DJ Reader Signs | Big Blue Kickoff Live | New York Giants

0:00 Hello again everybody and welcome to Thursday's edition

0:02 of Big Blue Kickoff Live presented by Cadillac,

0:05 the official luxury vehicle of the New York Football Giants.

0:08 Paul Dino and the Moose, Mark Malus with you for the next hour.

0:11 We will talk Giants football,

0:12 perhaps any other NFL things that you'd like to discuss.

0:15 Our number is 20119394513.

0:18 2011-939-4513.

0:21 You can also find us on social media using# Giants chat.

0:25 We are Simocast on the New York Giants YouTube page.

0:29 You can leave questions and comments there if you so desire.

0:32 As always, we come to you from the Giants

0:34 podcast studio presented by Hackinack Meridian Health.

0:37 Keep getting better.

0:39 And if you don't watch the show live, as always,

0:42 get it on the archive with our entire podcast network on the Giants mobile app,

0:47 podcast platforms everywhere and at giants.com/mpodcast.

0:52 Moose, I don't know if I want to start

0:54 with the finalization of the DJ Reader contract or if

0:58 I want to talk or do I want to talk

1:00 about the Knicks knocking off Philly in game two.

1:02 Ah, you could do it all.

1:03 We got an hour to play with.

1:04 We'll take some calls.

1:05 We can touch upon it all, Paul.

1:07 So, uh, the world is our oyster, as they say in the trade.

1:10 Uh yeah, the the much rumored about deal is

1:13 is finally done and DJ Reer is now a New

1:16 York Giant and you know has been in the league

1:18 10 years and you know started a lot of games the last two years for the Detroit

1:22 Lions and I think this will be the fourth

1:24 franchise in the National Football League I believe um

1:28 after getting drafted I believe by the Texans in 2016.

1:31 So

1:31 out of Clemson

1:32 out of Clemson.

1:33 There you go.

1:34 Same place at Dexter Lawrence.

1:35 Yeah, same place for Dexter Lawrence.

1:36 not at the level of Dexter Lawrence, but now we've seen

1:40 the Giants with a couple signings here.

1:42 Uh when you're looking at Harris and obviously looking

1:44 at Reer where they've addressed the defensive tackle position to go

1:47 along with uh the sixth round pick um to go

1:50 along with the the holdovers from a year ago.

1:53 Um, and now you you look at this group and you look at this unit

1:56 and you feel a little bit better certainly if you're a New York

2:00 Giant fan after they decided to make that move and trade Dexter Lawrence

2:03 to the Cincinnati Bengals for the 10th

2:05 overall pick who ended up being uh Mayanoa, the offensive lineman out of Miami.

2:09 So, the Giants did make some moves earlier this morning.

2:13 Linebacker Sees Boseman, a special teamer, uh, was released.

2:16 So was defensive tackle Elijah Chapman, who had always fancied himself as a guy

2:22 who could play a little fullback as well.

2:23 He was a great story when he got here to the Giants couple years ago.

2:28 Uh but at the moment, uh he is now looking for a job.

2:31 So was wide receiver Courtney Jackson and defensive lineman Marlin Tua Pulutu.

2:36 Now, nice job.

2:37 I will tell you that was tough.

2:39 That was tough.

2:40 I I will tell you I will tell you this, folks.

2:42 uh the Giants by virtue of bringing Reer in a starting caliber

2:46 defensive tackle and we'll talk more about him as the show goes on.

2:50 It seems to me that of the four key elements

2:53 that the Giants had to fortify during this off seasonason,

2:56 offensive line, defensive line, wide receiver,

2:58 and cornerback, they have now done yman's work going four for four

3:04 bringing in players at all four of the soft spots on their roster.

3:08 Which brings us to today's question and dial us up at 20119394513.

3:14 If there is one position still on this roster that you

3:18 would like the Giants to enhance their competition at before training camp,

3:24 which one would it be?

3:25 Moose, I'll let you go first.

3:27 Uh, I guess it would be wide receiver.

3:29 I don't, you know, to be honest with you, Paul,

3:30 when we were talking a little bit about this, uh,

3:33 you know, before we hit the airwaves this afternoon,

3:35 I I don't think there's a a significant need

3:38 or a glaring hole really anywhere on this roster,

3:42 uh, to where you say, I, you know,

3:44 there needs to be somebody brought in at this stage.

3:46 I I'll bring up wide receiver because of the unknown with Malik Neighbors.

3:50 um you know the unknown of what Malachi Fields

3:53 is going to be uh in the National Football League.

3:55 The unknown when you're bringing in you know receivers from other

3:58 organizations when you're looking at Mooney and company um exactly

4:02 how they're going to fit the chemistry when you're looking

4:04 at Jackson Dart this offense obviously being led by Matt Ngi.

4:07 So I guess wide receiver would be one you know you've got a hold over

4:11 and Darius Sllayton he's overcoming an injury right

4:13 now that was report on a couple weeks ago.

4:15 Um, so and a certain so you look at I I guess it's that room for me.

4:20 Uh, because my number one wide receiver is coming off a torn ACL.

4:24 Although all the reports that you see about,

4:26 you know, his recovery and rehab process, everyone is uh says he's, you know,

4:30 ahead of the curve or uh on schedule at the very least.

4:33 Uh, I guess I would look at that wide receiver room,

4:35 but and that's where you bring in Odell Beckham Jr.

4:38 where, you know, was a big talking point for, you know, the better part.

4:41 It's cooled down over the last week over the last eight, nine days here, Paul.

4:45 But I look at Odell,

4:46 I don't know if it's necessarily competition that I'm

4:49 looking for him to to step into that room.

4:52 It's more a case of a guy that's been there,

4:54 done that, uh has seen it all in the National

4:57 Football League and would kind of be like uh you know,

5:00 the the Master Yoda stepping into that room

5:03 uh for the other receivers in that room.

5:05 Do you know what I mean?

5:05 like he would a little bit of what to do and what

5:08 not to do based on his experiences in the National Football League.

5:12 I don't know if I'm necessarily looking to bring him in to be the guy

5:16 that's going to all of a sudden be the guy for this Giants offense.

5:19 Not particularly at this stage of his career.

5:21 There was a time when he was as popular as Yoda.

5:23 Oh, there's no doubt.

5:25 Oh, what do you mean?

5:26 My kids I play football catch in the backyard.

5:28 My my youngest son, Gregory, he's like, I want to make the Odell catch.

5:31 So, he'd do it over and over and over again.

5:34 There's no question about it.

5:35 No, can't you?

5:36 I will.

5:38 Look at you, Star Wars guy.

5:40 Uh, I'm going to go running back here for the same reason in a way

5:45 that you went wide receiver because you

5:47 talked about the injury to Malik Neighbors

5:50 and the Giants still have to deal with Cam Scaboo,

5:53 who apparently according to Joe Shane and John Haw

5:56 is further along in his recovery than Neighbors is,

5:59 but nonetheless, he is a brute.

6:01 He is a bluecollar guy who plays an incredible

6:05 uh difficult a tough a physical version of football

6:09 to where you know what he's coming off

6:11 a very very significant injury having that broken ankle

6:15 and so I would say with Scataboo Tracy Singleary

6:19 Eric Gray uh Dante Miller is still here hold

6:22 over from the practice squad you know I'm not

6:24 counting Ricard because he's a fullback he's a different guy no doubt

6:28 running back position you've got those five guys right now.

6:32 And I would say, you know what,

6:34 if you're a little leery about Scataboo and you wanted to have somebody else

6:37 walk in here and just kind of add to the competition at training camp,

6:41 that might be the position that I would consider.

6:45 But of course, again, I'm not telling you anything about Scataboo's injury.

6:50 I don't want people to panic and say, "Well, all of a sudden,

6:52 he thinks he's not going to be here." I don't want to say that.

6:54 The point is if you just want to be safe and you want to bring

6:57 in another another body to potentially make the room

7:01 a little bit more competitive, I would consider

7:03 Well, and the other thing is you throw

7:05 in and we had this discourse and this conversation,

7:08 you know, before the draft when you know there was the Jeremiah Love talk,

7:11 uh, Paul is we all love the way that Scataboo

7:14 runs and the style and fashion and Giant fans love it.

7:18 physicality, the nature of it, uh,

7:20 running guys over, everything that comes along with it.

7:22 And, you know, he is the definition of a gamer, right?

7:25 Oh, yeah.

7:26 The question you have though, the sustainability to that running style,

7:30 what the amount of hits that that he is

7:32 going to be taking and the amount of tread.

7:34 So, I'm not telling you that, you know,

7:36 but he suffers that injury and that had nothing to do with his running style.

7:40 Just got caught in a bad spot down in Philadelphia against the Eagles.

7:43 But that's what led to some of the rhetoric,

7:45 some of the conversation about the Giants interest in the running

7:48 back out of Notre Dame at the top of the draft.

7:51 not based just solely on the fact of how special

7:53 of a player he potentially could be in the National Football League,

7:56 but when you look at Scataboo,

7:58 his running style in terms of the length and is he

8:01 open to more injuries as his uh career does go along,

8:05 which you know was part of the kind Giants obviously didn't have an opportunity

8:08 to draft Love and I agree with you in terms of when you look at it,

8:11 he's coming off an injury.

8:12 Um all signs point to, you know,

8:14 he's doing really well and that he's going to be great uh moving forward here.

8:18 They have depth in that room,

8:20 but if you wanted to add another piece to that room potentially, you could.

8:23 Here's what you need to know, Paul.

8:24 Right now, sitting here, you know, we're on a Thursday, early May.

8:29 Giants look, the roster looks really good.

8:31 It does.

8:31 I mean, it really does.

8:32 To the point where when we you and I were doing the show a week ago,

8:35 we had a caller call up and said that, you know,

8:37 the Giants, he thinks they're going to be a playoff team in 2026.

8:40 Crawl, as my dad would say, and my mom would say,

8:42 crawl before you walk, walk before you run, right?

8:45 Oh, and um you know, so we're not there yet,

8:48 but there's a lot to like about this Giant team

8:51 to where uh it's not just the the coaching staff

8:54 and the uh excited nature of the Giant fan with John

8:58 Harbaugh taking over as head coach and new defensive coordinator,

9:01 new offensive coordinator,

9:03 but then the pieces that they put around and the way that they've attacked,

9:07 whether it be NFL free agency,

9:09 whether it be the draft, and whether it be the recent additions

9:12 after deciding to move on from Dexter Lawrence.

9:14 Well, you know, Moose, here's the the big problem with what we

9:18 expect as opposed to what the reality is.

9:22 We look at the roster today and we look at the depth chart today and immediately

9:27 our minds start to think that every one

9:29 of these players is going to play to their capabilities.

9:32 Right.

9:32 That's it.

9:33 Yeah.

9:33 And you and I both know that won't happen.

9:35 That does not happen.

9:36 There are going to be guys on this depth chart who will a computer game

9:41 get hurt.

9:42 Yes.

9:42 B, for whatever reason,

9:44 not play to their capabilities and their potential and will underachieve.

9:48 And God knows, we saw a bunch of those players do that last year for this club.

9:54 And C, uh, we also don't even know what 53 are going

9:58 to be on the final team come the first week of September anyway.

10:02 So, there are a lot of variables here,

10:04 but when we sit back and we look at the roster and the depth chart and we say,

10:08 "Well, how good do we feel about this team?

10:10 Can they compete?

10:11 Can they potentially be in the conversation

10:13 and on that screen of playoff contenders on the bubble when

10:17 the TV puts up the graphic in the middle

10:20 of January I should say not January of course

10:23 although the season now seems like it goes

10:25 on to March but that's what you want to think

10:29 and I get it because as I sit here and you sit here and Johnny Mack sits here

10:35 look at it now

10:37 feeling good

10:37 you you can't help but feel as though

10:39 the Giants can be in that conversation Right.

10:41 And and they're not uh the depth of the team

10:45 has been addressed like and and let's not I mean

10:47 we're not coming on the airwaves today and telling you

10:50 that you know DJ Reer is Dexter Lawrence or Shelby

10:53 Harris is Dexter like Dexter Lawrence we all have

10:55 a healthy respect of what he was as an interior

10:58 defensive lineman when he was right and we saw it

11:01 in you know three straight years here with the Giants.

11:03 You know he's a ridiculously special player

11:06 on the inside but you know we've discussed it.

11:08 you could replace in the aggregate.

11:10 And you look at the depth of this team um that they have here.

11:14 You don't want an injury all of a sudden then

11:17 the expectations of the year all of a sudden change.

11:20 And that's why you you draft a hood

11:23 the quarterback coming out of Tennessee in the second round.

11:25 Why?

11:26 Because as um as John Harbaugh described him,

11:29 you know, he's like a junkyard dog.

11:31 You're going to throw him into that room.

11:32 Competition is king.

11:34 You want to have as much competition in these rooms when

11:37 you're looking at these indivi individualized

11:39 groups whether it be offensive line,

11:40 defensive line, corners, wide receiver room.

11:43 You know what?

11:43 Because that makes your team better because, you know, that's it.

11:46 I mean, it makes your team better.

11:47 You want guys fighting for playing time.

11:50 You want guys to be able to go out

11:51 there because you want remarkable depth because injuries do happen.

11:54 Paul, you've been around this game a long time.

11:56 I we I've watched this game a long time.

11:58 Like, injuries do happen.

11:59 So, it it it's nothing you can be fearful of.

12:02 You have to just say it's expected and what you want to make

12:05 sure you have happen is if you sustain a serious injury and hopefully

12:10 it doesn't happen but if you sustain that serious injury you have somebody

12:13 that has the ability to step in and play at a really high level.

12:16 You know moreover the one question that I always try to ask

12:19 myself and I try to ask other fans when they come at me

12:23 with what do you think the Giants going to do this year

12:25 this early in the season or this early in the calendar I should say.

12:29 I always say to them, "Well,

12:32 look at the starting 11 on offense, the starting 11 on defense,

12:36 and you tell me which of those guys

12:40 at any one of those positions you feel as though,

12:45 you know what, if they're the starter week one,

12:47 it was by default because we just didn't have anybody who was good enough."

12:52 Yeah.

12:52 And there were many a years over the last decade

12:55 or so where I could point to one, two, three,

13:00 maybe four positions and say that week one

13:03 starter was there by default because they just didn't

13:06 have a guy who I really felt like was good enough to be a quality NFL starter.

13:12 Well, if I put that test to this depth chart today, yeah,

13:17 I think there are 22 quality NFL starters.

13:20 Uh, I would agree with that.

13:21 Yeah, I would agree with that.

13:22 I don't think there's this overwhelming concern and and like where, you know,

13:26 we wasted there were a lot of Giant fans

13:28 that wasted a lot of anger and I get it.

13:30 Uh, when, you know, the decision was bringh brought back Evan Neil.

13:34 Well, what are we doing here?

13:35 Interior part of that offensive line.

13:36 Well, they just drafted a starter with the 10th overall pick, right,

13:39 after making that trade and acquiring that pick from the Cincinnati Bengals.

13:43 So, you look at Yeah, I I I think there's a lot to be excited about.

13:46 Like I think if you're a Giant fan,

13:48 you you know it's a little chilly as you were

13:50 talking about Paul before we hit the airwaves today outside.

13:52 Beautiful sunny day.

13:53 Enjoy the sunshine.

13:54 Smile.

13:55 There's things to like.

13:56 You got Harbaugh as the head coach.

13:58 And also, you know, fresh off his uh Kentucky Derby appearance

14:02 out at Church Hill Downs where he's dressed to the nines.

14:04 You got Jackson Dart going into year number two.

14:08 I mean, they look great.

14:09 I mean, listen, if I if I was Jackson Guard,

14:11 I would have been at Churchill Downs on Saturday as well,

14:13 enjoying the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby.

14:16 And listen, enjoy all the fruits that come your way

14:19 as a star quarterback in the National Football League.

14:22 But, you know, he is he is a franchise quarterback and I'm

14:26 excited to see Paul what he is going to be as we talk

14:29 about all the other positions on this team and reader obviously the latest

14:33 news being added to the offense uh defensive line on the interior side.

14:36 I'm excited to see the growth of Dart year

14:39 number two based on his experience year number one.

14:41 We'll go to the calls in just a second.

14:43 I do want to add one thing though

14:44 to what Moose just said about Jackson Dart because,

14:48 you know, we have seen some pictures of him in page six.

14:52 Yeah, we've seen him at the Derby.

14:53 I get it.

14:54 I think he's been at a Knicks game or two in the last couple of weeks.

14:57 No doubt.

14:57 I want to make something very clear to people.

15:00 Don't get caught with the wrong perception.

15:03 This kid is working his butt off.

15:07 I can tell you from being around here as much as I am during the offse calendar.

15:12 He is here early in the morning, late at night.

15:15 He's constantly walking around with his with his playbook and his and his charts

15:19 and his and his stuff in his hands all the time.

15:22 He is a workholic.

15:26 So, you know what?

15:27 If that means 247 he's got an hour or two that he can carve out

15:32 to watch a Knicks game or to go to a horse race, God bless him.

15:35 I want to make it clear to you folks,

15:37 he is not caught up in the planet of being me.

15:41 He is not like that at all.

15:44 No, I and I I think that's where and listen,

15:46 I I think sometimes and now we know more

15:49 about our athletes than ever before because of social media,

15:53 because of the way that things are covered and everything

15:55 is basically at our fingertips on our on our smartphone,

15:58 whether it be an Apple, whether it be a it doesn't matter, right?

16:01 Everything is there.

16:02 Uh listen, Dart wants to be great.

16:05 Um he has said it time and time again.

16:08 uh you know Dolan and Shane and and this Giants regime then

16:12 fell in love with him during that interview process and going through it.

16:15 There's nothing not to like about what he

16:17 showed you on the field and the messaging

16:20 off the field a year ago when he was the the quarterback of the Giants.

16:24 And I'm excited to see and I have no doubt and I've heard

16:27 the same things Paul you've seen it

16:28 about his work ethic and everything like that.

16:30 I if I was, you know,

16:32 the the starting quarterback for the New York Giants and I got an invite

16:35 to go to the red carpet out of Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby.

16:38 Yeah.

16:38 You know what?

16:39 Um I'm going to go with my um my early 20s.

16:42 I'm taking front row to the Knicks game at the Garden.

16:44 Okay.

16:44 I saw Justin Tuck there the other night.

16:46 Yes, he was.

16:47 He's sitting there front row.

16:49 Oh, Jimmy Fallon.

16:50 Stays there a lot, too.

16:51 Yeah, no doubt.

16:52 Yeah, the Giants are represented.

16:54 No question.

16:55 All right, let's go to the phone lines.

16:56 Uh, Roberto in Florida, you are first up on Big Blue Kickoff Live.

17:01 Hello.

17:02 Hey, Paulie Moose.

17:04 It's me, Mr.

17:05 Excitement.

17:06 What you guys doing?

17:07 How you doing?

17:07 What's up, Roberto?

17:09 I I'm doing great, man.

17:11 Look, I I I opened my eyes this morning.

17:13 Realized I wasn't pushing up daisies.

17:15 Everything else is just let's go.

17:18 Hey, check this out, man.

17:20 I You know, you said something about the running game, right?

17:23 But check this out.

17:24 when when Scottoo went down.

17:28 Yeah.

17:27 Let's not forget that Tracy still wind up with what not

17:32 a thousand yard like 900 n 99 and and a half a yard.

17:37 So, you know what the running game I'm

17:40 not worried about because Sentinary also stepped it up.

17:44 Right.

17:45 The thing with me we you ask uh where what can we do?

17:49 Okay, we got likely, right?

17:51 What we got likely?

17:53 So, and uh we got Johnson still around.

17:58 So, you know, we hard balls like to use tight ends in the slot, right?

18:05 Yeah.

18:04 But I'm still sticking with Gunner.

18:08 Oh, well.

18:09 And higher.

18:11 Yeah.

18:10 To compete for that slot position.

18:12 Okay.

18:13 But now you're cross-pollinating the tight end and wide receiver spot.

18:18 Yeah.

18:18 But but still, it's it's a long year.

18:21 Well, there are times with a multiple offense

18:23 where you will use different guys in the slot.

18:26 You can use a big slot and that big slot could very easily be a tight end.

18:31 Absolutely.

18:31 There are teams that do it all the time.

18:33 Kelsey plays big slot with Kansas City more than any other tight end.

18:37 But when we're talking about which position

18:39 would you like to see more competition, uh where would you like to see that?

18:44 Um I like to I like to see what the strongest competition is going to be.

18:48 That'll be number 95 Harris and number 95 Harris and Alexander.

18:56 Those guys are going to be tough to beat.

18:58 I know you brought in readers, right?

19:01 I'm happy because, you know,

19:02 anybody could do better than Lawrence did last year.

19:06 Lawrence was like Lawrence was like in the game but not in the game.

19:11 So, you know, I think Reer is going to be big time, right?

19:16 Okay.

19:16 So listen, the the competition for me this year is going to be Harris,

19:22 Alexander, and Marcus Bo.

19:26 That That's bottom line.

19:28 Okay.

19:28 Marcus Bo is offense.

19:30 Yeah.

19:30 Offense.

19:31 Yeah.

19:32 Together, I was going to call, but when I see my boys together,

19:34 I just had to jump on the phone and be like,

19:36 "Listen, these guys can appreciate my excitement because you know what?

19:40 I don't care what we have, what we putting out there.

19:43 We will win the division.

19:45 We will host one playoff game and God knows what's going to happen after that.

19:49 Now, Roberto, you're excited about the Giants.

19:50 Can I ask you as you're walking around down in sunny Florida, right?

19:53 Um, how many days are you sporting Giants gear?

19:58 Who me?

19:58 I listen, I had to make a decision, right?

20:00 Because I want a Sciboo the most, but I also want a Jackson Dart.

20:05 So, I b my wife in.

20:07 I was thinking I said, "Babe,

20:08 I'm thinking about something." She goes, "Uhoh." But

20:11 my wife says the same thing.

20:13 She doesn't like

20:14 I wind up buying Scottoo and Dart and I still got um number 26.

20:20 Oh my god, he's a forgotten guy already.

20:23 Um that went to Philly.

20:25 I got his No, no, no, no, no.

20:27 Your 26 could be Rob Carpenter.

20:29 I know.

20:30 You go back a long ways.

20:32 Oh, yeah.

20:32 Yeah.

20:33 Yeah.

20:33 I listen, I go back a long way.

20:35 I seen I seen I forgot the quarterback's name.

20:38 I see him fumble that and then and and Sherman picking it

20:41 up and taking it into an end zone and we lost the game.

20:44 I I go back way back.

20:46 Yeah.

20:46 Yeah.

20:47 Don't be bringing up Persic on this show.

20:49 Okay.

20:50 Cuz it's going to be tough.

20:51 Alexander Harris are going to be tough, man.

20:54 All right, Roberto.

20:56 Appreciate it, my man.

20:57 Enjoy it.

20:57 We'll talk to you again soon.

20:58 Oh, I think I got an answer.

20:59 How many days a week he's wearing, but he's got the he's got the dart.

21:02 He's got the Scataboo.

21:03 Way you go.

21:03 Roberto's rocking and rolling down in sunny Florida there.

21:06 Uh yeah, I think I think there but I

21:08 I got a little lost in the conversation in terms

21:11 of the competition for him because he was throwing

21:13 in defensive lineman and offensive lineman for the same thing.

21:16 Yeah, I don't know if he either understood the question

21:19 or maybe we just didn't understand where he was.

21:21 Yeah, I don't I don't know.

21:22 But I don't know.

21:23 And I also I I also think we have to we have to look at Reer who's played,

21:28 you know, 137 games in the National Football League.

21:31 Nobody is going to be what Dexter Lawrence was.

21:33 And now if you're going to look at last year

21:35 as being the example for Dexter Lawrence, he was just a guy.

21:39 I mean, that's the way he played and he wasn't 100% healthy.

21:41 You could look at, you know, it's been talked about,

21:44 you know, where his weight was, everything like that.

21:46 He was just a guy.

21:46 But at his peak, we know how good he was as a New York Giant.

21:50 Um, and what he was on the interior part of, uh, of that defensive line.

21:55 So, I look at I but I I I don't think any,

21:59 you know, unless you're Lawrence Taylor, nobody's irreplaceable, right?

22:03 So you look at Dexter Lawrence,

22:05 you can replace him based on the fact of what what else you can provide.

22:09 And with Tibido still being here, you throw in Brian Burns,

22:12 you've obviously got Abdul Carter year number two.

22:15 Uh what you're going to see from Arll Reese,

22:18 um you know, and how creative you can be there.

22:21 uh the quarterbacks that you've added,

22:23 whether it be in free agency and Newsome and obviously in the draft,

22:26 Hood, the quarterback coming out of uh of Tennessee,

22:28 there's a lot to like about the creativity you're going to be

22:31 provide this team and and hopefully when you're looking at Ree,

22:35 who was a tremendous run defender as an inside linebacker

22:37 at Ohio State uh for Matt Patricia and the Buckeyes,

22:40 I think he's also going to help out your rush defense as well.

22:43 Now, I read yesterday NextGen Stats, um,

22:48 which of course is affiliated with ESPN,

22:50 they said that last year there were only two nose tackles

22:54 in the NFL that drew double teams 60 plus% of the time.

23:00 They were Dexter Lawrence and DJ Reer.

23:02 There you go.

23:03 Okay, so that's number one.

23:05 That's an interesting That's an interesting number.

23:07 Okay, because yes, Dexter Lawrence was more pedestrian

23:11 last year than he ever had been before.

23:12 It was the least productive season of his career.

23:16 So, here's the thing.

23:17 No, DJ Reer is not the Dexter Lawrence

23:19 who went to three consecutive uh All-Star teams.

23:23 No, that's not what he is.

23:24 But, can he be at least what Dexter Lawrence was last year?

23:28 I do believe he can.

23:30 Now, here's what I'll tell you.

23:33 Yeah.

23:32 In each of the last two seasons with the Lions, he played 53% of the snaps.

23:37 Did DJ Reer?

23:39 So, I want you to understand that that's approximately 200

23:44 snaps less than Dexter Lawrence usually played for the Giants.

23:48 Okay?

23:50 So, yes, he can be that style of player and yes,

23:55 he can help fill that role in combination with Edmonds

23:59 and Ree behind him in the interior of the Giants D.

24:03 I think as a triangle when you look

24:06 at the nose tackle and then the two inside linebackers,

24:08 the triangle can certainly be as good if not better than it was last year.

24:15 I don't know where it compares to a couple years back when O'Kee played

24:19 real well and when Dexter played real well and when McFaden played real well.

24:23 Can they be that good?

24:25 Maybe they can.

24:26 I don't know the answer to that today.

24:28 But what I do know is that Reer is more than just a competent nose tackle.

24:35 He is a quality starting nose tackle in this league.

24:40 I just talked to Lis Brown last night who is the former Giants lineman,

24:43 seventime pro bowler who is the Lions radio analyst and has been for many years.

24:49 I just talked to Lis about him last night.

24:51 He says Raider still has it even though he's 10

24:54 years in the league and he's going on 32 years old.

24:56 He's like, "No, no, he's got the strength.

24:58 He's got the quickness.

25:00 He loves to gobble up double teams.

25:02 And don't even look at his statline as much as you want to look at how

25:07 he winds up gobbling up doubles to help everybody else." He said to me flat out,

25:12 "Jeff Campbell does not have the kind of years

25:15 he's had the last two years at middle

25:17 linebacker if Reer is not clogging up that traffic in front of him." And I said,

25:21 "Lis, that's the whole point.

25:24 That's exactly what the Giants are going to want to

25:26 free up space.

25:27 There's no doubt any, you know, let's see.

25:29 Started all 17 games, you mentioned it,

25:30 583 snaps a year ago for the Detroit Lions.

25:33 63, 330 lbs.

25:35 This was a guy that the Giants were intrigued by.

25:37 Love that stat you threw out there, Paul, in terms of the fact that, you know,

25:40 only one of two defensive interior defensive tackles or nose

25:43 tackles that generated uh double team 60% of the time,

25:47 DJ Reer and Dexter Lawrence.

25:49 Um, just want to look at, you know, what he can provide to this team.

25:53 He's not going to be at his peak what Lawrence was,

25:55 but can he do the job that the Giants are asking him to do?

25:58 The question of that is yes.

26:00 Specifically, he does not have much in terms of a pass rush.

26:05 No.

26:05 So, don't expect, you know, seven, eight, nine sacks,

26:07 which Dexter did a couple of years ago, right?

26:09 And but here's the other aspect of it.

26:11 I've got guys on this team and Burns and Ree and Abdul Carter and Kavon Tibido.

26:16 They get sacks.

26:17 They get they get sacks.

26:18 They can attack off the edge.

26:20 And here's what's going to help out the rush defense.

26:22 Maybe you're getting into third and obviously long passing or second and long.

26:26 All of a sudden, you know,

26:27 you're putting teams behind the sticks where it's making it obvious passing

26:30 situ like there are things that the Giants are going to be

26:32 able to do here and clearly early on teams are going

26:35 to want to try and run the football and establish the run.

26:38 Can you be good enough to where um you're able to set up

26:42 the your ability of guys coming off the edge to get after the quarterback?

26:45 Folks, want to remind Giants fans that you can be there for the 2026 Town Hall

26:50 presented by Verizon live from the Beacon Theater

26:53 in New York City on Monday, May 18th.

26:55 Get an exclusive preview of the season

26:57 with GM Joe Shane and head coach John Haw.

27:00 Plus, hear from current players like Jackson Dart, Cam Scataboo,

27:03 and Brian Burns, along with members of the newest draft class.

27:07 Secure your seats now at giants.com/townhall.

27:11 By the way, the Giants huddle just went up.

27:13 Another one.

27:14 Johnny Mack tells me Bucky Brooks went up today.

27:17 Uh, always love to hear from Bucky from NFL Network.

27:20 He's one of those guys who just puts in hours upon hours of watching film.

27:24 He's uh he's always a joy to uh to listen to.

27:27 All right, we go back to the phones.

27:28 Jason in New Haven, you are next on the program.

27:31 Hello.

27:33 Oh, let's go back to Jason.

27:35 There you go.

27:36 Jason, are you there?

27:38 Good afternoon, Matt and Moose.

27:39 I mean, Paul and Moose, excuse me.

27:40 How you guys doing?

27:41 Oh, good.

27:42 Jason, good, good.

27:44 I I just want to appreciate, you know, thank you guys for, you know,

27:48 uh I know you guys like to get different callers from, you know,

27:51 all parts of the world,

27:52 but um I appreciate you guys taking a second call from me this week.

27:55 Um I just want to make two uh quick points and then ask you to a a question.

28:02 Um, I I was going to say, um, as fans,

28:06 and you guys know this, I know you guys work in media,

28:08 you guys work for the Giants,

28:10 but I I'm sure you two are big fans of the Giants,

28:14 and I I think it's I I personally think I'm very uh bullish on this team.

28:20 Um, I know the NFL is a year-to-year league.

28:24 Things change.

28:25 Uh, players get hurt, coaches get fired, blah, blah, blah.

28:28 We know the list of things that could change year to year.

28:31 rosters change all the time, but I'm telling you guys,

28:35 uh, I was very impressed by this team last year,

28:38 even though the results didn't match my enthusiasm

28:42 because of the the the the schedule

28:45 we had and the teams we played last year from that first Philly game,

28:50 dominating them all game, uh, to the Denver game, which, you know,

28:55 I won't go into, that was an epic collapse, but, um,

28:59 we played them tooth and to the end to the second Eagles game

29:03 to the Bears game to the I could go down the list, man.

29:06 Jason, six blown leads in the fourth quarter that resulted in losses.

29:10 So, we understand that, you know,

29:12 they just didn't play a full 60 minutes every weekend and that was the problem.

29:18 Right.

29:18 So, I'm bullish on this team.

29:21 Um, it's going to lead me into my second point.

29:23 We talk about Paul, you talk about the six blown leads, right?

29:27 And if you guys want to respond to this, that's cool.

29:31 I know you guys have to see some of these people in the building.

29:35 Paul, I know you've been there for decades.

29:38 Moose, I don't know how often you're

29:39 in the building or around the players, the coaches.

29:42 So, I don't want to belittle this gentleman.

29:45 Um, I don't know him.

29:46 I'm sure he's a fine person.

29:48 I'm just talking about the results on the field.

29:51 my my actual excitement for this defense,

29:56 I'm just speaking to the defense at this point, is the coaching change, right?

30:03 Mhm.

30:02 I might sound a little uh rough, but I'm just speaking my truth.

30:08 um the subtraction of the I won't say his name

30:12 but you know who it is that the subtraction

30:13 of the ex defensive coordinator we had the last

30:16 two years to me is the biggest uh sub

30:21 addition by subtraction right to me his tenure

30:24 and his play calling to me was very underwhelming and it

30:29 was outright corrosive in my opinion week after week

30:34 it felt like watching the system actively actively right?

30:37 Not putting their players in the best position.

30:40 Now, this is just my opinion.

30:40 I'm not saying you guys have to respond.

30:42 Well, I mean, Jason, he lost his job during the year.

30:45 So, I mean, you know that, you know,

30:47 so when you're looking at Bowen, uh, you know, being out as defensive.

30:51 Yeah.

30:51 I mean, the results are the results.

30:53 Uh, the Giants struggled stopping the run.

30:55 Um, you know, when you're looking at some of the defensive play calling,

30:58 the inability to hold on to leads, uh, what they did defensively at times, uh,

31:03 the confusion you saw in the defensive secondary where you saw broken coverages.

31:07 Yeah, it wasn't good enough.

31:08 I mean, so I I don't think you I mean, Jason,

31:11 I I don't I don't think you're speaking out of turn

31:13 or you're doing and I think there there is I mean,

31:16 Paul has talked about the fact that, you know,

31:18 with the new defensive coordinator, the excitement level uh with this group,

31:22 I think for this entire coaching staff,

31:24 there's no question about it and the pieces that now

31:27 can be used on that defensive side of the ball.

31:29 Jason, I don't know Dard Wilson nearly well enough

31:32 to make a firsthand assessment right now of him.

31:35 I don't.

31:36 I would like to get to know him very much so during training camp.

31:40 But here's what I will tell you.

31:42 Looking at that Giants team from the last two years,

31:45 they played some of their best defense in the final month or so

31:48 of the season after the outside

31:51 linebackers coach was the interim defensive coordinator.

31:54 Carrick with the interception against the Raiders.

31:56 I mean, you know, this and stopping the run

31:59 and Jason, none of us ever hid from that.

32:01 the facts were the facts and and we

32:03 told you as the final month was being played, look at this defense.

32:08 Guys are starting to play better.

32:09 Guys are playing more to their potential.

32:12 And it was with a number of guys.

32:14 I I've always said this, Jason,

32:16 and I and I'm going to I'm going to let

32:17 you go with this comment because it's another way.

32:20 It's a primitive way to do it.

32:22 And Moose, you may disagree and that's okay if you do,

32:25 but a primitive way when you look

32:28 at a position coach or even a defensive coordinator,

32:32 I always say look at his room or his unit and tell me how

32:38 many of those guys are not playing up to the back of their football card.

32:43 How many guys are not playing to the standard of what they should be playing at?

32:48 Now, it's one thing to say they're not playing above.

32:51 That's one thing, but it's another thing to say, look,

32:54 we should have a guaranteed standard performance out

32:58 of this player because we know what he is, especially if he's a veteran, right?

33:02 We we should know what Javon Holland is.

33:04 He played with the Dolphins for a handful of years.

33:07 You know what he is.

33:08 We didn't see that guy last year.

33:10 No, we did not.

33:11 We didn't see Paul Sinadbo play like he did with the Saints.

33:14 And Holland played for a number of defensive coordinators in Miami.

33:17 Okay.

33:18 So when you see guys in a room or on a whole

33:23 defensive unit or an offensive unit for that matter,

33:26 a number of them not playing to the standard

33:29 that they have set based on their resume in the NFL,

33:33 then that doesn't point as much to the player.

33:36 It points more to the scheme and the plan.

33:39 Yeah.

33:39 And the uptick.

33:40 And listen, anytime there's a coaching change,

33:42 you'll see it in Major League Baseball

33:44 with Mattingly taking over the Phillies for Rob Thompson.

33:47 they're playing a little bit better.

33:48 You see that and and as we talked about

33:51 earlier in the National Football League's not for long, right?

33:53 So the the careers of NFL players,

33:56 so you're putting stuff on tape late in the year.

33:58 The other aspect of it I look at, Paul,

34:00 and you know, is what defines you like what is,

34:04 you know, it's okay to, you know, what do what is going to be your hallmark?

34:07 What is going to be your your bread and butter defensively?

34:10 Like what's going to define you as a what's your identity?

34:13 Um, and and so and I think now we're we're going to I think under Dinard Wilson,

34:18 we're going to figure out and find out what the Giants identity is.

34:21 And it's kind of going to be the ability

34:23 to go after and when the Giants have been great, uh,

34:26 when they've been Super Bowl champion great, uh,

34:28 they've had a great ability to protect the quarterback

34:30 and a great ability to get after the quarterback.

34:32 And, uh, I think that is what this is going to define this unit.

34:36 They bringing in guys and and never got that sense

34:38 with Bowen in terms of what he wanted the defense to be.

34:42 Um, and you you saw it in in a downturn of performance.

34:45 I think there was a lot of, you know,

34:46 there there was a lot of conjecture about Shane

34:48 Bowen after year one as the Giants defensive coordinator.

34:51 Unfortunately, obviously, you know,

34:53 he lost his job during the course of the year,

34:55 but I don't think Jason,

34:56 you're speaking out of turn in terms

34:58 of being critical about the way the unit played.

35:00 I think Paul, to play to his point, is right.

35:02 When guys are underperforming and not playing to the level of their ability,

35:07 um, it's not necessarily just on them.

35:10 Um, it's also on the coach because the coach's job

35:13 is to get the very best out of the players.

35:15 Uh, no matter what.

35:16 And if you're not, then you're not doing your job.

35:19 All right, back to the phones.

35:20 James in Georgia, you're next on Big Blue Kickoff Live.

35:24 Maybe not.

35:25 James is gone.

35:26 Uh, Johnny Mack, why don't we try John in Cape Cod?

35:29 Hello.

35:30 You're next on the show.

35:32 Good afternoon, Paul Moose.

35:34 Uh, glad to see the senior team back today.

35:37 Johnny, what's going on, buddy?

35:38 on cuz cuz I'm one of the old-timers as you know.

35:43 Uh I just want to talk about a couple

35:45 of things and the last comment I'll take off the air.

35:48 Uh I played college ball in the late 60s

35:52 as a defensive back and at that time my school

35:57 was still timing people in the hundred yard dash

36:01 which thankfully they have moved to the 40s since then.

36:05 But the one thing one thing that we did though that I would love to see

36:09 them bring back at the combine and wherever

36:12 is our times were run with full equipment on.

36:17 Right.

36:16 And I'll tell you I I'll tell you why that's important to me is

36:20 because the guys who are light are going to be fast running in shorts.

36:26 guys who are strong, even if they're compact,

36:29 are going to perform better with all

36:32 their equipment on, which is a real world situation.

36:38 Uh the other the other thing I I hope is going to happen is

36:42 that the Giants will come to terms with OBJ

36:45 because he'll be I think he's changed personalitywise,

36:50 matured, and he'll be a great mentor for those receivers.

36:54 And I think the guy's still a great weapon

36:57 in the red zone because of his good hands and good moves.

37:02 Uh

37:03 John, John, before you go any further, John, hold on.

37:06 Before you go any further, Moose,

37:07 you ask him first and then I got a question for you, too.

37:10 Who you like in at this stage of his career,

37:14 who are you taking off the field for Odell Beckham Jr.?

37:19 Well, we don't even know what the status is of Neighbors.

37:24 Well, I'm going on the idea that Neighbors is healthy.

37:26 Neighbors is on the field, right?

37:27 I don't Yeah, I I I would probably I

37:31 would probably pull Sllayton and put OBJ in the slot,

37:38 especially Especially if Neighbors is healthy

37:42 and the uh new possession receiver that they

37:47 just drafted works out as well as it looks like he'll work out.

37:52 Okay.

37:52 Now, I think right now their slot contenders are Osvski, Calvin Austin,

37:59 and you could potentially put Darnell Mooney as a big

38:02 slot to some degree because he's not your typical Smurf,

38:05 and he has played all over the field during his time in the NFL.

38:09 There's quite a crowded room fighting for those snaps as it is now.

38:14 So to Moose's point, do you honestly believe that at this stage,

38:18 and I don't know the answer,

38:19 but it's certainly a viable question at this stage of OBJ's career,

38:24 is he appreciably better than either one of those people?

38:28 And I've give you another another question.

38:31 How are you going to find space for him

38:32 on your game day roster when he doesn't play special teams?

38:36 Because he at this stage of his career, he is not going to play special teams.

38:41 It's an excellent point, Paul.

38:43 It all depends what Harbaugh and the rest

38:46 of the staff saw from him in his workouts.

38:50 We know he's not going to be a regular, but you know,

38:53 a situational player is invaluable in the red zone because

38:57 the Giants really had a problem scoring in close last year.

39:05 Understood.

39:04 The the last thing I'll mention and then the the last

39:08 remark I'll take off because I don't want to take everybody's time.

39:12 I think Jack Kelly is going to be an ace on special teams

39:16 and I think that's how he's going to miss make the the squad this year.

39:21 Uh, finally, and I'll take this off off the the line.

39:27 Uh, looking back at the Giants,

39:30 which you two guys are encyclopedia at, can we talk about briefly two players,

39:38 David Wilson, Ramsay's Bon.

39:41 Now I know what happened to Wilson, how it ended his career because I thought

39:44 he was going to be the next Ahmad Bradshaw.

39:47 But Bon I remember when he finally got a chance to start because of an injury.

39:53 He had this unbelievable game.

39:55 I think it was against Cleveland about 11 or 12 receptions.

39:59 Carolina he had 100 yard game against the Panthers

40:01 because they played zone defense in the secondary

40:04 the whole game and all he did was sit down and find spaces in the zone.

40:09 John, his problem was he could not get off and get open.

40:14 He had no separation skills.

40:16 He was a big skyscraper, as you know.

40:18 I love skyscrapers, but he did not have speed.

40:21 He did not have quickness, and he did not have the ability to juke

40:26 guys with his routes in order to get open.

40:30 And so that's why he was only useful against a zone.

40:33 And that one day when he caught 100 yards worth of passes,

40:36 I believe it was Carolina.

40:38 It it was against the zone defense.

40:40 He was never able to replicate that at any other

40:42 time because defenses knew that if he was on the field,

40:46 all you had to do was was get up get up on him and that was it.

40:50 And he just he couldn't gain any separation.

40:53 Thank you, Paul.

40:54 I appreciate that.

40:55 No problem.

40:55 Now, what about what was your opinion on Wilson?

40:59 Wilson had tremendous speed, was an awesome kickoff returner, but as you know,

41:03 he had the problem with the disc in in his neck and the upper backer and I mean,

41:08 you know, why why would he continue playing when he was going to risk paralysis?

41:13 Well, he didn't.

41:14 And and he became he was so athletic, you know, he became an an excellent uh he

41:21 caston athlete afterwards where he didn't have to

41:25 I didn't know that about is that true?

41:27 Yeah, he tried for the Olympics.

41:28 He didn't actually make the team, but he did try.

41:30 Oh, that's great.

41:31 No, he was a wonderful athlete and you know, to be honest with you,

41:34 he did he was for his size, incredible speed, and quicks.

41:39 But honestly, uh, he was best used as a kickoff return guy,

41:44 and that's why he was so good with the Giants as a kickoff return guy.

41:47 I'll be frank with you, John.

41:49 In retrospect, in looking back at his career,

41:52 he wasn't as much of a power runner as he needed to be for the size that he had.

41:58 So, he was kind of caught in between twixed in between

42:01 in that he had so much quicks like a small scatback would have,

42:06 but his body was supposed to be built more

42:09 to be a guy who could run some power stuff.

42:12 And he just didn't have that mentality to do it.

42:15 He he was more he had a body of a bigger guy,

42:18 but a mentality and a performance of a smaller, quicker guy.

42:22 And that's never a good thing in the NFL because

42:24 if you don't know what you are as a running back,

42:27 it's pretty hard for you to excel.

42:30 Yeah, I I I see your point.

42:33 It was just that he flashed so much.

42:36 I know.

42:37 I know.

42:37 As a rookie and it was such a short career, he never had the time to develop.

42:42 I I was at an affair and was sneaking off into the bar to watch the Giants play.

42:48 The the one day when he got a shot starting,

42:52 I think Bradshaw might have been nicked up and he broke

42:55 off a touchdown run of 60 plus yards and I just Yeah, I got you, John.

43:02 John, thank you.

43:02 Take care.

43:03 Yeah, he had some some speed and acceleration.

43:06 He really did.

43:06 No question about it.

43:07 I You know what I've learned today?

43:08 I've got to start a new program on my skin because

43:12 John called me an old-timer and before we started the show today,

43:15 you asked me if I remember watching Yankee playoff games in the 70s.

43:19 I I you know, don't let the gray hair fool you.

43:22 I mean, like I came in here, I was feeling good about myself.

43:25 All I need to do is sit down next to take a call from John in Cape Cod.

43:29 All of a sudden, now you know what?

43:30 I got to change up my routine a little bit.

43:32 Well, at least I didn't ask you if you listen to Mel Allen for God's sakes.

43:36 Okay, I know.

43:36 I love you.

43:37 I've just lost you, J.

43:38 It's all good.

43:39 It's all good.

43:40 James and Georgia, you're next on the show.

43:42 Hello.

43:44 Thanks for coming back to me, guys.

43:46 What's up, James?

43:48 I'm all right.

43:49 Uh, let me start off.

43:51 Let's go next.

43:52 Uh, yes.

43:53 If you can, give me a give me a second.

43:55 I got a couple of points.

43:57 Um, the question of the day was, um,

44:00 our depth or where do you want to see improvement?

44:05 Well, competition.

44:06 Yeah.

44:06 competition competition because well I say I feel the way

44:11 you do Paulie I believe our roster is good right

44:14 now um not saying that we can't get better uh

44:18 but I I do believe Joe Shane and Harbaugh been

44:23 been uh cooking back there and bringing in DJ

44:26 Reer was um was a good move like I said

44:30 they we subtracted Dex to Lawrence but we've added some

44:33 good pieces um to to draft them through free agency.

44:38 So, you know, let's see what we what we got.

44:41 You know, we can you can throw a million crabs in the bucket,

44:44 but you know, once you we only you know, 53 are going to make the team.

44:50 So, yes.

44:51 Um, might as well see what we got.

44:53 I like the roster the way it looks constructed right now.

44:56 But with that being said, to to answer the question,

45:00 um I believe we still need depth at linebacker and probably safety.

45:07 Uh McFatin, he has speed, but I've said this before on the show,

45:12 he can't tackle a fishing pole.

45:15 Um he he has speed.

45:17 He gets to the hole.

45:18 He misses too many tackles for me.

45:21 James, he had over a hundred two years ago.

45:23 And in fact, he's gotten better at what you're talking about.

45:27 Each year he's been with the Giants,

45:29 he has cut down on his poor angles and his missed

45:32 tackles to the point where he had a career year in 2024.

45:37 And quite frankly, if he Yeah.

45:40 If he didn't break his foot, I think everybody in this building thinks he

45:45 was primed to have a really solid season.

45:46 That was a huge loss for the defense

45:48 last suffered that injury against Washington.

45:50 So maybe maybe he goes into my show me into my show me category.

45:55 Maybe you know what I'm saying and that's my personal

45:58 you know I got to see more from him.

46:01 Okay.

46:00 Uh maybe last year was his year to show me and he got hurt you know.

46:04 Well let me ask you this.

46:05 With the signing of Edmonds and the drafting of Ree

46:10 right now McFaten is your number three inside linebacker.

46:13 Last year that was Darius Muisowl with all due respect.

46:17 Don't you think that's an upgrade?

46:19 That is and that's why then that's why I just say pro

46:22 and that's probably why it's hard to uh even answer the question

46:26 like if we have a hole it's probably there the fourth linebacker

46:30 the fourth linebacker spot not even the third because like you say

46:34 uh McFaten coming back being resigned or whatn not as a as an upgrade.

46:41 Well, I mean, James,

46:42 it's a good question and the point of it and you know that that was

46:46 pointed out by Paul is you feel really good about where this roster is, right?

46:50 And you mentioned safety.

46:51 I think Holland is going to have a significantly better

46:55 second year with the Giants than he did year number one.

46:57 Um, and and I understand that, you know,

47:00 and that could have been a a position that was addressed.

47:02 Ball's got Caleb DS.

47:04 A lot of people love Caleb DS coming out of Ohio State and what you could

47:06 use him defensively as a weapon and what

47:09 he potentially could be in the National Football League,

47:11 but there's a lot to like about on paper

47:14 and we all know you don't play games on paper.

47:16 You don't play him on a spreadsheet.

47:18 You don't play them on a computer,

47:19 but on paper you like the vision of this team.

47:22 I think Paul hit upon it earlier on when we hit the airwaves is,

47:26 you know, he was saying looking at this team over the last decade,

47:28 there might be three, four, five uh positions where you looked at and you had

47:33 concerns about uh because of the player and the individual.

47:37 You don't have those reservations.

47:38 You feel really good about this group.

47:41 Now, not everyone's going to stay healthy.

47:43 You know, injuries happen in the National Football League on the field,

47:46 you know, practice during training camp, everything like that.

47:49 But what you have to also look at is the depth of this team and the groups

47:53 that they have in terms of all right well

47:55 if we suffer an injury here then how are we

47:58 able to not necessarily bandate it but be able

48:01 to plug somebody in that can continue to play

48:03 maybe not at the level the player lost

48:05 but at a level that can be a winning level.

48:07 You you had asked about safety now they brought Pinoch back.

48:12 Yep.

48:11 Who by the way was a starting caliber player for the Giants 2 years ago.

48:14 Good guy too.

48:15 And now he's the three instead of Dane Beltton cuz Belton is now with the Jets.

48:20 And then they also brought in a Darius

48:22 Washington who is a versatile sometimes safety, sometimes corner,

48:27 sometimes nickel from the Ravens and John Harour really

48:31 likes him and that's why he brought him up here.

48:34 So I don't know if I agree with you about the safety spot.

48:38 Okay.

48:38 We'll kind of play a devil's advocate uh again because like I said,

48:42 I love the roster and I was going to mention Pennock.

48:44 Um and do you um would you agree or disagree

48:49 with the last time we saw Pennock in our building in our jersey?

48:53 And I got a just a couple more points if you got time for me.

48:58 um that he was also taking bad angles at the ball or do

49:03 you say we he got he got signed because he had a good year?

49:07 At times he did.

49:08 At times he did.

49:09 There is no doubt about that.

49:11 He was not perfect.

49:12 Okay.

49:13 But was he was he a starting caliber NFL safety?

49:17 I think Let me think he was.

49:20 Let me and I just got a couple um last couple things and go ahead.

49:24 One of them is really um kind of a question.

49:28 Uh do you think you need uh a quote

49:31 unquote at least one stud player at each level

49:35 on your team to um realistically um compete or win

49:43 a not even compete but win a Super Bowl.

49:45 And if you have any examples of what I might be talking about, you know,

49:50 a stud player, I won't say Pro Bowl because,

49:53 you know, that's a but an accolade player.

49:55 Yeah.

49:58 Um and um I think Tyrone Tracy should should start.

50:01 I love Scataboo.

50:02 I love his uh playing style,

50:05 but I believe Scat should be our third down and fourth quarter uh running back.

50:11 and Tyrone Tracy like he's proven to to be a quality starting

50:17 running back in the you know in the NFL and for our team.

50:21 So um you know and really it was that injury that gave Scat the the shine

50:29 that he got and once um Tracy came back in he you know went right back to work.

50:35 So, I in my opinion, I think Tracy should be be starting.

50:39 Um, James, I think you're going to see situational

50:43 snaps with those guys to be frank with you.

50:46 I really do.

50:47 I don't think there's going to be a set starter for all 17 games.

50:51 Just series by series by series, right?

50:53 Not even series by series.

50:55 I think it matters on opponent.

50:57 The opponent is going to make a difference about the scheme, the style,

51:00 their strengths, and then what do the Giants want to do to attack that opponent.

51:04 I don't think it'll be a series by series thing.

51:06 Maybe some weeks it will,

51:08 but I don't think either one of those guys is going to start 17 games.

51:12 I think bringing in Ricard makes it less about um like style and more

51:20 about like series by series giving

51:22 guys blows because they're so like interchangeable.

51:25 and with bringing in a fullback that kind of um

51:30 I mean I hear what you're saying and how Harbaugh

51:32 likes to attack you know good head coaches attack teams

51:36 individually but I think bringing in Patrick Lucard gives you

51:40 the ability to interchange the running backs uh more frequently

51:48 um even even so if you have a if you're

51:51 playing like a a softer line you want to go

51:54 with scatter If you're playing a or a heavier line,

51:58 you want to go with Scataboo.

52:00 If you're playing a slower line, you want to go with Tracy, maybe.

52:03 Is how you're Is that how you're saying it?

52:06 Um, the scheme scheme is going to be the bigger deal, right?

52:10 And I I think both guys, and James, thanks a lot for the call.

52:13 I think I think both guys are going to get their fair amount of burn.

52:16 Uh, I really do.

52:17 And I think both obviously and I think after the Scaboo injury,

52:20 you saw an uptick with Tracy.

52:22 And back to the point James was making in terms

52:24 of like we've we've seen teams win Super Bowls.

52:27 We watch Dilford with the Ravens, Brad Johnson with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

52:31 I would not necessarily say those were elite level quarterbacks.

52:34 I mean, Johnson was good.

52:35 Dilford obviously the Baltimore Ravens that year,

52:38 that defense was historically great.

52:40 So, I don't know if you necessarily need to have a star allp

52:44 procure player at every single level when you're looking at at your team.

52:48 It's a matter of how you play as a group, right?

52:50 And I I think offensively there's a lot of things

52:53 to like about what this Giant team potentially could be.

52:56 But something we hit upon earlier,

52:57 Paul, it's it's the continued growth, maturation.

53:00 Um and I would say um starting to get a sense

53:03 of what he is as a quarterback when you're looking at Dart.

53:06 That's to me is what makes it not just the fact that you have Harbaugh here.

53:10 Not now when you look at the complex

53:11 this roster and how it's made up is the fact

53:14 I've got a young quarterback going into year two

53:16 that I think is going to show tremendous growth.

53:19 And coaching matters in the NFL.

53:21 We see it year in and year out.

53:23 You saw it last year.

53:24 Saw it in New England, Jacksonville.

53:26 You've seen in Denver with Shawn Payeyton.

53:28 Um you know, coaching matters in the National

53:30 Football League when you go around the landscape.

53:32 And the Giants have a real good one in John Horbal.

53:34 I'll give you one comment before we get to Giovani.

53:37 I think it's a little bit of a bold prediction or a bold statement,

53:40 but I don't think it's insane to think that it's possible

53:44 Tracy and Scataboo could each push almost a thousand rushing yards.

53:48 That would be awesome.

53:48 Yeah, I don't think that's out of I

53:50 don't think that's out of the realm of possibility.

53:52 I wouldn't disagree with that.

53:53 I would agree with you there.

53:54 And just back to John was calling earlier about about Odell Beckham Jr.

53:58 like and we all would love the story and it was great

54:01 that he came here and the conversations that's been had it's calmed

54:04 down you know he wasn't in the league in 25 um you

54:09 know he you know you look at what is he I think he's

54:11 33 32 33 years old you look at this stage of Odell

54:16 in terms of where he is you want to bring him

54:18 in but then what the role is and I point out with John

54:22 before you mean to tell me I'm going to take Odell Beckham Jr.

54:24 Maybe he's back.

54:25 May, maybe I end up being dead wrong,

54:27 but then I'm going to start to take guys that are in the prime

54:29 of their career right now off the field in that red zone.

54:33 And then then the conversations really have to be had in terms of okay,

54:36 if we bring you a board, like realistically, what is the role?

54:40 How are we going to use you?

54:41 Like all of those things.

54:42 And then is the player going to be okay with that role as well, Paul?

54:45 That goes to the point that Harwell said.

54:47 We have to find out if it's a good fit for us and a good fit for him.

54:51 That's exactly what he was telling everybody quickly.

54:53 Giovani in New Jersey.

54:55 We'll give you two minutes.

54:56 Go ahead.

54:58 Hey, what's going on guys?

54:59 Uh, first time father taking the call.

55:03 Uh, I just wanted to ask you guys real quick and just quickly give my top five.

55:06 I know I'm running out of time here, but um,

55:09 I wanted to ask you guys who you guys think your top five

55:12 stars would be this year in terms of like production and all that stuff.

55:17 Nice stop by quickly would be Abdul Carter just because um I feel

55:23 like he is like coming into the season with a chip on his shoulder.

55:26 He has a lot to prove and I feel like

55:28 he has the capacity to be able to prove that.

55:31 Um sorry there's a lot of noise in the background.

55:33 I apologize.

55:35 Well, my number two would be uh would be Andy Thomas just because in past

55:40 years um with the way we ran the ball and things like that coming in um like

55:48 we would run in his direction and he would be the one kicking out um

55:52 going toward blocking and I just think he's going to be a very big um

55:56 factor when it comes to that.

55:57 My number three would be Jackson Dart just because I feel like he could be a top

56:01 five I mean sorry top 10 quarterback this year.

56:04 um considering what he what he had around him and things like that.

56:08 Um right.

56:10 Yeah.

56:10 I just feel like he a lot of good things this year.

56:13 My number four would be uh Ryan Burns just because what he's done last year.

56:17 Okay.

56:17 Feel like he's going to be able to do that again.

56:19 And then my number five would be uh Champaboo.

56:23 I'll take your answer off the air.

56:24 I appreciate you guys.

56:25 Thanks for the call.

56:26 I'm not sure exactly what he wanted to do

56:29 in terms of defining his top five giants, but I think any top five,

56:34 no matter how you want to quantify it or qualify it,

56:37 if you will, Jackson Dart kind of has to be number one, doesn't he?

56:41 Because if Jackson Dart has a really great season,

56:44 most important position in sports.

56:45 Yeah.

56:46 I mean, if he if he if he progresses like they think,

56:49 the Giants are going to be in great shape.

56:52 And if he takes a step back like CJ Strad,

56:54 well then it's going to be a little rocky.

56:56 No question.

56:57 Then you need other areas to make up

56:59 for that step back when you're looking at Dart.

57:02 But it's the most important position in the NFL.

57:04 If you don't have one, you're in search of one.

57:06 When you've got a good young one, and the Giants do is the sky's the limit

57:10 in terms of what you potentially can do.

57:12 And obviously, you want to try and win and win big uh in the the initial

57:16 rookie contract because that opens you up to spend in other areas of that team.

57:20 And that's the window we're in here with the New York Giants.

57:23 And that's what makes it really, really exciting.

57:25 Real quick, uh, YouTube comments went up.

57:27 I want to give them, uh, at least 90 seconds before we sign out.

57:30 Joey Perez, 8736, says, "I'm in Florida and I rock my gear all day, every day."

57:36 There you go, Joey.

57:37 Good for you, Joey.

57:38 Mandalorian 9 says, "Cornerback room is looking scary." I

57:42 don't know if he means that's good or bad.

57:45 Uh, he says scary.

57:46 I don't I would take that as good.

57:48 Good.

57:48 Okay.

57:48 I think that no, I would say that.

57:51 MB Goblin says, "I think the quarterback room will surprise us." Okay.

57:55 All right.

57:55 Uh he also adds, "Oh, there we go.

57:58 That disappeared.

57:59 Do we think the quarterback or middle linebacker spot will

58:01 be the most improved position?" Uh he says, "I mean, so by the end of 26,

58:06 which room will have shown the most improvement?" Not on paper as of today.

58:11 I'd go middle linebacker.

58:13 I would agree with that.

58:14 Yeah.

58:14 I mean, I'd go middle linebacker.

58:15 Inside linebacker.

58:17 Yes.

58:17 as opposed to just middle inside linebacker.

58:19 I mean, these two guys together, recent ed.

58:23 It's going to be awesome.

58:24 I'm telling you.

58:25 Um, Tom 13, I think running backs are a question to be honest.

58:30 Agree with you.

58:31 Iman Perry says quarterback.

58:34 I guess he doesn't like Jameus Winston.

58:35 No, I guess Well, I guess.

58:38 Um, let's see.

58:39 Mandalorian 9 says, "We have Winston.

58:41 We're find a quarterback." Chris from Queens cause or cause

58:45 says tight end will be the most improved yeartoear.

58:48 We have Martin Jiro 3778.

58:51 Where did we leave it with Odell Beckham?

58:53 Is it still alive or is it over?

58:54 It is still alive.

58:55 It is on hold right now and that's all we know.

58:58 And then the last guy is Michael Finkelestein 3405.

59:02 I can't stop thinking about our jumbo package.

59:05 We got some big boys who all now.

59:08 Hey, come on now.

59:09 Giants are going to play bully ball on both sides of the football.

59:12 That's it.

59:12 And it's a, you know, I we were talking about tight ends earlier.

59:15 Look at how many three tight end sets the Los Angeles Rams use.

59:18 And it's a copycat league.

59:20 And that's not afraid to use.

59:22 He's done it before.

59:22 He's not.

59:23 So that's going to be something that becomes a little bit

59:25 more of the vibe in the National Football League as well.

59:27 Love Joey.

59:28 The fact he's rocking the Giants gear every single day down in FLA.

59:31 Look at that.

59:32 So are we.

59:33 Absolutely.

59:34 No doubt.

59:34 I got the hoodie on.

59:35 It's a little chill in the air.

59:36 No doubt.

59:37 Fun show, Mark.

59:37 You got it, Paul.

59:38 Pleasure.

59:38 Thanks for listening to today's episode

59:40 of Big Blue Kickoff Live presented by Cadillac,

59:42 the official luxury vehicle of the New York Football Giants.

59:44 Coming to you from the Giants

59:46 podcast studio presented by HackinSack Meridian Health.

59:49 Keep getting better.

59:50 The show is part of the Giants platforms everywhere,

59:52 the Giants YouTube channel, and giants.com/mpodcasts.

59:56 We will see you next time.