New York Giants Offseason Discussed By NFL Executives
How do NFL executives think the New York Giants have fared this offseason?
The New York Giants came into this offseason with very clear needs. Jerry Reese would be under the microscope because he would have to make savvy moves to fill those needs. Unlike last season when he had all the money in the world to spend, the Giants were tight on cash.
The franchise tag placed on Jason Pierre-Paul took up about half of the money the Giants had to spend. Despite not having much money available, the Giants made it work.
They were able to snag Brandon Marshall on a two-year, $12 million deal. He will improve the Giants run blocking and give them help in the red zone. Rhett Ellison was signed to shore up tight end and fullback. He will improve the run blocking as well.
Along the offensive line, the Giants took a flier on D.J. Fluker, who can play tackle or guard. He is probably ticketed for right tackle work since the Giants were able to retain John Jerry as well. Jerry was not the only player the team was able to retain from last season.
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After hammering out a long-term deal with Pierre-Paul, the Giants had some more money to spend. They used it to bring back linebacker Keenan Robinson, a key component to their nickel pass defense. Mark Herzlich, a key special teams contributor, and backup linebacker was also re-signed.
Quarterback Josh Johnson was also brought back and will compete with Geno Smith, formerly of the New York Jets, for the backup spot behind Eli Manning. Along with Smith, the Giants also signed cornerback and special teamer Valentino Blake, formerly known as Antwon Blake.
The Giants have been active in free agency and filled many holes despite their limited funds. What do some NFL executives think of the moves made thus far? Over at ESPN, NFL executives shared their thoughts on how teams have done in the offseason in a piece penned by Mike Sando.
What did they think of the Giants? Here is what they had to say about the work they have done so far.
"The Giants managed to retain Jason Pierre-Paul in an upset while strengthening their receiving corps with the addition of Brandon Marshall. They need a power back to complement Paul Perkins.“Why wouldn’t they get a running back,” an exec asked. “They can still do it in the draft. Last year, Tennessee didn’t have to get the highest-paid back [DeMarco Murray] in the trade market and the second-highest back in the draft [Derrick Henry], but they did have to fix the position. The Giants could stand to hit it both ways as well.”"
The Giants did bring in a running back after the article was posted. They signed Shaun Draughn away from the San Francisco 49ers. But, Draughn does not fit the power back mold at all. He has averaged only 3.2 yards per carry in his career, playing almost exclusively as a passing down back.
It would seem that his signing is more of insurance for Shane Vereen. Vereen took a pay cut to lower his salary for the 2017 and is coming off an injury-plagued season in which he tore his triceps twice and suffered a concussion. The Giants didn’t have a replacement for him last season, so Draughn should fill in for Vereen if he proves to not be healthy.
There are some options for the Giants that could fill that power back role if they do not want to wait until the draft. Arguably tops among them is LeGarrette Blount, who scored 18 touchdowns for the New England Patriots last season.
He would greatly improve the Giants efficiency at the goal line and give them someone that can bang in short-yardage situations; something they have missed seemingly since Brandon Jacobs was in the backfield.
Running back is arguably the Giants biggest need as free agency quiets down and draft chatter picks up. They were unable to find a left tackle upgrade on Ereck Flowers, but have been able to upgrade the blocking on the offense as a whole with other moves.
Next: New York Giants: Top 5 Free Agent Signings Of All-Time
Overall it sounds like the NFL executives thought the Giants did well thus far in the offseason. We would tend to agree with them. Given the circumstances they came into the offseason under, and the money they had to spend, the Giants have done relatively well. Now, they just have to finish the top with late free agent signings and in the 2017 NFL Draft.