The 2021 season has just ended, and from March XX, the 2022 campaign will open its doors. DNA of Sports therefore takes the opportunity to offer you an overview of the different franchises during the off-season. Which players to keep and cut? Which free agent to extend? Which rookies to watch? Here are some ideas, franchise by franchise. In the spotlight today, the New York Giants.
After only two seasons, the Joe Judge experience is already over. After a difficult season with 4 wins, owner John Mara has decided to open a new era around two former Bills: coach Brian Daboll and General Manager Joe Schoen.
The two men do not inherit an ideal situation, as the workforce is incomplete and the financial margin limited. We will therefore have to rely on the draft, of which the Giants have two choices in the top 10, to strengthen a filthy attack in 2021.
The Tauliers
1. Leonard Williams
2. Dexter Lawrence
3. James Bradberry
4.Andrew Thomas
5. Xavier McKinney
Five players, four defenders, as a symbol. The talent is mainly on the defensive side, and the line is the hard core of this squad. The massive Dexter Lawrence (2.5 sacks, 11 QB hits) is still just as valuable in pass rush while Leonard Williams (6.5 sacks, 14 QB hits) is the leader of the group, in all phases of play. James Bradberry can be threatened given his contract, but as long as he is present he represents a top player in a crucial position, such a cornerback is a significant asset.
The good news for the Giants is that the youngsters are developing well. Azeez Ojulari (8 sacks) had a good rookie season, and the two sophomores Xavier McKinney (5 interceptions) and Andrew Thomas are not left out. The first experienced injuries as a rookie, before exploding this season as a free safety. The second had a poor first year in terms of performance before returning to its dominant level which it showed in university in 2021. IF New York wants to succeed, it will have to rely on young people.
Undesirables
– Blake Martinez (LB)
–Sterling Shepard (WR)
Blake Martinez is a valuable asset against the run, but his coverage limitations and massive contract make him a target for a cut. His departure would save more than $8 million, and the Giants need that money (-10 million currently projected).
For Sterling Shepard, the equation is even simpler: he is disappointing and costs too much. Head for the exit. These two movements seem the most “natural”, but given the financial situation, it cannot be ruled out that other cuts are necessary.
The summer man
Brian Daboll (Head Coach) & Joe Schoen (General Manager)
With the dismissal of Joe Judge and the departure of Patrick Graham (defensive coordinator) for Las Vegas, an entire staff needs to be rebuilt. The basis of this reconstruction comes from Buffalo, since Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen are two of the architects of the reconstruction of the Bills. As a bonus, New York has taken on the well-known Don Martindale as chief of defense.
The first year will certainly be one of talent cleaning and assessment. We will have to act quickly, and solve the burning problem of the quarterback. It is especially in the draft that it begins, with two choices in the top 10, which must compensate for the low capacity for external recruitment.
The main free agents
1.Nate Solder (OT)
2. Billy price (G)
3. Evan Engram (TE)
4. Jabril Peppers (S)
5. Will Hernandez (L)
The good news for the Giants is that the roster isn’t going to experience any big losses at the free agent level. Nate Solder is a big name, but on the pitch he’s been a disappointment since he arrived. The departure of Billy Price will not be insurmountable either, while that of Evan Engram should only result in lowering the number of drops for the Giants.
Jabril Peppers is useful, but his profile is not irreplaceable either. Will Hernandez has been more of a liability than a contribution, but it’s a third start on the offensive line, which brings us to the needs.
Top 5 Needs
1. Inside Offensive Line
2. Tackles
3. Linebacker
4. Running Back
5.Cornerback
No surprise, it is on the offensive line that all the questions are concentrated. Aside from Andrew Thomas, all positions are open. Especially since Nick Gates has no certainty of being able to play football again. Draft, external recruitment or development of potential, we will have to strengthen the line by all means.
If defense is the strength of this team, there are positions to improve. In case of departure of Blake Martinez, the squad of linebackers must be reinforced. The ideal would be two rookies, one on the cover and one against the run. The number 2 cornerback position is also under discussion, although Adoree’ Jackson’s good season may make this position a lower priority. A surprise haircut from Bradberry, on the other hand, could revive the debate.
Finally, the position of runner is also in question. Saquon Barkley is a ghost of what he used to be, and he gets injured too often. Time to turn the page? It’s a big decision to make.
Target
Brandon Scherff (G)
We will have to find the money to sign a star, but the position of guard is far from being the most expensive. Scherff is a leader, and still an effective player for the run and for the pass. His arrival would be a boost for this offense, the kind of recruiting the Giants need to do to transform the offensive squad. And the possibility of reducing the salary in the first year can make recruitment more affordable, knowing that the wage bill should be healthier in the future.
The new blood
Tyler Linderbaum (C, Iowa)
A center in 7th choice, that does not happen. The Ragnows or Kellys failed to reach better than the top 15. And yet Linderbaum has all the assets to succeed: athletic ability, mobility, endurance, Football IQ, technique, he is above the others. He’s a phenom from a lineman factory, Kirk Ferentz’s University of Iowa, and his ceiling is unknown. When Quenton Nelson was chosen in 6 some said that a guard should not be chosen so high, we know the rest.
Other possible choices: Evan Neal (OT), Kenyon Green (G), DeMarvin Leal (DL), Devin Lloyd (LB), Kyle Hamilton (S), Charles Cross (OT, Mississippi State)
