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Prematurely Projecting The New York Giants Depth Chart And 53-Man Roster

By Neal Lynch

Jun 6, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Roger Lewis (82) tries to catches a pass during organized team activities at Quest Diagnostics Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 6, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Roger Lewis (82) tries to catches a pass during organized team activities at Quest Diagnostics Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports /
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STRONG OUTSIDE LINEBACKER

Nov 8, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Giants outside linebacker Devon Kennard (59) rushes as Tampa Bay Buccaneers lineman Joe Hawley (68) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers center Evan Smith (62) blocks during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Giants outside linebacker Devon Kennard (59) rushes as Tampa Bay Buccaneers lineman Joe Hawley (68) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers center Evan Smith (62) blocks during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

DEVON KENNARD

After an impressive 2014 season, Kennard took a step back in 2015 and really needs to prove himself in 2016.

Oct 25, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants outside linebacker Mark Herzlich (94) gets the crowd going in the 4th quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 25, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants outside linebacker Mark Herzlich (94) gets the crowd going in the 4th quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports /

MARK HERZLICH

Herzlich has become a fan favorite for overcoming cancer and for speaking out against domestic violence, but with the additions of Keenan Robinson, B.J. Goodson, and Kelvin Sheppard to the group of J.T. Thomas, Jonathan Casillas, and Jasper Brinkley, there are some who think Herzlich might not survive training camp.

WEAK OUTSIDE LINEBACKER

Oct 4, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills tight end Charles Clay (85) runs after a catch as New York Giants outside linebacker J.T. Thomas (55) pursues during the second half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Giants beat the Bills 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills tight end Charles Clay (85) runs after a catch as New York Giants outside linebacker J.T. Thomas (55) pursues during the second half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Giants beat the Bills 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports /

J.T. THOMAS

You’d be hard pressed to find anyone who wasn’t disappointed with J.T. Thomas in 2015, who ended last season by getting ejected for throwing a punch during a scuffle with the Minnesota Vikings in a blowout then went on the injured reserve list. But, it seems like Thomas is ready for a turnaround year. He’s emerging as a vocal leader on defense, and is getting more involved in the community, promoting education to local youths, and hosting a bowling event to benefit autism awareness and research.

Oct 25, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants linebacker Jonathan Casillas (54) gestures to the crowd going in the 4th quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 25, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants linebacker Jonathan Casillas (54) gestures to the crowd going in the 4th quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports /

JONATHAN CASILLAS

Casillas had the best season of his six year career, but that’s not saying much. Casillas ended up starting 7 games due to injuries and made the most of his time on the field. But, if Casillas is seeing similar numbers this season, it could mean the Giants are in trouble. Or, it could mean Casillas has found his groove and overtaken Thomas.

MIDDLE LINEBACKER

Nov 29, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) throws the ball as New York Giants middle linebacker Jasper Brinkley (53) defends during the second half at FedEx Field. The Redskins won 20-14. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 29, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) throws the ball as New York Giants middle linebacker Jasper Brinkley (53) defends during the second half at FedEx Field. The Redskins won 20-14. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

JASPER BRINKLEY

Brinkley was a pleasant surprise for the Giants in 2015 and his efforts landed him a 1-year deal with the team. Now, it looks like Jasper is embracing the role as Big Blue’s #1 middle linebacker. He stated “you need a room full of nasty guys” and believes the Giants now have that, despite the media’s take, which is that the Giants interchangeable linebackers are a blessing and a curse.

Sep 20, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins inside linebacker Keenan Robinson (52) is introduced prior to the Redskins
Sep 20, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins inside linebacker Keenan Robinson (52) is introduced prior to the Redskins /

KEENAN ROBINSON

You want to talk about a mystery wrapped in an enigma? Keenan Robinson has been called a low-risk, high-reward player who’s relentless and a “typical Giants linebacker“, which some have called concerning. Despite the reservations, Keenan is healthy, eyeing the starting MLB job, which some feel he has a good chance to win. Robinson is beginning to catch on with Big Blue and that can only be good for the much-maligned unit.

Jun 6, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants linebacker B.J. Goodson (93) rushes New York Giants center Brett Jones (69) during organized team activities at Quest Diagnostics Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 6, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants linebacker B.J. Goodson (93) rushes New York Giants center Brett Jones (69) during organized team activities at Quest Diagnostics Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports /

B.J. GOODSON

It’s been said that Goodson will be a mainstay on the Giants defense, but B.J. remains unsigned as of publication. He wasn’t unanimously considered a draft steal like Paul Perkins or Jerell Adams, but most experts felt he was a quality pick. Some project B.J. to be a starter. At such a deep position, it appears newly signed Kelvin Sheppard will be the odd man out, unless someone above majorly falters.

Next: DEFENSIVE LINE

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