Will the Giants Trade Dexter Lawrence? | Sonny Styles or Caleb Downs? | License Plate Guy INTERVIEW

0:00What's up, everybody? And welcome back to Fireside Giants. I'm your host, Anthony Rivardo. And today I'm joined by a very special guest, a licensed plate guy joining me, Joe Ruback. But you guys know him as licensed plate guy. Thanks so much for joining me. It's been so long since we've had you on the show, but really happy to have you back on. Now I appreciate it. And thanks for having me, man. I'm a big fan of you guys. So keep knocking it out the park, man. Appreciate it, man. So it's been a roller coaster offseason for the New York Giants, you know, from having Brian Dable fired mid season to get into the offseason and the question was, will they fire Joe Shane? And no, they're going to hire John Harbour. And is John Harbour going to fire Joe Shane? No, they're going to work collaboratively. Good for your agency. And now Dexter Lawrence is requesting a trade. And the updates on that have not been so positive over the last 24 hours as we're recording this on Wednesday night. So let me just kind of get your take on the offseason at large before we get into more niche topics, you know, since we haven't shattered in a while, I want to know how you're feeling as a

1:01Giants fan after a whirlwind over the last couple of months. Well, it's I'm feeling good, not great, but I see I feel very good about the direction everything is heading. There was a couple of free agents that I think the Giants missed out on, but when you don't have a winning product, it doesn't make it the most enticing place to play in it. And you can hit the guys that want to come for just money. And then you hit the guys that want to come for money and winning. And then you hit the guys that want to come just for winning. Those are the guys we're not getting right now. So I think the Giants landed on a couple of free agents. They still have work to do. But I'm feeling pretty good. I love John Hobbaugh. Look, I was I really wanted Tomlin before Hobbaugh ever became, you know, an option. I just thought, you know, he's fired leader of men, doesn't lose. And yes, you could sit here and say, yeah, but every time

2:02he gets to the big game or to play off, he's stopped it. The guys are proven winner and I would have loved him. But once Hobbaugh became available, it was all in, you know, right back to Kaufflin days. And I, you know, we have to really give the Giants a lot of credit because I think they, they gave Hobbaugh a lot. And I think he has a lot. And I think he has a lot of say. And I love the fact that they did that. And I have full faith in him. Me too. I mean, I was pounding the table. As soon as Hobbaugh was available, it was like, hey, we were doing our analysis on guys like Stephansky and Bella and all these other guys. And it was like, forget about all of that. Go all in and get John Harbaugh. And to the credit of the Giants to ownership, to General Manager Joe Shane as well, they did go all in and they secured the big whale. And that's exactly what we wanted to see happen. So excited about that. Of course, you mentioned free agency. Definitely still work in progress. But now coming out of the tail end of free agency, this Dexter Lawrence news. So let me get your take on that. That's obviously the big news with New York

3:04Giants right now. What's going on with sexy Dexie, man? Yeah, hey, look, there's always something, right? There's always something. This bothered me because just because I have a good relationship with Dexie Lawrence. And maybe because we're not doing the football game together, he decided to get out of New York. I don't know, but no. I will say that I see both sides. And you cannot. The people that are on social media bashing Dex. You had a sucky year. You want 30 plus million dollars, which, you know, has been reported out there. It's it's not that that's that's unfair to do that to Dex because it's been a couple of years that Dex has been fighting for new contracts. So so can we go back two years when he had an unbelievable season and and say the same thing? You don't I mean, it's not really fair to do that. You can't take this season. That's the third year in a row that he's been trying to get a new deal. Now look, whether a deal gets done when you complain,

4:07that's what sucks is because everybody's going to be like, oh, you're such a baby. But I do hope it gets done. But let's take the scenario that it doesn't. And like you said, the news that's been out there, not so great. Okay. There are a couple of ways to look at this. If Dex leaves, that is a monster hole and a position that the giants were already lacking in. So that is so bad and it's going to affect everybody, especially guys like Burns, especially guys like guys that are coming off the edge, guys in the middle, guys on his on the opposite sides of Dex, where Dex commands a double, a triple, a quadruple team, it's going to affect them. So I hate that. I mean, I seriously hate it. However, you're sitting there telling me that the giants could wind up with a player and a first round pick or a player and two high picks,

5:07two twos, you know, my ears perk up. You know, we still have flashbacks of get them and not picking up the phone. And now we're about to pick up the phone. As you heard Shane say, he's picking up all the phones. So and I like that. So I don't buy into the social media that has saying, you know, we'll give you a fourth or a sixth or two, six, get out of here. That's a bunch of garbage. That's a bunch of fake news. The giants would laugh in your face about it. So when in doubt, we see some really real offers. My mind is open. You know what? I look at it the same way I look at it. I'm sure we're going to talk about the draft. So we might as well, you know, get into a little bit of that. I look at it somewhat like love. Love is the best athlete in the draft, okay?

6:08But he is not the giants pick right now. In my opinion, he's not the giants pick. I think another player will be the pick. I'm not comparing it to Barkley. I'm not comparing it to 18. I'm not comparing it to not pick up the phone. I'm not comparing it to have the best running back in the league. And not having a team built around it. But kind of. So I know I jumped a gun. The answer to the decks question is, man, I don't know what's going to happen. I see both sides. But in all honesty, I just rather him get a contract. Pay him up front where you could free up money. Don't, you know, I don't know how that works. We'll leave it up to the to the peep to the powers that be and let him. Let him cause havoc in the middle. Yeah, I think he said so many great things there, especially about Dexter Lawrence's impact because I understand that some fans might be frustrated with decks for wanting the. Raise so to speak coming off of the down year, right? That seems to be the point of contention with giants fans.

7:08But there's also the half of it that you can't really quantify his impact. A lot of what he does. It doesn't show up on the stat sheet. Those double teams, those triple teams, quadruple teams, as you mentioned. That's not a statistic. You can find advanced stats for them. Double teams 76% of the time last season. The highest rate in the NFL by a wide margin. So there are ways to quantify. But you can't really quantify his impact on the game. It's hidden statistics and hidden impact with a deep worth. An offense completely game planning around Dexter Lawrence. So I say all that to say, a lot easier said than done to replace Dexter Lawrence. I mean, that is a massive way that will open up in the middle of the defense. And you're talking about a defensive line that already on the interior is pretty damn bad. Without Dexter Lawrence, it's easily the worst interior defensive line in football. So I just feel like one way or another, they need to get this deal done with Dexter Lawrence. Pay up. I mean, it's not going to be fun to have to cough up that dough coming off of a down season. But like, you just can't afford to lose that guy.

8:09And, you know, we're going to get into a draft in a second here. Like you said, but let's say they do get a late first round pick for Dexter Lawrence. So now you still have to replace Dexter Lawrence. So then they're inevitably inevitably going to force that late second or first round pick on a defense attack. And yeah, and that guy is not going to have the impact of Dexter Lawrence. And John Harbog, great head coach, I need 63 years old. He wants to win now. So he's not. He's not. He's not picking no D lineman. Correct. John Harbog is not picking D line. This is his first draft. This guy is picking some heavy hitters. That's why even though I don't want love, you never know where Harbog like he wants to win now. Like you said, and he's going to go with his picks. It's not going to be some D lineman. Yeah. Yeah, D tackle. Let's say they get the, let's throw the 20 second pick out there from. I think it's the chargers have that. I saw that floating online. Maybe the chargers would offer that first round pick. So then you take, let's say, constant defensive tackle Peter Woods. Peter Woods is not having the Dexter Lawrence impact.

9:10He's at best a backup level player as he enters the NFL and has to acclimate to it. So no matter what, if you lose Dexter Lawrence, you're kind of screwed on the interior of the defensive line. And that's why I just think like you have to find a way to get that contract done and smooth things over and make sure sexy dexie stays a big blow. Again, you are right on all of that. And I just, I want to temper the giant fans. Attitudes towards dex asking for it this year. I think in, in all fairness, you have to say it's been ongoing for years now. So when Dex was, was, was, you know, didn't have a down year and was all over the place. Would we have complained if he got this deal two years ago? I just don't know. All I know is what I want to lose him either. He's an absolute monster and commands all kind of double teams. Here, Ian. For sure. So we'll see how that wraps up. But while we were discussing Dexter Lawrence, before we get into the NFL draft stuff, you did mention the softball game. And this year,

10:10you're doing it with Brian Burns. Why don't you tell the people a little bit more about that and where they can find some extra info? Yeah, I really appreciate you asking about it. Look, I, I absolutely love the softball game. You know, we started with Odell in 2015. We went four years with landing columns. Then a year with Dexter now Brian Burns. And, you know, I am a teacher at the end of the day and I work with some autistic children. And when I became friends with Brian Burns and his brother, Brian Burns's brother Stanley has a child with autism. And in talking, we had some similar things in common. I teach it. He has a kid, a sonat. And I mentioned the softball game, Jim and I was like, you know what? I'd like all of the proceeds to go to your chair. Obviously, it's Brian Burns. It's not Stanley who played for the Panthers, but, but, you know, we had a, a Zoom call with Brian and Stanley and myself. And, and we all were on the same page. So I'm really happy about it.

11:11It's, again, going to take place at Clover Stadium on May 30th. It's going to pin the current Giants versus the former Super Bowl Champions of 42 and 46, led by Brandon Jacobs, as always. Brandon, and talk, and Bradshaw, and Cruz, and Manning. They're all, they're all common, or at least they're all said they would right now. And, and I just can't wait for this, because, at the end of the day, it is the greatest Giants event for fans to get a hold of their, their idols, whether they're current, or former, and, and again, you could get all that information on spidergame.com, S-P-I-D-A-G-A-M-E- .com. And, I think it's going to be a salad. I think it's going to be great. And, I have a hundred table card show going on the Atrium floor at the game as well.

12:11Love it. I can't wait for it. I'll be there, and I'm super excited for it, and I just love what you're doing, what Brian's doing as well, and Stanley, everything that you guys are putting together in the cause that you're, you know, fighting for it here. So, absolutely. Love it, guys. Like he said, go check out spidergame.com. So, you mentioned Odell in there. So, I know what we keep saying we're going to get to the NFL draft, but I'm kind of kicking the can down the road. But you mentioned Odell, so I got to ask about Odell. Odell wants to be back with the Giants, seemingly. He's kind of posting about it on social medias, speaking with Kay Adams, saying he'd like to be with the Giants. And, man, I would love him to be back with the New York Giants. You know, what's kind of your take and idea here with Odell a lot of Giants fans are kind of campaigning on social media for the reunion. And I'm at the top of that list. So, I'm with you on that. I can't believe there are so many people out there calling them washed. The guy's not washed. The guy could run routes. The guy could catch a bull. And the guy could probably give a couple of wide receivers that are already on the roster or run for their money. That's what bothers me about people

13:11that say he can't do it. I don't know. Bring them in and see if he could do it. It's not like it's all the Giants or paying a multi-million dollar contracts anymore. I'm for one think that he still has it. Even if I take my friend feelings out of it, I still think he has it. And I love the people that are like, oh, you're basically getting off of a flag football. Yeah. His hands are still golden. Yes, I am actually. But he does want to be a giant. I spoke to him a bunch of times. You know, I'm not an idiot. There's not a lot of suit ers out there either. So, you know, he wants to be a giant. Maybe the Giants could get him for league minimum or whatever. And see if it works. You don't have to guarantee a contract here. Let him come in a camp. Let him do whatever. So we'll see. Who knows? Hey, he might be coming to the softball game too. I hope so. That would be awesome. I hope he comes to the softball game and then he comes back to New York, New Jersey

14:11in July for training camp. One of that. I love you, bro. I'm with you. Yeah. I mean, I love Odell. He's one of my favorite players that I ever watched. And obviously, I'm, you know, on the younger side, the most Giants fans. So I can't go all the way back to the 90s and 2000s, early 2000s and stuff. So when I was, you know, in my teenage years, Odell was like the second wind of my love for the New York Giants. He was just so much fun to watch. And I know a lot of Giants fans have that feeling. And that's why they want him back in blue so badly. And yeah, I'm up at the top of that list with you. And I don't think he's watched either. Because if you're carrying him just putting other players not to call call guys out or take shots at certain players. There are some wider receivers on the Giants that I don't really think are deserving of a roster spot. And I think Odell could easily beat them out during training. Yeah. But I think the viewers of the channel know exactly whoever. Yeah. I think everybody knows who you're talking about. You look, let's, let's just end the Odell conversation by saying this. I hated Odell for that stupid interview. Um,

15:11but I got to tell you all of Odell's antics. You know, I say this all the time. I wonder, I wonder what would he have been on winning teams? Would his antics be laughed at instead of, you know, angered so many people because he was doing dumb dumb stuff and have, and we were losing. You know, we're pissing in the end zone in Philly. Been funny. If we were winning 41 nothing, like I don't, he's not as bad as people make him out to be and he's got, you know, he's got some left in the tank. So whatever. We'll see what happens. We'll see. But agreed with you on that point as well. I think that actually ties into the Dexter Lawrence conversation as well here. You know, I think that losing has a great effect on the players. They're mental and also on the perception of the players from the fans because I always hear, you know, well, we only won four games last year

16:11with Dexter. Right. Right. Right. And it's like, well, it really can be that much worse. And I don't want to find out how much worse it can be. So. But anyway, speaking of some guys from the past, let's look ahead to the future. NFL Draft is one week away as this is being posted tomorrow. So seven days till draft day. I'm sure you'll be there as always. But, you know, how excited are you to be there? I'm just like we said before. That's hall bow making a statement. All the big names are on the list to take. What, what absolutely enamors me about the draft is when giant fans, such as you, you, you, myself, all fans are like, oh, I'll take so it's all take so it's all talk. And I'm going to be there. Like styles might not be there. OK. Love might not be there. Now be there. So it really, this draft is gonna be something else because I'm sure that the three people

17:15high on the Giants list are downs, styles, and love. We know that. And then of course you have the trade, then of course you have tape, then of course you have funnel or the big lineman. You know, so there's like five or six people you could pivot. If the Giants, let's say the Giants are very set on styles, who was by the way, is on the back of this jersey, because it's a draft jersey. But let's say they're really high on him and the next two picks after the Giants don't need linebackers. Like do you trade out, okay, here it was, where's hold on, do you trade out, because this is one of my, it's one of my big name plates, because I'm a big trade person. You know, that could be on the back of his jersey, so you know, in one week, or do you, do you settle if the others are gone? And when I say settle, this is a need,

18:16but this would be a settling to me. Love is an absolute monster. He will immediately make your team better. He is the best athlete in this draft, and I don't want him at five. I either, I think it's this dude, or I think it's styles on the back. And if the Giants are in a position to grab one of them, you go and you run up and you give the card. Yeah, well, one of those guys should be there through process of elimination. We know that the Giants aren't going to take any of those guys for Nandom and Dosa's going one. So they'll have the chance to get one of those guys. And then it's just, do they want to trade down and get a little cute about it as you mentioned? Go trade down, get some extra. And then still try and get like a carnal tape might be there at around nine or 10. That's what I said. Yeah, so that's a good analogy. And I love carnal tape.

19:16You know, I'm glad that you mentioned him because a lot of Giants fans don't seem super interested in the wider, super position for the Giants this year. But I think it's still a need. When you look at this roster, long term, it's just belief neighbors. Darnell Mooney's a one-year deal. Calvin Olsen's a one-year deal. He has an outlet in his contract after this year and they might take it. So they don't have a lot of that wider, super position long term. I would not be opposed to taking a carnal tape with a top temp pick. That kid is awesome. I think he's any of those of us, guys too. Yeah, we'll put again, again. And that's what you and I were talking about. Like you go and take love. And you're not, you're still me to why receiver. You're still me to off it's allowing you. You still need a D line. You still need a corner. You're still me. You're still me. You're still me. You're still me. You're still me. You're still me. I'm not saying that if you took downs or tape or, or styles or whatever, you still wouldn't need other players. Could you do? You definitely do. In my opinion, love is the not right now person. And that sucks because he's the best player in the draft.

20:18But I am a, I am a downs styles guy. And I'll be over the moon if they get them. And if the Giants wind up trading back and they wind up landing a tape over the moon again. And pick up a second rounder in the process over the moon. What do you think about some of those offensive linemen in the class? Because that's still in need as well. You know, right guard. Listen, Daniel Fulele is not the answer. In my opinion to be the starting right guard this upcoming season. He catches maybe somewhat unnecessarily unnecessary flag. But no, I don't think anybody would want him ideally to be the starting right guard this upcoming season. So could a Francis Maui know it out of Miami be a good option? Maybe in a trade down maybe at five or Vega, Yawane out of Penn State. You know, what are your thoughts on the Giants maybe taking an offensive linemen and building through the trenches? So, so if they got anyone of those guys that you just mentioned, anyone, take your pick. One of the other crazy happy about that. You're never going to get the,

21:18you're never going to get the hype as you do the, the skill players. But so what? Grin and Barrett because when it's, when it's said and done, you could slide one of those guys in there for the next 10 years. So I am, I am with, could you imagine them posting up with Thomas Illumina? Are you kidding me? I'll take it in a heartbeat. But again, I think that happens in the trade process, not at five. I agree. I think Frances Malino is a really good prospect. I've seen him mock to the Giants at five, but I think that it would be a trade down, take him or Vega, Yawane. And I wouldn't be upset about that. You kind of mentioned it's not the hype pick, but neither was Andrew Thomas when they took him. I think we're all happy with the option of Andrew Thomas over the alternative, which would have been at the time as the Asimons. So it could be very similar if the Giants go offensive line this year with some of the other, you know, more exciting prospects. You never know how those guys are going to pan out, but on the offensive line. Yeah, there's some misses as well.

22:19But it's also a need and it's very valuable to build through the trenches. And John Harbour understands that for sure. For sure. And then it goes back to, you know, making sure you have the right. Gouts out there because, you know, I'll forever go to my grave. I think it near was going to be unbelievable. I watched him in college and I thought he was unbelievable. I watched his tape. I watched his workouts. I'm like, this guy's a monster. And he just is not the guy to figure out the pros. He should have been moved to guard years ago. I'm not saying that. I'm not saying that was the answer because it probably wasn't. But, but your, your shot of. And I, I dude, when he was resigned. And I think if you haven't met Neil, he can't fit in my house. Yeah, he's a monster. So, so you look at him and be like, no, you're coming back next year.

23:19And then again, not are you coming back next year? Like every year, I'm still saying it. I'm like, this guy's a monster. He's going to be something. You have flashbacks. If you take a pick like that and he doesn't work out. And we have the Neil flashback. Yeah. And before that, it was the Eric Flowers flashback. And then, obviously, Andrew Thomas kind of smoothed that over. And then Evan Neil happens to now. I think fans have that PTSD. So to speak, again, with the blind men, but listen, then you've got guys like Joe Alt went to the chargers. That was a great pick for Sean Slater to the chargers. And that's that Marble line of thinking with Jim over there. So I could totally see them going offensive line. So before we get out of here, and I want to take up too much of your time. The, the free agency. We kind of went from coach selection to the draft. And we didn't really get into the free agency as much. But I just kind of want to ask you like, who is your favorite signing that the giants made through the course of free agency? Honestly, the kicker. I'm telling you, man. I, I really want, I really want someone to go out there.

24:19And that's not saying that Ben Souls, you know, there's going to be some kind of competition. But I am done talking about not having a kicker. Done. I'm serious. And I, and obviously, no one really talks about it because it's almost like, it's almost like, did anybody really talk about Zach Diassi for a million years? No, because the job just gets done. And for that matter, Casey Crider, but it just gets done. And I want people on this team that are just going to get it done. Agreed. And the punner as well. You mentioned the kicker and the competition now Ben Souls, that Jason Sanders is going to have. But the punner as well. Jordan Stout. I love that signing. And I just think, it's so fruitful. Love it. Actually, actually, actually, you just set me straight. It is the battery. I'm talking about the battery in the hole, including the long snapper. So those three, I don't want to talk about it again. It's almost like having, you know,

25:21times back with Diassi, back with I want, I want a battery that's just going to last for a really long time. And that might, again, might not be sexy, but I really like the, I really like what they did there. Agreed. The special teams overhaul felt overdue for the last couple of years. And I'm happy that it happened. And when they hired John Harbor, I think we, we had an inclination that they would overhaul special teams with that being his background and primary focus in the early portions of his coaching career. So I love that they have special teams. My favorite signing though, I think is Isaiah likely. I think a lot of people realize what an impact he's going to have. I'm a big fan of his. Yeah, he's, he's a monster. And, you know, I, I really think that feel is, is a really good tight end. Um, yeah, likely he's better. Obviously. And I think he's going to show it. And he is a monster. But having that two-headed monster, I really like. Yeah. And I think likely is, in many ways, a slot receiver. And I think he's going to fill in, you know, for that, that role that won, the Robinson kind of left behind. Plus,

26:21I'll be remiss if I don't mention it, pancake pat. Come on, pat record. Yeah. Pretty, pretty tight signing as well. Bro, I didn't realize how big he was until I saw him talking. Yeah, yeah. With Scott and Dart, I was like, this guy's a monster. Um, 300 pounds, 300 pounds. Hold back. Jesus Christ, he's a monster. Do you imagine running by him, filet? I know filet is not, but he's, what is filet? Like, seven foot three, five, 90, like, what is he's gigantic? But, uh, could you imagine? And then try, and then, and then go ahead, tackle, and then go ahead, and then go ahead, and then, and then go ahead, and then go ahead, and then go ahead. It's crazy. It's crazy. It's crazy. Yeah. Yeah, at the very least, that's gonna be fun to watch the upcoming season, Scott, Dart. You know, I wouldn't even get the dart. I guess I'll just ask you that real quick before we get out, Jackson, Dart. Let me, let me hear, you know, how you're feeling about him and the, a fellow,

27:21you know, blonde flow guy you know. Yeah. big-time playmaker. Let's hope he goes into this year learning how to take care of himself a little more, which I think that's gonna happen. I still think he's gonna go for the hits. I think that's just in his blood. He's a competitor. But at the end of the day, Giants got themselves a playmaker. They nailed it. Dave Bull was right. He pushed very hard for it. He made Shane, you know, go up and grab him. And I'm really happy at the end that that's that's going to be his legacy here. Absolutely. Me too. Huge Jackson dark guy. I was all throughout the pre-draft process when he actually became a New York Giant. I was over the moon super excited. So LPG, thank you for joining me, my friend. It's long overdue. We got to do this more often. You know, I wanted to tell the people where they can find you. Yeah. Again, I enjoy your stuff. I think you guys put out

28:22really good content. So keep it going. A lot of Giants fans turn to you guys and keep moving forward. You get me at Lices play guy on everything. And you know, I hope the fan base sticks together. I really do. I don't care if you think the glasses have full or half empty. Giant to win a super next year. That's it. Yeah, that's a prediction every year. And if it's not your prediction, are you a real one? Hey, one year bro. I'm going to be right again. True. I can't wait for that year. I'm sure we're all excited for that one. So again, thank you so much for joining me and for the kind words they really do appreciate it. Everybody, go check them out on social media. Also check out spidergame.com. I'll have that link down below in the description box if you're watching on YouTube. So thanks, everybody. Tune in. Leave a like if you enjoyed. Subscribe if you're new. We'll catch you on the next one. Have a good one. And let's go New York Giants. See you guys.