Giants Country

New York Giants Mailbag: "Grab Bag" Edition

Let's see what's on the readers' minds this week.

Patricia Traina

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If you'd like to submit a question for the mailbag, please use this link to avoid having your question land in spam. You may also post your questions on X (formerly known as Twitter) to @Patricia_Traina, hashtag #askPTrain. Please note that letters may be edited for clarity/length.

Tim, right now, the Giants have 70 players under contract, so they don't have to release anyone, not with six incoming draft picks and a handful of UDFAs set to sign. Based on how this current regime has operated, I think they will let guys come in and compete throughout the spring. Then, if they need to churn the bottom of the roster, they'll have data on which decision to make.

I don't know, Ed. I haven't watched a Wrestlemania event since I was a kid.

Do you mean in addition to what they've already done? I think they should add another safety, a developmental offensive tackle, defensive line depth, and maybe another edge rusher.

I've made no secret of my fascination with Odunze's skillset and game. But I also want to make it clear that I'd be just as happy with Nabers or Harrison. For the Giants, though, I feel Odunze might be the best option. I'm just not sure if he'll be there at No. 6.

If by "people," you mean me, I'm not a doctor, and when it comes to medical issues, I tend to be more cautious after learning my lesson earlier in my life. I truly believe the Giants medical staff wouldn't have cleared him to play if it wasn't safe for him to do so. That said, if heaven forbid he suffers another neck injury, I can't see how he can continue to play and take the risk of something major happening. But that's just my take.

(From John B.) Up until a week ago, I've never in my 51 years (most of which I've spent as a football fan) heard the term "hip-drop" tackle. I guess you know where this question is going at this point, but it seems that the NFL owners' fear of injury repercussions has gotten into a fear-based decision-making process that unnecessarily waters down the physicality of the game, making it significantly less visually and emotionally appealing to the viewers. I feel like they are ruining football for me. Am I the only one?

John, speaking for myself, the game isn't how it used to be, certainly not how I grew up watching it. I think some of the changes made, e.g., the elimination of two-a-day practices in the summer, have gone overboard as practices are done in a controlled environment, but it is what it is.

I think the coaching staff has put any drama that might have existed as a result of the Wink Martindale situation behind them. I also don't think they're fretting over who will call plays this year. The coaching staff has far bigger fish to fry in terms of getting these guys they have coached up to be competitive.

I'm sorry, but I have no idea what the process is or how licenses are granted. I suggest you contact the Giants' marketing department. Whoever replaces Pete Guelli might be able to answer your question or direct you to someone who has that knowledge.

Who said Penix is a no-go? I'm not sure how much of a fit he would be for the offense and his injury history would concern me, but as far as I know, no one has been ruled out.

I do not believe that at all. I think they might have promised to give Jones an opportunity and to do whatever they could to help EVERY player succeed, but no, I don't think they would have gone that far.

I'd probably go with McCarthy (but not six) in the first round, Nix in the second round, and Rattler in the third round. If McCarthy is there in the first round, I would lean toward that pick; otherwise, I'd go with Nix. I think both of them would be good fits for the Giants.

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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.