1972 Giants Defensive Line Profiles

JIM KANICKI

Defensive Tackle

No. 73

Michigan State

"Jim came to the Giants along with Ron Johnson and Wayne Meylan in the big 1970 off-season trade that sent Homer Jones to Cleveland. He stepped into a starting role with the New York front four and was a key man in the improved showing of the Giants' defense that year.

Jim was the Browns' #2 draft choice in 1963 and immediately became a bulwark of fine Cleveland defenses that won four Eastern and one NFL title in the ensuing seven years.

Off-season, Jim is a savings bank public relations man."

-1972 Topps No. 305

JOHN MENDENHALL

Defensive End

3rd Round

Grambling

John won Associated Press Little All-American and NAIA first-team All-American honors as a senior at Grambling. He starred in the Senior Bowl and is a highly rated pass rusher with great strength despite a relative lack of height (6-1) for a defensive tackle.

John earned four varsity letters at Grambling. At Yankee Stadium against Morgan State in 1971, he was MVP of the Whitney M. Young Jr. Memorial Classic.

JACK GREGORY 

Defensive End

No. 81

Delta State

"Every defensive line needs a pass rusher who physically overpowers the blockers. This job has fallen to Jack Gregory, a 250-pound, 6-5 strong man. He was given his chance when Bill Glass was injured late in the 1968 season and came through handsomely. Last season the contact-loving Gregory had the job all to himself and showed the Browns that they were set at defensive end for years to come.

Gregory started his collegiate career at Chattanooga, where his father played before going on to the old Cleveland Rams. Jack transferred to Delta State, where he held the pass receiving record while playing tight end. However, the 26-year-old Gregory will never see another pass unless he's stepping in front of one tossed by the opposing quarterback."

-Brenda and Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1970

LARRY JACOBSON

Defensive End

1st Round

Nebraska

"Jacobson was a unanimous All-American in all major polls and winner of the Outland Trophy for the best lineman in the country for 1971. He is said to have 5.0 speed in the 40.

He played tackle in college but will get a shot at defensive end for the Giants because of his size and aggressiveness. Jacobson figures to eventually move inside because of his size."

-John Devaney, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1972 Edition