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With training camp just over a month away, the New York Giants have signed two more of their nine rookie draft picks in running back Andre Brown and tight end Travis Beckum. Beckum was the Giants second pick in the third round of April's draft, and is expected to bring a new dimension to the offense in the H-Back role. Andre Brown is a fourth round selection who gives the Giants more young depth at the running back position where they already boast impressive talent.

Andre Brown's deal is said to be a 4-year contract for $2.2 million. Details of Beckum's deal have not yet been released. The remaining unsigned rookies include first round pick WR Hakeem Nicks, and second round picks LB Clint Sintim and OT William Beatty. 

Here's a look at the other Giants rookie deals:

WR Ramses Barden (3rd Round)

4 years - $2.5 million 

QB Rhett Bomar (5th round)

4 years - $2 million

CB DeAndre Wright (6th Round)

4 years - $1.8 million

CB Stoney Woodson (7th round)

4 years - $1.8 million 

A lot has been made of the New York Giants offeseason acquisitions, especially those made along the defensive line. And why not? After all, the additions of Rocky Bernard and Chris Canty in particular give the Giants the best defensive line in the NFL...at least on paper.

But when the season actually begins and these players actually start to produce, it may not be Bernard, Canty or even linebacker Michael Boley that have the biggest impact for Big Blue. In fact, the key to their potential defensive success will actually come from someone who was already on the roster, but a player that has been somewhat overlooked because of a very good draft and solid free agent period.

Osi Umenyiora is a lot like a fantastic cleanup hitter in baseball. He's going to give the player in front of him, in this case, Justin Tuck, a lot of protection and then he'll produce big numbers all on his own.

This isn't a knock on Mathias Kiwanuka, who is a fantastic defensive end in his own right, but he's no Umenyiora. And while he did a good job filling in for Chief Osi last season, the overall production of the Giants defensive ends will be much better with him coming in rotation as opposed to starting.

Over his last four seasons (2008 not included), Umenyiora has collected 40.5 sacks and done a damn fine job against the run. He's progressively gotten better each year and has reminded Giants fans a lot of a younger Michael Strahan.

Is it too soon to create his Hall of Fame plaque? Of course, but it's not too soon to look ahead to what he's going to do for the 2009-2010 Giants. And if he can stay healthy, it's not a stretch to believe he'll collect 60 tackles, 14-16 sacks and a handful of force fumbles.

Giants Blog Roundup is a compilation of Big Blue snippets from around the blogshere. Its designed purpose is to create awareness of other New York Giants blogs and to promote blog-to-blog networking.

Here's what the Giants online community is saying about the 2009-10 season, free agency and the potential of the latest rookie class.

Marty in Albany, Big Blue Interactive

"Both Reese and Eli appear to be satisfied with the current set of receivers and the new direction that it will be taking the Giants. Frankly, political correctness demands that they say this whether they think so or not."

Ed Valentine, Big Blue View

"There is no doubt Bradshaw is exciting with the ball in his hands. He's quick, elusive, tough to tackle despite his size and has shown big-play capability in his limited opportunities."

Jeremy Fuchs, Giants Gab

"This may be a Giants blog, but we still believe they are the best team in the East, and possibly the NFC. The Giants have a franchise QB, a tremendous running game, and a stellar defense anchored by that defensive line."

Rich O'Callaghan, Big Blue 101

"The Giants currently list Gerris Wilkinson as the starter on the weakside, but we all know about Wilkinson's injury history and lack of production when healthy. I personally would rather see second year linebacker Bryan Kehl in the starting lineup for the opener if Boley cannot go."

David Jacks, Giants Football Blog

"Eli Manning's rookie contract is up after this year and according to the New York Daily News Mannings representative will look to make Eli the highest paid player in all of football."

Other Notes:

- Please take a few moments of your time and show your support for Giants 101. Vote for us as 2009 Sports Blog of the Year!

Let the first wave of serious injuries to the New York Giants begin.

It seems like a yearly tradition at this point, so why not keep up the trend?

The Giants have announced that linebacker Michael Boley has had surgery to repair his hip flexor and will be out 8-10 weeks, which is all of camp...and also puts opening day in jeopardy.

"Terrible new for Giants: WLB Michael Boley out 8-10 weeks after surgery to repair torn hip flexor. That's all of camp and puts opener in doubt. He was their top UFA signing in March. The D has just been hammered w/injuries this spring," Ralph Vacchiano wrote via Twitter.

Other Notes:

- The Giants have signed rookies WR Ramses Barden (3rd) and QB Rhett Bomar (5th).

- The team also announced the cuts of TE George Wrighster and OT Mike Fladell.

It's officially the most exciting and horrifically boring time of year for NFL fans.  The combine is done, the draft is history, OTA's are OVER, rookies are being signed and the excitement surrounding free-agency has dipped.  The Giants have spent a great deal of time filling gaps, preparing for the challenges due to arrive in 2009 and assembling the best squad they can possibly field.  

Burress is no longer a Giant, Toomer left in a most anti-climactic fashion, Derrick Ward, Renaldo Wynn, James Butler, Sammy Knight, Sam Madison, Reuben Droughns...all gone.  Steve Spagnuolo is now the head-coach of the St. Louis Rams, Eli Manning is learning how to throw to shorter receivers, Danny Ware may very well be the #2 RB, John Carney is back to playing golf, Braylon Edwards is a Giant, the Giants defensive line is the most elite in the NFL, and Tiki Barber is falling lower and lower on NBC's popularity totem-pole. 

After an apparently well-delivered, heart-felt speech to the team, Coughlin dismissed his players for the next few weeks until the start of training camp. So here we are in the calm before the storm...once training camp starts, Giants 101 will be fully revived, running contests and (I know I've been teasing it) making some big announcements.

In the meantime, we want to hear from you all.  We know you're all the most die-hard Giants fans online and are Big Blue experts...so tell us...where do you see the Giants landing this year?  First place in the NFC?  NFC East champs?  Super Bowl contender?  Last place?

Lay it on us and maybe...juuuuust maybe...the person who is closest to the final outcome may find themselves happily rewarded come Dec/Jan.

The drama surrounding Plaxico Burress and his shot heard round-the-NFL continues to unfold, taking a more bizarre turn today. According to the New York Daily News (via PFT), it appears that the former New York Giants star wide receiver could end up indicted by a grand jury as early as this July.

PFT explains:

Per Oren Yaniv and Larry McShane of the New York Daily News, Manhattan District Attorney Robert Morgentheau said Wednesday that Burress could be indicted in July, and that the timetable could change.

Attorney Benjamin Brafman didn’t sound too pleased by the development.

“I don’t want to get into this,” Brafman told the Daily News.  “I don’t think there’s a story here.” 

Of course there's no story here, Benny boy...that's what happens when you get a client who is so out of his mind that he thinks he won't serve jail-time for an offense that carries a MINIMUM sentence of 3.5 years and has caused the mayor of the greatest city in the world to get involved.  

No story here?  Wishful thinking, sir.

So this may not officially put Burress behind bars and force Commissioner Goodell's hand to hit that "SUSPEND" button, but if Plax gets his indictment in July, he may find his unemployment continues.  At some point there has to be a punishment not only for the crimes Burress committed, but also for the horrific karma he brought to the Giants at the end of the 2008 season when this team was looking like a tremendous contender for a repeat.  

Stay tuned to G101 for updates...

Injury Updates:

Mike Garafolo is staying on top of a very unsettling development in Giants mini-camp.  According to Garafolo, the Giants injury list is growing by the day.  At this point, here are the roster of Giants either unaccounted for or in the rehab area:

• Justin Tuck
• Kevin Boss
• Corey Webster
• Clint Simtin
• Travis Beckum
  
• Fred Robbins
• Barry Cofield
• Sinorice Moss

These injuries, especially to the rookies, are apparently causing Coughlin some stress and frustration.  Per the Newark Star-Ledger, Coughlin claimed:

"There are different degrees of strains, but we've been looking at a couple of young guys that have been out forever...Why they're not progressing to the point they can come back ..."

The frustration in Coughlin's voice was evident as he failed to find the words to complete that sentence. He then added: "There's such a short window to work with them and when they miss that amount of time it hurts them." 

While it's still only mini-camp, hearing this kind of response from Coughlin affords some cause for worry.  Keep your fingers-crossed that these players will bounce back and get ready again soon.  This team can not afford to have immediate impact players sidelined for the entire off-season, leading up to Training Camp.  

As you all know by now, Twitter has become the "in thing."

Not only are your average Joe's (like me) using it to micro-blog/update their statuses, but now athletes, musicians, news organizations and other famous personalities have decided to do so as well. Hell, ever Barack Obama allegedly Tweets (or has some representatives do it).

So, what I've done for those of you who have finally caved and decided to use it for yourself is compile a list of all New York Giants players who currently Tweet, as well as a list of Giants-related Twitter pages you should also follow.

New York Giants Players:

Michael Johnson

Michael Matthews

Kevin Dockery

Kevin Boss

Danny Clark

Sinorice Moss (always a good, positive read)

George Wrighster

Steve Smith

David Diehl

Danny Ware

Antonio Pierce (very active and interactive)

Eli Manning (possibly fake)

Giants Beat Writers:

Mike Garafolo (The Newark Star-Ledger)

Patricia Traina (Inside Football)

Ralph Vacchiano (The Blue Screen)

Ernie Palladino (Giants Journal)

Bob Glauber (Newsday)

Sean Carroll (Giants 101)

Other Giants-Related Personalities:

Michael Strahan

Jessie Armstead

Jeremy Shockey

Drew Rosenhaus (frequent Giants-related updates)

R.W. McQuarters

Tim Hasselbeck

Jay Feely

Dhani Jones

Other Giants-Related Twitter Pages:

Giants @ Newsday

GiantsNFL

Giant Insider

If I've missed anything, feel free to let me know!

Other Notes:

- Please take a few moments of your time and show your support for Giants 101. Vote for us as 2009 Sports Blog of the Year!

Earlier today as I tuned the television to ESPN to provide some background noise while I worked, the cyclical rotation of SportsCenter continued to buzz around the New York Giants home-base, speculating about how Big Blue would fare heading into the 2009 season.  With the loss of Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer, the hot topic has been whether this team can handle the loss of both veteran receivers, and how long until the next leaders of the aforementioned squad will emerge.

Earlier today, Sinorice Moss strained his hamstring.  Last year that news would not have caused a great deal of panic, but the Giants find themselves in a situation heading into the 2009 season where the loss of Moss could have a bigger impact than ever expected.  That's the way things are in Giants camp right now.

Aside from the star power, veteran leadership and intimidation that Burress and (to some degree) Toomer carried with them, the Giants had assembled a relatively well-oiled machine in Manning/Burress/Toomer (or at least Manning/Burress).  With Steve Smith locked in to the #3, the receiving corps, when healthy, was lethal.  

That group has disbanded and is most assuredly never to come together again.

Now the Giants, looking to maintain the appearance of a gameplan given these losses, are building a new aerial assault program.  There is no denying that Eli Manning brings one of the best work ethics of any player with the Giants...add to that the eagerness of Domenik Hixon, Sinorice Moss, David Tyree and Mario Manningham and the Giants suddenly seem to have the potential for a uniquely different passing scheme.

These receivers have spent from two to four years primarily riding the pine just waiting for a chance to prove themselves on the field...when it counts.  Now they have that opportunity.  What's more?  They all seem to be in the same general range of talent and skills, so the competition is bound to be heated and fierce.  What's MORE?  Now they have star rookie wideout, Hakeem Nicks (and his oversized hands), ready to get in and take a shot at the open slot(s).  Oh...plus there is a 6'6", 227lbs receiver named Ramses Barden that wouldn't mind replacing Burress as the Giants red zone secret weapon.

Plaxico Burress is history...Braylon Edwards is staying in the dog poop pound...and no, do not expect to see Brandon Marshall in Giants blue anytime soon (I just made that up, it's NOT a rumor).  The Giants have a very exciting opportunity set before them and I expect beyond a shadow of a doubt that this Giants team will turn heads on all sides of the ball this season.  Never ever ever underestimate the power of man's drive for promotion, prosperity and pride.

So while the starting receiving roster may currently read: Hixon, Smith, Moss...one, two or three of those names could change at any time.  So keep an eye open and an ear listening as the Giants develop what will likely be an undervalued and overlooked team heading into next season...which as you all know...is precisely where Big Blue likes to be.

Note:

I want to thank everyone for bearing with us during a brief pull-up on the part of the G101 readers.  We all needed some personal time and are grateful to have the great readers of this site back again.  Good times, exciting news and big announcements are soon to come.

After briefly appearing in Manhattan Federal Court this morning, former New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress walked out and away with a smile on his face. And why not? The 31-year-old, who shot himself in the leg on November 29^th, had just been told that his case was adjourned until September 23^rd, meaning he is free to play football in 2009.

As I expected, and said many times here on G101, Burress will be free to play football this coming season. And before everyone gets up in arms and starts talking about how Roger Goodell is sure to suspend him, remember that under the league's conduct policy, first-time offenders can only be suspended if they cause bodily harm to another...not themselves.

Even if Goodell moves to suspend Burress, the Player's Association is likely to step in...as will Burress' agent, claiming he has "served his" time after being suspended by the Giants and losing close to $27 million.

Whether or not Burress ever sees the inside of a jail cell remains to be seen, but at least for the short-term, the troubled wide receiver has gotten what he wanted: the chance to play football in 2009.

*Burress pleaded not guilty to the charges and is free on $100,000 bail.*

Twitter "Statement" from Drew Rosenhaus:

"I just spoke with Plaxico Burress' attorney and he asserted his belief that there will not be a trial for Plex until after the 09 season...We are also confident that the NFL will not have grounds to discipline Plex until after the adjudication of his case after this season.

It is important to note that Plax was already suspended 5 games in 08 by the Giants after the incident. Also keep in mind that Plex has not been in violation of the NFL's Personal Conduct Policy prior to this incident.

Now that the legal process is on hold we are hoping to have a deal in place with a team for Plex before training camps start."

Update: Ralph Vacchiano has some news on a Giants/Burress settlement

I came across this video yesterday and figured I'd share it with those of you who have not yet seen it. There are quite a few interesting tidbits about the Giants old practice facility in comparison with the newest one, and it sounds like they should be able to maximize their air attack with the room they now have. Also, be sure to keep an eye on Barden...the guy is going to be a monster.

Personal Note: Although I cannot speak for Hazem or Sean (both of whom are very busy themselves), I would like to apologize on my own behalf for the lack of updates on Giants 101 over the last two weeks. As some of you know, my personal life has taken a pretty tremendous hit and I’m struggling pretty significantly. However, that should not have affected my work here on G101 and I will be moving forward as best I can in order to get things rolling here again. Thank you all for your patience.

As we are all well aware, the Special Olympics is a great organization and something we've supported here at Giants 101 for quite some time. And as we've done in the past, we once again urge you to support it by taking a look around your local areas for any opportunities to volunteer and help out such a fantastic organization.

Volunteering with Special Olympics creates change that carries forth from our Programs and into the world. Whether you’re an individual or a member of a school, church, work, civic or other group; whether you can volunteer for just a few hours on a single day as a scorekeeper, or several hours a week, year-round, as a special events coordinator; there are volunteer opportunities for you.

Keep in mind, without the help support of all of you, the Special Olympics would not exist as it does today. So put aside some of your time and help those who are less fortunate --albeit generally happier -- than all of us.

You won't just be helping them, but you'll be helping yourself as well. So step up and do what you can! Thanks!

Giants Blog Roundup is a compilation of Big Blue snippets from around the blogshere. Its designed purpose is to create awareness of other New York Giants blogs and to promote blog-to-blog networking.

Here's what the Giants online community is saying about the 2009-10 season, free agency and the potential of the latest rookie class.

Idinkido, Big Blue Interactive

"It seems to me that every mid-season Philly looks like a team in the midst of a death throe and by the end of the season it comes back strong. Looking at our Giants, I see a more consistent, even keel team but I am concerned by our December home record swoon since the 2006 season."

Ed Valentine, Big Blue View

"If everyone is healthy, nominal starters Domenik Hixon and Steve Smith are making the team. First-round pick Hakeem Nicks and third-round pick Ramses Barden are making the team. That leaves Manningham and everyone else fighting for what will likely be two slots."

John Fennelly, Big Blue 101

"Tyree does not let his tenure do his talking. He is genuinely excited about returning to action. He stated in a recent interview that he ‘was having fun' in his new leadership role, citing he learned a lot from Toomer and planned to use his experience and knowledge to help the younger players."

Jeremy Fuchs, Giants Gab

"DT Fred Robbins has started a blog, and in his latest entry mentioned this his off-season knee surgery was ‘microfracture surgery,' which can be serious at times. It's the type of surgery from which Jason Sehorn had a tough time returning, and from which Dusty Zeigler never returned."

Pat Traina, Inside Football

"I learned that head coach Tom Coughlin will embark on a special overseas journey where he'll have a chance to mingle with the troops stationed in the Middle East."

Andy F., ULTIMATENYG

"You cannot have enough depth at DL. How many of you realistically think [Fred Robbins] is going to make the final roster? This has PUP list written all over it."

Other Notes:

- Please take a few moments of your time and show your support for Giants 101. Vote for us as 2009 Sports Blog of the Year!

In the next installment of Giants 101, Hazem Kiswani examines the New York Giants new additions, upgrades and development of the defense - including the most likely starting front seven scenarios...while also dissecting the way in which Coughlin and Gilbride will approach the 2009 season with so many new tools and resources to choose from their aresenal.

Stay tuned to Giants 101 for more! 

Q: Jim Stoll said - With the additions of Canty, Bernard and Boley, the return of Osi, the drafting of Sintim, and the maturation of the young and promising players such as Webster, Philips, Ross and Thomas, 2009 looks on paper like it could be the best Giant defense since the 1986 LT Big Blue Wrecking Crew, and on a par with the 1985 Bears and the 1999 Ravens.  That being said, do we think this team will turn in a league leading 90-sack season, and a league low 112 points surrendered?

A: Hazem - When you look at the Giants 2009 defense on paper, yes it does look like one of the more talented units they've ever put together - and that's saying a lot. However, they still have a long way to go before we start mentioning them with really the best defenses of all-time and putting those type of expectations on them. The new guys brought in this off-season still need to get their feel for the Giants defensive scheme, and the unit as a whole will need time to gel and find continuity. That said, as a Giants fan you have to be excited at the front seven the Giants have put together, as well as the fact that this is the most talented secondary they've had in a long, long time. Second-year man Kenny Phillips has the skill set and talent around him to become a big-time playmaker in this league.

Q: Kevros said - With so many starting-quality defensive linemen and some that can play DE/DT or DE/LB, we have a ton of flexibility on who is on the field at any one time.  and obviously it's going to vary a lot. However, what are your predictions for the most common front 7 lineups on 1st down, 2nd down, and 3rd down?  And which lineup do you think will be most effective?

A: Hazem - Very good question, and the answer will be based heavily on what happens in July and August. You have to think that Tuck and Umenyiora are locks as the starting defensive ends, although you can expect to see Tuck get some time inside - so no secret there. Antonio Pierce, although under some criticism from fans and analysts for his play last season, is still the top guy for the middle linebacker job. Michael Boley was brought in to be the starter on the weak side, leaving the defensive tackle and strong side linebacker positions up for the most competition.

Chris Canty, Rocky Bernard, and Fred Robbins should be the top competitors for the defensive tackle spots, with second-year man Bryan Kehl, veteran Danny Clark, and possibly rookie Clint Sintim competing for time at strong side linebacker.

If I had to say right now, I'd guess that Tuck, Canty, Robbins, and Umenyiora would be most common front four, with Kehl, Pierce, and Boley as the linebackers. Mathias Kiwanuka and Rocky Bernard should see a lot of time in the defensive line rotation as well.

Q: DEMO3356 said - With the losses in the last 2 off seasons of our Pro Bowl TE and Our Go to guy #1 WR, is there any chance that Mr. Stubborn himself will altar our offensive Game plan to make the most out of the Talent we do have, instead of forcing the players  to fill the Roles of Plax and Shockey.  We have some very talented young guys that all bring different things and could be very effective if used correctly, including Running backs and TE's that could be very valuable to Eli in the passing game as the season go's on. Will Gillbride and Coughlin realize this and adjust accordingly? Or are we all subject to another December and January of Remote controls smashing against walls and week long Fire Killdrive Threads on G101?

A: Hazem - Kevin Gilbride will never be a favorite on G101, that you can count on. However, if you look back at the body of work last season - Gilbride actually did a solid job with the offense, although he made some very questionable decisions in the playoff game against Philadelphia.

The key for the Giants offense next season will be how quickly the young guys can come in and pick up the offense and build chemistry with the quarterback. Hakeem Nicks, Travis Beckum, and Mario Manningham are three guys who can really have a huge impact on the success of the passing game with their unique skill sets - but again, that will all depend on who makes the most progress in camp and who can build trust with Eli Manning in August.

Surely you can expect the Giants to make some changes to the offensive approach - because the route they went last season after Plaxico Burress went down clearly wasn't very effective. They have already shown that they are going to make some tweaks in their approach in drafting a H-Back type player in Travis Beckum, something that we have not seen in the Giants offense. One thing is for sure - there is going to be a lot of competition at the wide receiver and running back positions in camp, and the guys that can consistently make plays will be the guys stepping into the offense.

Giants Blog Roundup is a compilation of Big Blue snippets from around the blogshere. Its designed purpose is to create awareness of other New York Giants blogs and to promote blog-to-blog networking.

Here's what the Giants online community is saying about the 2009-10 season, free agency and the potential of the latest rookie class.

Walterb, Big Blue Interactive

"It's obvious that [Kevin] Dockery is a natural slot corner. Perhaps, Thomas may challenge at corner because he appears physical and can play the style of coverage the Giants often play in a press defense."

Rich O'Callaghan, Big Blue 101

"There is no doubt that [Kenny Phillips] has all of the physical tools and is a student of the game, but I am still waiting for Phillips to make the jaw-dropping plays and big hits we hear he is constantly making in practice on Sundays."

Ed Valentine, Big Blue View

"I think the most fascinating, and probably the most important, part of the upcoming New York Giants' season will be watching the work of the team's coordinators."

Ernie Palladino, Giants Journal

"If anyone says the Giants' newest acquisition has as much a chance of cracking the offensive line roster as King Tut, they may not be far from the truth ... They just signed Tutenkhamen Reyes, known to friends and foe as Tuten Reyes. Don't know how far they had to dig to find the Queens product-see what I did there? Dig. King Tut's tomb? Funny, right?-but he should add more depth for training camp."

Joescro, GMen HQ

"Steve Smith, Domenik Hixon, Mario Manningham, Hakeem Nicks, and Ramses Barden are all locks to make the roster. Leaving Sinorice Moss, David Tyree, and Derrick Hagan to fight it out for the 6th (possibly 7th) roster spot at WR."

Mike, Big Blue Blog

"Bradshaw had an excellent rookie season and played a major role in the Giants Super Bowl run. Last season, through no fault of his own, he was a non factor as Tom Coughlin gave Derrick Ward a lot of touches. That figures to change in 2009 and we need Bradshaw to take advantage."

Other Notes:

- Please take a few moments of your time and show your support for Giants 101. Vote for us as 2009 Sports Blog of the Year!

- Also, for any of you that were considering buying an authentic jersey from "Pro Authentic Jerseys," but were afraid of being ripped off, don't be. The guy sent me a blue Tuck jersey on the house to prove he's legit and the jerseys are of good quality. By all accounts, both are true. The jersey was authentic and in perfect condition. The shipping was almost immediate and the prices are more than fair (in fact, they're a steal). So if you want a jersey at a solid price, I'd say he's your go-to guy.

Current New Orleans Saints tight end, and former New York Giant, Jeremy Shockey was rushed to a Las Vegas hospital after being found unconscious  on the floor at the Hard Rock Hotel, according to TMZ.

Sources at the hotel tell TMZ Shockey was at Rehab -- the ironic name of the Sunday pool party at the Hard Rock -- when he was found unconscious at around 2:00 PM. The call went out to the Las Vegas Fire Department and he was taken out via stretcher. Paramedics tried to cover him up so onlookers -- including a TV camera crew -- couldn't ID him.

Update: ESPN reports Shockey has been discharged from the hospital and is "in good shape." Team spokesman Greg Bensel claims Shockey was simply dehydrated.

Other Notes:

- Please take a few moments of your time and show your support for Giants 101. Vote for us as 2009 Sports Blog of the Year!