The Giants are obviously not performing anywhere near expectations this year. Currently I expect the team to rebound somewhat, but we are also facing a tougher schedule. I think we will end up at 8-8 or 9-7 this season (although I hope I am wrong). I wouldn't be surprised to see us drafting somewhere around 16.

Here is what I would do to fix the Giants current thoughts for the 2010 offseason. Significant changes are certainly needed.

I also think Reese will be very active this offseason.

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Team Needs

The biggest shock to me this season is our offensive and defensive lines. To often we are not winning the battle of the trenches, where previously we had been dominating.

The top priority is to bolster the trenches (on both sides of the ball). We also should upgrade our secondary depth and otherwise look at BPA.

---

Coaching
The players buy into Coughlin's system and team focus. That discipline and work ethic is what is needed.
Our attitude is strong, we have the work ethic, commitment and team focus. No-one works harder than Coughlin but it seems at several points this season, we have been out-coached. It makes alot of sense to keep Coughlin at the helm.
Note - While I am currently in favour of retaining Coughlin, it will depend on how the team performs down the stretch

Fire Kevin Gilbride, Bill Sheridan and Tom Quinn
The schemes and systems simply aren't getting the best out of players. This may be a little hard on Sheridan as he is in his first year as DC, but the buck stops here.

New Offensive Coordinator – Charlie Weis
I think Weis gets fired at Notre Dame, the results just aren't on the board (for whatever reasons).
Weis is a very good offensive minded coach, and he has history with this team. He develops very good schemes and more importantly, can make in game adjustments (which is my main criticism of Gilbride). We know he can feliver explosive offenses (often without super star players). Being head coach at Notre Dame is excellent experience of being under the media spotlight in NY.

New Defensive Coordinator – John Fox
We need an experienced guy to handle the defence, particularly someone who is experienced with 4-3 defenses. I can’t see Fox surviving the annual end of season coaching purge. But there is no doubt that Fox is a very good defensive coach, particularly with defensive backs. Fox has an excellent defensive mind, has had success with the Giants and is a good fit. I think Fox will build on the excellent groundwork we have from Spagnuolo/ Sheridan and take it to the next level.

New Special Teams Coordinator – Brian Polian
Currently Weis’ special team coach at Notre Dame; Brian is a very good coach and comes from the famed Polian family who have had much success in the NFL. Special teams has been a problem for some time for us, changes are needed.

Other coaches
For the most part I would keep the rest of the coaching staff. They are very good at what they do and have strong relationships with the players and know them well.

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Salary Cap
I expect the Giants will be in pretty good salary cap shape, particularly with alot of big contracts now off the books (ie Burress, Toomer, Pierce, Robbind etc). I think we will we will be able to bring in a few veteran guys to reasonably priced contracts.


Trade
Trade for DT Glenn Dorsey.
He isn't a good fit for a 2-gap DE in the chief's 3-4 defense, but he is a very good fit for system. I expect something like a 2010 2nd round pick and a 2011 3rd/4th round pick will be enough to get the deal done.

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Free Agency

The first step of the season will be free agency. I expect the Giants to be in pretty good cap shape

Giants Free Agents
Carr, Hixon, Moss, Whimper, Cofield, Robbins, Clark, Wilkinson, Dockery, CC Brown, Feagles

1. Resign – Hixon, Cofield and Carr to moderate contract extensions (I assume Feagles will retire).

2. Consider reasonable contract extensions for Kiwanuka , Alford, Bradshaw. Smith and Boss maybe Umenyiora, M Johnson

Release Antonio Pierce, Rocky Bernard
He proved he still has ability, but he is declining. The big reason is to save $ 4.75m against the cap. There is a lot to like about Pierce, but his contract far outweighs his performance.

Rocky Bernard has not performed as expected so far, and his status will be reviewed during the off-season. But Robbins will be gone and Bernard does provide solid veteran depth (he will at likely at least make training camp). If Cofield can be resigned then Bernard is likely on the way out particularly if we upgrade the position in the draft. This is a numbers game, Cofield isn't a super star, but he is young, experiences and is a very solid run stopper, particularly on running downs and complements Alford and Canty well; plus he should be reasonably priced. Dominating the trenches up front will be a priority particularly at DT.

This means Pierce, Moss, Whimper, Robbins, Clark, Bernard, Wilkinson, Dockery and CC Brown will be plying their trade elsewhere in 2010.


Free Agency Signings

Here are the free agent signings I would ideally like to make for the team:

LB Demeco Ryans, Houston.
Ryans is a quality, young (25) MLB that is a huge upgrade over Pierce. He has not been happy with Houston and I think the Texans will choose to franchise Robinson instead of Ryans, particularly with the emergence of Cushing. Certainly the Texans have been very reluctant to pay him what would have been a reasonable deal, which further indicates that he could be available. Ryans is an ideal fit for the middle of our defense. The Giants give him the opportunity to play on a legitimate playoff contender behind a dominant Dline.
*other options include Barrett Ruud, D'Qwell Jackson, Derrick Johnson and Karlos Dansby

G Jahri Evans, New Orleans
The offensive line has been a big problem this year, we aren't as physical as we have been in previous years. Evans gives us a very good, young (26), consistent run blocker with good mobility at RG. This allows Snee to slide over to Center to anchor our offensive line.

CB Richard Marshall, Carolina
A good young (24) CB on a bad team. Marshall is the type of CB we like and gives as a very good group of corners. Marshall also has more speed than Webster, Ross or Thomas giving us better match ups against quicker receivers (which have caused us some problems). Terrell Thomas has been exploited a fair bit this year, while he has potential, he is better in sub packages and special teams. Having Ross injured has really hurt. Marshall gives us 3 legitimate starting calibre CBs, which is important with the prolific passing attacks this year. The Giants give Marshall the chance to play on a legitimate play-off team with his former head coach.
*other options include Dunta Robinson and Marlin Jacskon

S Jarrad Page, Kansas City
Page is a good, solid, young (25) safety with good experience; Page ended the 09 season on IR with a calf injury. Page solidifies what has been one of the achilles heels of the defence. The Giants give Page the chance to play on a legitimate playoff team. Page gives us a solid safety rotation with Phillips, Johnson and Rouse.

---

Draft

Going into the draft we don't have a huge amount of needs and can generally take the best player available. We do need to upgrade DL and secondary depth at some point. I have assumed the Giants are picking around #15-#16.

1. DE Derrick Morgan, Georgia Tech (6-4, 275, 4.75)
Morgan is a quality 4-3 DE who can play both the run and pass very well. This may be something of a surprise pick for some, but the Giants defense relies on getting good pressure up front. The last couple of season have shown that injuries are a significant problem. This gives us a formidable rotation of 4 quality DEs and allows us to use Tuck, Kiwanuka or Morgan inside at DT if needed.
“Proven pass-rusher (12.5 sacks this year); stout versus run.” - Mel Kiper

2. Traded to Kansas City as part of the trade for DT Glenn Dorsey

3. DT Dan Williams, Tennessee (6-3, 327, 5.20)
(2007-09: 33 Games, 123 tackles, 17 TFL, 3.5 sacks, 17 QBH)
Williams is very under rated, but he is one of the better DTs in a very deep DT class. Williams is strong and disruptive and has been very productive. With Robbins and Bernard gone, the Giants need more talent inside. Williams adds a good young DT to the rotation with Canty, Alford, Dorsey and Cofield.
"High motor, consistent DT with tremendously powerful lower body." - Mel Kiper

4. TE Michael Hoomanawanui, Illinois (6-5, 270, 4.80)
Hoomanawanui is the dominant blocking TE we need to complement Boss and Beckum. Hoomanawanui is very strong with good mobility and athleticism.
"he will open holes and play a critical role for whatever team selects him." - Scott Wright – Draftcountdown

5. RB Lonyae Miller, Fresno State (5-11, 220, 4.50)
Overshadowed by Ryan Mathews, Miller is an explosive runner with speed and power. The Giants have had problems at RB, with neither Bradshaw or Ware really stepping it up as Jacobs under study. Miller will likely compete with Ware for the final roster spot.

6. P Zoltan Mesko, Michigan (6-5, 231, 4.75)
(2006-09: 45 GP, 237 P, 10,074 yds, 42.5 ave, 66 Long, 73 I20, 0 blocked)
Mesko is a strong leg punter who is used to cold weather football. Mesko is an ideal replacement for Feagles and helps the Giants to considerably dominate field position.

7. CB Jorrick Calvin (5-11, 184, 4.50)
Calvin is a good tackling playmaker at CB. He was ruled academically ineligible for this college season.

---

Positional Moves

Terrell Thomas to FS
Thomas is a physical CB, but lacks elite quickness and agility. I think Thomas would be much better at FS where the play is in front of him.

David Diehl to LG
Diehl is a solid LT but consistently has difficulties with edge rushers one on one (often needing alot of additional help). Beatty has shown a lot of potential. he should should be ready to start at LT; this will allow Diehl to slip inside to LG and allow Seubert to be the versatile backup at multiple positions.

Chris Snee to C
There is a lot to like about O'Hara, but he has been pushed around a little too much, plus he is up there age-wise. Snee gives us a powerfull anchor inside at center. O'Hara will slide to quality veteran backup.

---

Possible Roster

With this offseason in mind, my 2010 depth chart would be something like:

Offense (25)
QB – E Manning, D Carr, R Bhomar
WR – S Smith, H Nicks, M Manningham, R Barden, D Hixon / D Hagan
TE – K Boss, M Hoomanwanui, T Beckum / D Johnson
RB – B Jacobs, A Bradshaw, A Brown, L Miller / D Ware
FB – M Hedgecock
OT – K McKenzie, W Beatty, A Koets, K Boothe
OG – J Evans, D Diehl, R Seubert
OC – C Snee, S O'Hara

Defense (26)
DE – J Tuck, O Umenyiora, M Kiwanuka, D Morgan
DT – C Canty, J Alford, G Dorsey, B Cofield, D Williams
SLB – C Sintim, J Goff, Z DeOssie (LS)
MLB – D Ryans, C Blackburn
WLB – M Boley, B Kehl
CB – C Webster, A Ross, R Marshall, B Johnson, J Calvin / DJ Johnson
SS – J Page, M Johnson, A Rouse
FS – K Phillips, T Thomas

Special Teams (2)
K – L Tynes
P – Z Mesko



Notes
I expect to see alot of underclassmen (likely substantially more than the 50 we have had in recent years). I don't think you can separate the draft from the rest of the offseason process, they are very much interlinked imho

I am assuming there is a new collective bargaining agreement in place before next season. I think the NFLPA and the NFL will make an agreement, probably at the last minute in early January.

---

---

Alot will depend on how the rest of the season goes.

The big question will be will the team respond to Coughlin?

If they don't then there is a chance that Coughlin could be fired. Remember he is off contract after the season and the Giants never let a coach go into the final year of his contract. The bottom line being that Coughlin will either be extended or fired.

If Coughlin is fired then I think we go for an experienced coach and two possible candidates seem to be a better fit for the Giants. Jeff Fisher and Bill Cowher.

Fisher is the obvious pick, he has used similar systems with the Titans and would slot in easily here. But I am not sure Fisher will be available.

The other obvious candiate is Bill Cowher. He is used to similar owners in the Rooneys and is the kind of coach the players would respond to. I would imagine the Giants would be one of his preferred positions. The big question is, would we swutch to a 3-4 defense?

On the surface it sounds extreme, with the core of our sucess geared for a 4-3. but looking further, there could be a strong case for making a switch.
Osi and Kiwanuka could easily play OLB along with Sintim. Tuck could play either OLB (such as McGinest) or DE (like Justin Smith), Alford and Canty could play DE, Cofield could either play DE even NT. Blackburn, Boley, Goff and Kehl would be ideal fits at ILB. Osi,Tuck and Kiwanuka all have experience dropping into coverage.
We would need to add an NT, but that is certainly achievable. Wilfork, Hampton and Pickett are all free agents, plus there are plenty of option in the draft (such as Ndamukong Suh, Terrence Cody, Dan Williams or underclassmen such as Gerald McCoy; plus there is plenty of good 3-4 DE prospetcs such as Derrick Morgan, Carlos Dunlap, Allen Bailey and Corey Wooten)

We need a DT regardless, so perhaps it isn't such a stretch

Consider this for a 3-4

NT: Wilfork/Hampton/Pickett, Cofield, rookie (perhaps Dan Williams)
DE: Tuck, Canty, Alford, rookie (perhaps Allen Bailey), solid FA (perhaps Marcus Spears).
OLB: Umenyiora, Kiwanuka, Sintim, Kehl
ILB: Boley, Blackburn Goff

That seems to me to be the makings of a very formidable defensive front seven. Perhaps that could be an option (or maybe a 3-4/4-3 hyrbid such as the Pats and 49ers use)?

In either case, I think someone like Weis would be a strong contender for OC, for DC Fox would be a good option for a 4-3, though not too sure about for a 3-4, perhaps Romeo Crennel or someone like Pepper Johnson?

Thinking about it

I really think that at DT we really need the big anchor up front at DT. Much like what the Titans had with Haynesworth and the Panthers with Jenkins.

With that in mind, I am going to make a slight adjustment to my earlier thoughts....

The Giants are obviously not performing anywhere near expectations this year. Currently I expect the team to rebound somewhat, but we are also facing a tougher schedule. I think we will end up at 8-8 or 9-7 this season (although I hope I am wrong). I wouldn't be surprised to see us drafting somewhere around 16.

Here is what I would do to fix the Giants current thoughts for the 2010 offseason. Significant changes are certainly needed.

I also think Reese will be very active this offseason.

---

Team Needs

The biggest shock to me this season is our offensive and defensive lines. To often we are not winning the battle of the trenches, where previously we had been dominating.

The top priority is to bolster the trenches (on both sides of the ball). We also should upgrade our secondary depth and otherwise look at BPA.

---

Coaching

The players buy into Coughlin's system and team focus. That discipline and work ethic is what is needed.
Our attitude is strong, we have the work ethic, commitment and team focus. No-one works harder than Coughlin but it seems at several points this season, we have been out-coached. It makes alot of sense to keep Coughlin at the helm.
Note - While I am currently in favour of retaining Coughlin, it will depend on how the team performs down the stretch

Fire Kevin Gilbride, Bill Sheridan and Tom Quinn
The schemes and systems simply aren't getting the best out of players. This may be a little hard on Sheridan as he is in his first year as DC, but the buck stops here.

New Offensive Coordinator – Charlie Weis
I think Weis gets fired at Notre Dame, the results just aren't on the board (for whatever reasons).
Weis is a very good offensive minded coach, and he has history with this team. He develops very good schemes and more importantly, can make in game adjustments (which is my main criticism of Gilbride). We know he can feliver explosive offenses (often without super star players). Being head coach at Notre Dame is excellent experience of being under the media spotlight in NY.

New Defensive Coordinator – John Fox
We need an experienced guy to handle the defence, particularly someone who is experienced with 4-3 defenses. I can’t see Fox surviving the annual end of season coaching purge. But there is no doubt that Fox is a very good defensive coach, particularly with defensive backs. Fox has an excellent defensive mind, has had success with the Giants and is a good fit. I think Fox will build on the excellent groundwork we have from Spagnuolo/ Sheridan and take it to the next level.

New Special Teams Coordinator – Brian Polian
Currently Weis’ special team coach at Notre Dame; Brian is a very good coach and comes from the famed Polian family who have had much success in the NFL. Special teams has been a problem for some time for us, changes are needed.

Other coaches
For the most part I would keep the rest of the coaching staff. They are very good at what they do and have strong relationships with the players and know them well.

---

Salary Cap

I expect the Giants will be in pretty good salary cap shape, particularly with alot of big contracts now off the books (ie Burress, Toomer, Pierce, Robbind etc). I think we will be in better cap shape than we were lthis year and will be able to bring in a few veteran guys.

---

Free Agency

The first step of the season will be free agency. I expect the Giants to be in pretty good cap shape

Giants Free Agents
Carr, Hixon, Moss, Whimper, Cofield, Robbins, Clark, Wilkinson, Dockery, CC Brown, Feagles

1. Resign – Hixon, Cofield and Carr to moderate contract extensions (I assume Feagles will retire).

2. Consider reasonable contract extensions for Kiwanuka , Alford, Bradshaw. Smith and Boss maybe Umenyiora, M Johnson

Release Antonio Pierce, Rocky Bernard
He proved he still has ability, but he is declining. The big reason is to save $ 4.75m against the cap. There is a lot to like about Pierce, but his contract far outweighs his performance.

Rocky Bernard has not performed as expected so far, and his status will be reviewed during the off-season. But Robbins will be gone and Bernard does provide solid veteran depth (he will at likely at least make training camp). If Cofield can be resigned then Bernard is likely on the way out particularly if we upgrade the position in the draft. This is a numbers game, Cofield isn't a super star, but he is young, experiences and is a very solid run stopper, particularly on running downs and complements Alford and Canty well; plus he should be reasonably priced. Dominating the trenches up front will be a priority particularly at DT.

This means Pierce, Moss, Whimper, Robbins, Clark, Bernard, Wilkinson, Dockery and CC Brown will be plying their trade elsewhere in 2010.

Free Agency Signings

Here are the free agent signings I would ideally like to make for the team:

DT Vince Wilfork, New England
This defense needs the physical strong anchor for our defense. This will pay huge dividends with the run defense and also keep blockers off our LBs.
*Other options include Casey Hampton and Ryan Pickett

LB Demeco Ryans, Houston.
Ryans is a quality, young (25) MLB that is a huge upgrade over Pierce. He has not been happy with Houston and I think the Texans will choose to franchise Robinson instead of Ryans, particularly with the emergence of Cushing. Certainly the Texans have been very reluctant to pay him what would have been a reasonable deal, which further indicates that he could be available. Ryans is an ideal fit for the middle of our defense. The Giants give him the opportunity to play on a legitimate playoff contender behind a dominant Dline.
*other options include Barrett Ruud, D'Qwell Jackson, Derrick Johnson and Karlos Dansby

G Jahri Evans, New Orleans
The offensive line has been a big problem this year, we aren't as physical as we have been in previous years. Evans gives us a very good, young (26), consistent run blocker with good mobility at RG. This allows Snee to slide over to Center to anchor our offensive line.

CB Richard Marshall, Carolina
A good young (24) CB on a bad team. Marshall is the type of CB we like and gives as a very good group of corners. Marshall also has more speed than Webster, Ross or Thomas giving us better match ups against quicker receivers (which have caused us some problems). Terrell Thomas has been exploited a fair bit this year, while he has potential, he is better in sub packages and special teams. Having Ross injured has really hurt.
With the emerging trend profilic passing attacks accross the NFL, we need plenty of corner depth.
Marshall gives us 3 legitimate starting calibre CBs, which is important with the prolific passing attacks this year. The Giants give Marshall the chance to play on a legitimate play-off team with his former head coach.
*other options include Dunta Robinson and Marlin Jacskon

---

Draft

Going into the draft we don't have a huge amount of needs and can generally take the best player available. We do need to upgrade DL and secondary depth at some point. I have assumed the Giants are picking around #15-#16.

1. DE Derrick Morgan, Georgia Tech (6-4, 275, 4.75)
Morgan is a quality 4-3 DE who can play both the run and pass very well. This may be something of a surprise pick for some, but the Giants defense relies on getting good pressure up front. The last couple of season have shown that injuries are a significant problem. This gives us a formidable rotation of 4 quality DEs and allows us to use Tuck, Kiwanuka or Morgan inside at DT if needed.
“Proven pass-rusher (12.5 sacks this year); stout versus run.” - Mel Kiper

2. Nate Allen, South Florida (6-2, 206, 4.50)
Allen is a good all round safety prospect and legitimate playmaker. Allen gives us a quality safety prospect to add to our safety rotation.
"Athletic centerfielder with outstanding range and terrific instincts." - Scott Wright (Draftcountdown)

3. DT Dan Williams, Tennessee (6-3, 327, 5.20)
(2007-09: 33 Games, 123 tackles, 17 TFL, 3.5 sacks, 17 QBH)
Williams is very under rated, but he is one of the better DTs in a very deep DT class. Williams is strong and disruptive and has been very productive. With Robbins and Bernard gone, the Giants need more talent inside. Williams adds a good young DT to the rotation with Canty, Alford, Dorsey and Cofield.
"High motor, consistent DT with tremendously powerful lower body." - Mel Kiper

4. TE Michael Hoomanawanui, Illinois (6-5, 270, 4.80)
Hoomanawanui is the dominant blocking TE we need to complement Boss and Beckum. Hoomanawanui is very strong with good mobility and athleticism.
"he will open holes and play a critical role for whatever team selects him." - Scott Wright (Draftcountdown)

5. RB Lonyae Miller, Fresno State (5-11, 220, 4.50)
Overshadowed by Ryan Mathews, Miller is an explosive runner with speed and power. The Giants have had problems at RB, with neither Bradshaw or Ware really stepping it up as Jacobs under study. Miller will likely compete with Ware for the final roster spot.

6. P Zoltan Mesko, Michigan (6-5, 231, 4.75)
(2006-09: 45 GP, 237 P, 10,074 yds, 42.5 ave, 66 Long, 73 I20, 0 blocked)
Mesko is a strong leg punter who is used to cold weather football. Mesko is an ideal replacement for Feagles and helps the Giants to considerably dominate field position.

7. CB Jorrick Calvin (5-11, 184, 4.50)
Calvin is a good tackling playmaker at CB. He was ruled academically ineligible for this college season.

---

Positional Moves

Terrell Thomas to FS
Thomas is a physical CB, but lacks elite quickness and agility. I think Thomas would be much better at FS where the play is in front of him.

David Diehl to LG
Diehl is a solid LT but consistently has difficulties with edge rushers one on one (often needing alot of additional help). Beatty has shown a lot of potential. he should should be ready to start at LT; this will allow Diehl to slip inside to LG and allow Seubert to be the versatile backup at multiple positions.

Chris Snee to C
There is a lot to like about O'Hara, but he has been pushed around a little too much, plus he is up there age-wise. Snee gives us a powerfull anchor inside at center. O'Hara will slide to quality veteran backup.

Aaron Rouse to WLB
Rouse is inconsistent in coverage, but is a good open field tackler and has a similar toolset to Boley. There was a huge drop off when Boley was out injured. Rouse also is a quality special teamer.

---

Possible Roster

With this offseason in mind, my 2010 depth chart would be something like:

Offense (25)
QB – E Manning, D Carr, R Bhomar
WR1 – S Smith, M Manningham, D Hixon
WR2 - H Nicks, R Barden, D Hagan
TE – K Boss, M Hoomanwanui, T Beckum / D Johnson
RB – B Jacobs, A Bradshaw, A Brown, L Miller / DJ Ware
FB – M Hedgecock
LT – W Beatty
LG – D Diehl, R Seubert
OC – C Snee, S O'Hara
RG - J Evans
RT - K McKenzie, A Koets / K Boothe

Defense (25)
LDE – J Tuck, D Morgan
NT – V Wilfork, B Cofield, D Williams
UT - C Canty, J Alford
RDE - O Umenyiora, M Kiwanuka
SLB – C Sintim, B Kehl
MLB – D Ryans, C Blackburn, J Goff
WLB – M Boley, A Rouse
CB1 – C Webster, R Marshall, J Calvin / DJ Johnson
CB2 - A Ross, B Johnson
SS – K Phillips, M Johnson
FS – T Thomas, N Allen

Special Teams (3)
K – L Tynes
P – Z Mesko
LS - Z DeOssie

---

Notes
I expect to see alot of underclassmen (likely substantially more than the 50 we have had in recent years). I don't think you can separate the draft from the rest of the offseason process, they are very much interlinked imho

I am assuming there is a new collective bargaining agreement in place before next season. I think the NFLPA and the NFL will make an agreement, probably at the last minute in early January.

---

I have done some more thinking

While Osi will likely be back to his best next year, he is mostly a speed rusher at this point.

He isn't strong at the point of attack which is what we really need. Having said that he is an ideal fit as an OLB in a 3-4

My question is, do you think it is worth trading Osi? He will undoubtedly have alot of value, he should be worth around a first round pick (maybe a 1st and 3rd)

You know that if Osi was available, then teams like San Francisco, Baltimore, San Francisco, Denver, San Diego, Miami, Cleveland, Green Bay would all be very interested

Osi's contract would be very cheap, somewhere around a 3 year 11.3m deal
2010: $3.1 million (+ $1.1 million in roster bonuses), 2011: $3.125 million, 2012: $3.975 million, 2013: Free Agent

It is official Weis has been fired.

He has also reportedly been contacted by around 6 NFL teams to be their offensive coordinator next year.

So that part of my plan is still plausible