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New York Giants FAQ
Created By: MetsRule
Contact: [email protected]
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- Table of Contents -

I. Introduction
II. Team Roster/Breakdown
III. Playbook Breakdown
       A. Singleback
             I. Big
             II. Big Wing
             III. Twin TE
             IV. Normal Slot
             V. Slot strong
             VI. 4 WR Flex
             VII. Flip Trips
             VIII. Empty 4 WR
       B. I Formation
             I. Normal
             II. Twin WR
             III. Close
             IV. Twin TE
       C. Fullhouse
             I. Normal Wide
       D. Strong I
             I. Normal
             II. Twin WR
       E. Weak I
             I. Normal
             II. Twin TE
       F. Shotgun
             I. Normal Offset WK
             II. Trips Bunch
             III. Slot strong TE Flip
       G. Goal Line
       H. Special Teams
IV. Team Strengths/Weaknesses
V. Copyright Information

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I. Introduction

Hello, and welcome to my New York Giants FAQ.  In this guide I will
tell you about the strengths and weaknesses of the New York Giants and
how to be successful with the team.  If you would like to send me a
question or comment, please email me at [email protected].
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II. Team Roster/Breakdown

In this section I will give the New York Giants current roster and give
you a breakdown on the players.  The rosters here may be a little off
from the game's original rosters, but they can be easily updated
manually.

- Quarterbacks -

1. Eli Manning

Eli Manning is an amazing quarterback and he is the future of the New
York Giant franchise.  Eli Manning improves rapidly in the game.  He
has great receivers to throw to, so you'll probably run an offense that
passes the ball a lot.

2. Tim Hasselbeck

Tim Hasselbeck is a very good backup quarterback.  His passing power
and passing power are good for a backup at 82, but his awareness is
very low.  His awareness is only 69, which will trouble players that
are new to Madden's new passing system.

3. Jared Lorenzen

Jared Lorenzen is an extremely large quarterback that can wear down
defenses when he decides to scramble.  He won't see much playing time
in your offense because Manning and Hasselback are very durable.

- Running backs -

1. Tiki Barber

Tiki Barber is an amazing running back that can get it done on the
field.  He is an extremely fast runner who can hit the holes and break
tackles for a big gain.  Barber is also a threat while passing the ball
too.  He is a great receiver and can go unnoticed by defenders because
he is so short.

2. Derrick Ward

Derrick Ward is a very balanced running back.  He doesn't really amaze
many, but he will get the job done in short yardage situations.  You
can either use Ward or Jacobs here at the second spot on the depth
chart, but they usually have the same amount of carries.

3. Brandon Jacobs

Brandon Jacobs is a beastly running back who will power over defenders.
Jacobs is great at breaking tackles and is like a future Jerome Bettis
in Madden.  He may not be fast, but he definitely makes up for it with
his power.

4. Chad Morton

Chad Morton won't see much time as a running back for the New York
Giants.  However, he is a very good punt returner, which is where he
sees most of his action.

- Fullbacks -

1. Jim Finn

Jim Finn is a good blocker out of the backfield for Tiki Barber and Eli
Manning, but isn't much of a rusher.  Jim Finn is pretty slow and
really lacks skills at breaking tackles, which is important for a
fullback.  You may want to sign a free agent with better rushing skills
and switch them around during the game.

- Wide Receivers -

1. Plaxico Burress

Plaxico Burress is a great target for quarterback Eli Manning, who is
still getting a feel for the New York offense.  Plax is a very tall
receiver and can make amazing catches.  He also has a high jump rating,
which is good for you in the red zone.

2. Amani Toomer

Amani Toomer is an aging wide receiver and should be replaced as soon
as possible.  His stats will decrease rapidly as the seasons go on.  He
should be able to hold up for one more season, but I would definitely
try to make a move during free agency or during the draft.

3. Tim Carter

Tim Carter is a fast receiver that can make big plays.  He isn't really
that consistent and shouldn't be your replacement for Amani Toomer.
Carter is good as a number three receiver.

4. David Tyree

David Tyree won't receive much time as a receiver on the Giants,
although he has potential.  He is mainly used on special teams, which
is where he really excels.

5. Jamaar Taylor

Jamaar Taylor is a speedy receiver that isn't afraid to get physical
going up against the defense.  He doesn't catch the ball that well, but
that can be improved on in training camp.

6. Willie Ponder

Willie Ponder is an amazing kick returner.  He's one of the best
returners in the NFL and should have a spot on your team no matter
what.  He may not be an amazing receiver, but he is a great contributor
on special teams.

- Tight End -

1. Jeremy Shockey

Jeremy Shockey is one of the best tight ends in the league and there
isn't a weakness in his game.  Shockey is a physical receiver who can
run over defenders and finish off catches for a touchdown with his
speed.  He also jumps very well and can go up against some of the
game's finest receivers.

2. Visanthe Shiancoe

Visanthe Shiancoe is a decent backup for Jeremy Shockey. Shiancoe is
good in formations that use two tight ends and he can be a threat while
on the goal line.

3. Sean Berton

Sean Berton is a very good blocker. He is usually played on special
teams because he is a very aggressive player.

- Left Tackle -

1. Luke Petitgout

Luke Petitgout is an experienced lineman for the Giants, but still
manages to make rookie mistakes on the field.  He is both an effective
pass blocker and run blocker, but can cause problems for you when you
try to put together a drive down the field.

2. Bob Whitfield

Bob Whitfield is an adequate backup for Luke Petitgout.  He provides
the leadership that Petitgout lacks for offensive lineman.  Whitfield
is a better run blocker then he is a pass blocker, so you may want to
use him on the goal line.  He would be a great blocker for Brandon
Jacobs to pound the ball into the end zone.

- Right Tackle -

1. Kareem McKenzie

Kareem McKenzie is the unspoken leader of the New York Giant offense.
McKenzie provides good blocking for Eli Manning and Tiki Barber and he
should be credited for a part of their success.

2. Bob Whitfield

Bob Whitfield is an adequate backup for Kareem McKenzie.  Whitfield is
a better run blocker then he is a pass blocker, so you may want to use
him on the goal line.  He would be a great blocker for Brandon Jacobs
to pound the ball into the end zone.

- Center -

1. Shaun O'Hara

Shaun O'Hara provides decent blocking as the Center for the New York.
O'Hara is able to pick up blitzes from charging linebackers, which is
vital to the offense.

2. Jason Whittle

Jason Whittle is an above average lineman that can provide your team
with good blocking when Shaun O'Hara is not able to play.  I would not
use him as a starter, though.

- Left Guard -

1. David Diehl

David Diehl is an up and coming offensive lineman that can become one
of the NFL's finest in a few years.  He is still young and will
progress well.  Diehl is already a good offensive lineman, and we've
yet to see the best to come.  Diehl will also make mistakes, but that
is to be expected with a player that has only a year of experience.

2. Rich Seubret

Rich Seubret is an amazing backup for David Diehl.  Seubret provides
depth to the Giants' offensive line.  Seubret isn't much off a pass
blocker, but is a good run blocker.  Seubret can be used as a starter
if David Diehl is injured, but I wouldn't rely on Seubret for a full
season.

- Right Guard -

1. Chris Snee

Chris Snee, who happens to be the Grandson of head coach Tom Coughlin,
is also a young offensive lineman on the rise.  Chris Snee also has
more potential then the left guard he lines up with, David Diehl. Chris
Snee is an amazing run blocker and is also good at blocking for the
Giants' quarterback, Eli Manning.

2. Jason Whittle

Jason Whittle is an above average lineman that can provide your team
with good blocking when Chris Snee is not able to play.  I would not
use him as a starter, though.  Chris Snee has a bright future as a
right guard on the New York Giants.

- Left End -

1. Michael Strahan

Michael Strahan is arguably one of the greatest defensive ends the NFL
has seen and is without a doubt the anchor of the Giants' defense.  He
is still a great force on the line and I would keep him as a Giant
until he retires, no matter what the price is.

2. Adrian Awasom

Adrian Awasom is extremely inexperienced and probably will not see any
playing time at all for you during the regular season.

- Right End -

1. Osi Umenyiora

Osi Umenyiora is an exciting player to have on your football team.
Umenyiora is a quick defensive end that WILL be on the top of the NFL
in a few years.  Not only does Umenyiora get many sacks, he also puts
pressure on the quarterback to set up sacks for the Giants other
defensive end, Michael Strahan.

2. Justin Tuck

Justin Tuck is a talented defensive end, but won't see much time as a
starter on the Giants.  You may want to move Tuck to defensive tackle
if you want him to progress faster.  He will be ready to replace
Michael Strahan then, once he retires.

3. Eric Moore

Eric Moore is a below average defensive end who probably will never see
any playing time on your team.  Eric Moore is mainly used for depth on
the line in case of injuries.

- Defensive Tackle -

1. Kendrick Clancy

Kendrick Clancy is an average defensive tackle that will not amaze many
people.  Defensive tackle is one of the Giants' few weaknesses, as I
also mention in my Draft FAQ.

2. William Joseph

William Joseph seemed to be considered a draft bust by many, but this
may be his season to break out and emerge in the Giants' defense.  He
should see time as a starter with Kendrick Clancy.  If he isn't meeting
your expectations after the first season, I would recommend that you
find a replacement.  If you can't find a replacement you can use Fred
Robbins.

3. Fred Robbins

Fred Robbins may see some time in your offense if William Joseph begins
to struggle.  Robbins has more experience in the league and can help
you out if Joseph fails for you.  Another option you have is to play
both players and substitute them throughout the game.

4. Kenderick Allen

Kenderick Allen won't see much time on the field as a New York Giant
because of the three talented defensive tackles ahead of him on the
depth chart.  Allen is big in size at 6'6" and weighing in at 315
pounds, and that is one of his strong points.

5. Damane Duckett

Damane Duckett is a very touch defensive tackle who will need to work
hard to see playing time.  Duckett may have more potential than Allen,
so you may want to judge the winner of this battle in preseason.

- Left Outside Linebacker -

1. Carlos Emmons

Carlos Emmons is an established linebacker in the NFL, and he is a
great run stopper.  Emmons also has the speed to drop back into
coverage and defend the pass.

2. Barrett Breen

Barrett Green is a quick linebacker that can put a large amount of
pressure on any quarterback in the league.  Green is currently injured,
which is why he is second on the depth chart.  Once he is healthy you
may want to move him to the ROLB position.

- Middle Linebacker -

1. Antonio Pierce

Antonio Pierce is an electrifying linebacker that is just reaching the
prime of his career.  Pierce is a good all-around linebacker that can
get to the quarterback and bring him down.  Pierce is very underrated
and he is a valuable addition to any team.

2. Chase Blackburn

Chase Blackburn is an impressive player, for an undrafted rookie.
Blackburn won't see much playing time, though.  The Giants have a
talented linebacking corps and Blackburn's main purpose if for depth at
the position.

- Right Outside Linebacker -

1. Reggie Torbor

Reggie Torbor is a young player and much was never expected of him.
Torbor has proved many people wrong with his excellent play.  Torbor
deserves a spot on the team.  He needs some work on his tackling
skills, though.

2. Nick Greisen

Nick Greisen is a valuable asset for the New York Giants.  He can play
any of the linebacker positions well, and he also contributes on
special teams.  Greisen is a very strong tackler and is about average
for most of his other skills.

- Cornerbacks -

1. Will Allen

Will Allen is a very fast cornerback that can keep stride with any of
today's wide receivers.  He keeps his eye on the receiver most of the
time, though and doesn't concentrate on where the ball is.  Allen
doesn't get many interceptions because of this.  Will Allen is also a
very weak tackler.

2. William Peterson

William Peterson is a reliable cornerback for the Giants.  Peterson is
a much stronger tackler than Allen, although he lacks the speed that
Will Allen has.  William Peterson will also see a few more injuries
than Allen.

3. Curtis Deloatch

Curtis Deloatch is a reliable cornerback for use when Allen or Peterson
are hurt.  Deloatch will have to fight for his third string spot,
though.

4. Corey Webster

Corey Webster is a great cornerback who has the ability to break open
the game in a matter of seconds.  Webster will force many
interceptions.  Webster lacks the speed most cornerbacks have, which
gives Curtis Deloatch the edge.

5. Frank Walker

Frank Walker is a talented cornerback, but has been in Tom Coughlin's
dog house since he was arrested.  Walker can compete with both Deloatch
and Webster for the job as third string cornerback.  Walker is like
Corey Webster, he lacks speed, but makes up for it with his ability to
force turnovers.

- Strong Safety -

1. Gibril Wilson

Gibril Wilson is a talented young safety that also has the ability to
change games by forcing turnovers.  Wilson lacks the ability to lay a
punishing hit on wide receivers, though.  If you work on Wilson's
tackling ability during training camp he will become a great safety for
you.

2. Shaun Williams

Shaun Williams is a very overrated safety that is injured very often.
Williams had potential to become a good safety, but injuries ruined his
shot of becoming a very special player.  One of Shaun Williams'
strengths is that he has is that he can pack a big hit on receivers,
which is something Gibril Wilson has problems with.

3. James Butler

James Butler is a decent safety that doesn't have much potential with
the Giants.  The Giants already have a somewhat talented secondary, so
there isn't much of a need for him.  Butler provides good depth though
for the secondary.  James Butler is a strong safety in real life, but
you will need to move him over to free safety in order to meet roster
requirements.

- Free Safety -

1. Brent Alexander

Brent Alexander is an experienced player that has been productive for
the New York Giants.  Alexander is also durable and can pack a hit on
receiver.  Another one of Brent Alexander's strengths is his speed.  He
is quick compared to some of the other safeties around the league.

- Kicker -

1. Jay Feely

Jay Feely is a powerful kicker that can make many long field goals.  He
needs to improve his accuracy a little, but is still an amazing kicker.
Jay Feely is a very valuable player for the New York Giants' special
teams.

- Punter -

1. Jeff Feagles

Jeff Feagles is an experienced punter that is extremely accurate
punter.  He lacks the power that he once had, but that can be improved
in training camp.  Feagles still has the ability to place the ball
inside of the twenty yard line, easily.

- Kick Returner -

1. Willie Ponder

Willie Ponder is an electrifying kick returner and he is one of the
best throughout in the league.  Ponder does a good job finding the hole
to run through, and he has the speed to take it to the house for a
touchdown.

2. Derrick Ward
3. Chad Morton

- Punt Returner -

1. Chad Morton

Chad Morton is a great punt returner that has been doing his job for a
while now.

2. Curtis Deloatch
3. Corey Webster
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III. Playbook Breakdown

Here is the entire New York Giants offensive playbook.  I've separated
the playbook by its formations to make it easier to read.

A. Singleback

- I - Singleback Big

Giant Cross Ups
HB Blast
Shockey Option
Dual TE Flat
HB Dive
PA Waggle
FL Hook
Giants 25 Counter
FL Corner
HB Smash
PA HB Curl
Split Belly
HB Power
Post Flags
QB Sneak

This formation is mainly used for rushing the ball.  There are also
some good play action plays here.  You should try to find Jeremy
Shockey on play action plays.  Shockey is almost always able to jump up
and get the ball for the reception.

- II - Singleback Big Wing

TE Cross
HB Counter
TE Option in
PA Rollout
HB Blunt Dive
PA Boot Comeback
TE Corner
HB Cutback
HB Swing
HB Dive
PA TE Corner
HB Draw
HB Slant 18
Dual TE Flat
HB Stretch

This formation is also used for rushing the ball a lot.  You should
always try running the ball towards Kareem McKenzie.  McKenzie is a
good blocker.

- III - Singleback Twin TE

WR Drag
HB Counter WK
TE Under
PA FL Stretch
HB Slant 18
Ace TE Drag
PA Rollout
HB Belly weak
Toomer Option
PA Middle
HB Draw
TE Stick

This formation is more of a passing formation.  There is an extra tight
end in for blocking purposes.  There are a lot of good routes for Amani
Toomer in this formation.

- IV - Singleback Normal Slot

Curl Flats
HB Dive
Slot Swings
TE Shallow
Giants 25 Counter
Plaxico Option
PA Comeback
HB Slam
HB Screen
Slants
HB Counter Trap
Slant Attack
PA Dbl
HB Slant 18
QB Rollout

You should use this playbook for short passing plays.  Plaxico Burress
is open a lot while using these plays.

- V - Singleback Slot Strong

TE Flat Slant
HB Slant 18
Shockey Option
Slot Hitch
HB Blunt Dive
PA waggle
SE Cross
HB Sprint
Play Action
PA HB Curl
HB Power
WR Drag
WR Post
HB Smash
Twin Cuts
Slot Cross
HB Draw
Cross Up

This is a very good formation, both passing and rushing wise.  This is
a good passing formation to send Jeremy Shockey long.  Plaxico Burress
will also get open a lot.

- VI - Singleback 4 WR Flex

Giants Smash
Giants 22 Counter
Slot Shallow
Toomer 2 out
HB Draw
Barber Option
PA Drop in
HB Cutback
Toomer Option
Slants
HB Dive
Criss Cross

This is obviously a passing formation since there are four wide
receivers lined up.  You may want to rush the ball too because it will
fool the opposing defense.

- VII - Singleback Flip Trips

SE Wheel
HB Draw
Flood Fight
Drive
HB Counter Trap
Slant Attack
Angle
HB Toss Crack
Curl Flat

This playbook is used for short yardage gains.  There are various
running plays that can be used for first downs.

- VIII - Singleback Empty 4 WR

Hitch Corner
Slot Screen
TE Post
Cross Corner
TE Screen
WR Clearouts
Slot Crosses
Outside Posts
FL Deep Curl
Quick Curls
Curl Flats
TE Drag
Quick Screen
Slot Zig wts
TE Wheel

This is a passing formation that is used to attempt a long pass.  There
are a lot of post routes, so you'll need to make sure you get the ball
thrown up high.

B. I Formation

- I - I Form Normal

PA TE Post
Giants 24 Lead
Burress Option
HB Middle
HB Misdirection
PA Clearout
HB Slam
PA FB Streak
HB Sweep Strong
HB Lead Dive
PA FB Flat
Fake HB Toss
Plaxico Reverse
Shockey Option
HB Slash
Deep Cross
FB Dive
Finn Option

While you use the I-Formation you will almost always rush the ball.
You shouldn't try any of the reverses in this playbook because they
almost never work.

- II - I Form Twin WR

HB Lead Dive
Shockey Option
Off Tackle
TE Post
HB Blast
PA FB Up
Quick Outs
HB Draw
FB Flare
Giants Wheel
HB Toss
Weak Flood

This formation should be used for short passing gains and rushing
plays.  This is a good formation to use your fullback, Jim Finn.

- III - I Form Close

Flanker Drive
HB Sweep
PA TE Corner
Giants 24 Lead
PA End Around
End Around
PA Clearout
HB Counter WK
Mid Cross
PA Waggle
HB Lead Dive
Deep Over
FB Flare
HB Counter
Burress Option

You should use the I Form Close formation for rushing the fooball.  The
play "Giants 24 Lead" is very effective.  While using this play you
should gain at least five yards.

- IV - I Form Twin TE

HB Lead
PA FB Fist
FB Dive Strong
Short Slants
HB Slam
PA HB Curl
HB Lead Toss
FB Flare
HB Counter Str.

You should use this formation for play action plays.  When you come out
in the I formation many defenses expect a running play.  You should a
play action play here and dump the ball off to Shockey quickly.

C. Fullhouse

- I - Normal Wide

HB Dive
PA Middle
Counter Lead
Fake Dive Pitch
WR Dbl Shake
FB Slam
HB Draw
Curls
HB Slam
HB Smash
HB Screen
HB Sweep

This formation looks like a passing formation once you line up, but its
strength is definitely rushing the ball.  The secondary is usually
playing back and you can pull off a big run.

D. Strong I

- I - Strong I Normal

FB Dive
PA Rollout
HB Dive Weak
Barber Option
HB Blast
PA Counter Flat
Shockey Option
HB Sweep
TE Corner
HB Draw
PA Slide
HB Off Tackle

You should use this formation rush the ball outside.  The Giants' wide
receivers do a good job at run blocking and will be able to open up a
hole for Tiki Barber.

- II - Strong I Twin WR

FB Dive
PA Slot Drag
HB Lead Blast
WR Streak
Counter Weak
Quick Drag
PA WR Cross
HB Sweep
WR Smash

You should use this formation for passing.  There are a lot of plays
here where Plaxico Burress is open for a huge amount of yardage.  If
you use play action and send Burress long he will almost always be
open.

E. Weak I

- I - Weak I Normal

Shockey Option
Off Tackle WK
PA Waggle
Bunch
HB Dive
TE Fade
WR Deep Posts
Double Counter
PA TE Post
Toss Weak
Burress Option
HB Draw

This formation should be used for running the ball.  The passing plays
in the playbook don't always work that well.  Jeremy Shockey is used a
lot as a receiving tight end in this formation.

- II - Weak I Twin TE

Counter Trap
PA Waggle
HB Gut
Rollout Strg.
HB Dive
PA Boot Lt
TE Drag
FB Power
WR Cross

This formation should be used for rushing the ball and using play
action.  The Giants are one of the best teams in the league at
executing the play action, which is why I highly recommend it.

F. Shotgun

- I - Shotgun Normal Offset WK

Burress Option
HB Middle Draw
FL Curl
HB Go
Short Attack
WR Over
WR Drag
HB Sweep
Slant Hook
FL Drag
HB Screen
FL Hook

This formation should be used for short passes.  The play "FL hook" is
a very good play that works 90% of the time.

- II - Shotgun Trips Bunch

Burress Option
HB Mid Draw
Flanker Drive
Slants Slot Flat
HB Screen
Greenside drag
Switch Special
Inside Post
518 Hook

This formation should be used for passing the ball outside.  If you're
getting good protection from your line you may want to try the play "HB
Screen."  If your offensive line can get off a few blocks you can get a
huge gain.

- III - Shotgun Slot Strong TE Flip

Drag Combo
Inside Attack
Deep Dig
Slot Under
HB Mid Draw
Hi Lo Read
Burress Option
HB Screen
Slant Attack
WR Hooks
HB Draw
WR Post

This formation should be used for long passing plays.  You should try
to get the ball to Plaxico Burress while using these plays because he
is a tall receiver that can jump up to make the reception.

G. Goal Line

QB Sneak
PA TE Drag
HB Dive
HB Smash
PA TE Option
Strong Toss
HB Off Tackle
PA TE Corner
HB Pitch
FB Dive
FB Fake HB Toss
HB Sting

This formation is usually used to pound the ball into the end zone with
rookie runningback, Brandon Jacobs.  One play I really like in this
formation is "PA TE Corner."  Your tight end will almost always open.

H. Special Teams

Fake FG Pass
Field Goal
Fake FG Run
Spike Ball
QB Kneel
Fake Spike
Fake Punt Pass
Punt
RB Direct Snap
Max Prot. Punt
Max Prot. Pass
Max Cover Punt
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IV. Team Strengths/Weaknesses

- New York Giants' Strengths -

The New York Giants have an extremely strong offense which is one of
the best in the league.  Tiki Barber is a great runningback who rushes
for about one hundred yards every game.  Barber is also a receiving
threat out of the backfield.  You should try screen passes to Barber on
second and short.

Another strength for the New York Giants is there tight end, Jeremy
Shockey.  Shockey is an extremely valuable player for the Giants
because he can do it all.  The tight end out of Miami is a great
blocker for the young, progressing star, Eli Manning.  Shockey also
makes a big target for Eli Manning to throw to, especially in the red
zone.

One more strength of the New York Giants is there defensive line.  The
Giants have some of the strongest defensive ends in the league in
Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyioura.  These two big men put a lot of
pressure on the opposing cornerback and cause them to make mistakes by
turning the ball over.

- New York Giants' Weaknesses -

One of the Giants big weaknesses is their secondary.  The Giants
secondary allows a lot of passing yards each game, even to quarterbacks
that aren't that good.  The Giants have good players in the secondary;
it's just that they make to many mistakes.  I would try to get a new
free safety during the off-season of your franchise.

Another weakness the Giants have is their wide receiver corps.  The
Giants have good receivers in Jeremy Shockey and Plaxico Burress, but
after that they don't really have any good receivers.  Amani Toomer's
stats decrease rapidly as the seasons go on and Tim Carter is very
inconsistent.  You should try to find a young wide receiver during the
off-season to replace Amani Toomer, whether he's from free agency or
the draft.
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V. Copyright Information

Copyright 2005 Thomas Barnett

This may be not be reproduced under any circumstances except for
personal, private use. It may not be placed on any web site or
otherwise distributed publicly without advance written permission. Use
of this guide on any other web site or as a part of any public display
is strictly prohibited, and a violation of copyright.