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Looks like the Giants have some real interest in Alabama linebacker Rolando McClain. Or do they?
McClain told Ralph V. on Sirius Radio today that he has a visit scheduled with the Giants for April 12. As in all these matters, this could just be a smokescreen to hide the organization's interest in some other prospect, like Clemson RB C.J. Spiller, or it could be a real intent to study McClain further to see if he can transition himself from a 3-4 linebacking stud into a potential middle linebacker in the Giants' 4-3 alignment. Or it could be a little bit of both.
You just never know with this stuff.
EP
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I think this could go either way at this point. Just over 3 weeks until the draft. If I were organizing the big board in the war room, I would put McClain first, Spiller second, best available O-Line third, trade down fourth. Even though Wayno will probably jump on me, that glaring question mark in the middle of the linebacking corps could use some more talent added to the pool. Yes, Spiller would add a nice weapon, but we have weapons. And I dont think we have the luxury of adding another RB this high in the draft, unless McClain is gone and we trade a WR or RB for more picks. Defensive needs dictate this draft.
ReplyDeleteWith pick #15, this is all due diligence. They should invite anyone who may be of high interest to them regardless of position. In particular, all those who may be available by the time the Giants make their selection. (i.e. Dez Bryant, CJ Spiller, Earl Thomas, Joe Haden, etc.)
ReplyDeleteWith a selection that high, it's imperative to define/re-define the draft board and select the best possible player, period.
FYI Ernie: Not sure what it all means but Tom C was at South Florida pro day earlier today. And head coaches generally don't go to a pro day unless there is some serious interest in a player. In fact the only legit first rounder at USF is Jason Pierre-Paul.
ReplyDeleteThat's some very interesting tidbit of information, Colin. Again, this is all good due diligence on their part. I wonder if there is also interest in Nate Allen who should be available in rounds 2 to 3.
ReplyDeleteThe more I think about it, the more I believe McClain won't be available. I just don't see him dropping to 15. In fact, I put about a 20% chance of it. If he is there, it's a no brainer.
ReplyDeleteThe first round pick will be interesting. I am leaning to best defensive player available at this time to be honest but I have little hope it will be McClain.
Chris B.
I don't think the Giants have drafted one player in the first round that has come to visit since Reece took over as GM. If there was one, I don't remember it. In the Reece era, a trip to NY means you're nothing but a decoy. Unless, of course, Jerry thinks everyone has figured that out and is actually going to do what it looks like he's going to do just to throw people off. NFL Draft poker at it's finest. All I want is for whoever they pick not to be a bust. NFC East is too competitive to for Jerry to screw up this draft.
ReplyDeleteGood point Dweez,
ReplyDeleteIn fact we didn't even officially talk to Kenny Phillips and I know Hakeem Nicks didn't visit....
Chris B.
BTW did anyone else JUST notice that Feagles is not under contract. We seriously need him..he's the best punter in the NFL.
ReplyDelete1.Why do some people spell the GM's name "Reece"?
ReplyDelete2. If McClain doesn't fall to the Giants at the 15th pick, that means an excellent player that the Giants need will still be on the board. I've looked at about 100 mock drafts and there is a tremendous amount of talent in the first round, especially the top 20. O-Line, D-Line, Line Backer, Secondary, Running Back--you name it. I think the Giants will get a starter in the first round for sure.
The Giants will pick the best player with their pick. They could trade up if they think there is value at a higher pick, but only if the "value" of the picks they are trading are worth it (the only reason the trade for Eli was worth it was because the next year they picked up tuck and jacobs with non first round picks when these were first round picks). If McClain is available at the 15th pick, they will pick him because he seems like a real value. I don't know if he will be available, but the only team likely to take him seems to be Denver, and then I don't really think they want a middle linebacker at that point.
ReplyDeleteLou said...
ReplyDelete1.Why do some people spell the GM's name "Reece"?
Because my three kids had just come into my office at the time so I was a bit distracted and I didn't realize this was a spelling bee. Congrats! I spelled his name wrong, so you move onto the next round. I tip my hat to you, sir.
dweeb,
ReplyDeleteIt was a legit question, I wasn't running a "spelling bee". I've seen people spelling it that way and I was curious. You're a bit over sensitive for a Giants fan. At least a male Giants fan anyways. Try to pull yourself together. I don't want to be responsible for making you cry in front of your kids.
It's hard to believe that the invitees are just decoys. Some players have enough game tape to solidify their corresponding grade and there's really no need to bring them in for further evaluation. Others may have good game tape, but may play in a different system, in which case, may warrant bringing them in to test their knowledge of the game and evaluation of whether they may fit their particular system. Obviously, this is just to cite a few examples as the reason(s) whether to bring in or not bring in a player varies.
ReplyDeleteIn regards to McClain, I'm sure there is genuine interest. Just as Sintim, McClain too played in a 3-4 defense, and it makes complete sense to bring him in and gauge his knowledge and comfort level of playing the MLB position in a 4-3. After all, there are rumors out there citing that he would rather play in a 3-4.
Lou said...
ReplyDelete"I don't want to be responsible for making you cry in front of your kids"
Actually, I was hysterical laughing. Anyone who proudly claims he has studied "about 100 mock drafts", an absolutely useless pastime since they are completely meaningless and in no way, shape, or form influence the actual draft itself, clearly hasn't had a date in years. Spend a little less time on the web and a little more time discovering this "new" thing called women. You'll have a lot more fun, once you learn to stop bragging about reading 100 mock drafts. Huge red light to most ladies. Go get them, Lou. Your mom deserves to have her basement back.
The post about USF NFL candidates; isn't George Selvie from USF? he's a strong NFL caliber player.
ReplyDeleteThe trade for Eli was something that maybe on a few GMs would have done; we've gone through this before, they could have had a good QB and kept their draft picks without doing this.
It's alarming to me that the Raiders are even considering a top round pick (1st or 2nd) for McNabb, they are getting fleeced by the Eagles. Al Davis wants another super bowl before he dies, so its a win now attitude; this is why they did the Richard Seymour move as well.
Just to add to the other Anonymous poster, that could have been Rivers (or Rothlisberger), Merriman, and Kaeding on the Giants roster. Honestly, I still find it hard to justify. Nothing against Eli or winning the Super Bowl, but the Giants played their hand and the Chargers took full advantage.
ReplyDeleteMy prediction is that the Giants will take CJ Spiller, and that they will sign FA MLB Kirk Morrison from Oakland. They can't sign Morrison now because it will tip their hand.
ReplyDeleteTo the post above about Feagles, he's also the holder on FG and PATs, was the backup for this David Carr? I do believe that Sorgi held for FGs and PATS in Indy but not sure.
IF the Eagles get a 1st or 2nd rounder for McSlab, to go along with their current picks and their success from last 2 drafts, they are going to be tough to beat for along time.
ReplyDeleteTo above anonymous, it is not hard to justify at all! Rivers has a huge chip on his shoulders and could never have weathered the NY media. Rothlesberger needs serious psychotherapy. Granted these two QBs have put up good numbers and the latter has 2 SB rings. But, they both have attitude issues. Merriman had that performance enhancing drug issue, hurt knee, and has fallen off the radar a bit. Kaeding is a good kicker and would help my anxiety on Sundays, but would we have taken him that high? All in all, I still feel the Giants were the winners here. Eli is a great QB, a SB MVP, and an all around good dude. Giants win!
ReplyDeletespiller will go to Miami, Parcells knows this type of player is a difference maker
ReplyDeleteNothing against Eli or winning the Super Bowl, but the Giants played their hand and the Chargers took full advantage.
ReplyDelete---------------
I'm sorry, how is NOT winning a superbowl taking full advantage? i was always under the impression that the ultimate goal was the superbowl, not to build the most attractive roster. by every conceivable measure, right now the Giants are the winners of the trade off with San Diego. Lets face it, the most succesful person to come out of San Diego in the last decade is Ron Burgendy.