May 28 Special Report - Let's see how things might look on Sept. 4, when the Giants open their season (that's a Thursday night) at home against the Washington Redskins. There is considerable doubt about Strahan at left end, since he hasn't seen fit to inform anyone whether his immediate plans include retirement. From various sources, all of them unreliable, he is leaning toward waving a fond farewell to the game. That would be appropriate; after all, he has given the Giants 15 solid years and will one day be rewarded with a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
But he has also earned considerable money and there are those far less kind who insist that this grandstand play is merely an attempt to cash in for one more incredible payday before he moves on to the world of television. He is scheduled to receive in the area of $4 million this season; there are reports that he wants more -- twice as much, in fact -- to play one final season. Would you give it to him?
Want more? - Send a request to davesklein@aol.com for a free week's worth of news!"

May 26 Since only two of the Giants' seven draft picks last month were offensive players, one might assume they were relatively pleased with the depth and quality of that unit going into this next season. That would not be the case. "We didn't draft for need, necessarily," said general manager Jerry Reese. "We believe in drafting the best possible athletes at the time we make our choice. If they are good enough athletes, they'll make our overall team better." But when it did come time for the Giants' third-round pick, they chose a player who may also have been in a "need" category - wide receiver Mario Manningham of Michigan.

NFC East News
The Eagles' decision to use their top pick in this year's draft on yet another defensive tackle - second-rounder Trevor Laws - raised a few eyebrows. They already have two solid young starters at DT in '05 first-rounder Mike Patterson and '06 first-rounder Brodrick Bunkley.
The Redskins, who had long been among the most aggressive teams in signing free agents, have added just one in 2008. And on May 15, they cut that one addition, former Houston kickoff returner/receiver Jerome Mathis, less than just six weeks after signing.
The Cowboys had a firm grasp of their greatest needs entering the offseason. Many of them were addressed in the draft. At cornerback, the team let its No. 3 and 4 cornerbacks - Jacques Reeves and Nate Jones - walk in free agency. This after a season in which aging starters Anthony Henry and Terence Newman shuffled in and out of the starting lineup because of injuries.

May 23 The Super Bowl champion New Jersey Giants? That name can't be found in the National Football League standings. And the Giants helmets are emblazoned with a bold "NY" logo. But it was nevertheless proclaimed Thursday by New Jersey senators honoring this year's Super Bowl champions. "Whether you're a football fan or not, I'm sure you found yourself caught up in the hype this past winter with the success of the New Jersey Giants," said Sen. Paul Sarlo, D-Bergen. "I emphasize the New Jersey Giants." Sarlo's district includes Giants Stadium, where the Giants have played since 1976 while retaining their New York moniker.
The entire legislative body stood and cheered Coughlin when he was introduced and again at the conclusion of his brief remarks. "It was fun," Coughlin said. "Governor Codey was good. He was entertaining and he had the senate floor all stirred up by the time I got up there, so it was very nice."

Former Giants
Gibril Wilson's 284 solo tackles since entering the NFL in 2004 are the most of any safety during that span. The San Jose native had 70 tackles and a career-high four interceptions in 13 games for the New York Giants last season. A number of Gibril Wilson's new teammates in Oakland have already come up to ask him about what it's like to be a member of a Super Bowl champion team. That's probably because it's been a struggle for the Raiders to win any game in recent years, much less the ultimate prize in football. Wilson brings a winning pedigree and a physical nature at safety that has been lacking in Oakland.

May 22 New York Giants - One of six teams unlikely to make playoff returns in '08.
Yeah, this is the shocker. How could the team that won the Super Bowl not make the playoffs? Well, the Giants previously won the Super Bowl in 1986 and in 1990. In both instances, they didn't qualify for the playoffs the next season.

The Giants assistant coaches discussed a variety of subjects this week in their first mass media availability since Super Bowl XLII. Offensive assistants answered questions.
Offensive Coordinator Kevin Gilbride - You did such a great job last year, what do you do next? How do you repeat?
Quarterbacks Coach Chris Palmer - Will NFL coaches try to come up with new wrinkles to stop Eli Manning?
Wide Receivers Coach Mike Sullivan - Your unit might have more depth than any other on the team. How are you going to sort everyone out?
Running Backs Coach Jerald Ingram - Do you see the offense continuing to play smash-mouth football with Brandon Jacobs and using Ahmad Bradshaw as a counter to that?
Offensive Line Coach Pat Flaherty - Is it at all difficult to motivate the five starters, since they are so entrenched in their spots?
Tight Ends Coach Michael Pope - Have you spoken to Jeremy Shockey recently?

May 21 Mike Pope formed his bond with Jeremy Shockey the first day the Giants' tight end coach greeted the first-round draft choice from Miami in 2002 at Giants Stadium. Mike Waufle formed his bond with Michael Strahan from some 3,000 miles away, and even before he took over as coach of the Giants' defensive line in 2004. Both assistant coaches are very close to their lightning-rod charges, who have spiced the reigning Super Bowl champions off-season. Will Shockey be a contented member of the 2008 Giants? Will Strahan be a member at all?
Waufle said he has been in contact with Strahan and believes the defensive end still is deciding whether to play a 16th NFL season. "He really doesn't talk much about it," Waufle said. "I'm sure he does with his family but not so much with us. But I felt like I'm back in college trying to recruit him." As for whether Strahan is working out and would be ready physically for a 2008 season, Waufle replied, "When have you ever seen Michael Strahan out of shape?
Mike Pope was asked how ready the Giants would be if Jeremy Shockey isn't on the team this fall. The tight ends coach chortled. "I'll have to reach into the fantasy world because I can't even imagine answering that question," Pope said. Fantasy nearly became reality this spring when Shockey was being haggled over as a possible draft day trade. But now that the Saints have all but withdrawn their interest in the tight end, there seems to be little doubt that Shockey will be back with the Giants this season - smiling or otherwise.

Mike Pope knows exactly what Jeremy Shockey is feeling. And not just because he has spoken to him. Pope, the Giants' tight ends coach who has been an assistant on all three of the franchise's championship teams, has seen how players who miss Super Bowls because of injury often feel alienated from their teammates. "A good way to look at that is the picture of Phil Simms in the tunnel out here. We all remember that shot," Pope said yesterday in reference to an image of the injured quarterback watching a playoff game during the run to Super Bowl XXV. "And Phil has said how difficult that was for him."
He also believes that once Shockey returns to Giants Stadium, he will be a good and happy teammate once again. "Once the team gets back together and you get involved together, those things all tend to become a little back there, and then they eventually disappear," Pope said. "If you start playing together and you start winning and the upside of the game is what you're looking at then things run fairly smoothly." Just how smoothly won't be known until June 11, when the Giants hold their first mandatory minicamp. Shockey is in Miami working out and rehabilitating his leg on his own.

Players frustrated with their financial situation often make themselves scarce during the voluntary offseason workout program, but there was Chris Snee yesterday at Giants Stadium, completing a weight-lifting session along with other offensive linemen. "Right now my focus is on getting my body ready for the season," he said. Will it be his final season with the Giants? Snee has started at right guard since he was drafted in 2004 and has developed into a sturdy player whom the Giants believe warrants Pro Bowl inclusion. He is in the last year of his original five-year contract.

The Giants' assistant coaches discussed a variety of subjects in their first mass media availability since Super Bowl XLII. Yesterday was was the defensive assistants. Tomorrow, it will be the offense.

It comes courtesy of safeties coach David Merritt, who praised James Butler today during his session with reporters. "You take just the Super Bowl itself and look at that kid's production in that game alone - the biggest game of his career, the biggest game of my coaching career - he played his butt off," Merritt said while pausing between each of those last five words to emphasize his point.

NFL News
Roger Goodell sent Gene Upshaw an e-mail Tuesday morning from Atlanta informing him that NFL owners, as expected, had just voted unanimously to exercise their right to opt out of the labor deal and cut it short by two years following the 2010 season.
Indianapolis has been awarded the 2012 Super Bowl, the fourth time a cold-weather city will host the NFL's championship game. The next two Super Bowls are in Tampa and in South Florida.

May 20 Eli Manning is still making the rounds as the reigning Super Bowl MVP, but with mini-camp less than a month away, the quarterback is looking forward to ending the tour and moving on to the season. And he is confident that Jeremy Shockey will be there with him. The combustible tight end, who missed the Giants New York Giants ' title run with a broken ankle, was shopped before last month's draft, but ended up remaining with the team when the team didn't get its asking price. Manning expects to see Shockey next month. "I've been in touch with Jeremy," Manning said. "We've just gotta get everybody back."

In the past four months, the Giants lost only two key contributors from last season's Super Bowl squad (linebacker Kawika Mitchell, safety Gibril Wilson), brought back their highly sought-after defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo (thus keeping him away from the Washington sidelines), hauled in a highly regarded draft class, and signed valuable veterans Sammy Knight and Danny Clark. As of now, Jeremy Shockey, despite rumors that he'd be traded to New Orleans on draft day, is still wearing Giants blue.

Shaun O'Hara and left tackle David Diehl took a break from training to attend quarterback Eli Manning's April wedding in Mexico. Upon their return to the Meadowlands, they joined the rest of the line for some serious film study. Everyone agreed to start by watching the tape of the Super Bowl and work backwards through the entire season. "With each passing day, we started training harder and harder," O'Hara said. "Watching those games again put us in the right frame of mind."

It hasn't been an ideal start for Mario Manningham with the Giants, suffering a minor hip flexor injury at the rookie minicamp ("you guys make too big a deal out of it; I am fine," he said) and being outshined by rookie free agent D.J. Hall. But Manningham challenges anyone who questions him - for his play, his attitude, or anything else you might doubt about him. "What do you think I need to work on?" he asked rhetorically. "Everyone has their own opinion. I can't control what people say or think." But even guys who have had their issues with Manningham admire his ability.

When Jeff Feagles turned 40 years old, he didn't want a surprise party thrown in his honor. He didn't want an expensive gift that would sit in his house, or a memento that would commemorate his two decades-long NFL career. Feagles knew exactly how he wished to celebrate his milestone birthday. "I wanted to go to Ireland and play golf with three of my best buddies," Feagles said. "My wife (Michelle) was fine with it, she was very supportive of it." Feagles' companions on the journey were all former teammates. Trent Dilfer, Dave Alexander, and Steve Beuerlein.

May 17 A dozen kids ages 9-12 had a chance to play football with Eli Manning inside the practice bubble and then on the stadium field. Eli ran them through some of the drills Quarterbacks Coach Chris Palmer employs, including the net drill with the various targets made famous at training camp last summer. Manning helped raise $25, 000 on Thursday by welcoming 12 kids to a football clinic here at Giants stadium. The clinic was auctioned off in an effort to raise money for St. Vincent's Hospital.
The biggest thrill for the kids came when they got to make some diving catches on passes from the Super Bowl MVP. They also played a six on six touch football game with Eli as the official quarterback. The Play 60 program helps promote the type of lifestyle for kids that Eli had growing up in Mississippi.

May 16 Michael Strahan: $8M or goodbye - That's the amount Strahan hopes to get from the Giants for what would likely be his final season with the team - and possibly in the NFL - if he decides to return to play in 2008, according to two sources familiar with his situation. That would be double the $4 million salary he's due this season in the final year of the seven-year, $46 million deal he signed in 2002.

The Jeremy Shockey trade rumors finally may have run out of gas. New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis admitted Thursday he's no longer in pursuit of a deal for the veteran tight end because the Giants set the price too high. The Saints inquired about Shockey's availability shortly after the Super Bowl and reportedly were unwilling to give up a second-round pick and safety Roman Harper before the draft.

Veteran DE Renaldo Wynn, a former member of the Redskins and Saints who began his career as a first-round pick of Tom Coughlin's Jaguars, visited the Giants on Wednesday, his agent, Peter Schaffer confirmed. Schaffer said the 33-year-old Wynn, who had 2 1/2 of his 25 career sacks with New Orleans last year, left without a contract. But Schaffer didn't close the door on a signing down the road.
Already this offseason, the Giants signed linebacker Danny Clark, the first former Coughlin player to come aboard. Wynn has played for the Jaguars and Redskins and last season had 31/2sacks for the Saints. He's a 6-3, 296-pound defensive end who has the bulk to move inside to tackle. In a move that could pave the way for a Wynn signing, the Giants cut defensive end Antonio Reynolds, an undrafted free agent from Tennessee.

May 15 Michael Strahan has made his decision about whether or not to play again in 2008. He's just not ready to say it. "I'll be honest with you, I pretty much know what I'm going to do right now," Strahan said Wednesday night at Cipriani in Manhattan, where he was a presenter at the Dreams in the City fundraiser for the Diabetes Research Institute. "But you know what the thing is? If I say it, I can't change my mind. So I would rather wait until I know I'm 100% sure that when I say what I'm going to do, I'm going to do it."
"I think the guys want me to come back," Strahan said. "Osi called me out of the blue two days ago." Strahan's fellow defensive lineman Osi Umenyiora Osi Umenyiora has his work cut out for him, since this is the second year in a row that the veteran has toyed with the idea of retirement - and this time he has a Super Bowl title to complete his career resume. A year ago, Strahan skipped training camp, saying he was mulling retirement, and although veteran mini-camp is scheduled for next month, he said he's not thinking about it. "It's not on my mind at all," Strahan said.

Two hundred fifty two players were selected in this year's NFL Draft, but only one has an opportunity to play behind and learn from the reigning Super Bowl MVP. Andre' Woodson, a strong-armed quarterback from the University of Kentucky, was issued a locker just a few feet from Eli Manning's, whose late heroics helped the Giants upset New England in Super Bowl XLII. Woodson will return to the Giants with his fellow rookies on Friday to continue the process that he hopes will result in a roster spot in September.

May 14 The Giants coaches have it. Preparation. Clarity. Enthusiasm. Every NFL coach from every NFL corner will tell you that coaches are teachers. But some coaches are better teachers than others. The best continually find ways to reach their players, to assist them in executing not only the schemes, but also their skills.

NFL News
Bill Belichick escaped further punishment and humiliation for his covert SpyGate operation when Matt Walsh came up empty in his dud of a meeting Tuesday with Roger Goodell. Still, Belichick's reputation, integrity and credibility all suffered irreparable damage over the last nine months.

May 13 Nate Robinson, a defensive tackle who once was one of the most heralded recruits in Rutgers history, signed Monday with the Giants. The 6-5, 315-pounder was one of seven players to be offered a contract after a weekend tryout. He was joined by OT Jacob Hobbs (Albany), DT Brian Soi (Utah), DE Alex Morrow (USC), CB Miguel Scott (N.C. State), S Terrance Stringer (Tuskegee) and long-snapper Nick Leeson (Virginia Tech).
A few weeks ago, kicker Lawrence Tynes lamented the fact that the Giants last season were the only team in the NFL that did not employ a long-snapping specialist. If Leeson is impressive in training camp and preseason games, he has a chance to stick on the roster. He served from 2003-06 as the long snapper at Virginia Tech - a team renowned for its special teams.
Hobbs, an offensive tackle who played at the University at Albany, the experience would be a homecoming of sorts. Last year, he was signed by the Eagles as a tryout player and appeared in four preseason games but did not make the final roster cut. Soi, a defensive tackle, was signed by the Dolphins just before training camp last summer and played in all four preseason games before being cut Sept. 1.
The team waived three players: Linebacker Rory Johnson of Mississippi, defensive tackle Joshua Muse of Louisiana Tech and punter Owen Tolson of Army. The Giants also terminated the contracts of tight end Eric Butler of Mississippi State and guard Carnell Stewart of LSU.
Owen Tolson's stay with the Giants did not last long, thanks in part to the demise of NFL Europe. The punter from Army, signed Thursday as a free agent, was waived Monday as the Super Bowl champions rearranged the bottom part of the roster. Tolson, who hopes to benefit from the U.S. Military Academy's alternative service program that allows graduates to turn pro before fulfilling their military obligations, was a victim of the tightened roster limits for training camps.

After surveying the Giants-rookie minicamp last weekend and gauging the current climate of the league's defending champions, here is the latest on two of their up-in-the-air, up-for-grabs stars:
Michael Strahan: All signs point to this vibrant defensive end returning for his 16th season with the Giants. The Giants will have no problem paying Strahan the money required for him to return for a final season (at least $6.5 million) and both sides believe he still has another dynamic year of football left.
Jeremy Shockey: This is very much a wait-and-see how it develops situation. Shockey is not happy with the Giants and much of it deals with loyalty issues, feeling wanted and needed and being used in his preference as a pass catcher first and then as a blocker. The Giants know Shockey's value on their team and in the market.

Kevin Gilbride was immersed called the same play for the third time in a row, tweaking it slightly to get Plaxico Burress open for the winning touchdown pass in Super Bowl XLII, Gilbride's immediate reaction was relief. "When it was over, it was like a relief, 'Phew,'" Gilbride said. "But then I saw my wife on the field, and my children and my whole family, and then I got emotional. I chose this, but they got stuck taking this journey with me. I was just happy for them, that I was able to give them a taste of what it was like to be a Super Bowl champion."
On Monday, Gilbride, the Giants offensive coordinator, shared some of that feeling with all of Connecticut, his home state. Gov. M. Jodi Rell proclaimed it "Kevin Gilbride Day" and the legislature offered a proclamation. Gilbride received rare permission from the Giants to take the Vince Lombardi Trophy with him. Fans were allowed to pose with it at both stops, but not touch it. Even Gilbride could handle it only wearing white gloves.

NFL News
There's no NFL prohibiting a member of one coaching staff from staring at the hands of an opposing coach, with anything from a cheap pair of kiddie binoculars to the Hubble telescope. He can memorize the various semaphores and gyrations, write down what he learns, even speak his observations into a tape recorder for later reference. He can then take all of this intelligence and supplement it with 129 other forms of NFL-approved intelligence-gathering and submit it to his boss to help him get ready for next time. The only thing he can't do is use a video camera.
Belichick has said his tapings were a result of his misinterpreting the rules. But what if Walsh tells Goodell that Belichick told him the taping was a big secret and never to tell anybody? That certainly would make Belichick's defense pretty empty and would mean he lied to NFL owners when he addressed them at the league meeting last month. "Bill continued to take the position he misinterpreted the memo," one NFL owner said. "A lot of people don't find that credible."

May 12 David Carr, a former No. 1 pick of the Texans and a supposed future star, was signed to a one-year deal in an attempt to resurrect his career, as the Giants seek to dust off the layers of terrible play to uncover the potential within. Lorenzen and Wright remain on the roster for now but one of them will be gone before training camp, as in the sixth round of last month's NFL Draft, Andre' Woodson was selected to become the developmental quarterback the franchise wanted to add to the mix.
Andre' Woodson completed better than 63 percent of his passes for 3,709 yards and an SEC record 40 touchdowns against just 11 interceptions. He was told throughout the pre-draft process that he'd be a high selection, a second-rounder in fact. "Obviously that didn't work out as planned," he said. "But things happen for a reason. There is some reason why I am here and I am just glad to have another chance to get out on the field and continue to play football."
Both Tom Coughlin and GM Jerry Reese said they took Woodson so they could have a young quarterback to "grow" in the Giants' system, so he obviously will be given a chance. Carr, Wright and Lorenzen are vying for the backup job, though, so playing time for Woodson could be years away. But that's OK, because he knows there are some things he needs to fix - like his big-windup, slow-release style, which is apparently why he dropped in the draft. He heard that was the knock against him, but given his performance in the powerful Southeastern Conference, he wasn't sure why it became such a big deal.
Coughlin said on draft day that Woodson was "too good a pick for us to pass up." "Obviously, when I got drafted, I was kind of confused," Woodson said. "But this just gives me an opportunity to develop and be a lot better and learn from players like Eli and the rest of the quarterbacks and the coaching staff. "Maybe down the road I might end up somewhere else, I might still be here. But either way it goes, I know I'll become a better player and maybe eventually get an opportunity to get on the field and show my abilities."

Before Kenny Phillips' final season at Miami, Ed Reed and Brandon Meriweather provided him with a message of encouragement. "We paved the way for you," they said. "All you have to do is be you and you're going to be all right." When the Giants selected him with the 31st overall pick last month, Phillips became the fourth Hurricanes safety to be drafted in the first round since Reed was picked 24th overall by the Ravens in 2002. He joined Meriweather (also 24th overall by the Patriots last year) and the late Sean Taylor (the fifth pick by the Redskins in 2004).

May 11 As reports have cast doubt over Jeremy Shockey's future with the Giants, offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride reached out to his Pro Bowl tight end to tell him he still has a place in East Rutherford. "I just told him, in essence, I hope he comes back. If he does come back, I'm looking forward to working with him. And I think his teammates and coaches all feel like I do, that we'll be a better football team because he's here," Gilbride said at the team's rookie minicamp yesterday. "I just wanted to make sure he understood that."
What Gilbride declined to answer is whether the tight end, who requested a trade before the draft, wanted to return to the Giants. Several members of the organization - players, coaches and members of the front office - have reached out to Shockey to let him know he's wanted. But Shockey has yet to publicly make his desires or intentions clear.
It is not known if Shockey feels he's an integral part of the offense, especially after watching Eli Manning Eli Manning blossom seemingly the moment after Shockey was injured and lost for the playoff run. Gilbride feels Manning's emergence had nothing to do with Shockey's exit and had plenty to do with the return to health of rookie receiver Steve Smith. Clearly, there's an air of uncertainty around Shockey.

Kenny Phillips is sure he can handle what is required of him as a first-round draft pick of the Giants New York Giants . He knows he must purchase doughnuts for the veterans during the season. "I can do doughnuts," Phillips said. He knows he will be asked (more like told) to sing the Miami fight song or some other ditty on the first day of training camp. "I think if I sound pretty good, they might not ask me to do it anymore," Phillips reasoned. He grimaced when informed he will be expected to take the defensive backs out to an expensive dinner. Then he brightened a bit when reminded that dinner will come only after he signs his first NFL contract.
Kenny Phillips never played football with Sean Taylor. And even though they were both safeties at the University of Miami, they'd never met. Yet there was a bond between them. And when Taylor was murdered last November, Phillips felt a loss. "It touched all of us," Phillips said. "We are a big family down there at the University of Miami. He was our brother and when we lost someone we were really sad." That's why when Phillips, the Giants' first-round draft pick, took the field for the Giants' rookie mini-camp this weekend, he was wearing No. 21. That may have been Tiki Barber's old number with the Giants, but it was also the number Taylor wore with the Washington Redskins. The 21-year-old Phillips said he's wearing it "out of respect" to him.

Terrell Thomas is used to being overshadowed. He was part of a defense at Southern Cal that featured five players who were drafted, three in the first round. Taken by the Giants with the 63rd pick, he was the seventh player from his team taken in the draft. And when he finally landed with the Giants, he was again a bit of an afterthought; He wasn't the first-round pick like Kenny Phillips, and he didn't have the headline-inducing off-the-field troubles of third-rounder Mario Manningham. "It's been like that my whole career," Thomas said Saturday at the team's rookie minicamp. "At USC we always had stars and sometimes I was overlooked, but at the same time I kept battling and I got myself into a great situation."

Two Giants draft picks got hurt during Saturday morning's rookie mini-camp session at Giants Stadium, but neither injury was serious. Mario Manningham, the third-round receiver out of Michigan, injured his hip flexor while running a pattern. Andre' Woodson, the sixth-round quarterback out of Kentucky, strained his left quad while running with the ball toward the sideline. Coach Tom Coughlin called them "soft-tissue injuries."
"The big lesson for these young guys is it is not just straight ahead running," Coach Tom Coughlin said. "You do have to work side-to-side and we had about four soft tissue injuries (including one to free agent running back Jerome Messam and another did not force the player off the field) that are going to be frustrating, but are going to take time. It is going to reduce their practice opportunities. It is unfortunate, but hopefully it is a good lesson for these guys. The twisting, the turning, the stopping, and the starting, that is what this game is about. You do have to have cardiovascular conditioning, but you do have to also work in the short bursts and the change of direction and all those kinds of things so that you don't have that kind of (injuries)."
Since players are not in pads, minicamps pretty much are geared towards showcasing wide receivers and cornerbacks. With that in mind here are the three stars from the Giants rookie camp which concluded Saturday afternoon.
1. WR D.J. Hall - The free agent from Alabama dropped one or two but made the best catches of the camp. He will contest for a spot at what might be the deepest area of the Giants roster.
2. CB Terrell Thomas - The second-round draft pick from USC stayed with his receivers and broke up a couple of passes.
3. WR Willie Idelette - The first-year tryout player from Wake Forest caught the ball well and fielded punts cleanly.

To impress the Giants coach, his new boss, Jonathan Goff will have to rely on just about every one of the lessons learned from his mom Tyre, a single mother who demanded discipline -- knowing it would lead to her youngest son's success. "There were a lot of limits and boundaries to keep me and my brother out of trouble," said Goff, a middle linebacker whom the Giants drafted in the fifth round last month. "She always kept us busy."

NFL News
Mike Ditka leads charge for 'Gridiron Greats,' which is teaming with OAA Orthopedic Specialists in Allentown, Pa., to offer free health care for hurting NFL players in need. Terry Simpson wants to change the way the NFL looks at medicine: Team doctors, he says, are more worried about getting hurt players back on the field than treating injuries.

May 10 After the first pass of his first NFL practice, Andre' Woodson cringed. In the first 11-on-11 scrimmage of the Giants' rookie minicamp yesterday morning, the former University of Kentucky quarterback promptly hit a target -- the waiting hands of linebacker Jonathan Goff, the fifth-round pick from Vanderbilt.

Mario Manningham has given people a lot to talk about with all his off the field problems. On the field with the New York Giants for the first time Friday, the troubled third-round draft pick from Michigan showed flashes of why he might have been one of the biggest steals in the NFL draft. Manningham caught a short pass in the morning workout, deked a defender, spun past another and jogged down the field with a flair that raised eyebrows at the Giants' minicamp for rookie and free agents.
Before this spring is through, coach Tom Coughlin said he'll make sure to sit down for private conversations with all seven Giants draft picks. Prior to yesterday's start of the two-day rookie mini-camp, Coughlin showed some urgency by making sure he visited with Mario Manningham for what the young receiver called "a long talk."

Although it has been three years since his collegiate career ended at Wisconsin, former Edgemont fullback Matt Bernstein has never given up the dream of playing in the NFL. On Thursday night, as Bernstein was working with the discus throwers as an assistant track and field coach at Edgemont, that dream called. When Bernstein didn't answer his phone during practice, the dream became annoyingly persistent. "I saw I missed 10 calls," said a smiling Bernstein, who is trying out at the Giants' rookie mini-camp this weekend.

Safety Kenny Phillips - "I definitely felt great. Especially after training for the combine and stuff and now I get a chance to actually play football and put on a Giants helmet, the team that just won the Super Bowl, I mean it feels like I won it, except I don't have the ring."
About wearing the number 21? - "I definitely did it out of respect to the late Sean Taylor."
Is it tough knowing that it was also Tiki Barber's number? - "Not really."
More Transcripts.

Archie Manning admits it. He's getting greedy. The patriarch of America's reigning first family of football wants sons Peyton and Eli to keep going back to the Super Bowl. Just not at the same time. The Manning family celebrated Peyton's first NFL championship when the Indianapolis Colts won the 2007 Super Bowl. Then came an encore when Eli guided the upstart New York Giants to this year's title. What's more, each was the game's MVP in this remarkable brother act.

May 9 MAN, a not-for-profit organization co-founded by former Giants Ron Johnson and George Martin in 1989, is dedicated to positively influencing the lives of disadvantaged youth in the tri-state area. The MAN scholarship/mentorship program has awarded more than $800,000 to more than 200 students. GM Jerry Reese and Antonio Pierce received the 2008 Man of the Year awards from MAN.

May 8 After helping pull off a Super Bowl upset for the ages, Eli Manning promised, "I'm going to Disneyland!" Wednesday, he finally did. Better late than never, Manning and his new wife, Abby, finally kept their date with Mickey Mouse and friends, as they took their ride down Main Street, USA, in Anaheim, Calif., in the traditional Super Bowl MVP parade. They were originally scheduled to take that ride in a 1958 baby blue Cadillac the day after Super Bowl XLII in February, but bad weather in the Phoenix area delayed their flight and caused a change in plans.

Amani Toomer thinks Michael Strahan will play in 2008. Antonio Pierce thinks he'll retire. Osi Umenyiora first thought he was coming back, but now thinks he might retire. And Strahan is leaning one way, but won't say which. Just in case that didn't clear up the Strahan Saga, another county was heard from last night when David Diehl weighed in on Sirius NFL Radio's Late Hits. And yes, Diehl does think Strahan is coming back.

Special Report - Then there was unofficial, unconfirmed and uncorroborated news that defensive end Michael Strahan, after 15 years of service to the Giants, has decided to retire. Remember, nobody with any knowledge of the situation has spoken to anybody in authority, and so this is all rumor. (That is what must be said. The bottom line is that Strahan, who almost decided to retire last year when he held out for the entire run of training camp, is extremely unlikely to play this coming season.)
He came back for one more shot at a Super Bowl ring, and defying almost incalculable odds the team managed to provide that final fillip to his Pro Bowl career. He has, as they say, "gone Hollywood" now, and would probably like to enjoy his fame and the fruits of his sacks and accomplishments without the tedium and torture of meetings, two-a-day workouts under the broiling sun, practices, preseason games and, finally, another long and physically draining season.
Want more? - Send a request to davesklein@aol.com for a free week's worth of news!"

May 7 The Giants recently gave their left tackle a new six-year contract despite the fact he had four years remaining on his existing deal. Diehl's agent, Peter Schaffer, confirmed the new deal yesterday but did not provide financial terms, though someone familiar with the terms of the contract said it's worth $31 million and runs through the 2013 season.
Diehl's salary will be about $1 million per year more if he plays left tackle than if he's moved back to guard. The latter might be a team option if right guard Chris Snee, entering his contract year, leaves via free agency at the end of the season. That could force Diehl back to guard and perhaps young Guy Whimper into the critical left tackle position.

Today, for the seventh or eighth time since the Super Bowl ended - I'm sorry, I've lost count - Michael Strahan said that he hasn't made up his mind whether he wants to retire or play again in 2008. The latest non-declaration-of-intent came this morning on Fox & Friends (which used to be Tiki Barber's show, but now he's on another network).

Dan Reeves is a former NFL head coach, part-time broadcaster and full-time gentleman, so it was perfectly in character for him to write Tom Coughlin a note after the Giants won Super Bowl XLII. What surprised Reeves a bit was the reply he received.

May 6 Most people, including his own players, rarely see Tom Coughlin in anything less than full intensity. But those close to him have long said that the public image was only a partial reflection. To see the true Coughlin, watch him among friends and family, away from football. The makeover of Coughlin's image has been stunning. A year ago, he had a tenuous hold on his job and was trying to unwind his reputation as a soulless disciplinarian. Now that the Giants have won the Super Bowl, there is less need for Coughlin, holder of a fresh four-year contract, to be explained.

May 4 Amani Toomer feels good, wonders if Mario Manningham can make it in New York, thinks Sinorice Moss needs to be on guard, and expects to see Michael Strahan in the Giants' locker room next season (and not just as a visitor).

Michael Strahan had something more important to do than go with the Giants to the White House on Wednesday - a trip to the Kentucky Derby. After attending the Playboy party Friday night, Strahan was interviewed on NBC's pre-Derby show Saturday. The defensive end reiterated what he recently told the Daily News' Gary Myers: He's undecided on retirement. This time, though, Strahan sounded a bit more pessimistic about the chances of his returning to Big Blue.

The Giants would have traded Jeremy Shockey for a first-rounder or two second-rounders or a second- and third rounder. But it never came close to happening. The Saints were counting on the Giants being desperate when they're not even sold that trading Shockey is the right thing to do.
The reported trade of TE Jeremy Shockey to the New Orleans Saints never came off on draft day, but sources from both sides insist "it isn't dead yet." Apparently, the Giants wanted S Roman Harper and the Saints' second-round pick (40th overall) and wouldn't budge, while the Saints felt the pick alone would suffice.

NFC East News
Redskins - He has started just seven NFL games, but Reed Doughty is now firmly ensconced as the Redskins' strong safety after the team didn't sign a free agent at the position and didn't take one until the sixth round of last weekend's draft. Doughty, who made the team because of his relentless work ethic, became even more dedicated in the wake of the stunning loss of Sean Taylor which made him a starter.
Cowboys - There was a lot of talk about the Cowboys getting a receiver in the 2008 draft. That didn't happen. The Cowboys resolved early on that a rookie was not going to help because the position lacked great quality in this year's draft crop. Terrell Owens will be 35 next season though he has shown no sign of slowing down. Terry Glenn missed 15 games last season and will be 34 in 2008. There is no guarantee he will be back, though the Cowboys remain hopeful..
Eagles - It remains uncertain how much longer cornerback Lito Sheppard will be an Eagle. The two-time Pro Bowler was expected to be traded by the draft. But as the team prepares for this weekend’s post-draft minicamp, he still is on their roster. "We're not going to give him away," coach Andy Reid said when a trade involving Sheppard failed to materialize during the draft.

May 3 Two-hundred and fifty-two players were selected in the draft here this weekend. One stands apart in volume of pre- and post-draft character speculation, in enormous fall from first-round consideration to a late third-round landing and in incessant analysis at to whether he will become boom or bust. Mario Manningham, A deep search is required to find a player in recent draft history who has taken the shots that Manningham took. Some of it was well earned. Much of it certainly was not.

May 2 The Super Bowl champion Giants visited the Walter Reed Army Medical Center on Wednesday, with two dozen players and coaches talking with wounded soldiers and listening to their stories. The Giants split into three groups, with the third going to a training center, a 31,000 square-foot facility that offers rehabilitating soldiers cutting edge equipment to help with their recovery.

The Giants added six rookie free agents yesterday: defensive tackles Joshua Muse of Louisiana Tech and Ogemdi Nwagbuo of Michigan State, guards Andrew Bain of Miami and Camell Stewart of LSU, center Digger Bujnoch of Cincinnati and offensive tackle Dylan Thiry of Northwestern.

May 1 Giants visit the White House, meet real patriots. The Super Bowl winners visited the White House, the traditional last stop on the championship circuit, where the President honored them with a ceremony on the South Lawn. Prior to their stop at 1600, however, many players and coaches spent the early part of their day visiting with wounded soldiers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
"People called us the 'Road Warriors,' " Giants coach Tom Coughlin said, referring to the team's 11 straight victories away from Giants Stadium. "But we pale in comparison to the real warriors we visited today at Walter Reed."
The team made a stop at Walter Reed Army Medical Center to visit injured solders and were escorted by Lt. Col. Greg Gadson, the injured Iraq war vet who gave a moving speech to the Giants the night before they won Super Bowl XLII. "That's a moment I'll always remember because they feel like my teammates," Gadson said of the big game. He also said his fellow soldiers and service members "were just ecstatic that the Giants came to visit."
At about 3:15 p.m. yesterday, the Giants players emerged from the White House with running back Brandon Jacobs and offensive lineman Grey Ruegamer leading the way. The players walked down the twin curved staircases and filled the platform while the rest of them filled in the steps on both sides. "This is a great team that worked together," President Bush said. "You won the Vince Lombardi Trophy and you won the deep gratitude of the 1972 Miami Dolphins."
President Bush, wearing a blue suit with a red tie, greeted the players and the crowd by saying, "Welcome to the White House. It's an honor to recognize the Super Bowl champs - the New York Football Giants." A loud ovation followed, after which the president singled out John Mara, his mother Ann, Steve Tisch and his mother Joan and Tom Coughlin and his wife Judy.
Transcript - "I appreciate the fact, Coach, that you and your players support our troops, but more importantly our troops appreciate the fact that you support them. (Applause.) You've come to know the story, like I have, of Lieutenant Colonel Greg Gadson. He lost both of his legs while in Iraq."
Transcript - "Thank you, Mr. President, for those words of inspiration. You did a great job of summarizing our season, and it's a true privilege for all of us to be here. Thank you for inviting the New York Giants to the White House."

Special Report - "The Giants will go to Washington, D.C., for a meeting with President George Bush on Wednesday. It is the latest (and perhaps) next to last perk associated with their Super Bowl XLII triumph, the final and most glamorous being the awarding of their emblematic rings...
Through the sources of colleges, on-line sports centers and the like, it is possible to build a list of about a dozen undrafted free agents who have been signed by the Giants since the end of the Great Body Snatch last Sunday night...
This season the Giants will play only three games (with a 10-day rest period between the opener and the next one) before getting their bye...
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Apr 30 When the Giants selected quarterback Andre' Woodson in the sixth round of the draft this past weekend, Jared Lorenzen thought, "Uh-oh." That's brutal honesty from a veteran backup who knows he just became a long shot to keep his job. Earlier in the day, when the team picked wide receiver Mario Manningham in the third round, Sinorice Moss had a much different reaction. He said he was excited. Believe it or not, that's also genuine honesty from a former second-round pick who sees Manningham as an added weapon to the offense, not competition for a roster spot.

Three players most affected by the way the Giants went about their draft business yesterday pushed aside the threats to their own jobs and were unanimous in their vocal support of the newly-imported talent. The selection of safety Kenny Phillips in the first round has a direct bearing on incumbent starter James Butler. The pickup in the third round of receiver Mario Manningham can be seen as a knock on third-year Sinorice Moss. The sixth-round addition of quarterback Andre' Woodson is likely the death-knell for the Giants career of Jared Lorenzen. Yet seldom was heard a discouraging word.
"You look at it and it's a numbers game, that's what the NFL is," said backup quarterback Jared Lorenzen, who could be displaced before training camp by incoming rookie Andre Woodson, a fellow Kentucky product. "At the same time, it's Andre. It's someone I know pretty well. I'm happy to have him here."
"I'm not looking at [Phillips' selection] as how it affected me," Butler said Tuesday in the Giants' locker room. "I'm looking at it as the Giants needed another safety. We only had three or four guys on the roster." As an undrafted free agent in 2005, Butler does not even watch the draft. "Brings back bad memories," he said. But he learned quickly his team's first pick was a safety. He said some coaches sought him out afterward to assure him the selection wasn't made with him in mind.
Sinorice Moss figured to be the odd man out when the Giants drafted another receiver on Sunday. But the disappointing third-year pro warned everyone Tuesday not to count him out. "I need to wake some people up," Moss said. "That's what I really need to do. I've been on the shelf. So I'm ready to come out here and shock the world. That's what I plan to do."
The arrival of third-round selection Mario Manningham ratchets up the level of competition for Moss at wide receiver. It's the third year in a row the Giants took a wideout in the first three rounds: Moss in 2006, Steve Smith last year and now Manningham. With Amani Toomer and Plaxico Burress returning as the starters, the battle for playing time could be fierce."

The Super Bowl champions will be honored by President Bush in a ceremony on the South Lawn this afternoon. While many of the players spent yesterday gearing up for their first encounter with the commander in chief and a behind-the-scenes look at the building in which he lives and works, Manning spoke about sitting down with him in the Oval Office two months ago for a chat. Besides being MVP of the Super Bowl, Manning is also a member of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. "We just kind of talked and chatted about different things going on," Manning said of the meeting that lasted about 25 minutes. "Nothing too serious. He's easy to talk to and fun to be around."

Apr 29 Tom Brady was drafted eight years ago at pick No. 199. Andre Woodson went to the Giants on Sunday afternoon at pick No. 198. Similarities exist in these sixth-round picks. Both are quarterbacks with big arms. Both possess superior football intelligence. Both found their college production relatively ignored. And the major common element: Too many teams passed on these two snappy passers. I am not saying that Woodson is Brady. I am saying that Woodson was certainly not deserving of being the 12th quarterback taken in this draft. He deserved much more. And I believe he will become the best quarterback in this draft.

Giants' top 3 postdraft questions:
Will Michael Strahan return for another season? A. The smart money is leaning toward another season from the veteran, although certain matters still have to be resolved.
Has the Jeremy Shockey watch officially ended? A. Not necessarily.
Can No. 1 draft pick Kenny Phillips earn the starting free safety job? A. If the Giants are correct about his attributes, Phillips certainly could become a starter in a hurry.

Some of the free agents expected to sign with the Giants or be invited to next month's rookie mini-camp include: S Nehemiah Warrick (Michigan State), DE Wallace Gillberry (Alabama), DE Antonio Reynolds (Tennessee), OL Glenn Bujnoch (Cincinnati), G-C Andrew Bain (Miami), OT Dylan Thiry (Northwestern), WR D.J. Hill (Alabama) and OT Carnell Stewart (LSU).
Army punter to sign with Giants. Owen Tolson will sign a two-year, non-guaranteed contract within the next few days. Soon, he will head to East Rutherford, N.J., for the May 8-11 rookie camp. "This is just a foot in the door," said Tolson, who will kick, punt and hold for placements. "Now I got to make the program."

Mario Manninghame is a "good person" who has made some bad mistakes, but his former college coach believes the newest Giants receiver is determined to turn around his life and his career. Lloyd Carr, the former Michigan coach who spent three seasons with the Giants' third-round draft pick, told the Daily News Monday he's confident Manningham won't be any trouble in New York.
The Giants' drafting of wide receiver Mario Manningham in the third round Sunday does not necessarily spell big problems for third-year man Sinorice Moss, who has been a disappointment since his selection in the second round of 2006.

The 2008 Giants draft list contains seven names and no one can be sure if it's a class to remember or forget. Still, it is not too soon to already stamp the Giants New York Giants as big winners after this weekend's talent grab-bag simply because they did not trade away Jeremy Shockey Jeremy Shockey . Smartly, general manager Jerry Reese resisted the temptation to gain a prime draft pick (the Saints' second-rounder, the 40th overall selection) and kept Shockey where he belongs.

Apr 28 Paul Needell's NFL Draft Grades:
The rule of thumb is that it takes at least three years to properly evaluate any team's NFL Draft. My bosses say that's utter nonsense, so I supply you with grades right after this year's "Mr. Irrelevant" is crowned. It's a gift, ladies and gentlemen.
Giants -- B, Eagles -- B, Cowboys -- B-minus, Redskins -- C.
Professor Serby grades the NFL Draft:
Giants -- Safety first, corner next. Talented-but-troubled WR Mario Manningham is a roll of the dice. You dont give Jeremy Shockey Jeremy Shockey away. Grade: B.
Redskins -- Two big receivers and possession TE. Didnt address DE though. Grade: B.
Eagles -- Traded out of first round for Panthers 2009 No. 1 pick. WR DeSean Jackson is atomic toy for Donovan McNabb. Grade: B.
Cowboys -- RB Felix Jones complements Marion Barber. CB Mike Jenkins is insurance for Pacman Jones. Grade: B.
Line of Scrimmage: NFL Draft Grades:
Giants -- The champs addressed their major needs in the secondary, and otherwise acquitted themselves well by selecting value. Grade: A-minus.
Cowboys -- Two backup running backs? A reserve tight end? A cornerback with questionable heart? It all adds up to the most head-scratching Draft of the bunch. Grade: D.
Eagles -- Not a lot to get excited about for Eagles fans, who must also be concerned over the maturity of Jackson and Ikegwonu. Grade: C-minus.
Redeskins -- The organization is serious about making the west coast offense work, and that's a good first sign for Jim Zorn. Grade: B-plus.
USA Today Draft grades:
Giants -- B-plus, Redskins -- B, Cowboys -- B-minus, Eagles -- C-plus.
FOX Draft grades:
Giants -- B, Cowboys -- A-minus, Redskins -- B, Eagles -- C-minus.

Last year the Giants took a chance in the seventh round when they selected Ahmad Bradshaw, a talented running back with midround talent who slid to the bottom of the draft because of character concerns. Bradshaw was given a short leash but became one of the keys to the team's Super Bowl run. The Giants took an even greater risk yesterday, using their third-round choice to select Michigan wide receiver Mario Manningham -- a first-round talent whose off-field issues dropped him to the 95th overall pick.
Based on football ability alone, Mario Manningham probably is a first-round talent. Good speed on the outside. Terrific athleticism. Exceptional production in a big-time college program. If only it were that easy to judge the kid. In Manningham's case, his problems were never on the field, where he produced 27 touchdowns and had a 1,174-yard season for Michigan last year.
In three years at Michigan, Manningham totaled 2,310 receiving yards and 27 touchdowns, ranking him fifth and fourth in school history, respectively. The Giants see him as a big-strike receiver on the outside. Coughlin said he gives the Giants what they need against defenses in the division: a legitimate deep-ball threat.

This past February at the NFL Combine workouts, Mario Manningham denied ever testing positive for marijuana while at Michigan, but subsequently he sent a letter to all NFL teams admitting he "wasn't straightforward" and that he indeed had tested positive twice. He apologized for being "nervous and scared." Reports circulated following the Combine that multiple teams took Manningham off their draft boards. The Giants were not one of those teams.
He's a big-play receiver with first-round talent, but his failure to admit past drug problems and a reported score of 6 on the Wonderlic intelligence exam raised serious questions about his head. "We did our homework on him," Reese insisted. "Our coaches spent a lot of time with him. He convinced me, he convinced our coaches, that he made a couple of mistakes. Hopefully he learned from his mistakes."

The Giants are hopeful an Eli Manning-to-Manningham connection will strike deeply into opposing defenses this season, opening up things for Plaxico Burress on the other side and Jeremy Shockey (he's still here) in the middle. The other offensive addition, quarterback Andre Woodson, probably will replace another former Wildcat, Jared Lorenzen, as the third QB this fall. "For years we've wanted to bring in a young quarterback we can develop," said Reese of the somewhat surprising choice with the first of two selections in the sixth round. "He was very productive at Kentucky, can make all the throws and is a pretty good athlete."
After four years with the Giants, Eli Manning has finally solidified himself as a franchise quarterback who has already taken the team to a Super Bowl title. So why would the Giants draft a quarterback a few months later? As an investment, of course. In the sixth round yesterday, the Giants selected Kentucky quarterback Andre' Woodson, a player both general manager Jerry Reese and coach Tom Coughlin said they hope to "develop." Part of the hope is they can "develop" Woodson and, in a few years, trade him for a high draft pick.
Let the quarterback battle begin Say goodbye to either Jared Lorenzen or Anthony Wright. This was probably pretty obvious, but given the sudden glut at quarterback on the Giants' roster, one of those two will almost certainly soon be gone. At the moment there are five quarterbacks on the roster. By the start of camp in July there will be only four.

Apr 27 - UPDATE The Giants selected five players and made one trade on today's final day of the draft. The Giants relinquished the first of their three sixth-round selections to move up seven spots in the fourth round to take Bryan Kehl. After the significant contributions last year's draftees made during the Giants' championship season, the new group has a high standard to match. Five of the Giants' draft choices were defensive players.

Apr 27 - UPDATE With the 199th pick in the 2008 NFL draft, the Giants selected Robert Henderson DE
Apr 27 - UPDATE With the 198th pick in the 2008 NFL draft, the Giants selected Andre' Woodson QB
Apr 27 - UPDATE With the 165th pick in the 2008 NFL draft, the Giants selected Jonathan Goff LB
Apr 27 - UPDATE With the 123rd pick (from the Steelers), the Giants selected Bryan Kehl OLB
Apr 27 - UPDATE With the 95th pick in the 2008 NFL draft, the Giants selected Mario Manningham WR
Mario Manningham insists the Giants didn't take any risk at all when they made him their third-round pick. Despite a drug-related arrest in his past, a reported score of 6 on the Wonderlic, and a questionable reputation, the 21-year-old Michigan receiver said a few minutes ago that "I don't think I'm a risky pick." He insisted his past problems aren't an issue and said he came clean with the Giants' coaches when he visited here two weeks ago, and that neither he nor they are concerned.

Apr 27 In the first round yesterday, the Giants drafted a safety that began his college career as a cornerback. In the second round, they picked a corner that started as a safety. Guess they're not kidding when they say they like versatility. After selecting Miami's Kenny Phillips with the 31st overall pick, the Giants added USC corner Terrell Thomas -- a 6-1, 202-pound injury-plagued defensive back who had four interceptions in his senior season with the Trojans.
Phillips could play either safety position, or corner, and the Giants will have to decide which safety spot best suits him, and Thomas could play safety, too, although Ross said definitively that he was drafted to be a corner. Thomas is probably more NFL-ready, too, having played through his senior year on a national powerhouse at Southern Cal, while Phillips spent three seasons on a down Miami program, and is a younger player, having skipped his senior year to enter the draft.
The Giants started to huddle about their decision around the time the 23rd overall selection was being made. By the time they started getting serious, Coughlin said they had four names with three picks remaining. Kenny Phillips was at the top of that list, as he had been since the team closed its board. "I didn't think he would make it that far," Reese said.
Depending how quickly he comes in, learns the system and adapts to the NFL, Phillips has a shot to be an immediate starter. He'll compete with second-year Michael Johnson Michael Johnson , with newly signed veteran Sammy Knight more of a strong safety with skills to play in the box.
"I definitely was surprised," Phillips said of his selection by the reigning Super Bowl champions. "To me it's a blessing. A lot of guys want to go as high as possible and they don't fall into situations like this one." And barring a post-draft trade, he'll get a chance to play with Shockey, whose intensity he considers amazing. "I'm looking forward to playing with him," Phillips said. "And if not I wish him the best. But right now I'm just happy to have him as a teammate."

Minutes after the Giants selected Hurricanes safety Kenny Phillips with the 31st overall pick yesterday, the team fielded offers from several teams for tight end Jeremy Shockey. Though a trade was speculated to be likely early in the day, the Giants' asking price simply didn't come down enough to finalize a deal. It remains to be seen where this situation goes from here. Shockey has threatened to hold out this upcoming season, though a few members of the organization have simply chalked that threat up to Shockey's ever-volatile emotions.
The latest offer from the Saints was believed to be that second-rounder and either a fifth in 2009 or a sixth this year. That apparently was not enough for the Giants to relinquish one of their most popular and problematic players.
But the Giants were holding out for either a first-round pick or the Saints' second-round pick and safety Roman Harper. With the Saints unwilling to meet those demands, there was little chance for a last-minute deal to occur. And when the Saints finally used that second-round pick on Indiana cornerback Tracy Porter, the potential deal was officially dead.
Shockey still might be traded if someone comes along with the right offer, although with the first two rounds over, it's now a longshot. And if he's still on the roster after the draft is over, it's silly to think the Giants are worse off.

Apr 26 - UPDATE With the 31st pick in the 2008 NFL draft, the Giants selected Kenny Phillips FS.
Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo loves his potential and sees him as a Brian Dawkins type - a pretty significant player from his days as an assistant in Philly. They needed to replace Gibril Wilson, too, because veteran free agent Sammy Knight isn't a long-term addition.
The Giants' second-round selection (63rd overall) was a bit of a surprise: Terrell Thomas CB.

Both of the Giants' first-day draft choices were defensive backs, but the team's decision-makers said that had more to do with the quality of the players than a perceived need to shore up the secondary.

Apr 26 There is "a good chance" that Jeremy Shockey will be part of a trade that ends his tenure with the Giants on Saturday, according to a league source familiar with the team's situation. The Saints remain the most likely suitor for the tight end in a draft-day deal, with growing interest from the Falcons among others.
According to one NFL source, the Saints were willing to increase their initial offer of a second-round pick to include another pick late in the draft - possibly their fifth-rounder. However, the Giants had asked for a second-round pick and safety Roman Harper and didn't seem to be backing off their high demands.
What not long ago was unthinkable - parting ways with the emotional, energetic Shockey - could become a reality. The Giants made their Super Bowl run while he was out with a broken leg and saw development from Kevin Boss Kevin Boss as Shockey's replacement. Dealing Shockey would weaken the position from a talent standpoint, but send the clear signal that coach Tom Coughlin does not buy into Shockey's ability to blend in with the team.

Barring any trades, the Giants will have eight selections this weekend, starting with No. 31 in the first round, moved up a notch because of the forfeiture of the Patriots' selection in the Spygate scandal. "We will have an idea who we think will be down there," Reese said. "Just like last year, Aaron Ross [selected at No. 20] was one of the guys we thought could be in our window. He was one of the guys we thought could have a chance to be there when we picked. We will have an idea." The Giants have used their 30 visits on college players in whom they obviously have some interest. But remember, last year only two (Zak DeOssie, Boss) of their eight picks paid visits to Giants Stadium. Ever since the days of the late GM George Young, this team has majored in smoke screens.

MSG.comPhotos - Looking Back: Like Peyton, Eli was drafted into the NFL at the No. 1 overall pick.
In a controversial Draft-Day blockbuster trade, he became a Giant.
Then-GM Ernie Accorsi said of the move, "I've never wavered on Manning."

Now in his second tour of duty with the Giants, Chris Mara will soon begin his sixth year as the team's Vice President of Player Evaluation, a position that keeps him active in both pro and college scouting and the NFL Draft, which will be held this weekend. Mara can recall the draft room discussions about dozens of players, but one that still stands out concerned 5-foot-7 running back David Meggett in 1989. I could tell Parcells doesn't want to take him and he is staring at me.
Parcells looked at me and said, 'What am I going to do with this guy?' three times. I looked at him and said, 'Just pitch it to him.' And he got up out of his chair and he said, 'Just pitch it to him? Just (expletive) pitch it to him? You guys think we are playing the Senior Bowl or the East-West game around here.' We took Dave Meggett (in the fifth round) and within three or four hours Bill had gotten a call from two or three teams looking to trade for him, so I think he felt like maybe the scouts were right this time. He certainly turned out to be a pretty good player."

Vinny Ditrani makes his NFL Draft picks: 31. Giants FS Kenny Phillips, Miami - He took the fall for the Hurricanes' demise, but is a potential impact safety to replace Gibril Wilson.
Ralph Vacchiano's mock draft: 31. New York Giants - S Kenny Phillips, Giants And there was much rejoicing, in both the war room and the press room. At least by me.
AP mock draft: 31. Giants. Same situation as the Packers and Chargers: they'll trade down quickly if they can. They seem to like Tyrell Johnson, S, Arkansas State, even though Kenny Phillips of Miami is considered the highest-rated safety. Maybe it's the difference in schools. Johnson can probably be had a little later.

Apr 25 Prediction: With the 31st pick in the first round of the NFL Draft, the Super Bowl champion New York Giants select... Kenny Phillips, safety, University of Miami. Here's what you need to know about the 6-2, 212-pounder: First of all, Steve Spagnuolo loves him, according to a team source. He's got terrific instincts and cover skills, knows how to read offenses, is strong enough to handle tight ends and is fast enough (4.49 in the 40) to handle most receivers. Remember, Spagnuolo came from a defense in Philly where the safety - Brian Dawkins - was an integral part. He really didn't have that type of safety in New York last year. The only one who was close, of course, was Gibril Wilson, who is now an Oakland Raider
Since 2005, the Giants have had three different starters at strong safety: Brent Alexander, Will Demps and James Butler. There has been one starter at free safety: Gibril Wilson. That era ended this offseason when Wilson signed a lucrative free agent deal with the Oakland Raiders. It won't be easy replacing his 11 interceptions and 296 tackles over the past four seasons, and the Giants will be counting on some young players to fill the void.
If Kenny Phillips is gone (perhaps to the Cowboys at No. 22), it could become a grab for the best defensive player available. Arkansas State safety Tyrell Johnson has intrigued the Giants, but taking him at No. 31 could be an unnecessary reach. Perhaps the Giants are eyeing Johnson as a potential target if they trade down into the second round or even trade up in the second from their pick at No. 63 overall. As for the player they'd take at No. 31, Tennessee linebacker Jerod Mayo is a possibility. He can play inside and outside and has been compared with former Broncos linebacker Al Wilson -- a player the Giants were going to acquire before a physical showed his neck issues would be a problem.

How high the Giants go for a linebacker will be a clear indication how much faith they have in Gerris Wilkinson. There will be a few interesting linebacker prospects for the Giants to discuss. They brought Quentin Groves of Auburn in for a visit and Marc Ross, the Giants director of college scouting, attended Auburn's Pro Day. Jerod Mayo was not brought in for a visit, but Reese saw him at Tennessee's Pro Day. Mayo's stock is on the rise.

This weekend, hundreds of players will be anxiously awaiting to see which NFL uniform they'll be wearing next year. Most of them are college players. One of them is Jeremy Shockey. And if recent rumblings are accurate, there's no guarantee he'll be wearing Giants blue come September. Then again, there's no guarantee he won't. The Giants continue to field offers for their injured four-time Pro Bowl tight end, according to someone who speaks to members of the front office on a regular basis.
Trade Shockey or keep him? I say keep him, unless you get a deal that's worth giving up one of the top five tight ends in football. So what that he's apparently unhappy with his current role in the offense and apparently having a few pity parties because he wasn't a part of the Giants' playoff run. You don't just trade away a valuable player because he's not entirely satisfied with his role and wants an opportunity to play elsewhere. Even Lawrence Taylor occasionally whined about playing in New York and once tried to get Bill Parcells to trade him to the Oilers.

A possible Osi Umenyiora holdout has been looming over the Giants since last summer, when rumors first surfaced that he was unhappy with his deal. He declined to address the issue then, which only fueled the speculation. He even refused to deny a holdout was possible as recently as late February at the premiere of the Giants' championship DVD.
Umenyiora indicated multiple times that he believed the Giants would take care of him financially at the appropriate time, insisting he was comfortable with that. He called the Giants "a first-class organization" and said he didn't want to be anywhere else. Still, Umenyiora admitted holding out crossed his mind earlier. "For sure I was thinking about it," he said. "Come on. You see what's going on out there. But I don't think it's the right thing to do."

Apr 24 When the Giants lined up on defense in the Super Bowl, Reggie Torbor and Kawika Mitchell were the outside linebackers. When the Giants line up to begin the defense of their title in September, the two will be on other teams. With no clearly defined starters on either side of middle linebacker Antonio Pierce the Giants could be looking to fill vacancies at what some consider to be the impact positions in their scheme during the NFL draft.
In the spring of 1991, after the Giants won Super Bowl XXV, they drafted fullback Jarrod Bunch. Now an actor in Los Angeles after injuries forced the Giants to cut him after three years, Bunch said his experience of joining the champions was strenuous and made all the more difficult by Bill Parcells' departure three weeks after the draft.

How the Giants evaluate the astounding playoff run by Corey Webster will be a heavy determining factor in the way the front office handles this weekend's NFL Draft. If general manager Jerry Reese and the coaching staff see Webster as the top-flight young cornerback they envisioned when they drafted him in the second round in 2005, the need to add another corner is greatly diminished. But if serious questions remain about Webster, then there's a glaring need to add someone who can come in and make an impact the way Aaron Ross did a year ago.

Jeremy Shockey - Trade him or keep him?
3 Reasons to trade Shockey - He is a disruptive influence. He's injury prone. He's replaceable.
3 Reasons to trade Shockey - He's young and talented. He's a ball of energy. They won't get equal value.
And the Giants are considering trading him away? That thought would have seemed ridiculous when the Giants traded up one spot to get him in the 2002 draft, and then-GM Ernie Accorsi called him more of a "playmaker" and a "weapon" than a tight end. He was the prototype for the tight end of the 21st century, and instantly became a Mark Bavaro-like fan favorite for his power, determination and speed.

Like a wedding or a graduation, the NFL Draft is an unforgettable event for those players selected. With this year's draft scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, several Giants this week looked back on the day they entered the NFL. Today, we hear from Plaxico Burress, Reuben Droughns, Kareem McKenzie and R.W. McQuarters.
Plaxico Burress, Michigan State. First round selection by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2000 (eighth overall pick). Joined the Giants as a free agent on March 17, 2005. "I was home in Virginia with my family. I had a lot of guys over, my whole family was there. They called me probably about two or three minutes before I got picked, but I didn't say anything to anybody."

Apr 23 While a lot of his teammates were participating in offseason workouts at Giants Stadium yesterday, David Tyree was on crutches with his right knee in a brace. He revealed he had surgery eight days ago to correct a problem in the joint, though he declined to specify exactly what the injury was. He also refused to say the injury occurred during workouts, though he did say it "locked up" on him at some point after the season.
Tyree will be out of action at least until training camp begins in late July. And even though he promised he'll be "100% for the start of training camp," his recovery could take a little longer. Tyree wasn't willing to divulge any of the details, but he did say there was no ligament damage. He said doctors told him he could have let it heal on its own, but by doing so, he would run the risk that it would get worse during the season.
One medical source said the procedure likely repaired a partially torn meniscus. Because he is not treating Tyree, the source spoke on the condition of anonymity. Tyree's surgery comes juxtaposed with that of Brandon Jacobs. The running back had chips removed from his wrist recently and was seen at Madison Square Garden wearing a cast last week. Jacobs is expected to be at full health for training camp.

Shockey's voice is never heard in the springtime around Giants Stadium, but his name sure is. Whether it's from reporters asking Eli Manning whether he wants Shockey to be there for these voluntary workouts, or as Tuesday, when guys like Dave Diehl and No. 2 tight end Kevin Boss get peppered with questions about whether Shockey would still make a good, productive Giant. If Shockey wants out, the Giants should oblige. A second-round pick would suffice, especially from a team that picks high up in the second round, giving the Giants a couple of top 50 picks to shore up the secondary, or the receiving corps, or even with a tight end.
Some in the organization are convinced Jeremy Shockey will be traded before the first day of the draft is over, although most sources have indicated it could go either way, depending on how high the offers go. One source also indicated that other teams have expressed an interest in Shockey, although none more than the Seahawks and Saints. The source did not say who those teams were, but one possibility is the Atlanta Falcons, who are looking to replace tight end Alge Crumpler. The Falcons, by the way, have three second-round picks (34th, 37th and 48th).
Without Shockey, the job would fall to Kevin Boss, who is entering his second year with the Giants, and who yesterday said he believes he could handle a starting job. "I think I can," he said, "but I think Jeremy will be back. We all want him back, especially as a tight-end group. I felt like I learned a ton from him this year." Boss was a fifth-round pick and learned the ropes as Shockey's understudy until Shockey broke his leg in the 14th game of the season. Boss moved into the lineup and had his moments, starting the final six games. He was a positive factor but nowhere near the dominating presence Shockey can be.
Kevin Boss said he has been disappointed the way the media and fans have treated Jeremy Shockey since the Super Bowl. "A lot of people have given up on him and think he should be traded," said the second-year tight end, who figures to benefit the most from any Shockey trade. "It's upset all of us as a team. It's not his fault he got injured. "We all want him back. We wouldn't have been in the Super Bowl without Jeremy. He made a lot of big plays to help us get there."

Ralph Vacchiano - From what I'm told, the Giants want more production out of the middle of their defensive line - in particular more interior pressure on the passer. They like Barry Cofield and think he's solid run-stuffer and they think Jay Alford has some potential, though he's still raw. But Fred Robbins has really been their best rusher out of that position and due to age and salary he's not likely to last more than another year in New York. I ranked defensive tackle as their sixth-biggest need. It sounds more like I should've put that position third. That said, it seems pretty clear - and obvious - that defense will be the focus of the Giants' draft. That certainly should be the case in the first two rounds.

With 19 seconds remaining in Super Bowl XLII, Jay Alford, a rookie who had contributed mostly as a long snapper all season, recorded the sack that pretty much stamped the Giants as world champions. At that moment, Nate Robinson stared at his television. Five years earlier, Robinson was at Irvington High, trading shoves and battling to stalemates against Orange's Alford. "That was crazy. I was like, 'That's supposed to be me,'" Robinson said the other day by phone. "We were in the same year, same boat, same everything. "I was happy for him, but at that point, I couldn't wait for my turn." Robinson's turn will finally come this weekend when his NFL career officially begins.

If someone had to predict today who the opening day starting cornerbacks would be for the Giants against the Redskins on September 4, they could give two very plausible names, but the next guy could give a combination that would be just as likely. Who is the third cornerback that plays in the slot?

Apr 22 For the first time since they selected Carl Banks in 1984, the Giants could be using their first pick on a linebacker. This year there seems to be as much depth at the position as there is flexibility, almost ensuring that a top candidate will be available when the Giants makes their first scheduled pick, 31st overall.

It is rare when a team can sit back until the very last pick of the first round and land the top player at his position, but that would be the case if the Giants nab Kenny Phillips. In virtually every publication or ranking, Phillips is listed as the top-rated safety available in the draft and that he is coming out of college after his junior year makes him more attractive.

Landing those late-round finds has become a Giants strength over the years. More often than one might think, it involves listening well to other college coaches, scouts and local talent evaluators instead of the established scouting organizations. Those fifth-, sixth- and seventh-round contributors, especially if they're small-school products, might be rated poorly by Blesto or the NFL's other talent service, National Scouting. But a simple word around town might be enough to turn some unknown kid like Boss into a draftable player. It happened with Jessie Armstead, the former heart and soul of the Giants' defense who, because of his injury-induced eighth-round status in 1993, would have gone undrafted in the current seven-round format. But at least Armstead played for a power program in the University of Miami. Boss' name came up almost out of nowhere.

Draft Day Memories - RB Brandon Jacobs, WR David Tyree and CB Corey Webster discuss their draft memories. Jacobs: "I just woke up from a dream and the Giants called. I literally had just woken up, because I was upset that I didn't go the day before."

Apr 21 MVP stood for Married and Very Pleased on Sunday as Giants star Eli Manning and his bride, Abby McGrew, kicked off their honeymoon. The couple began their first full day as husband and wife having breakfast with many of the 60 guests who witnessed their Baja beach wedding Saturday. The pair checked out of their wedding night suite, and guests said they were heading off to honeymoon at a secret destination. Photos

What do linebacker Quentin Groves, receiver Paul Hubbard and safety Tyrell Johnson have in common? Well, they are all likely to be drafted this weekend and wind up on NFL rosters. They all play a position that the Giants will be looking to fortify. And they all came to New Jersey in the past week or so for a face-to-face meeting with the defending Super Bowl champions. In other words, they have no shot at being drafted by the Giants.

Marc Ross, a former Princeton wide receiver who is now the Giants' director of college scouting, is looking for players who want to win Super Bowls, not Nobel Prizes. And after all eight of the Giants' picks in last year's draft contributed to this past season's championship run, Ross has a high standard to meet. "I don't think he's afraid of the challenge," Giants general manager Jerry Reese said. "And it's really not a challenge. We're not looking for Marc Ross to match last year's draft.

NFL News
Because of escalating rookie salaries and an alarming “bust" rate, the feeling toward top-10 picks has changed in recent years. The risk-reward factor has shifted, and many believe it shouldn't be that way. You go through a season of hell to get the pick and, as payback for the pain and suffering, you're presented with an opportunity to make a bigger mess of things. Now, more than ever, it hurts to be a loser in the NFL. The draft is "skewed completely" by cost, according to Colts president Bill Polian.

Apr 20 Giants quarterback Eli Manning wed his college sweetheart Abby McGrew during a beachfront ceremony at sunset Saturday. About 60 loved ones flew to Mexico to join Manning and his bride for the intimate ceremony at the One&Only Palmilla, a swank resort along the Sea of Cortez on the Baja Peninsula. Manning, 27, and McGrew, 24, exchanged vows while standing on a platform in the sand as waves crashed over rocks behind them.

At the time, there really was no overwhelming reason to believe the first draft class in the Jerry Reese era would be a classic. Ten months later, the Giants were crowned Super Bowl champions, and they wouldn't have come close without the contributions of a precocious group of rookies. All eight 2007 draft picks made the team and the way seven of them added something to the title equation is a stark reminder when taking a look at this weekend's NFL Draft.
Reese, and Giants fans, should be absolutely giddy if he can pull off a drafting job anywhere close to his first draft as GM, when the Giants cleaned up with Aaron Ross, Steve Smith, Jay Alford, Zach DeOssie, Kevin Boss, Adam Koets, Michael Johnson and Ahmad Bradshaw, most of whom contributed significantly toward the Super Bowl victory. "You always go into the draft hoping you can get more right than you get wrong," Reese said. "Last year we were fortunate enough to get more right than we got wrong and again we had some holes coming into the draft, so somebody had to play. It is a little bit overrated. We hit on all of our picks; somebody had to play.
Here's a look a three players the Giants may take with the 31st pick in Saturday's NFL draft:
Kenny Phillips - College: Miami Pos.: Safety Ht.: 6-2, Wt.: 212 Pros: To most scouts, he's the best safety in the draft.
Quentin Groves - College: Auburn Pos.: Linebacker Ht.: 6-3 Wt.: 249 Pros: A perfect fit in Steve Spagnuolo's versatile defense due to his flexibility.
Gosder Cherilus - College: Boston Col. Pos.: OT Ht.: 6-8, Wt.: 317 Pros: His size, for one. He's huge, yet he can still move pretty well. He's also very powerful, especially when run-blocking straight ahead.

The Giants starting offensive line attended G Rich Seubert's charity event in Wisconsin. Seubert flew out early to organize the event. His four mates followed the next day, which entailed flying to Minneapolis. "Richie had told us it was a 40-minute drive from Minneapolis to there and we asked the driver how long it was and he said an hour and 45," Snee said. After learning how long they'd be in the car, the four linemen decided they'd better get something to eat.
So somewhere along the route - they're not sure if it was in Minnesota or Wisconsin - their stretch Hummer pulled into an Arby's, which understandably drew strange looks and queries from the patrons already there. "We definitely drew a lot of attention when all four of us piled out of a limo and go to Arby's and everybody is like, 'Who are you guys?' and 'Where did you guys come from?'" Diehl said. "Apparently they are not used to four monster guys coming into an Arby's out of a limo."

Apr 19 Jeremy Shockey told the Giants in December he wanted a changed role in the offense or a trade to another team, according to a person familiar with discussions between Shockey, the Giants' coaching staff and front office. The person, who requested anonymity because he isn't authorized to speak on behalf of Shockey or the Giants, said Shockey threatened to sit out the upcoming season if neither request was granted.
Shockey, 27, who suffered a broken fibula in a Dec. 16 loss to the Redskins, feels his career is being cut short by all the blocking he has been asked to do since Tom Coughlin became coach of the Giants in 2004. While blocking is an integral part of a tight end's job description, Shockey believes he was more effective as a receiver under former coach Jim Fassel and offensive coordinator Sean Payton, now the coach of the New Orleans Saints, who are interested in trading for Shockey.
The two teams most mentioned in reported attempts to land the 6-5, 260-pound incandescent Shockey are New Orleans and Miami, and there was an unsubstantiated rumor on Thursday that said he was seeking real estate in Big Easy. That could not be confirmed. The Saints, whose second-round pick is 40th overall, would have to sweeten the pot, and according to (again) unsubstantiated reports, the Giants have asked about safety Roman Harper in addition to the selection.
Jeremy Shockey's agent Drew Rosenhaus was on ESPN's "NFL Live". When asked about Shockey and a possible trade, Rosenhaus hinted he and his client want out. The link has a cut from the show's transcript.

There probably hasn't been a position more in flux for the Giants in the last five years than linebacker. Since 2003, the Giants have started 12 different players at the position, and only three linebackers remain from the 2006 roster (Chase Blackburn, Antonio Pierce, and Gerris Wilkinson). From Sam Huff to Harry Carson to Lawrence Taylor to Carl Banks to Jesse Armstead, the linebacker position has been one of historical significance to the franchise.

NFC East News
Redskins - After an uncharacteristically quiet free agency period - two visits and only one newcomer, former Texans KR/WR Jerome Mathis - the draft will be an unusually high priority for Washington.
Cowboys - Bill Parcells and the Miami Cowboys have the No. 1 pick. But its Parcells' former team that is the linchpin to the entire 2008 NFL Draft. With two first-round picks, owner Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys are in the proverbial catbird seat.
Eagles - They own the 19th pick in the first round and 11 picks overall, which gives them some extra chips with which to wheel and deal. They've also got cornerback Lito Sheppard, who could be traded before or during the draft.

Apr 18 The NFL has changed the preseason schedule on the Giants, sending them to Detroit rather than to Carolina for their first game. The date of the game also has been changed from Aug. 9 to Aug. 7.

"Chatter" is what Giants general manager Jerry Reese called talk that tight end Jeremy Shockey might be traded. However he stopped short of ending that chatter Thursday at what was supposed to be his annual briefing about the upcoming NFL Draft. Not a single prospect's name was mentioned by the second-year GM, who instead was pressed on the Shockey rumors. While expressing that trading Shockey was improbable, he let it be known a potential deal is not impossible. "I have not," Reese said when asked if he has initiated any Shockey trade talks.
"Right now, all I can say on Jeremy Shockey is he's our starting tight end," Reese told reporters at a pre-draft news conference. "There's always a lot of chatter going on during this time of the year. There's nothing else to write about ... so that's giving you something to write about. Right now, Jeremy is our starting tight end and that's really my stance on it." The key words, of course, are "right now." In September? Even Reese acknowledged there are no guarantees. In response to one question about Shockey and a potential salary cap hit, Reese said, "Everybody is tradable, no matter what." He also confirmed there have been trade talks involving Shockey, though he made it clear they were initiated by other teams, not the Giants.
According to team sources, at least two clubs have inquired about Shockey and the Giants have made it clear they are willing to listen. The Saints reportedly offered them a second-round pick for Shockey last month, but the Giants wanted more. "We're not just going to give him away," the source said. Jeremy Shockey has not formally demanded a trade from the Giants, but he has made it very clear he wouldn't be upset if it happened, either.
Shockey missed the entire playoff run following surgery to repair a broken left leg and ligament damage in his left ankle. As the Giants thrived without him, the emotional tight end heard unsubstantiated talk that the team in general and Eli Manning in particular were better off without him.

If you're holding your breath, waiting for Michael Strahan to make his long-awaited decision about retirement before next weekend's draft ... well, don't. Giants GM Jerry Reese said that it appears Strahan's decision won't be coming anytime soon. And he should know, since he met with him about the topic early last week.
"We would like for Michael to make a decision before then, but I don't think that would happen," Reese said. "He deserves to take whatever time he needs to take. Sooner is better for us, but it's not going to weigh on any decisions on what we are going to do in the draft." Reese said Strahan's mind could take much longer to make up. "We would like to know before training camp," he said. "He will make a decision before then, I think."
Publicly, Strahan remains conflicted about whether to stay in uniform or begin his post-football life, which will likely include television work. The Giants have Justin Tuck and perhaps Mathias Kiwanuka to take over at left end should Strahan leave. And if he stays, the Giants know it will be a short-term commitment - one reason his decision won't influence what the Giants do in their draft room.

Apr 17 A year ago, it was no great shocker that the Giants with their first-round pick in the NFL Draft selected Aaron Ross, given it was fairly obvious the team was looking for help at cornerback and Ross was highly-regarded at that position. The pick made sense but took Ross by surprise. Several teams expressed strong pre-draft interest in Ross, but the Giants were not among those teams. They didn't even invite him for a visit. The Giants had a conviction about Ross and saw no need to advertise that belief, not even to Ross himself.

Giants quarterback Eli Manning will wed his longtime girlfriend in a private ceremony this weekend in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, friends of Manning said Wednesday. The Super Bowl hero and college sweetheart Ally McGrew were flying to Mexico Thursday for a Saturday wedding at the One&Only Resort. "It will be small, just friends and family," a Manning friend said.
Eli Manning receives special sports award at Big Brothers Big Sisters dinner. The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City is to provide mentors to children who need a caring adult role in their lives. The mentoring agency matches children from all boroughs, ages 7 to 17, with adult mentors 21 years or older.

Stadium News
The Super Bowl champion New York Giants are losing in the bond market after interest costs for a new stadium reached as high as 22 percent, forcing the football team to redeem $100 million of auction-rate securities.

Apr 16 The Giants powered their way to the Super Bowl championship with a record run on the road, but they're going to begin their title defense with a string of games at home. The champs will play three of their first four games at Giants Stadium, where they were a dismal 3-5 last season. They haven't won at home since Oct. 21 against the 49ers. After that, they lost their last four in a row.
The Giants' bye week comes early, Sept. 28, after only three games, which no doubt is too early to suit Tom Coughlin. Last year, he repeatedly praised the timing of the bye, exactly at mid-season, after eight games. "It's a very, very challenging schedule," Coughlin said. "Week in and week out, we will be challenged by outstanding opponents."
The reigning Super Bowl champions will play just one time on Monday Night Football, Oct. 13 in Cleveland. Not being able to play home Monday night games because of the parking situation and the lack of topflight out-of-division opponents limited the Giants' Monday options. Oddly, their preseason Monday game is against the Browns.
Because of the possibility of flex scheduling, there are seven Giants games that could have their kickoff times changed: Baltimore on Nov. 16 (currently listed as a 1 p.m. start), at Arizona on Nov. 23 (4:15), at Washington on Nov. 30 (1 p.m.), vs. Philadelphia on Dec. 7 (1 p.m.), at Dallas on Dec. 14 (8:15 p.m.), vs. Carolina on Dec. 21 (1 p.m.), and at Minnesota on Dec. 28 (1 p.m.).

NFL News
NFL 2008 Schedule Includes Games in London, Toronto - The Buffalo Bills will play the Miami Dolphins in Toronto next season in one of two National Football League games scheduled outside the U.S. The New Orleans Saints will also host the San Diego Chargers in London's Wembley Stadium on Oct. 26, the second straight year that the most-watched sport on U.S. television will be played there. The Dolphins, who played the New York Giants in London last season, will visit the Bills in Toronto's Rogers Centre on Dec. 7.

Apr 15 UPDATE - 2008 Schedule Released.

The game against the Redskins is the only one of their four scheduled night games that will be played at home. They will play a Monday night game at Cleveland on Oct. 13 and Sunday night games at Philadelphia (Nov. 9) and in Dallas (Dec. 14). One or two late-season games could be shifted to prime time under the NFL's flexible schedule policy. The NFL - ESPN All Teams Schedule

Apr 15 Michael Strahan had his annual meeting with the Giants general manager last week, but he told Jerry Reese that he's not yet ready to make any decisions about his future. That meeting, which was first reported by the NFL Network, was confirmed by a team source and it apparently lasted for about an hour at Giants Stadium, just a few days after Strahan returned from his African vacation. The 36-year-old defensive end had said he hoped to make up his mind whether or not he wants to retire before the NFL Draft.
Given that the draft is April 26-27, the Giants would love to know Strahan's plans. If he's calling it a career, they might be inclined to move Mathias Kiwanuka Mathias Kiwanuka back to his natural defensive-end position and then select a linebacker with the 31st pick. Strahan, though, doesn't rush these decisions. Last season, he kept the Giants guessing all the way through training camp before finally returning to work.

Former Giants
Howard Cross, 40, played 13 seasons as a tight end for the Giants and was a member of their 1990 and 2000 Super Bowl teams. He played more games in a Giant uniform than any other players. Since his retirement, Cross has been a busy member of the New York media. Along with working as an analyst for the YES Network and Fox, and he's also a part of the Giants' broadcast team.

Apr 13 Judging from his words and actions, Eli Manning is under no illusion that his impressive string of playoff starts, culminating with his out-dueling of Tom Brady in the Super Bowl, means he has finally arrived as a complete NFL quarterback. "It's satisfying, but I still work extremely hard in what I'm doing. I'm not content with where I am in my play," Manning said. "I played well through the playoff run, but I'd like to do that over 16 regular-season games and into the playoffs rather than wait until the last four." That attitude, Manning believes, has permeated throughout the team.

In the NFC Championship on Jan. 20, 2008, in frigid Green Bay, Wis., Lawrence Tynes shanked two fourth-quarter field-goal attempts. In overtime, with coach Tom Coughlin deciding what to do on fourth down, Tynes just ran onto the field. He made a 47-yard field goal -- the biggest kick of his life -- that sent the Giants to Super Bowl XLII. "I never let the two misses affect me," Tynes said. "I think that is what propelled me to make that kick. I never once got down on myself." The first points of the Super Bowl came from a Tynes 32-yard field goal, and the Giants went on to beat the Patriots 17-14.

Jon Gruden, Wade Phillips, Mike McCarthy and Bill Belichick all felt the power of the Giants in the playoffs. Gary Myers asked the three NFC coaches about the aftershock of being eliminated by the road warrior Giants, who became the first NFC team to win three road playoff games to get to the Super Bowl.

The Giants 2008 Draft Day Party will be held Saturday, April 26th from 12-4 PM at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. At the event, the 2007 Lombardi Trophy will be on display and open to general photo opportunities, there will be tours of the Locker Room and the Press Box, autograph opportunities with current and former Giants Greats and much more!

Apr 12 Eli Manning doesn't mind that Jeremy Shockey is once again absent from the Giants' offseason program. But the Super Bowl MVP made it clear Friday at workouts that he wants to see the tight end remain with the team. Manning said he and Shockey, who annually trains during the offseason in Miami, have talked. When asked if the often controversial Shockey wants to remain a Giant, the quarterback replied, "I hope so."
Former Giants backup quarterback Tim Hasselbeck during Super Bowl week ripped Shockey, saying he was a major distraction to Manning, a claim Manning does not support. "He does his work in Miami, that's fine by me," Manning said. "Jeremy every year has come into training camp in the best physical shape he can be in and that's what we need him to do.

There have been plenty of whispers since before the Super Bowl XLII win over the Patriots that the Giants (particularly Manning) are better off without Shockey. There have also been reports the team has fielded trade offers from other clubs, including New Orleans. And then there are the rumors that Shockey is unhappy with the Giants. After all, it's no secret he hasn't been pleased with his role in the offense during the Coughlin era.
It's unclear exactly what Shockey feels about all this, since he's down in Miami not saying much, and his agent - Drew Rosenhaus - is declining to comment on any Shockey-related subjects. He obviously knows that the New Orleans Saints - and his old buddy, Sean Payton - inquired about him recently. And he probably knows that the Giants aren't shopping him (or so they say) but are willing to listen to offers, just in case there's one they can't refuse.
"Jeremy Shockey has been a huge part of this team," Shaun O'Hara said. "I'd rather play with him than against him." But for the most part, players from the championship team are back, and many chose to attend the voluntary workout Friday. Manning pointed out that repeating as Super Bowl champion was even rarer than winning the first one - it's been done eight times in the 42-year history of the game - so he wanted to get started early.

Soon there will be a ring ceremony, and an April 30 trip to the White House. "The Super Bowl will never be forgotten," said running back Brandon Jacobs. "We will always be talking about it. But we have to hang it up right now and get ready for next season." Safety Sammy Knight, being introduced to the locker room via free agency, said he thinks the focus is in that direction. "I definitely think they are back to business," the 12-year veteran said Friday.
Knight is expected to replace Gibril Wilson at free safety. Wilson signed with the Oakland Raiders. "There’s no pressure at all for me," Knight said. "I play the game, so my thing is I am confident in my ability, I am confident in my ability to help others and others to help me and listen. I don't have an ego. My bottom line is when you get on the field it is one ball and if you go after that ball you will be okay. In the history of my career I have done that."

The Giants seem to have filled minor needs with the signing of veteran QB David Carr and veteran SLB Danny Clark, both of whom will slip into roles previously defined for them. In Carr's case, it's as the backup to Eli Manning, although GM Jerry Reese has been politically correct in saying that Carr "will compete for a job and I'm anxious to see him do that."
Clark will engage young Zak DeOssie and free agent Tank Williams to fill the berth vacated by Reggie Torbor, who himself was replacing the injured (fractured leg) Mathias Kiwanuka. If Kiwanuka is healthy, the only thing Clark is competing for is a backup job, unless defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo decides to put Kiwanuka back at end.

NFC East News
Washington - In an exclusive interview with The Washington Times, Redskins owner Dan Snyder said that he hasn't changed his philosophy even though the usually spend-happy franchise has stood pat this offseason. "We're always going to be active," Snyder maintained before the Redskins finally added a player, former Houston Pro Bowl kick returner Jerome Mathis, on April 4. Snyder hinted that the Redskins may yet pull of a big move, especially with more than $6 million in salary cap room.
Dallas - The Cowboys are bringing in several of the top cornerback prospects for visits next week and they could draft a cornerback with one of their two first-round picks. There is a huge lack of depth at cornerback—the Cowboys have precious little experience behind starters Anthony Henry and Terence Newman thanks to the free-agent departure of Nate Jones and Jacques Reeves. Even if they do acquire Pacman Jones, the Cowboys still need help at the position.
Philadelphia - The Eagles brought in Cal wide receiver DeSean Jackson for an interview with team officials this week. The Eagles own the 19th pick in the draft and Jackson could be a consideration there, particularly because of his return skills. Jackson, who ran the 40-yard dash in a blazing 4.35 seconds at the Scouting Combine in February, returned six punts for touchdowns during his career at Cal.

Former Giants
Browns wide receiver Joe Jurevicius contracted a staph infection following knee surgery, becoming the sixth Cleveland player in four years to suffer from staph. Jurevicius had 50 catches for 614 yards and three touchdowns last season. He played in 16 games and started 12. He's expected to be the No. 3 receiver next season with the signing of free agent Donte Stallworth. Jurevicius said at the end of last season that he'd play at least one more year.

Apr 11 David Tyree, the fourth receiver on the Giants' depth chart and a special teams player, became a household name with his game-saving catch in Super Bowl XLII. His catch catapulted him from obscurity and he is embracing the opportunity to tell his story. On Thursday morning, Tyree was in Hartford to share his improbable journey at the second annual breakfast. The Hartford-based Open Hearth has provided shelter, transitional living and counseling for men since 1884.

The Giants have waived talented but troubled DT Manny Wright after one season in East Rutherford. Wright was originally selected in the fifth round of the 2005 supplemental draft by the Dolphins. A few months later, cameras caught him crying as he left the field after being berated by former Miami coach Nick Saban.

He finally has his long-awaited championship, he holds almost every important Giants receiving record and he's been hit who knows how many times in his career. But Amani Toomer is ready for more. In 2007, Toomer came back from knee surgery the previous year to have another outstanding season. He caught 59 passes in the regular season and was the Giants' leading receiver in their four-game postseason.

The slugfest that is Michael Strahan's divorce case resumed Wednesday in state appellate court, where attorneys sparred over whether a lower court went too far in awarding his ex-wife $14 million. Strahan's attorney, Angelo Genova, used the word ''absurd'' seven times to belittle a 2007 opinion by Superior Court Judge James Convery, who gave Jean Strahan twice what her husband's attorneys believed she was due.

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