daddy K - Aaron Hernandez TE 
(73) Team Koontz - Tony Gonzalez TE 
** (74) World  Champions - Isaac Redman RB 
(75) Team verm - Ben Tate RB 
(76) Team miller - Matt Ryan QB 
(77) Team Colangelo - DeAngelo Williams RB 
(78) Team payne - Jahvid Best RB 
(79) Team Oukrop - Kenny Britt WR 
(80) Team Smith - Stevan Ridley RB 
At first I wanted Torrey Smith, but then he was picked three picks before me. Torrey Smith, will see less over the top double teams, and will work more on the inside, with the acquisition of Jacoby Jones. Issac Redman was my second choice because, one he's a starter as of now, and Tom Haley is the offensive coordinator and he ran the ball a lot in Kansas City. Rashard Mendenhall is projected to return in November or even December. I'm sure another Arian Foster, DeMarco Murray, Miles Austin, Victor Cruz, or Brandon Lloyd will happen again, so I can always work the waiver wire system. Make sure you jump on exploding players early rather than later.  Round: 9
(81) Team Smith - Michael Bush RB 
(82) Team Oukrop - Ben Roethlisberger QB 
(83) Team payne - Pierre Garcon WR 
(84) Team Colangelo - Robert Meachem WR 
(85) Team miller - James Starks RB 
(86) Team verm - Mark Ingram RB 
** (87) World  Champions - Malcom Floyd WR 
(88) Team Koontz - C.J. Spiller RB 
(89) Big Daddy K - Matt Schaub QB 
(90) Team Witsoe - Donald Brown RB 
Here I selected Malcom Floyd, this is probably the second latest you will select a number one receiver (Brian Quick, Rams). He had 856 yards, 43 receptions, 19.9 yards per catch, and 5 touchdowns. That's with Vincent Jackson in and out of the lineup. I could of gone with Donald Brown, because he is the lowest starter in the entire draft, that means he'll get more carries then C.J. Spiller who was drafted in front of him. You could go with either.Round: 10
(91) Team Witsoe - Denarius Moore WR 
(92) Big Daddy K - Peyton Hillis RB 
(93) Team Koontz - Sidney Rice WR 
** (94) World  Champions - Jay Cutler QB 
(95) Team verm - Santonio Holmes WR 
(96) Team miller - Reggie Wayne WR 
(97) Team Colangelo - Toby Gerhart RB 
(98) Team payne - Lance Moore WR 
(99) Team Oukrop - David Wilson RB 
(100) Team Smith - Fred Davis TE 
Here I selected a backup in Jay Cutler. I was hoping for Donald Brown, but since he was drafted four spots before, I rather get a good backup then reach for a player. Jay Cutler is a sleeper this year, since the Bears got Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery, he has a lot more weapons. As you have seen in my last post Jay Cutler is going to be a top ten quarterback. 
Round: 11
(101) Team Smith - 49ers D/ST D/ST 
(102) Team Oukrop - Bears D/ST D/ST 
(103) Team payne - Anquan Boldin WR 
(104) Team Colangelo - Michael Crabtree WR 
(105) Team miller - Shane Vereen RB 
(106) Team verm - Texans D/ST D/ST 
** (107) World  Champions - Brandon Pettigrew TE 
(108) Team Koontz - LeGarrette Blount RB 
(109) Big Daddy K - Randy Moss WR 
(110) Team Witsoe - Robert Griffin III QB 
I got my backup tight end here in Brandon Pettrigrew, he had 83 receptions, 777 yards, 9.4 yards per catch, and 5 touchdowns. He slightly upped all his statistics from the year before expect yards per catch. He is bound for a breakout considering The Madden Curse with Calvin Johnson, Titus Young also bound for improvement, and the rookie Ryan Broyles who in nine games last season with Oklahoma had 83 receptions, 1157 yards, 13.9 yards per catch, and 10 touchdowns. Now you're asking why not select Young or Broyles? Well Young got in trouble with the law, and Broyles is coming off a torn anterior cruciate ligament.
Round: 12
(111) Team Witsoe - Felix Jones RB 
(112) Big Daddy K - Eagles D/ST D/ST 
(113) Team Koontz - Ravens D/ST D/ST 
** (114) World  Champions - Rueben Randle WR 
(115) Team verm - Josh Freeman QB 
(116) Team miller - Carson Palmer QB 
(117) Team Colangelo - Darrius Heyward-Bey WR 
(118) Team payne - Alex Smith QB 
(119) Team Oukrop - Andy Dalton QB 
(120) Team Smith - Daniel Thomas RB 
I selected Rueben Randle here and I'm not 100% sure of my self still. Titus Young, Jared Cook, and Jacob Tamme are available. My reasoning behind this, was that Rueben Randle will get Mario Manningham's snaps right away, and he will probably play the outside with Cruz in the slot, so Randle won't have to beat as good corners as Titus Young or Justin Blackmon.Round: 13
(121) Team Smith - Titus Young WR 
(122) Team Oukrop - Justin Blackmon WR 
(123) Team payne - Bernard Scott RB 
(124) Team Colangelo - Laurent Robinson WR 
(125) Team miller - Jacob Tamme TE 
(126) Team verm - Jared Cook TE 
** (127) World  Champions - Michael Floyd WR 
(128) Team Koontz - Joe Flacco QB 
(129) Big Daddy K - David Akers K 
(130) Team Witsoe - Pierre Thomas RB 
I picked Michael Floyd here because he has a higher upside than Mike Williams, and didn't get pushed out of his position like Nate Washington. Floyd will have Fitzgerald teaching him, so I'm not that worried.Round: 14
(131) Team Witsoe - Mike Williams WR 
(132) Big Daddy K - Dustin Keller TE 
(133) Team Koontz - Coby Fleener TE 
** (134) World  Champions - Jacquizz Rodgers RB 
(135) Team verm - Nate Washington WR 
(136) Team miller - Mike Tolbert RB 
(137) Team Colangelo - Mario Manningham WR 
(138) Team payne - Seahawks D/ST D/ST 
(139) Team Oukrop - Sam Bradford QB 
(140) Team Smith - Stephen Gostkowski K 
I went with Jacquizz Rodgers here because Michael Turner will get less and less carries as the years go by, so let's see if he can be Darren Sproles. Darren Sproles is the only player comparable, but I've also heard he's not fast, PERIOD.Round: 15
(141) Team Smith - Nate Burleson WR 
(142) Team Oukrop - Owen Daniels TE 
(143) Team payne - Mason Crosby K 
(144) Team Colangelo - Steelers D/ST D/ST 
(145) Team miller - Jets D/ST D/ST 
(146) Team verm - Matt Flynn QB 
** (147) World  Champions - Robbie Gould K 
(148) Team Koontz - Jonathan Dwyer RB 
(149) Big Daddy K - Brandon LaFell WR 
(150) Team Witsoe - Falcons D/ST D/ST 
I got Robbie Gould because, 1. I needed a kicker, 2. He missed four field goals out of thirty-two and made six out of six fifty yard field goals. Round: 16
(151) Team Witsoe - Sebastian Janikowski K 
(152) Big Daddy K - Mike Goodson RB 
(153) Team Koontz - Garrett Hartley K 
** (154) World  Champions - Giants D/ST D/ST 
(155) Team verm - Dan Bailey K 
(156) Team miller - Alex Henery K 
(157) Team Colangelo - Matt Prater K 
(158) Team payne - Ryan Fitzpatrick QB 
(159) Team Oukrop - Rob Bironas K 
(160) Team Smith - Andrew Luck QB
I picked the Giants defense here because Osi will be back, with a contract. Also he had seven sacks in seven games last year and more pass rushers mean fresh legs. Also they get Terrell Thomas, and if Prince plays like he did in college, Terrell will be the nickel corner, with two good to great safeties behind them. Also Webster will be putting opposing receivers in his web. The Giants also have Keith Rivers coming off the bench, so lets see how long it takes for him to outwork Chase Blackburn, or Mathias Kiwanuka. Which seems unlikely, at least for now.