Before Jerry Reese and the New York Giants embark on a crucial offseason that will entail the hiring of a new head coach for the first time in more than a decade, Justin Weiss gives his take on what should be done.
By Justin Weiss
After crunching numbers and watching film for hours upon hours, Elite Sports NY writer Justin Weiss explains what he would do if he were in Jerry Reese’s shoes.
1. Hire a Head Coach
With Tom Coughlin “stepping down” from the helm of the New York Giants following last Sunday’s 35-30 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, co-owner John Mara and general manager Jerry Reese will be forced to find a replacement for their beloved longtime head coach.
According to sources, the team has already interviewed current coordinators Ben McAdoo and Steve Spagnuolo, and external options (Detroit Lions DC) Teryl Austin, (former Buffalo Bills HC) Doug Marrone and (former Atlanta Falcons HC) Mike Smith.
So who should the Giants hire?
Well, in an article on Big Blue View, multiple writers provided their take on what qualities a candidate would ideally possess. They compiled a list that included: integrity, adaptability, management ability, personality, comfort, humility and humor.
While McAdoo, 38, would be the youngest head coach in the league and would have to answer to why the Giants finished at 6-10 over his two seasons as offensive coordinator, he is still a legitimate candidate for the head coaching vacancy.
“I think our offense certainly improved,” Mara said. “I think he’s proven himself to be a very good teacher, has a very good handle on our offense. I think he communicates very well. I think he shows some leadership skills. I think he has some good qualities.”
One NFL source told NJ.com’s Jordan Raanan that McAdoo is the “next Andy Reid.” He comes across as dedicated, likeable, militaristic and regimented, and carries himself like Coughlin — the 38-year-old version of Coughlin, at least.
“Yeah, I would think so,” quarterback Eli Manning said in response to a question about McAdoo’s status as a head-coaching candidate. “I think there are some similarities between him and coach Coughlin, and their passion for football. He loves it. He loves thinking of concepts and plays, and what’s going to work, and talking about it, and going over scenarios and situations. I think he’s been a coordinator now two years. I think that’s a possibility.”
2. Analyze the current roster
*Bold = untouchable, *italicized = free agent
Quarterback: Eli Manning, Ryan Nassib (2)
Running Back: Rashad Jennings, Orleans Darkwa, Andre Williams, Shane Vereen (4)
Fullback: Nikita Whitlock (1)
Wide Receiver: Odell Beckham Jr., Dwayne Harris, Rueben Randle, Geremy Davis, Myles White, Hakeem Nicks, Ben Edwards, Marcus Harris (8)
Tight End: Will Tye, Jerome Cunningham, Larry Donell, Matt LaCosse, Daniel Fells (5)
Center: Weston Richburg, Dallas Reynolds (2)
Offensive Guard: Justin Pugh, Geoff Schwartz, John Jerry, Adam Gettis, Brandon Mosley (5)
Offensive Tackle: Ereck Flowers, Marshall Newhouse, Bobby Hart, Emmett Cleary, Will Beatty (5)
Defensive End: Robert Ayers, Jason Pierre-Paul, Kerry Wynn, Stansly Maponga, George Selvie (5)
Defensive Tackle: Jay Bromley, Jon Hankins, Barry Cofield, Montori Hughes, Cullen Jenkins, Louis Nix III, Markus Kuhn (7)
Middle Linebacker: Jon Beason, Uani’ Unga, Mark Herzlich (3)
Outside Linebacker: Jonathan Casillas, Devon Kennard, JT Thomas (3)
Inside Linebacker: Nico Johnson, Jasper Brinkley (2)
Strong Safety: Craig Dahl, Cooper Taylor, Nat Berhe (3)
Free Safety: Landon Collins, Brandon Meriweather (2)
Cornerback: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Prince Amukamara, Jayron Hosley, Trevin Wade, Tramain Jacobs, Trumaine McBride, Bennett Jackson, Leon McFadden (8)
Kicker: Josh Brown (1)
Punter: Brad Wing (1)
Long Snapper: Zak DeOssie, Danny Aiken (2)
3. Clear up some cap space
What many people don’t know is that wide receiver Victor Cruz will turn 30 this year. While the Salsa-dancing, big-playmaking receiver was one of the most exciting (and effective) ball catchers in the league, he has been injured for much of the last two seasons and wasn’t a game changer in 2013 and 2014 like he was in his rookie campaign.
While I’m sure Reese would love to keep him on his team, I’m not sure that he can afford another injury or average performance.
While linebacker Jon Beason tremendously boosted a depleted linebacking unit when he arrived in New York in 2014, he isn’t half the player he used to be, and spent most of this season on the IR.
Cutting Beason would save the team roughly $5.1 million on the cap. Money Reese can use on another (more effective) middle linebacker.
The most obvious decision that Reese could make would be parting ways with tackle Marshall Newhouse. The veteran offensive tackle, who was inked to an affordable contract before the season, turned out to be a disastrous signing.
If the NFL increases to a $152,000,000 cap, the Giants will have roughly $50M in cap space. That’s a lot of money, but it could be more.
Three unimportant (or two, at least) components of the team are receiving more than a combined $18M. If the Giants buy these three guys out, they’ll open up $12,500,000 in cap space, and will have $62,640,000 in cap space.
Approximate Cap space: $62,640,000
4. Re-sign free agents
Jason Pierre-Paul, DE — Nay
Let’s just say that Pierre-Paul was more effective before his firework incident. He disappears too often, doesn’t apply consistent pressure, and has a hard time tackling.
Prince Amukamara, CB — Nay
So much talent, yet so inconsistent. Hard to justify paying big bucks for this guy.
Robert Ayers, DE — Yay — 2 years, $5.2M ($2.6M/yr)
Ayers is a tough call. On the one hand, he led the team in sacks and ranked towards the top of the league on Pro Football Focus’ rankings of edge defenders. On the other hand, most of those sacks came after Pierre-Paul returned. If he’s willing to accept good, not great money, Reese should go after him.
Cullen Jenkins, DE — Yay — 1 year, $1.5 M ($1.5M/yr)
Another inconsistent defensive lineman, although the Giants could certainly live with him. More viable than most free agent options.
Trumaine McBride, CB — Nay
At the time, McBride looked like a solid low-cost signing. However, thanks injuries and being pitted behind many bad players on the depth chart. New York should be hard pressed to pay him.
Josh Brown, K — Yay — 2 years, $1.97M ($985K/yr)
No complaints here.
Zak DeOssie, LS — Yay* — 1 year, $885K ($885K/yr)
Assuming that he returns from injury, the Gmen should re-sign him.
George Selvie, DE — Nay
Could be a low-cost signing, but not worth it for a guy who rarely plays.
Rueben Randle, WR — Nay
Terrible route runner and very inconsistent receiver shouldn’t be paid big money.
Jayron Hosley, CB — Nay
Ugh.
Brandon Mosley, G — Nay
Yikes.
Dallas Reynolds, G — Yay — 1 year, $800K ($800K/yr)
I mean, why not?
Markus Kuhn, DT — Nay
Has never shown anything that suggests that Reese should pay him.
Daniel Fells, TE — Nay
Was awesome before suffering multiple serious injuries. Likely won’t be able to play again.
Craig Dahl, SS — Nay
Worst player in the league?
Jasper Brinkley, ILB — Yay — 1 year, $885K ($885K/yr)
Played very well when given an opportunity. Projects as a good backup linebacker.
Larry Donnell, TE — Nay
Drops too many passes, is a poor blocker, and (you guessed it) is very inconsistent.
Brad Wing, P — Yay — ERFA ($600K)
Had a great season.
Orleans Darkwa, RB — ERFA ($600K)
While Darkwa looks like he’s going to be good, he couldn’t pass fellow running back Andre Williams (who hasn’t shown much in his young career) on the team’s depth chart. Also, New York has to settle on one running back, not four, in 2016-17.
Myles White, WR — Nay
No. Just no.
Will Tye, TE — Yay — ERFA ($525K)
If given time to develop, the Stony Brook product can be very solid for years to come.
Bennett Jackson, SS — Yay — ERFA ($600K)
While he hasn’t yet proven anything, it can’t hurt to have him on the roster.
Marcus Harris, WR — Nay
Already 26, he just hasn’t accomplished anything in the NFL.
Hakeem Nicks, WR — Nay
Doesn’t possess the same fire and athleticism that he did during his first stint with New York.
Jerome Cunningham, TE — Nay
Can’t catch, which is problematic.
Adam Gettis, G — Nay
He stinks.
Danny Aiken, LS — Nay
Unless DeOssie can’t return from injury, in which case Aiken would be a welcomed addition at the league minimum.
Barry Cofield, DT — Nay
A beast (five years ago).
Brandon Meriweather , SS — Nay
Hell no.
Cap Hit: $9.98M
5. Sign Free Agents
The Giants need a lot of external help, and this year’s free agent crop promises to be one of the strongest in league history.
Here are the players Reese should sign, with their projected salaries and cap hits:
Derek Wolfe, DE — 5 years, $33M ($6.6M/yr; $7M bonus)
One of the best run-stopping ends in the league, Wolfe had 5.5 sacks and 49 tackles in 2015. While he would likely man the slot and need a pass rusher to compliment him on his other side, Wolfe would immediately bolster a measly run defense.
Total Cap Hit: $8.0M/yr
Mike Daniels, DE — 4 years, $25M ($6.25M/yr; $4M bonus)
“Reasonable” is the word for Daniels, who is a reasonable pass rusher and run stopper. What doesn’t appear on the stat sheet is all the dirty work he has done with Green Bay Packers. Projected to be a starter, he would provide Big Blue with an unparalleled run defense.
Total Cap Hit: $7.25M/yr
Casey Hayward, CB — 4 years, $27M ($6.75M/yr; $1.5M bonus)
Better than the New York Jets’ Buster Skrine (who commanded similar cash last year), Hayward is considered by many to be a great number three cornerback, but a lot of that has to do with him being hampered by injuries over the past two seasons. Should he return to rookie form (he’s only 26), people will be talking about how Hayward is a top CB in the league.
Total Cap Hit: $8.25M/yr
Morris Claiborne, CB — 1 year, $2M ($2M/yr; No bonus)
The former first round pick has loads of talent and potential, but has struggled out-of-the-gate for Dallas. While he isn’t the strongest corner in the league, Claiborne would be a solid reserve player with high upside.
Total Cap Hit: $2M/yr
Travis Benjamin, WR — 3 years, $15M ($5M/yr; $3M bonus)
When you factor in the quality of the guys throwing the football to him (Johnny Manziel/Josh McCown), Benjamin’s 2015 campaign was one of the best in football. The concerns are twofold, though: what he did this season was four times better than what he had ever done before, and he possesses a lack of ideal size. Still, just think about his speed and OBJ’s hands on the same team…
Total Cap Hit: $6M/yr
Dwayne Allen, TE — 1 year, $2M ($2M/yr; $500K bonus)
Allen was never able to crack the Colts depth chart, but he has shown some high upside in the past. A solid blocker, Allen should develop alongside Will Tye giving Eli Manning two ball-catching tight ends to work with.
Total Cap Hit: $2.5M
Brandon Marshall, MLB — 4 years, $27M ($6.75/yr; $7M bonus)
The Ironman of the Broncos’ linebacking corps, Marshall played in 84% of the possible defensive snaps this season. He is young — at just 26 — and a tackling wiz.
Total Cap Hit: $7.75M
Louis Delmas, S — 2 years, $5M ($2.5M/yr; $1M bonus)
Delmas, who is coming off an ACL injury, is a former Pro Bowler who will likely command relatively little money for relatively tremendous upside. He is a phenomenal cover safety, and would compliment Landon Collins, who is, ideally, a box safety.
Total Cap Hit: $3.0M
LaAdrian Waddle, OT/OG — 2 years, $3.5M ($1.75/yr; No bonus)
Waddle has both starting experience and upside, and at age 24, he would be a very intriguing signing. The Giants need depth — lots of it. Waddle would surely provide it.
Total Cap Hit: $1.75M
6. Draft Players
The Giants currently own the tenth pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. Additionally, they possess a pick in every round excluding the final round.
There is a tremendous amount of talent available, and while sites such as Big Blue View, ESPN, The Wall Street Journal, and even us at Elite Sports NY have criticized Jerry Reese for his poor previous drafts, New York is in an enviable position at the Draft.
10. Myles Jack, OLB, UCLA
The Pac-12 Offensive and Defensive Freshman of the Year in 2013, Jack boasts absurd athleticism and a compact-built. He suffered a season-ending knee injury in September, which may have hurt his stock, but many aren’t worrying because “It was a tear near (or at) the edge of the meniscus which allowed for a repair, as opposed to a partial meniscectomy.”
The Giants certainly need another outside linebacker, and Jack can be the equivalent of a high-end signing, at a fraction of the cost.
40. Noah Spence, OLB, Eastern Kentucky
A player of Spence’s talent normally wouldn’t even remotely be on the board at the time of the Giants’ second round selection. But Spence, who had previous drug problems and was banned from the Big Ten, isn’t a normal linebacker. The fluid, balanced athlete has the lateral quickness and low pad level to be effective in the NFL.
With J.T. Thomas, Devon Kennard, Myles Jack, Brandon Marshall, Jonathan Casillas, Jasper Brinkley and Noah Spence, the Giants would have a legit linebacking corps.
71. Jalen Mills, FS, LSU
Lauded by his teammates as an “extra coach on the field,” Mills is constantly in position and has a knack for putting his hands up at the right moments. While he isn’t great against the run, Mills is a leader and a quick locator.
The Giants need depth in the secondary — and that’s exactly what Mills would provide.
106. Sheldon Day, DT, Notre Dame
Reese has been known to select the best available player in the past, and while the most eminent need may not be a defensive tackle, drafting Day definitely can’t hurt.
Explosive quickness and natural bend to alter his momentum enabled him to be one of the most dominant players in college football, while as an interior disrupter, he projects best as a three-technique in a four-man front.
The problem: Injuries, injuries, injuries.
137. Halapoulivaati Vaitai, OT, TCU
The menacing offensive tackle possesses great size, is a solid pass protector, and a solid run blocker. He’s a bit slow, but the former Horned Frog helped key a TCU offense that finished second in the nation in scoring (46.5 points per game) and tied for fifth in total offense (533.0 yards per game) in 2014.
Now onto a more important question: how does Vaitai sign his name?
166. Kevin Byard, SS, Middle Tennessee
The highest touted Blue Raiders prospect since 2003 isn’t overwhelmingly quick or tall, but he is constantly in position and reads the quarterback very well. Byard is very agressive with strong hands and above-average hand-eye coordination.
7. Examine the final roster
Quarterback: Eli Manning, Ryan Nassib (2)
Running Back: Rashad Jennings, Shane Vereen, Orleans Darkwa (3)
Fullback: Nikita Whitlock (1)
Wide Receiver: Odell Beckham Jr., Travis Benjamin, Dwayne Harris, Geremy Davis, Ben Edwards (5)
Tight End: Dwayne Allen, Will Tye, Matt LaCosse (3)
Center: Weston Richburg, Dallas Reynolds (2)
Offensive Guard: Justin Pugh, Geoff Schwartz, John Jerry (3)
Offensive Tackle: Ereck Flowers, LaAdrian Waddle, Bobby Hart, Halapoulivaati Vaitai, Emmett Cleary, Will Beatty (6)
Defensive End: Derek Wolfe, Mike Daniels, Robert Ayers, Kerry Wynn, Owamagbe Owidigizuwa, Stansly Maponga (6)
Defensive Tackle: Johnathan Hankins, Cullen Jenkins, Jay Bromley, Sheldon Day, Montori Hughes, Louis Nix III (6)
Middle Linebacker: Brandon Marshall, Uani’ Unga, Mark Herzlich (3)
Outside Linebacker: Myles Jack, Noah Spence, Jonathan Casillas (3)
Inside Linebacker: Devon Kennard, J.T. Thomas, Jasper Brinkley, Nico Johnson (4)
Strong Safety: Louis Delmas, Kevin Byard, Nat Berhe (3)
Free Safety: Landon Collins, Jalen Mills, Cooper Taylor (3)
Cornerback: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Casey Hayward, Bennett Jackson, Tramain Jacobs, Leon McFadden (5)
Kicker: Josh Brown (1)
Punter: Brad Wing (1)
Long Snapper: Zak DeOssie (1)