GIANTS 101

Each season as training camp begins, it is clear that certain positions will be up for grabs. Let’s see which positions we will see some knock down- drag out battles in during 2010 camp.

The Key positional Battles

Wide Receiver

A year ago at this time, Giant fans around the world trembled at the prospect of having the likes of Steve Smith, Mario Manningham, or a draftee line up at receiver. The lack of experience and the perceived lack of talent would be too much for the unit to overcome.

In 2009, each wide receiver went out like they had something to prove and it was visible in every game.

The tone of of this year’s battle at wide receiver will prove to be much different.

Steve Smith has emerged as the leader of the unit after a stellar 2009 campaign in which he caught 107 passes for 1,220 yards and 7 touchdowns.

Smith also led the NFL in 3^rd down receptions.

Smith is Eli Manning’s favorite target, and should undoubtedly secure the #1 spot on the receiving core yet again in 2010.

The #2 and #3 spot will be up for grabs in one of the most interesting battles in all of camp: Hakeem Nicks versus Mario Manningham.

Manningham is coming off of a season where he had 820 yards receiving on 57 receptions in 14 games,  while also reeling in 15 receptions over 20 yards.

Nicks on the other hand had only 47 receptions for 790 yards in 12 games, but led The NFL in yards after the catch as a rookie.

Nicks seems to be set to take the job from Manningham as the #2 guy, but Manningham will not go down without a fight.

Manningham is an electric player, and Eli Manning and Kevin Gilbride spent the 2009 season just figuring out how to best utilize his skills. Last season was indeed just the beginning for Mario.

Nicks on the other hand has the potential to be a more complete receiver. Catch every ball, run every route, make anyone miss. This is Hakeem Nicks. Having him on the field only when utilizing 3 wide receiver sets seriously compromises his potential.

I expect the 2010 season to be the beginning of a great career for Hakeem Nicks and I believe he will win the starting job across from Smith.

Ramses Barden should figure into this positional battle as well.

Against the coaches.

The big question surrounding Barden is whether or not he can prove himself to the coaching staff as an effective red zone threat.

Towering at over 6’6”, Barden dominated Division I- AA competition and impressed The Giants scouts enough to trade up for him in the third round. It is time he proved why.

The rest of the crop such as Derek Hagan and Sinorice Moss will battle for the #4 spot (which should really belong to a certain tight end with the #47) and time on special teams.

Final Depth Chart Prediction- Steve Smith, Hakeem Nicks, Mario Manningham, Ramses Barden, Sinorice Moss, Derek Hagan

Linebacker:

One of the most intriguing positions in Big Blue’s front seven is the strong side linebacker position. The outside linebacker position for the Giants has seen little stability in the past few years.

Michael Boley was signed to come in and hel0p the unit out, but was never healthy enough.

Clint Sintim was drafted to play the strong side, but never saw the field.

2010 should provide an opportunity for both to show why they were brought to New York.

Sintim has all the physical tools and toughness to be an all- pro linebacker, he just needs to put it all together.

Boley has the wheels to stay with any back or tight end, but must be used properly by new defensive coordinator Perry Fewell and also stay healthy in order to meet his potential.

The middle linebacker spot would seem to be Keith Bulluck’s to lose.

In what I believe was a great signing, Bulluck was brought in for one year to help fill a leadership void for New York, and also provide some athleticism at middle linebacker.

I can’t see how The Giants lose out here. Bulluck at age 33 coming off of injury is still a better player than Antonio Pierce was at any point since 2005.

None of the prospective middle linebackers on the team did enough with their opportunities to prove worthy enough to start in the middle of The Giants defense.

That being said, the real positional battle will be occurring behind all of these players. Who among Jonathan Goff, Bryan Kehl, Gerris Wilkinson, Phillip Dillard, and Chase Blackburn will prove to have enough playmking ability to answer the bell when asked in 2010 and beyond?

Final Depth Chart Prediction- Middle- Keith Bulluck, Jonathan Goff, Phillip Dillard

Weakside- Michael Boley, Bryan Kehl

Strongside- Clint Sintim, Adrian Tracy

Blackburn Backs up all 3 spots and Deossie long snaps. Wilkinson is cut. Possibly Goff as well.

Defensive End

This should be the story of camp in 2010. Osi Umenyiora against Mathias Kiwanuka.

Kiwanuka is the younger, healthier of the 2 players, but has never done as much with his chances as Umenyiora has.

Umenyiora is a two time Pro Bowler, and has the potential to be an elite pass rusher.

That said, he was a liability against the run in 2009. Training camp should provide us with an opportunity to see how Perry Fewell builds his defense. If the Giants defensive tackles are stout and able to eat up blockers and provide a stout presence against the run, Osi Umenyiora is the ideal player to play the cover 2 end and come around the edge.

If the defensive tackle position is still in question, Kiwanuka may help keep blockers off of our linebackers a bit better.

One wild card player in this whole scenario is rookie Jason Pierre- Paul. I expect The Giants and new defensive coordinator Perry Fewell to find ways to use him in almost every nickel pass rush package.

Justin Tuck is the one constant here, as he can play most any position on the line with effectiveness. I look forward to a bounce back season from each of the defensive ends.

Predicted Starter- Osi Umenyiora

Offensive Line

The offensive line holds the keys to a successful 2010. Eli Manning must be protected, and the running game must be provided with open lanes.

I expect second year man William Beatty to take over at left tackle while David Diehl kicks inside to guard, where he has all pro potential.

The running game should receive a boost by way of having Rich Seuburt as a 6^th offensive lineman (like in 2005 and 2006)

While the age of the line is a concern to many, the toughness of the line still trumos age at this point. Beatty, Diehl, and Chris Snee are not yet 30, and Kareem McKenzie and Shaun O’ Hara are aging very well despite both being over 31.

Yes they have had injuries, but the sport is brutal and few have handled themselves over the years better than O’ Hara and McKenzie.

It has become quite obvious through the signings of Antrel Rolle and Keith Bulluck that The Giants intend on predicating their defense on speed and range. In the modern NFL, it is imperative that teams are able to defense the pass.

One can only hope that Perry Fewell and new additions Antrel Rolle and Keith Bulluck can bring the experience and toughness necessary to turn this defense around.

Undercard Fights- Andre Brown v.s. Danny Ware v.s. Gartrell Johnson

Deon Grant v.s. Michael Johnson

Tags: Adrian Tracy, Andre Brown, Antonio Pierce, Bryan Kehl, Chase Blackburn, Chris Snee, Clint Sintim, D.J. Ware, Deon Grant, Derek Hagan, Eli Manning, Gartrell Johnson, Gerris Wilkinson, Hakeem Nicks, Jason Pierre-Paul, Jonathan Goff, Justin Tuck, Kareem McKenzie, Keith Bulluck, Mario Manningham, Mathias Kiwanuka, Michael Boley, Michael Johnson, Osi Umenyiora, Perry Fewell, Phillip Dillard, Sinorice Moss, Steve Smith

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