Tagged: Hakeem Nicks

Getting closer

I really hate to rush the summer but we are only a little over a month away from training camp and I can’t wait for the 2009 NFL season to start. When I was traveling to Albany with the Giants I would always look forward to the smell of the fresh cut grass and watching the sprinklers go back and forth as the players marched out for their morning practice. I always enjoyed everything from the coaches’ whistles blowing at the end of every play to watching kids’ faces as they lined up for autographs from players at the end of every practice. I know the players hate it, but training camp provided some of the best memories for me when I was a part of it.

Nothing major to report on the Giants as their minicamps wrap up. The main buzz has been the wide receiver situation and the rumors that are still swirling about Braylon Edwards and Anquan Boldin. After they drafted Hakeem Nicks and Ramses Barden, it would be hard for me to believe the Giants would look to make a deal not because of the trade compensation, but rather the huge salary that both will demand. At this point I think we owe it to give Jerry Reese the benefit of the doubt with his moves.

I love the attitude that Rex Ryan has already brought to the Jets; knowing who is father is this should not surprise Jets fans and I think that even though they have not played a single down of football, he is giving his team a confidence that was missing the last couple of years with Eric Mangini. It also looks as if Mark Sanchez will be given the opportunity to start in a competition with Kellen Clemens in camp this summer. I’d also be very surprised if the Jets do not add a veteran wide receiver before camp begins, Edwards, Boldin and Plaxico Burress are all real possibilities.

If anyone has any comments or ideas on the Giants and Jets wide receiver situations or any thing about the NFL, please do not hesitate writing them. We are all fans and there is no right or wrong answers.

Jets, Giants have receiver fever on draft day

nicks_250.jpgWith the 2009 NFL Draft finally coming this weekend, the two New York teams share a similar need that they will address in the early rounds on Saturday.  Both the Jets and the Giants released their best receivers during this offseason and will be looking for playmakers that can upgrade their offenses.

The Giants may end up getting that receiver before they make their first round selection because it has been rumored for weeks that they have an interest in Braylon Edwards.  He is only 27 and has the downfield presence that the Giants need.  Now it’s no secret that Eric Mangini doesn’t want him on the team, and he has no intention of resigning with Cleveland after this season, but the Browns would be foolish not to ask for a good return in exchange. I’m guessing it will cost the Giants a first- and a third-round pick, and if they really do want him, they will get him. Jerry Reese is a very aggressive GM much the way that Ernie Accorsi was, and he has no problem being aggressive with trades.  Anquan Boldin remains a possibility here too, and the Cardinals have already said they would want a #1 and #3 in return.

If a trade for Edwards or Boldin does not happen, then look for the Giants to still be aggressive in the first round and move up to get a player that they covet. Possibilities include any of the top receivers — like Percy Harvin, Hakeem Nicks or even Jeremy Maclin — or a linebacker. They will also look to get some depth at offensive line and in the defensive backfield. My guess is that the trade for Edwards will happen if the Browns take Michael Crabtree early in the first round

Unless the Jets end up making a trade for a veteran wide receiver they will take one in the early rounds as well. They have also been mentioned as one of the landing spots for Mark Sanchez, but it would require a trade to move up to get him. Rex Ryan is an aggressive defensive mind, so don’t be surprised to see them take some playmakers on that side of the ball.  They also have a need for some depth on the O-line and running back.

Some interesting names that Jet fans should watch for are Chris Wells and Knowshon Moreno.  Thomas Jones had a good season, but the Jets maybe looking for a future starting running back and Wells and Moreno could add some fresh legs to go with Leon Washington. Another interesting possibility for the Jets is Kansas State quarterback Josh Freeman who might be there when the Jets are on the clock.