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New York Giants’ linebackers better than you might think

By Ryan Disdier

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The New York Giants haven’t had a linebacker go to the Pro Bowl since Antonio Pierce did so in 2006. The linebacking position has been a revolving door of sorts, as the Giants haven’t seemed to get it right.

So the move to draft zero linebackers understandably raised some eyebrows. Things obviously could have been different had a talent like Vic Beasley slid to nine, but still, the Giants didn’t make a move in later rounds.

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New York could have selected players like Eric Kendricks and Denzel Perryman in the second round, but they instead traded up to nab Landon Collins.

Also on Spin Zone: Who are the 50 most untradeable players in the NFL? 

The Giants proved they’re truly comfortable with their linebackers from last year, plus a few additions. The Giants, while lacking a superstar, have a lot of depth consisting of both young players and seasoned veterans.

With the depth, there’s no set starting lineup. At least not at the weak-side linebacker spot. Devon Kennard is a lock to man the strong side after a tremendous, albeit overshadowed rookie year.

Kennard was named a ‘secret superstar’ by Pro Football Focus, and I’ve already talked about how bright of a future the former USC Trojan has.

In short, Kennard is a pass-rushing specialist who can generate a lot of pressure as an edge rusher. He also became the first Giants rookie ever to win NFC Defensive Player of the Week, after having two sacks, two tackles for loss and one forced fumble against Tennessee.

On the opposite side of Kennard will be one of two players, as both Jonathan Casillas and J.T. Thomas are the most likely candidates to win the weak-side role. Both players have experience as starters, though Casillas is probably going to find a niche on special teams and as a backup.

So I think Thomas will end up being the starter opposite of Kennard, and I expect him to play a role similar to the one Kawika Mitchell — remember him? — did during the 2007 season.

Thomas played well last year on a stingy Jacksonville defense. His best day, coincidentally enough, came against the Giants in the Jaguars’ upset win. Thomas had a season-high 12 tackles and he also recovered a fumble in the end zone.

Steve Spagnuolo will likely be able to get Thomas to play to the best of his ability.

Jon Beason will man the inside position, barring injuries. Last year, Beason missed 12 games, and the defense suffered because of that. I’ll be covering Beason’s impact in an upcoming piece, so I won’t say too much now.

If Beason can’t go, the Giants have options.

Jameel McClain, who was brought over from Baltimore last offseason, was serviceable as a starting inside backer last year, and he’ll be ready to go if called upon.

He’s not the best athlete and he struggled in pass coverage, but he was a good leader and proved to be reliable.

Rounding out the linebacking corps is Mark Herzlich. Herzlich is a player of tremendous character and he gives 100 percent on every play. He also has experience as a starter, so he provides the Giants with great depth.

The Giants will also get some production from rookie safety Landon Collins, as the hard-hitting safety will play some linebacker in sub-packages.

Essentially, New York’s linebacking situation this year is similar to its tight end situation last year, in the sense that a big-name player isn’t necessary.

If you recall, the Giants were scrutinized for not addressing the tight end position as they opted to roll the dice with the unproven Larry Donnell. That worked out pretty well, I’d say.

Let’s also remember that Spagnuolo never had great linebackers during his first stint. Things are obviously different this time around, but the Giants don’t need Lawrence Taylor to find success at the linebacker position.

What the Giants have is a unique blend of linebackers who excel at different areas. With the defensive mastermind Spags calling the shots, this unit is going to shock some people.

Next: Shane Vereen is biggest X-factor

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