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Projecting the New York Giants’ starting Linebackers for next season

By Michael Kelleher

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 04: Blake Martinez #54 of the New York Giants celebrates a tackle with teammate Leonard Williams #99 during the second half against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on October 04, 2020 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 04: Blake Martinez #54 of the New York Giants celebrates a tackle with teammate Leonard Williams #99 during the second half against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on October 04, 2020 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) /
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New York Giants
New York Giants inside linebacker Blake Martinez (Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports) /

Blake Martinez

At the middle linebacker spot, Blake Martinez returns as the ‘Mike’ and signal caller for the Giants defense.

The departure of veteran presence Logan Ryan and potentially James Bradberry, means more leadership is going to be carried by someone like Martinez.

New defensive Co-ordinator Don Martindale brings a new defensive scheme to the Giants, and someone that’s known for being reliable like Martinez will be called upon to to lead the defense.

Martinez’s season was drastically cut short in 2021, suffering a torn ACL which sidelined him majority of the year.

The former Packer was fourth in the league for most tackles in 2020 and expectations are that he still has the ability to provide a similar impact again in 2022.

Tae Crowder

Martindale might want bring in one of his guys from Baltimore that knows his system well, but I think Tae Crowder held the fort down well enough last season to keep his spot on the depth chart.

With Martinez out most of last year, Crowder stood in and was up and down at times but ended up making some positive plays for the Giants defense, most notably wrapping up the 2021 campaign with two interceptions.

Crowder showed that he can have a future as a starter in the NFL, after entering the league as the final pick of the 2020 NFL Draft and crowned ‘Mr Irrelevant’.

Martindale might see some potential in crowder at the linebacker position and may look to run it back with him starting next season.

The most notable addition to the linebacker group in 2022 would be that extra edge threat who can rush the pass rusher, complimenting Azeez Ojulari, and freeing up the big money investment on the inside, Leonard Williams.

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