|
|
A year ago many critics thought Big Blue needed to find a left tackle who could protect franchise QB Eli Manning's back side. Whenever Giants GM Jerry Reese and head coach Tom Coughlin were asked about protecting their star quarterback, they gave the same answer each and every time: "We have confidence in David Diehl at left tackle."
Well, this past week Big Blue put its money were its mouth is by restructuring the former fifth-round pick's contract. I have always said that Diehl would be able to excel at left tackle if given the opportunity over an entire season, and last year the former Illinois standout proved me right.
In limited playing time at that position, Diehl was more than solid against quality competition. When the Giants had oft-injured left tackle Luke Petitgout unable to play, sliding Diehl over from his left guard spot was a game saver. After a season as the starting left tackle, the 27-year-old Chicago native helped the G-men win the Super Bowl and is now being well compensated for his ability.
Last season's Championship playoff run matched some of the best pass rushers in the NFL against Diehl, who often provided great protection while opening up holes for the Giants' running backs. I still see him having a little trouble against real quick edge rushers from time to time, but as he masters the position that will be less of a concern.
The reported six-year $30 million-plus contract extension is a win for both parties, as the Giants will have Diehl anchoring the left tackle spot through the 2013 season.
In the past, Big Blue has had inconsistent play on the offensive line, but with Diehl being able to stay healthy enough to never miss a start (86 consecutive), that has become a strength. The contract negotiations were kept quiet, but the Giants made some noise by restructuring a player's deal who had not whined about his situation.
Do you think a message is being sent to the rest of the team who are displeased with their current contracts? It's hard to be 100% certain, but one thing is for sure: both Eli Manning and Tom Coughlin are happy about this Diehl.
MORE:
Now that former Rutgers standout Ray Rice is a Baltimore Raven, I sought out the Scarlet Knights' head coach, Greg Schiano, to get his opinion on how well Rice will do in the NFL.
MORE:
The day after the NFL Draft, most teams feel positive about adding some impact players to their lineup. In the case of the New York Giants, winning the Super Bowl makes you have to wait around and select what's left. However, this weekend, that turned into a positive for Big Blue.
General Manager Jerry Reese had a difficult task in trying to repeat last year's magic when seven of the eight players he drafted had an impact on the team's success. This April the needs were fewer, but drafting two defensive backs, two linebackers and a wide out will help Tom Coughlin's chances at repeating.
 After three hours, Miami safety Kenny Phillips fell into Big Blue's lap at the end of the first round. The Giants not only filled a need, but also grabbed the top safety on most teams' draft board.
In a down year for safeties and wide receivers, the Giants may have come away with two future play-makers in those positions. That's because in the third round, Michigan star wide-out Mario Manningham dropped to the Giants as the 95th overall pick.
Both Phillips and Manningham decided to leave after their junior years of college. Phillips was the No. 1 player in the nation coming out of high school, but failed to live up to that hype. So after moving from corner to safety, the only real knock on him was that he wasn't in the same league as former Miami greats Ed Reed and Sean Taylor. Big Blue just hopes Phillips becomes a better safety than James Butler and former Giant Gibril Wilson.
The selection of Manningham could be looked at as a similar move to when the Jets drafted Laveranues Coles in the third round in 2000. Both players had off-the-field issues that forced their stock to drop before the draft. Of course, Coles turned out to be a steal. The Giants now take that gamble on super Mario, praying that the talented Detroit native will make noise on the field.
Last year, RB Ahmad Bradshaw was a risky character pick that dropped to the seventh round, but became an impact rookie with zero problems. Coughlin feels Manningham can accomplish the same. Soft hands and big play ability will make an organization take chances. If Mario keeps his word to stay out of trouble, watch out!
In the second round, the Giants went for USC CB Terrell Thomas who's had shoulder and knee injuries. However, Reese likes his height, speed and versatility. Plus, Thomas, as well as the two linebackers drafted -- Bryan Kehl, fourth round out of BYU and Jonathan Goff, fifth round out of Vanderbilt -- should help on special teams.
The real key will be to see if the risks taken in this draft somehow turn to rewards in years to come for the G-Men.
MORE:
The answers to these five questions will go a long way in determining how well the Jets and Giants perform this season.
1) What are Big Blue's needs?
It's time for the Giants to get younger at the DB position. Sam Madison, R.W. McQuarters and this off-season's addition of safety Sammy Knight can get them through this season. But they lost safety Gibril Wilson, as well as linebackers Kawika Mitchell and Reggie Torbor. So, they also need help at the LB position.
2) Who might the Giants draft?
 Kenny Phillips
The 6-foot-2, 210 lb junior safety from Miami was highly productive this past season, and is a sure tackler with speed to cover.
Dajuan Morgan
At 6-foot-1 and 206 lbs., the junior safety out of NC State has a knack for being around the ball.
Tyrell Johnson
The Arkansas State safety -- 6-foot, 185 lbs. -- had a terrific combine workout, and the Giants also like the small school product's character on and off the field.
Jerod Mayo
Big Blue would love to see the Tennessee linebacker still around when they pick 31st, but this junior's stock is on the rise. At 6-foot-2, 230 lbs., he reminds me a little of Antonio Pierce; can play inside or outside and is a force against the run.
3) What are the Jets' needs?
Gang Green could use a play-maker, someone who strikes fear in the opponent's defense or an intimidating pass rusher.
4) Who will Gang Green take with the 6th pick in the draft?
The Oakland Raiders hold the key to that question because if they take Arkansas RB Darren McFadden, then the Jets would hope to pick Ohio State DE Vernon Gholston. At 6-foot-4, 264 lbs., Gholston looks like Tarzan, but the Jets would hope he doesn't play like Jane.
The player they really want is McFadden -- in my opinion Glenn Dorsey and McFadden are the best in this draft -- but Gang Green will have to sweat it out.
5) Who will be drafted from Rutgers?
 Running back Ray Rice could go somewhere in the second round, with either the Colts or Buccaneers calling his name.
Offensive lineman Jeremy Zuttah had a terrific combine and can play center, guard and tackle. At 6-foot-4, 285 lbs., he is likely to go late in the second round or back in the third round.
Offensive lineman Pedro Sosa -- 6-foot-5, 288 lbs. -- had a great senior season at left tackle, just ask South Florida sack master George Selvie. He's still recovering from knee surgery, but could be taken in the fifth or sixth round.
Safety Ron Girault -- 5-foot-11, 205 lbs -- performed well at RU's pro day and is a smart, sure tackler and leader. Girault worked out for the Jets and should be a late draft pick.
Offensive lineman Mike Fladell, linebacker Brandon Renkart and wide receiver James Townsend could also be selected late.
MORE:
MSG.com has learned that one of the top prep school basketball players in the nation, California native Melvyn Oliver, has given a verbal commitment to attend Seton Hall University this fall.
The 6-foot-11, 330-pound center played for Mississippi Elite Christian Academy this past season where he averaged 20 PPG, eight RPG and three BPG, while helping his team to a 20-5 record.
When reached by phone at home Monday night, Oliver's prep school coach Victor Evans told me, "It appears that is the case, but I'm waiting to talk to Melvyn first thing in the morning."
Evans also added, "Oliver has all the tools to be special."
Evans feels a demanding coach like Seton Hall's Bobby Gonzalez will help Melvyn reach his potential.
On the first weekend in May, Oliver is expected to visit the Seton Hall campus and make it official.
MORE:
The Newark Star-Ledger's Dave Hutchinson and I look at the Jets, the season ahead, and the team's need for some serious play-makers.
MORE:
One of the nation's top high school quarterbacks has decided to announce early where he will be going to college in 2009. Tom Savage, a product out of Philadelphia's Cardinal O'Hara, will hold a press conference at the school on Thursday at 2:00 pm.
MSG Network has learned that the 6-foot-3, 231-pound pro-style QB is expected to choose Rutgers University, and its Head Coach Greg Schiano, over Miami, Georgia, Tennessee, Louisville, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Michigan, Virginia and Florida State.
Savage has decided to announce before his senior season and will become the third high school football player in the 2009 class to select the Scarlet Knights. Rutgers' football program has never had this many advance verbal commitments in a single year.
The Philly native, who missed five games due to a foot injury as a high school junior, still threw for over 800 yards and eight touchdowns. This is the first time the Scarlet Knights have had a Top-25 prospect select their football program straight out of high school.
I caught up with Savage and asked him why he decided to attend Rutgers and what he hopes to bring to the program.
Can the Super Bowl winning NY Giants repeat?
Even with the NFL Draft fast approaching, the odds are against the Jints repeating, but as the Star-Ledger's Mike Garafalo points out, New York never gets any respect. MORE:
Ever since Essence Carson, the pride of Eastside H.S. in Paterson, NJ, decided she would stay home and play for Rutgers University, you could see how she helped make the Scarlet Knights a power house in women's college basketball.
The 6-foot guard/forward was heavily recruited coming out of High school but was interested in helping head coach C. Vivian Stringer win championships. During her recruitment, there were dozens of college basketball coaches who tried to pursue Carson to leave the state, but one call she received left an impression. Rutgers' head football coach Greg Schiano called to let her know that he was a fan of her team-first attitude and she should help make the athletic programs at RU the very best.
 In four years with the Scarlet Knights, Carson played a school-record 133 games, won multiple Big East Championships and made four NCAA tournament appearances -- including last year's final vs. Tennessee.
Winning is what Carson has been about since she started shutting down offensive players during her freshman year. The three-time Big East Defensive Player of the Year sacrificed her offense for the team and understood early that playing for Coach Stringer would always be about defense first.
As a freshman she helped knock off a highly-ranked Ohio State team -- led by center Jessica Davenport, her new teammate -- in the NCAA Regional. You could see how she did all the important things well: shoot, pass, rebound and play tenuous defense.
When Essence was selected 7th overall in yesterday's WNBA Draft by the New York Liberty, you could see how happy she was, but it will be Liberty Head Coach Patty Coyle who will smile once Essence brings her brand of basketball to MSG.
Carson, a fan of the Liberty since she watched a game in person back in 1997, averaged 9.5 PPG with over 5.0 RPG in her RU career, but make no mistake in thinking her game is one-sided. The Jersey girl has the ability to knock down 3's, run the floor and slash to the basket. And in the NCAA tourney vs. George Washington this year, she tied a career high with 25 points. However, it's winning close to home that she is most proud of, and now she gets to bring all those qualities to the New York Liberty.
MORE:
Reports have been circulating claiming Bobby Gonzalez's time at Seton Hall has come to an end.
In my exclusive interview, Gonzalez puts the rumors to rest as he talks about staying on as Seton Hall's head basketball coach. MORE:
Talented American Christian Academy (PA) senior guard Tyreke Evans is getting closer to making a decision on where he will attend college next year.
 The announcement will take place on April 16th. The schools still involved with the MVP of the McDonald's All-American game are Memphis, Villanova and Seton Hall.
Just last Tuesday, Evans met with Villanova head coach Jay Wright and then on Wednesday evening, Seton Hall head coach Bobby Gonzalez was at the Evans’ family home for an hour and a half. The family was impressed by both coaches and has decided to now choose between the three schools.
The Parade All-American will play at Madison Square Garden April 19th in the Jordan Brand All-American Game.
In other news, the non-story in Sunday's NY Post about the future of Bobby Gonzalez being in jeopardy at Seton Hall has outraged high-ranking officials at the university. Sources tell me this is a "fairy Tale" that is a result of irresponsible journalism.
MORE:
Johan Santana did not disappoint in his Mets debut.
The new Amazin's ace threw seven solid innings and David Wright knocked in three runs as the Mets bashed the Marlins, 7-2, on Opening Day.
I was on hand and got Santana, Wright, and Willie Randolph's reaction to the first win of '08. MORE:
After last year's late season debacle coupled with the addition of Johan Santana, the Mets are determined to get the season going and put the past behind them.
Many pundits say the Mets are the team to beat in the NL this season and Willie Randolph and Santana are embracing the challenge. MORE:
The Yankees' quest to get back to the top of Major League Baseball gets underway Monday afternoon with the final Opening Day at Yankee Stadium.
With Joe Torre gone, it's now Joe Girardi's team to steer in the right direction.
I caught up with Girardi and some of the Yankees to get their thoughts heading into the season. MORE:
C. Vivian Stringer's Lady Scarlet Knights are storming through the Women's NCAA Tournament, and on Sunday, the 800-win coach will try to help her team get their swagger back in a Sweet 16 matchup vs. No. 6 George Washington.
I caught up with Coach Stringer at practice ...
MORE:
Taking a break from Spring Training coverage, I went to the New York Rangers' practice facility to get the latest on forward Scott Gomez's rib injury ... from the man himself.
Watch more from Tom Renney, Brendan Shanahan and Petr Prucha at Rangers practice.
MORE:
The past few days I've been down in Tampa to get the latest on the Yankees' ongoing preparation for the 2008 season.
There are a lot of questions surrounding this starting rotation, namely their aging veterans, Mike Mussina and Andy Pettitte.
I had the chance to talk to each of them following their latest outings.
WATCH: Joe Girardi, Dave Eiland and Brian Cashman share their opinions on Pettitte's progress.
MORE:
Andy Pettitte got the start against the Red Sox and allowed three runs off three hits over 3 1/3 innings. But, more importantly, Pettitte felt good after the outing and didn't experience pain in his arm.
When I caught up with the lefty after the game, he spoke about facing Boston and his outlook on the season. MORE:
The seventh-seeded Pitt Panthers knocked off No. 1 Georgetown, 74-65, to win the Big East Championship Saturday night at The Garden.
I was on the court after the game to get some of the Panthers' reactions to capturing the conference title.
MORE:
Under Bobby Gonzalez, Seton Hall has had a fine season. But is it over?
After the Pirates lost to Marquette in the first round of the Big East Tourney, I caught up with the head coach for his take on the season and rationale for making the NIT. MORE:
In the first game of the Big East Tourney at The Garden Wednesday, Villanova knocked off Syracuse 82-63 behind some hot shooting and Scottie Reynolds' 22 points.
I caught up with 'Nova coach Jay Wright, the player of the game Scottie Reynolds, Syracuse freshman Jonny Flynn and coach Jim Boeheim for their reaction after the game. MORE:
Right now, the Big East is a monster conference with a ton of quality basketball teams.
With the competition tight, I caught up with UConn coach Jim Calhoun, Syracuse's Jim Boeheim, Georgetown's John Thompson and Seton Hall's Bobby Gonzalez to get their takes on this week's very competitive Big East Tournament.
MORE:
The Jets have had a very active offseason and I got the chance to ask Gang Green's architect, GM Mike Tannenbaum, what his thought process was in making all their daring moves.
MORE:
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights won their second consecutive Bowl game this past season, but now they must figure what to do after star running back Ray Rice declared he would enter the 2008 NFL Draft.
I went to the school's first Spring Practice and caught up with my buddy Tom Luicci from the Newark Star-Ledger to discuss what Greg Schiano's team must do this season to remain competitive.
WATCH: Head Coach Greg Schiano is ready to see what his new players can do.
WATCH: New Running Backs Coach Gary Brown is excited for his first season at Rutgers.
MORE:
After winning Super Bowl XLII, Eli Manning has been enjoying his time off.
I got a hold of the Giants quarterback at the March of Dimes' March for Babies. Said Eli, "I could get used to this feeling."
MORE:
Gang Green has made a number of bold moves this offseason, but none have been bigger than their acquisition of Pro Bowl left guard Alan Faneca.
The Louisiana native is excited by the direction the coaches want to go in ...
MORE:
Rutgers standout running back Ray Rice can hardly wait for April's NFL Draft.
But before that, he had to show his stuff at the recent NFL combine.
While at a recent autograph-signing session, I spoke with Rice about the experience. MORE:
|
