[
](mailto:bigbluemailbag@gmail.com?subject=Mailbag Question)
Do Mark Herzlich (BC) Greg Jones (Michigan State) and Jacquian Williams (South Florida) have a great chance to earn the Big Blue starting linebacker jobs, since we need big help there? And what impact it would be on the defense?Dear Bob:
It's wildly premature to suggest that three rookies, including a fifth-round draft, a sixth-rounder and a free agent, will be the starting linebackers. If that were to happen it would be a huge upset. First, the Giants have incumbents at middle linebacker (Jonathan Goff) and on the weakside (Michael Boley). Clint Sintim is a third-year pro with some experience on the strong side. Phillip Dillard has a year in the system. All three of the rookies you mentioned will get opportunities to show what they can do. But if they make the final roster, it will likely be as reserves and because they demonstrated they will help on special teams.
With the departures of Shaun O'Hara and Rich Seubert, the Giants have two large holes in their offensive line. What is the likely structure of the line without them?Dear Gerry:
The Giants' O-line will definitely have a new look – at least 60 percent of it will. Kareem McKenzie and Chris Snee, who started every game last season at right tackle and guard, respectively, remain at those positions. The new center is David Baas (pronounced Boss), who arrived as a free agent from the San Francisco 49ers. David Diehl moves from left tackle to left guard and third-year pro Will Beatty steps in at left tackle. That is the alignment as we start training camp, so that is the line's most likely opening day configuration. But no one is guaranteed a position, so stay tuned.
To submit your question, email us at BIGBLUEMAILBAG@GMAIL.COM
