April 11, 2006
WILL: drafting for need
Paul Schwartz expects the Giants to take the best linebacker available at 25 becuase Arrington will most likely not be a Giant:
At the moment, the scenario involving LaVar Arrington and the Giants is a dead issue. The Giants do not have an offer on the table and would bring the former Redskins linebacker in only at modest price, which is significantly lower than the bloated contract sought by Arrington's agents.There are a number of great prospects expected to be available: Bobby Carpenter, Chad Greenway, and DeMeco Ryans. A.J. Hawk and Ernie Sims are expected to be off the board.
Keep in mind that Emmons is a passable WILL so we don't need the rookie to start. At least not immeidately. I do have my doubts about Emmons making it through the entire season so I would expect the rookie to end up with some playing time. Of those 3 DeMeco Ryans would be my choice, but all three seem like they could become quality starters to me.
I don't care about Greenway's 40 since he won't be covering running backs 40 yards downfield anyway. At 250+ pounds Carpenter seems more like a SAM but the Giants proved they don't care about stereotypes when they drafted Jacobs to be a tailback. If the dude can cover, I have no problem with a big WILL.
The next two guys don't figure into many 1st round mock drafts, but since they are always wrong... Thomas Howard from UTEP can cover and rush the passer. Sounds like WILL material to me. Maryland's D'Qwell Jackson could make the switch from inside to OLB. I've never seen him play so I don't if he can cover. I've read that he plays fast and has good insticts. Sounds good to me.
In the end, it's not such a bad draft to be forced into taking a linebacker. Let's just hope the Giants choose the best of the bunch.
Posted by James Trotta at April 11, 2006 9:37 PM