Prematurely Projecting The New York Giants Depth Chart And 53-Man Roster
By Neal Lynch
STRONG OUTSIDE LINEBACKER
DEVON KENNARD
After an impressive 2014 season, Kennard took a step back in 2015 and really needs to prove himself in 2016.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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