New York Giants: 5 biggest storylines heading into minicamp

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 24: (Front L-R) Roger Lewis #18, Orleans Darkwa #26, Sterling Shepard #87, Eli Manning #10, Travis Rudolph #19 and Rhett Ellison #85 of the New York Giants huddle up during the first half of the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 24: (Front L-R) Roger Lewis #18, Orleans Darkwa #26, Sterling Shepard #87, Eli Manning #10, Travis Rudolph #19 and Rhett Ellison #85 of the New York Giants huddle up during the first half of the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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Inside linebacker Alec Ogletree #52 of the New York Giants
GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 03: Inside linebacker Alec Ogletree #52 of the Los Angeles Rams returns an interception 41-yards for a touchdown during the first quarter of the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 3, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)

No. 4 – Alec Ogletree and B.J. Goodson duo

There may not be a more important partnership on the Giants 2018 roster than the one between Alec Ogletree and B.J. Goodson. Both will have plenty of responsibility anchoring a defense that took a step back last season.

Goodson was the one in charge of calling the plays as the “MIKE” linebacker in 2017 before leg injuries cut his campaign short. He’s currently set to line up as right ILB while Ogletree will be the strong ILB in defensive coordinator James Bettcher’s 3-4 scheme.

Goodson is excited about his return and embracing the changes, via New York’s team website.

"I’m feeling great and that’s all that matters – pressing forward day-by-day and getting better. I’m looking forward to us as a unit playing fast, playing hard, just being hard-nosed and being about that Giant culture."

Goodson has not had a lot of playing experience (if any) as a 3-4 linebacker while Ogletree is in his first year with New York. The team will get a taste of how those two will work together, as Bettcher is hoping both can establish the same chemistry his former veterans Deone Buccanon and Karlos Dansby had in Arizona last season.

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