Well before the draft
Jake Guentzel Jersey Kids , it was reasonable to suggest the Giants were enamored with Saquon Barkley.
So they were careful to find a mentor for him, who could potentially be an upgrade over what was there previously in his own right.
Via Paul Schwartz of the New York Post, veteran running back Jonathan Stewart said he’s willing to mentor the No. 2 overall pick, but will also be worrying about his own responsibilities.
鈥淚 know they drafted Saquon in the first round, so you know he鈥檚 got a lot of expectations and stuff like that,鈥欌€?Stewart said. 鈥淏ut as far as my preparation for this game, it鈥檚 never going to change. It鈥檚 always prepare to be the starter because you never know when your name鈥檚 going to get called.”
If Stewart ends up starting, something has gone horribly wrong, but he’s also done enough in his career to justify his job. The Panthers all-time leading rusher is someone familiar with Giants General Manager Dave Gettleman (who inherited him in Charlotte), and still valuable despite averaging a career-low 3.4 yards per carry last year.
鈥淚 mean, my age says I鈥檓 31, but really, I feel I鈥檓 as productive as if I鈥檓 26, 25,” Stewart said. “And that鈥檚 just as realistic as it gets.鈥欌€?/p>
He’s also an excellent pass protector, and can help Barkley with that part of his game.
鈥淵eah, I think at some point, whether you鈥檙e a rookie, whether you鈥檙e an 11-year guy, there鈥檚 always time to learn, there鈥檚 always time to share advice and wisdom that鈥檚 gained through experience
Adidas Dustin Brown Jersey ,鈥欌€?Stewart said. 鈥淭here鈥檚 younger guys that might experience things different than I have, so there鈥檚 always room for me to learn, too.”
Stewart’s also smart enough to know that he’s transitioned from his days as a bell-cow back, and is there as a complement to one of the most promising backs in years.
CLEVELAND BROWNS (0-16)
New faces: GM John Dorsey, QB Tyrod Taylor, WR Jarvis Landry, RB Carlos Hyde, DB Damarious Randall, QB Baker Mayfield, CB Denzel Ward, LT Austin Corbett, RT Chris Hubbard, WR Antonio Callaway, TE Darren Fells, DB E.J. Gaines, WR Jeff Janis, DB Terrance Mitchell, DL Chris Smith, QB Drew Stanton, CB T.J. Carrie.
Key losses: LT Joe Thomas, RB Isaiah Crowell
Authentic Mats Zuccarello Jersey , QB DeShone Kizer, NT Danny Shelton, CB Jason McCourty, CB Jamar Taylor, WR Ricardo Louis.
Strengths: Taylor led Buffalo to first playoff appearance in 17 years last season. He gives Cleveland experienced, competent starter to serve as bridge until Mayfield’s ready. Landry’s 400 receptions are most in league history for player in first four seasons. Three-time Pro Bowler, plus Josh Gordon and Callaway, provide Taylor with multiple downfield targets. LB Mychal Kendricks was added to deep linebacking unit that includes Jamie Collins and Joe Schobert, Pro Bowler last season. But Kendricks was cut after being arrested in an inside-trading case. Myles Garrett, top overall pick in 2017, had seven sacks in 11 games as rookie and could be on verge of major breakout.
Weaknesses: Retirement of Thomas left enormous hole on left side of line. After trying other options early in camp, team moved elite left guard Joel Bitonio to tackle — where he hasn’t played since college. Bitonio has been replaced by Corbett, a rookie who played tackle at Nevada. Cleveland’s offensive line lacks depth and any injuries could be devastating.
Fantasy Players To Watch: WR Gordon, RB Duke Johnson. If he stays sober and active, Gordon still has potential to be one of NFL’s best players. Gordon has incentive to get bigger contract, and new offensive coordinator Todd Haley will find ways to get him ball. Johnson has developed into one of league’s best dual-threat backs and caught 74 passes last season. He joined Herschel Walker as only backs with 500 yards receiving in each of first three seasons.
Vegas Says: Super Bowl 100-1. Over/under wins 6.
Expectations: After going 1-31 past two seasons, nowhere to go but up. Coach Hue Jackson begins season on hot seat and needs to win couple early games to take heat off. Decision to play Taylor over Mayfield seems wise at start, but things could change by midseason if Browns struggle. Jackson has given up play-calling duties to Haley, who could replace him if Browns begin poorly and ownership makes change. Defense has potential to be really good, and must force more turnovers; Cleveland had league-low 13 takeaways in 2017. Schedule is rough with opener against Pittsburgh and four of last six games on road.
