The New York Giants held the first of their two pre-draft press conferences on Tuesday when general manager Dave Gettleman and his assistant, Kevin Abrams, faced the team’s media beat pool in a virtual Q&A session.
Both men felt confident they made the right moves in free agency this spring, a wild spending spree that came out of nowhere since the team was actually over the salary cap just days before the free agency period began on March 17.
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Gettleman believes the team got good value in players such as defensive end Leonard Williams, wide receiver Kenny Golladay, cornerback Adoree’ Jackson and tight end Kyle Rudolph.
Around the league, that opinion is much different. There are scores of NFL executives and media types who feel the Giants vastly overpaid for many in their aggressive free agent haul.
“What makes America great is that everyone is entitled to their opinion,” said Gettleman.
The GM went on to defend some of the team’s more curious picks, especially Jackson, who he gave $39 million ($26 million guaranteed) to in a move many felt was egregious as Jackson had few suitors in free agency.
Jackson was a former first round pick of the Tennessee Titans who cut him earlier this year rather than pay him his $8 million fifth-year option. Jackson will now make an average of $13 million over the next three years.
Jackson is a player with an injury history, as is Golladay. Gettleman cited that the Giants’ medical team cleared everyone and the team has no issue with any of them going forward.
Gettleman alluded to Jackson’s positives when asked what he saw in him.
Dave Gettleman said Adoree' Jackson has inside-outside flex. He's a smart, legitimate cover guy who can run and has good ball skills.
— Dan Salomone (@Dan_Salomone) April 20, 2021
The beat pool also brought up the signing of running back Devontae Booker, who the Giants pounced on in the early days of free agency. Booker has been a part-time player for two teams (Las Vegas and Denver) and likely would be still unsigned had the Giants not brought him aboard.
Gettleman is looking passed all of that, stating Booker is a ‘three-down’ back although there is little evidence to support that.
Gettleman also brought up the signing of former Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver John Ross, another former first-round pick whose career has fizzled. Gettleman said he is excited to see what Ross can do. The other 31 GMs in the league, however, have a different opinion.
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