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New York Giants Mailbag: Summer Wind-down Edition

We have a small mailbag ahead of the Giants' preseason finale against the Jets.
Patricia Traina|
New York Giants Mailbag: Summer Wind-down Edition
New York Giants Mailbag: Summer Wind-down Edition

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New York Giants

If you'd like to submit a question for the mailbag, please send it to nygiantsmaven@gmail.com. Note: Some letters may have been edited for clarity/length.

What's good, Base? I think this defense, if it stays healthy, can be a top-10 unit. But let's pump the brakes a bit on Simmons, not because he's a guy who won't be a part of that, but because we still need to see exactly how Wink Martindale plans to deploy him. 

I do not think Simmons will be ILB2, but rather a situational guy that they will move around in different personnel packages. I'm excited to see what Wink has planned for him in this defense. 

Up to the individual. Far be it from me to tell someone how they should dress.

Hunter, I think everyone hopes to find the next Luke Kuechly in the linebacker rank, a guy who could do it all. But you're right on the whole; coverage usually isn't a linebacker's strength. 

That could be why you see more hybrid safety/linebacker types in the league and why you see defensive coordinators trying to get creative with their personnel sub-packages.

Anyway, I'm not so sure the Giants have Simmons doing a lot in terms of coverage since that's not a strength, but I am curious to see what kind of role they have for him.

What's up, Rosendo? You're correct in saying last year, Joe Schoen didn't have all his people on board as far as the personnel folks go. However, that was rectified (mostly) a year later, as was how they did the scouting process. And I think you're seeing the proof in the pudding now with how they have been hitting not just on draft picks but also free agents (undrafted and veterans). 

I wrote this article about the synergy between the front office and the coaching staff and how it's so important yet hasn't always been there at times during the last ten years. I think that, more than anything, is a major factor in how this roster is being built.

(From Waymond S.) YES! I was so mad at this team for letting Simmons slip through their fingers in the draft, but now Dabs went and got him. And for a 7th-round pick, no less. COMPETENT management strikes again. I know cold water is about to be thrown on this trade. I don't see how this could be anything but great for us. Where am I wrong?

I don't think you're wrong, Waymond. This is a low-risk, high-reward type of trade, as I noted in this video. The only thing I disagree with you about is that had the Giants selected Simmons, they probably wouldn't have landed Andrew Thomas, which was the bigger need, as I recall, at the time. Now they have both.

(From Ed C.) Who was the force behind changing the cut-down dates for rosters to just one, 90 to 53? It seems to be unfair for players as well as teams.

I believe the owners submitted the proposal to the competition committee and it was approved. And I disagree that it's unfair. It allows players who maybe won't make the cut ample opportunity to put together film for their next team as opposed to making a quick cameo and then being cast out as was the case in the old system. It also allows coaches to play the starters less.

(From Keith L.) Hey, I know this isn't about the Giants, but what did you think about the Cowboys trade for QB Trey Lance for a fourth-round pick?

What's up, Keith? I think it's a headscratcher to send a fourth-round draft pick for a guy who will be your QB3 this year. But I also wonder if that indicates how they feel about Dak Prescott as their long-term future quarterback. Either way, glad Dallas made that trade and not the Giants, if you know what I mean. 

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Patricia Traina
PATRICIA TRAINA

Patricia Traina has covered the New York Giants for 30+ seasons, and her work has appeared in multiple media outlets, including The Athletic, Forbes, Bleacher Report, and the Sports Illustrated media group. As a credentialed New York Giants press corps member, Patricia has also covered five Super Bowls (three featuring the Giants), the annual NFL draft, and the NFL Scouting Combine. She is the author of The Big 50: The Men and Moments that Made the New York Giants. In addition to her work with New York Giants On SI, Patricia hosts the Locked On Giants podcast. Patricia is also a member of the Pro Football Writers of America and the Football Writers Association of America.

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