MLB Antonio Pierce
New York Giants
Height: 6-1, Weight: 238, Speed: 4.85e

Notes: Played two years of junior-college ball before amassing 152 tackles (20 for loss) at Arizona (1999-2000). Measurables prevented him from being drafted in ’01, though he earned seven starts as a rookie with the Redskins. Contributed mainly on special teams for next two seasons before an injury to starter Michael Barrow paved the way for Pierce’s breakout ’04 campaign (160 tackles) that earned him a big free-agent contract with the Giants. Has anchored the New York defense since — became a captain, made the Pro Bowl (’06) and won a Super Bowl (’07). The 31-year-old has started all 69 regular-season games and all six postseason games in which he has played for the Giants. Has been durable and consistent on the field — was the team's leading tackler each of the past three seasons — even if occasionally controversial off it. By illegally transporting a gun, he involved himself in the November ’08 incident in which then-teammate Plaxico Burress shot himself in the leg, though Pierce escaped indictment. A forthright team mouthpiece he most recently made headlines by saying a Giants blowout win over the Raiders “felt like a scrimmage."

Positives: Very well-respected, confident, emotional, on-field leader who works at his craft and studies the game. Has an edge to him and plays with consistent effort, energy and intensity. Good instincts — steps downhill quickly. Generally plays on his feet and can knife into gaps and drag down ballcarriers. Solid tackler. Pursues the ball and uses his hands well on the move. Great football IQ — plays all three downs and is asked to handle a variety of assignments. Reroutes receivers in zone coverage and drives on the thrown ball in front of him.

Negatives: Is undersized, and he lacks ideal speed and athletic ability for the position. Lacks bulk strength and does not play with great pop in his hands. Can be run at and eliminated by larger blockers at the point of attack. Has short arms and has to give ground to get off blocks. Will overrun some plays. Not a striking tackler. Can be stressed in space — he is tight in the hips and struggles to match up with running backs and tight ends in pass coverage. Marginal blitzer. Can be distracted by trappings of being a pro athlete.

Summary: Playing with a chip on his shoulder ever since going undrafted out of Arizona in 2001, Pierce's success has been predicated on his instincts, preparation and competitiveness, though his play has fallen off this season. An outspoken defensive leader who benefited for years from New York's fearsome front four, he has been slower to diagnose and a half-step late to arrive. However, the overachiever's leadership remains critical to an aggressive defense that has lost some of its bite the past four weeks and gouged by too many big plays.

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