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NY Giants’ linebackers are underrated in 2021 and could surprise

By Danny Friedman

LANDOVER, MARYLAND - NOVEMBER 08: Blake Martinez #54 of the New York Giants reacts after a play against the Washington Football Team in the first half at FedExField on November 08, 2020 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MARYLAND - NOVEMBER 08: Blake Martinez #54 of the New York Giants reacts after a play against the Washington Football Team in the first half at FedExField on November 08, 2020 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /
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Aaron Rodgers, NY Giants
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) throws a pass against New York Giants linebacker Lorenzo Carter (Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports) /

NY Giants’ Linebackers’ Depth Chart

Starting Inside Linebackers: Blake Martinez & Tae Crowder

Starting Edge Rushers: Lorenzo Carter and Azeez Ojulari

Depth Inside Linebackers: Reggie Ragland, Carter Coughlin,

Depth Edge Rushers: Cam Brown, Ifeadi Odenigbo, Ryan Anderson, Elerson Smith, Oshane Ximines

The NY Giants appear set depth-wise at both linebacker spots.

Both the inside and the outside spots should have strong options to choose from. Right now, it seems likely that Lorenzo Carter will return to his starting job on one side of the ball from last year. Blake Martinez is the only lock to start at any ‘backer position.

Tae Crowder has taken most of the first-team reps alongside Martinez this offseason. Crowder played well last year and showed he can handle a larger role than expected. Crowder should get the first crack at the starting inside gig with his experience in the system, his impressive play from last season, and his further potential to be further untapped in this defense.

On the edges, Carter should start if healthy.

He’s in the 4th and final year of his rookie contract and he needs to prove himself capable of being an NFL starter. The other EDGE rusher spot is one of the top position battles that will arise in training camp. It could really be anyone but for now, that spot goes to Azeez Ojulari. His resume and track record in college in the SEC provide hope and optimism he can be the Giants’ top rusher this year and hopefully for many years to come after.

Guys such as Oshane Ximines, Cam Brown, Ifeadi Odenigbo, and Elerson Smith will push Ojulari for that same starting spot. The Giants finally have some exciting and intriguing players to pick and choose from their linebacking heap.

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