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The Giants will probably want to see how running back Andre Brown is progressing from the surgery that ended his rookie season in training camp before they pull the trigger on any running back in the draft.
But if they decide one is needed to fill out a backfield already populated by Brandon Jacobs, Ahmad Bradshaw, and DJ Ware, a second-day pick (remember, the draft is three days now -- First round, April 22; Second and Third rounds, April 23, and rounds four through seven April 24) who might be of some interest is Montario Hardesty of Tennessee.
The guy wasn't invited to the Combine, so the Vols' Pro Day on Wednesday was the scouts' first chance to clock him. The senior rushed for 1,345 yards and 13 touchdowns this year, the fourth-best yardage season ever by a Tennessee back.
At 5-11, 226, he's gained favorable comparisons to the Cowboys' Marion Barber and the Redskins' Clinton Portis. "I grew up a big fan of Walter Payton," he said. "But what I try and do is take all the things that I do well and let those show in the field.''
He got some attention after running a 4.49 40 and benching 21 reps at 225 pounds. Predictions are he could go in the second or third round.
Any ideas?
EP
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I think they have to take a running back at this point. D. Ware hasn't proven he can stay healthy and Andre Brown might need more time to come all the way back from that torn Achilles injury.
ReplyDeleteOr if CJ Spiller is there at 15 GRAB HIM!
ReplyDeleteI'd say yeah let's get a back. Our backfield is a mess with Jacobs injury prone. I love Bradshaw but and the way he runs with true authority but he can't be a every down back with the injuries he suffered last year. Ware needs to evaluated more and is still an unknown and we don't know what we have in Brown with him being injured so early. So yeah we might need another option.
ReplyDeleteErnie...
ReplyDeleteI am curious about how you view this. As of right now the Giants do not have a starting MLB on the roster. Goff isn't ready & Blackburn is a backup and specials guy. Since they haven't made a move on Morrison which would cost them a 3rd round pick, I've got to believe they are going all out to get McClain. The problem as I see it...is that he will probably not be there at 15.
Do you think they have plans to move up? What would it cost them? Better yet, do you believe Osi might be included?
Mitch, there are just so many different scenarios to account for. If McClain doesn't fall to them, the Giants may just select BPA at #15 and target a linebacker in the 2nd round. Another scenario, would be for them just to trade down from the 15th pick, and select a guy like Weatherspoon (which would be my preferred option if McClain doesn't fall to them).
ReplyDeleteEither way, this draft is deep and I can't imagine the Giants giving up a draft pick for Morrison.
Anonymous, I see what you are saying, but I would hate to think we will depend on a 2nd round pick as our starting MLB this season. This concerns me greatly because with a new DC, we need a stud there. I have faith in Reese but we haven't drafted a LB in the first round since 1984! When you think of the Giants' Defense...you think of "Linebacker U" We need a stud there!!!!
ReplyDeleteIs there any action on Keith Bullock, what's his deal, was he hurt. I've always like him.
ReplyDeleteMaybe some savy vet gets cut lose, like the Eagles cut Darren Howard today> He's a productive DE, not top flight, but a very productive player some team will sign him.
We can always use a few stallions in the corral. Right now we have some good runners, but all were dinged last year...They are 'assault troops' and that is to be expected. I agree with others...if CJ Spiller is around at 15 - take him - and if not see who's there in round two or three.
ReplyDeleteMitch, if the Giants draft a linebacker(s) to fill their need at the position, I believe that Goff will be the starter at MLB beginning the season. The Giants usually do not throw rookies into the fire. They seem to gradually get rookies involved as part of a rotation and then go from there.
ReplyDeleteAnd I don't know if we need a stud at the position as much as we need balance and an increase in team speed which was greatly exposed last season.
The things the Giants were really bad at last season were the rt defensive end was easy to collapse and run against. poor defense against speed receivers over the middle, questionable ability to stop the TE. The deep threat defense may be addressed by Rolle and Phillips, the DL help might just be having people healthy, defending the middle against TE, this will require a new MLB.
ReplyDeleteOn offense, we lack an explosive running back. It's not going to be Jacobs, Bradshaw or Ware. If one is available, draft him.
Anonymous 2:56 PM, you forgot to mention play-calling, and the ups and downs of a rookie DC. I mean let's face it, some of the areas of weakness cited have all been there. They were simply masked.
ReplyDeleteHowever, not sure what you mean by explosiveness. The Giants have, well, a 'giant' in Jacobs and Bradshaw who averaged over 4.5 yards per carry on 2 injured ankles. What more could you ask from a player? 7.0 yards per carry?
oh, If only wet had kept Ryan Grant and traded for big picks Brandon Jacobs. There would have been mutiny but you can say it would have been the right choice.
ReplyDelete-bigblue09
would it, really? Grant is an average player at best. hes made a few big plays, but far less than Jacobs over the last few years.
ReplyDeleteRunning Back would be a luxury in this draft. If the right guy is available, with the right circumstances, yeah, take one, but don't take one if theres a guy who fills a positional need and isn't a reach available.
I agree with Spacey. If they have a running back rated highly enough who happens to fall into their laps, then draft him, but don't reach for one.
ReplyDeleteTwo years ago this was the best rushing offense in the league and last year they weren't that much worse. There were injuries to Jacobs, Ware and Bradshaw as well. And I don't think Ward was that good that he made that big a difference (the guy didn't even start for Tampa this season).
Plus, you do have Andre Brown coming back, and he could be a big contributor. Also, Ryan Grant is not a good RB. As Spacey said, average at best. So, no i do not want Grant back.
Andre Brown, while intriguing for his potential, hasn't been healthy for a full season since he was 19 years old, as a college freshman. Waiting to see if he can recover from a torn Achilles tendon is probably not in Reece's plans.
ReplyDeleteA real journalist would know that Hardesty WAS at the combine and he ran a 4.5 and he did all the other drills.
ReplyDeleteWhat a buffoon!
Hardesty raised eyebrows at the combine. Were you watching the same one I was?
ReplyDeletewe need a big play threat not a bulldozer
ReplyDelete