NFC East: Muhammad Wilkerson
I'm going to start with the positives, because I get accused too often by overly sensitive New York Giants fans of being too negative about their team. And when they look bad, I promise I'll continue to point that out. But in their second-to-last preseason game Monday night -- a meaningless 17-3 loss to the New York Jets -- I saw a lot of things on the Giants' defense that I really liked.
I'm going to start with Justin Tuck, even though that seems obvious, because he's the Giants' best defensive player and it all starts with him. If Tuck is flying around the field, pressuring quarterbacks and making plays on the edge, the rest of the Giants' defense works off of that. And I think Monday night's Tuck was a Tuck who looks ready for the season. As a result, the defensive tackles looked energized, swingman Mathias Kiwanuka was active and effective, Aaron Ross (pressed into starter's duty after the injury to Terrell Thomas) made several nice plays in pass coverage and the Giants' defense more than handled the Jets' starting offense in the run game and the passing game.
I was especially impressed with Ross, who is a starting-caliber cornerback more than capable of filling in for Thomas if he's able to stay healthy (which, granted, has been a big issue with him). The Giants showcased their depth at safety by moving Antrel Rolle into a slot cornerback role (and bringing Deon Grant in at safety) in the nickel package, and that should work fine until and perhaps after Prince Amukamara returns from his injury. And I think Jonathan Goff looked very strong against the run as he continues to grow in his role as the starting middle linebacker. As I have continued to stress when discussing positives and negatives of all four teams this month, the preseason has no predictive value whatsoever, so I'm not saying the Giants' defense will be great because it was great in this game. But to see their established players putting up strong individual performances this late in the preseason should encourage Giants fans that those players are healthy and their minds are right.
Now, not all can be rosy in this Giants' preseason, and so a good night on defense came with hiccups. Kiwanuka left the game with a groin injury he later described as "not serious," and Tuck left with what the team described as a "neck burner," which they obviously hope isn't serious. But while the Giants' first-team defense was in the game, they looked fired up and ready to go.
Now, about the offense and the special teams ...
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AP Photo/Julio CortezBrandon Jacobs was ejected from the game after being goaded into a fight by Muhammad Wilkerson.
AP Photo/Julio CortezBrandon Jacobs was ejected from the game after being goaded into a fight by Muhammad Wilkerson.2. Eli Manning and the interceptions. One was on a fourth-down play where he was trying to take a chance because it was fourth down. The other was just a poor decision. And the fact that there were two of them is, of course, what stands out when we're talking about a guy who threw 25 picks last season. Now, he looked good throwing to Hakeem Nicks (and to Bradshaw), but the lack of depth of receiving options has him looking confused at times. He doesn't always seem to remember that Victor Cruz is on the field, let alone see that he's open. So it may be that there's work to be done for Manning to get used to his new receiving corps. It may also be that he'll look totally different come the regular season, as so many established players who struggle in preseason do. The good thing is that you know a poor preseason performance won't affect Manning's confidence or attitude, even if the same can't be said about the fans watching him. Fact is, Manning's got the job, and if he's going to have a bad season, the team is too and there's nothing anyone can do about it. I think he'll be fine.
3. Not-so-special teams. Rookie Jerrel Jernigan looks as if he already needs a vacation. Muffs, fumbles ... not the kind of stuff you like to see out of your return man. They may need to look at other options. And the kick and punt coverage continues to look terrible, which actually does mean something since those teams are populated by guys playing for roster spots and increased playing time. One bright spot is that both punters looked good again, which I continue to believe means good things for Steve Weatherford and bad things for Matt Dodge. We'll see on that, but whoever gets that job is going to look a lot better if they can cover his kicks.
4. Cruz versus Domenik Hixon. It was all Cruz early in that No. 3 wide receiver spot, with Hixon coming in late in the game again. I continue to believe the Giants have been trying to ease Hixon back from his knee injury and that he's the favorite to earn playing time in that No. 3 wideout role as the season goes along. But the fact that Cruz and Mario Manningham have seen so much time there makes me think they're going to continue easing Hixon back in once the regular season begins and want to know what they have there in terms of other options. Especially since they're not getting much out of the tight end position.
5. Offensive line improvement. New center David Baas appears to be over the issues that plagued him in the first preseason game. And left tackle William Beatty might not look super-smooth over there with his grabby arms and constantly-moving feet, but he's more or less blocking his man. Left guard David Diehl struggled a couple of times early on, as he failed to pick up a few interior pass-rushers on the blitz. But that got better as the game went along. And the run-blocking is just outstanding across the board.
Finally, I'm not too troubled by this inability to punch the ball into the end zone that has everybody so upset. It's preseason. They moved the ball well. Pretty good chance they'll call different plays when it counts, no?
» NFC Draft Watch: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South
Each Thursday leading up to the NFL draft (April 28-30), the ESPN.com blog network will take a division-by-division look at key aspects of the draft. Today's topic: Dream scenario/Plan B.
Dallas Cowboys
Dream scenario: If the Cowboys play things the conventional way and sit tight at No. 9, they’ll probably be looking at either defensive end J.J. Watt or offensive tackle Tyron Smith. Either one would provide good value or fill a big need, and the Cowboys would improve. But Dallas owner Jerry Jones doesn’t always do things the conventional way. Although trading up to the top five might be difficult, Jones’ imagination could heat up if LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson makes it past the first five picks. The entire Dallas secondary had a horrible year last season, and Peterson would provide an instant upgrade. Jones might not be able to sit still if he’s within striking distance of Peterson.
Plan B: If there’s no chance at Peterson and the Cowboys aren’t excited enough about Watt or Smith, they could reach slightly and take Nebraska cornerback Prince Amukamara. He’s the second-best cornerback in this draft, and most mocks have him going somewhere in the teens. If the Cowboys like the player enough, it wouldn’t be much of a reach to just take him. If another team is looking to move up for another player, the Cowboys could drop down a few spots and still have a shot at Amukamara.
Washington Redskins
Dream scenario: The Redskins, who need a quarterback perhaps more than any other team on the planet, would love nothing more than for something bizarre to suddenly cause Cam Newton or Blaine Gabbert to start falling. It’s not out of the realm of possibility. Carolina’s leaning toward Newton but hasn’t made a final decision. Even if the Panthers go with Newton, Buffalo could go with linebacker Von Miller at No. 3, and the word out of Arizona is the Cardinals probably are looking more for a pass-rusher than a quarterback. That would put the Redskins within striking distance on Gabbert, and general manager Bruce Allen and owner Daniel Snyder could try to move up to grab him. Or they could just take a chance that he’ll be available at No. 10.
Plan B: If Newton and Gabbert are gone, there’s no quarterback worthy of the No. 10 pick. Defensive tackle also is a major need, but the Redskins could fill that in free agency. Snyder enjoys making a splash, and if he can’t do it with a quarterback, he might do the next-best thing and take a guy who would catch passes from whoever ends up throwing them. With Santana Moss as a free agent and not much else in the receiving corps, Alabama’s Julio Jones could be a very nice consolation prize.
New York Giants
Dream scenario: The desperate need is at outside linebacker, but the only player who is really a sure thing is Miller, and he almost certainly will be a top-five pick. So the dream ends there and reality sets in, and the other reality is the Giants have big needs on the offensive line, where everyone but guard Chris Snee is starting to get old. Florida center/guard Mike Pouncey could really solidify the interior of the line, where the need is greatest. Tackles Gabe Carimi and Anthony Castonzo also could be possibilities as the Giants could consider moving tackle David Diehl to guard.
Plan B: This may sound a bit off the wall because the Giants have decent running backs in Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs. But what if Alabama’s Mark Ingram happens to be available? The Giants might have to consider him. He might be better than Bradshaw and Jacobs. Also, along the same lines, don’t rule out the possibility of a defensive tackle like Temple’s Muhammad Wilkerson if he’s available. The Giants appear to be in good shape in the middle of the defensive line, but general manager Jerry Reese places a high value on having lots of depth, especially in the middle of the defensive line.
Philadelphia Eagles
Dream scenario: In a perfect world, the Eagles would package their first pick (No. 23 overall) with quarterback Kevin Kolb and trade their way into the top five, where they would aim for cornerback Peterson. The Eagles have a desperate need for a cornerback to play opposite Asante Samuel, and Peterson is the only sure thing in this draft. But this is not a perfect world. Unless the lockout somehow ends between now and the start of the draft, they’re not allowed to trade Kolb. If they stay put, the Eagles have to hope Amukamara somehow falls to them, or they might have to take a chance on Colorado’s Jimmy Smith, who comes with some background questions.
Plan B: The right side of the offensive line needs to be upgraded. Most teams stay clear of guards in the first round. But tackles Castonzo, Nate Solder and Carimi all could be available when the Eagles pick. Any one of them could step right into the lineup and start.
Each Thursday leading up to the NFL draft (April 28-30), the ESPN.com blog network will take a division-by-division look at key aspects of the draft. Today's topic: Dream scenario/Plan B.
Dallas Cowboys
Dream scenario: If the Cowboys play things the conventional way and sit tight at No. 9, they’ll probably be looking at either defensive end J.J. Watt or offensive tackle Tyron Smith. Either one would provide good value or fill a big need, and the Cowboys would improve. But Dallas owner Jerry Jones doesn’t always do things the conventional way. Although trading up to the top five might be difficult, Jones’ imagination could heat up if LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson makes it past the first five picks. The entire Dallas secondary had a horrible year last season, and Peterson would provide an instant upgrade. Jones might not be able to sit still if he’s within striking distance of Peterson.
Plan B: If there’s no chance at Peterson and the Cowboys aren’t excited enough about Watt or Smith, they could reach slightly and take Nebraska cornerback Prince Amukamara. He’s the second-best cornerback in this draft, and most mocks have him going somewhere in the teens. If the Cowboys like the player enough, it wouldn’t be much of a reach to just take him. If another team is looking to move up for another player, the Cowboys could drop down a few spots and still have a shot at Amukamara.
Washington Redskins
Dream scenario: The Redskins, who need a quarterback perhaps more than any other team on the planet, would love nothing more than for something bizarre to suddenly cause Cam Newton or Blaine Gabbert to start falling. It’s not out of the realm of possibility. Carolina’s leaning toward Newton but hasn’t made a final decision. Even if the Panthers go with Newton, Buffalo could go with linebacker Von Miller at No. 3, and the word out of Arizona is the Cardinals probably are looking more for a pass-rusher than a quarterback. That would put the Redskins within striking distance on Gabbert, and general manager Bruce Allen and owner Daniel Snyder could try to move up to grab him. Or they could just take a chance that he’ll be available at No. 10.
Plan B: If Newton and Gabbert are gone, there’s no quarterback worthy of the No. 10 pick. Defensive tackle also is a major need, but the Redskins could fill that in free agency. Snyder enjoys making a splash, and if he can’t do it with a quarterback, he might do the next-best thing and take a guy who would catch passes from whoever ends up throwing them. With Santana Moss as a free agent and not much else in the receiving corps, Alabama’s Julio Jones could be a very nice consolation prize.
New York Giants
Dream scenario: The desperate need is at outside linebacker, but the only player who is really a sure thing is Miller, and he almost certainly will be a top-five pick. So the dream ends there and reality sets in, and the other reality is the Giants have big needs on the offensive line, where everyone but guard Chris Snee is starting to get old. Florida center/guard Mike Pouncey could really solidify the interior of the line, where the need is greatest. Tackles Gabe Carimi and Anthony Castonzo also could be possibilities as the Giants could consider moving tackle David Diehl to guard.
Plan B: This may sound a bit off the wall because the Giants have decent running backs in Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs. But what if Alabama’s Mark Ingram happens to be available? The Giants might have to consider him. He might be better than Bradshaw and Jacobs. Also, along the same lines, don’t rule out the possibility of a defensive tackle like Temple’s Muhammad Wilkerson if he’s available. The Giants appear to be in good shape in the middle of the defensive line, but general manager Jerry Reese places a high value on having lots of depth, especially in the middle of the defensive line.
Philadelphia Eagles
Dream scenario: In a perfect world, the Eagles would package their first pick (No. 23 overall) with quarterback Kevin Kolb and trade their way into the top five, where they would aim for cornerback Peterson. The Eagles have a desperate need for a cornerback to play opposite Asante Samuel, and Peterson is the only sure thing in this draft. But this is not a perfect world. Unless the lockout somehow ends between now and the start of the draft, they’re not allowed to trade Kolb. If they stay put, the Eagles have to hope Amukamara somehow falls to them, or they might have to take a chance on Colorado’s Jimmy Smith, who comes with some background questions.
Plan B: The right side of the offensive line needs to be upgraded. Most teams stay clear of guards in the first round. But tackles Castonzo, Nate Solder and Carimi all could be available when the Eagles pick. Any one of them could step right into the lineup and start.
NFC East links: Will Haynesworth return?
April, 15, 2011
4/15/11
11:27
AM ET
By ESPN.com staff | ESPN.com
Dallas Cowboys
In the latest segment in its Draft Watch series, ESPNDallas.com examines Texas cornerback Aaron Williams.
ESPNDallas.com's Calvin Watkins looks at whether the Cowboys are ready to hand over the running game reins to Felix Jones.
New York Giants
ESPNNewYork.com's Ohm Youngmisuk takes stock of the Giants' special-teamers and identifies some players the team could target in the draft.
Florida defensive back Will Hill, Syracuse linebacker Doug Hogue and Cincinnati wide receiver Vidal Hazelton were among the prospects with local ties who had pre-draft visits with the team Thursday.
Philadelphia Eagles
Several of the Eagles' skill-position players -- including Michael Vick and Jeremy Maclin -- have assembled in the Philadelphia area to workout together.
In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Vick said, "some people will never forget" about his highly publicized dog-fighting scandal.
Temple defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson will sit down for a meeting with Andy Reid Friday.
Washington Redskins
In an interview with Hogs Haven's Kevin Ewoldt , defensive end Jeremy Jarmon predicted Albert Haynesworth would be back with the club next season.
In the latest segment in its Draft Watch series, ESPNDallas.com examines Texas cornerback Aaron Williams.
ESPNDallas.com's Calvin Watkins looks at whether the Cowboys are ready to hand over the running game reins to Felix Jones.
New York Giants
ESPNNewYork.com's Ohm Youngmisuk takes stock of the Giants' special-teamers and identifies some players the team could target in the draft.
Florida defensive back Will Hill, Syracuse linebacker Doug Hogue and Cincinnati wide receiver Vidal Hazelton were among the prospects with local ties who had pre-draft visits with the team Thursday.
Philadelphia Eagles
Several of the Eagles' skill-position players -- including Michael Vick and Jeremy Maclin -- have assembled in the Philadelphia area to workout together.
In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Vick said, "some people will never forget" about his highly publicized dog-fighting scandal.
Temple defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson will sit down for a meeting with Andy Reid Friday.
Washington Redskins
In an interview with Hogs Haven's Kevin Ewoldt , defensive end Jeremy Jarmon predicted Albert Haynesworth would be back with the club next season.
NFC East links: QB talk in Washington
April, 14, 2011
4/14/11
10:22
AM ET
By ESPN.com staff | ESPN.com
Dallas Cowboys
DeMarcus Ware is lending a hand while the players are locked out.
Could the interior offensive line spots undergo a facelift before the 2011 season kicks off?
New York Giants
The Giants met with Temple defensive tackle Muhammad Wilkerson on Wednesday.
In his latest mock draft, the National Football Post's Wes Bunting tabs Illinois defensive tackle Corey Liuget for the Giants.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles continue to show their interest in Temple safety Jaiquawn Jarrett.
Should defensive tackle be a priority (again) for the Eagles in this month's draft?
Washington Redskins
NFL Network analyst Mike Lombardi likes how Jake Locker would fit in the Redskins' offense.
Other analysts say Washington needs to find its quarterback of the future in this draft and not wait until 2012.
DeMarcus Ware is lending a hand while the players are locked out.
Could the interior offensive line spots undergo a facelift before the 2011 season kicks off?
New York Giants
The Giants met with Temple defensive tackle Muhammad Wilkerson on Wednesday.
In his latest mock draft, the National Football Post's Wes Bunting tabs Illinois defensive tackle Corey Liuget for the Giants.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles continue to show their interest in Temple safety Jaiquawn Jarrett.
Should defensive tackle be a priority (again) for the Eagles in this month's draft?
Washington Redskins
NFL Network analyst Mike Lombardi likes how Jake Locker would fit in the Redskins' offense.
Other analysts say Washington needs to find its quarterback of the future in this draft and not wait until 2012.
NFC East links: Giants' Smith taking it slow
April, 1, 2011
4/01/11
9:56
AM ET
By ESPN.com staff | ESPN.com
Dallas Cowboys
ESPNDallas.com reporters Bryan Broaddus and Tim MacMahon look at Temple defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson in their latest Draft Watch post.
Draft prospects to visit the Cowboys next week include Colorado tackle Nate Solder, Florida center-guard Mike Pouncey and Louisville running back Bilal Powell, reports the Dallas Morning News' Gerry Fraley.
New York Giants
Giants receiver Steve Smith "feels like [he] can run, but will take it slow" writes the NY Daily News' Ebenezer Samuel.
Giants defensive tackle Barry Cofield will consider asking for a trade or holding out if he has to play under a restricted free agent one-year tender again, reports ESPNNewYork.com's Ohm Youngmisuk.
Also from Youngmisuk: Giants offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride talks the draft and quarterback Eli Manning.
Michael Strahan on the lockout: It's not going well.
Philadelphia Eagles
NFL Network's Charley Casserly told PhiladelphiaEagles.com he would draft the Eagles' Kevin Kolb "100 times out of 100" over first-round prospect Cam Newton.
Colorado cornerback Jimmy Smith visited the Eagles this week. Philly.com's Sheil Kapadia calls the prospect "inconsistent."
Washington Redskins
The NFL lockout won't stop the Redskins from holding their annual draft party at FedEx field, writes the Washington Post's Mike Jones.
ESPNDallas.com reporters Bryan Broaddus and Tim MacMahon look at Temple defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson in their latest Draft Watch post.
Draft prospects to visit the Cowboys next week include Colorado tackle Nate Solder, Florida center-guard Mike Pouncey and Louisville running back Bilal Powell, reports the Dallas Morning News' Gerry Fraley.
New York Giants
Giants receiver Steve Smith "feels like [he] can run, but will take it slow" writes the NY Daily News' Ebenezer Samuel.
Giants defensive tackle Barry Cofield will consider asking for a trade or holding out if he has to play under a restricted free agent one-year tender again, reports ESPNNewYork.com's Ohm Youngmisuk.
Also from Youngmisuk: Giants offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride talks the draft and quarterback Eli Manning.
Michael Strahan on the lockout: It's not going well.
Philadelphia Eagles
NFL Network's Charley Casserly told PhiladelphiaEagles.com he would draft the Eagles' Kevin Kolb "100 times out of 100" over first-round prospect Cam Newton.
Colorado cornerback Jimmy Smith visited the Eagles this week. Philly.com's Sheil Kapadia calls the prospect "inconsistent."
Washington Redskins
The NFL lockout won't stop the Redskins from holding their annual draft party at FedEx field, writes the Washington Post's Mike Jones.
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ABOUT THIS BLOG
Dan Graziano
Graziano joined ESPN.com in 2011 after two years as a Senior NFL Writer for AOL FanHouse. He covered Major League Baseball, the Olympics and various other sports during his time at the Star-Ledger and the Palm Beach Post. A New Jersey native and author of two published novels, he now lives in Ridgewood, N.J., with his wife and two sons.
