Inside Kevin Gilbride's XFL debut as Guardians head coach

Kevin Gilbride won two Super Bowls as offensive coordinator of the Giants, but as ESPN’s Rich Cimini wrote, something pulled him out of a comfortable retirement. It was the XFL. With Gilbride serving as head coach, the New York Guardians defeated the Tampa Bay Vipers, 23-3, in Week 1 of the rebooted league. ESPN was granted behind-the-scenes access of the opening week. Here is an excerpt:

[The New York Guardians are running late. The digital clock on their locker room wall at MetLife Stadium says it's time to get on the field, but this opening-day moment deserves extra time. Coach Kevin Gilbride, standing in the middle of the room, gives the pregame pep talk he had been waiting 22 years to deliver. In a 90-second speech, he ignites the players with well-crafted words that focus on teamwork, toughness and opportunity. The late Herb Brooks, of U.S. Olympic hockey fame, would've been proud.]

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Pro Football Focus releases two-round mock draft

Speculation runs rampant this time of year, and we're along for the ride. Pro Football focus recently released a two-round mock draft and has the Giants picking an offensive tackle and an edge rusher – in that order.

4. NEW YORK GIANTS — OT JEDRICK WILLS JR., ALABAMA

"Wills is the most athletic tackle in a very athletic tackle class," lead draft analyst Mike Renner wrote. "He is a work in progress still in pass protection, but the strides he made toward the end of 2019 — when he allowed only four pressures over Alabama's final six games — have us encouraged."

36. NEW YORK GIANTS – EDGE YETUR GROSS-MATOS, PENN STATE

"Gross-Matos' physical tools are too much to pass up here," Renner wrote. "He may not be an instant impact rusher, as his hands have a long way to go, but the Giants can afford to swing for the fences with their current roster construction."

Last chance to win signed Saquon jersey

Whether you're a Giants fan, a Penn State alum or just a person in need of a last-second gift for Valentine's Day, we have you covered. Today is the last chance to enter to win a Saquon Barkley No. 26 Giants Nike Elite Jersey autographed by the man himself.