The defending Super Bowl Champions may have another training camp battle on their hands with just over a month to go before the Giants ship up to Albany.
Following Kareem McKenzie's departure after the expiration of his contract, there has been some speculation as to what the starting offensive line would look like. David Diehl was expected to permanently move back to T but which side has yet to be determined.The interior of the line currently enjoys 66% clarity as Chris Snee is set for RG and David Baas will reprise his role at C.
Common consensus was that Will Beatty would be allowed to open camp as the first string LT once again. Beatty began last season as the starter but after suffering an eye injury he was placed on IR.
As OTA's unfolded, it became apparent that Beatty's lack of durability has not subsided. With only six unofficial practices in the books for the 2012 campaign, he is already sidelined with a back ailment.
2nd year player, James Brewer has taken his spot while David Diehl remains at RT. Brewer was labeled as a project by GM Jerry Reese when the Giants selected him in the 4th round of the 2011 draft. The front office expected the Indiana alum to be NFL ready within three to four years.
Brewer is listed at 6'6 330 lbs. (equal height, 11 lbs. heavier than Beatty) and if he can make the most of his unexpected reps with the first string, he could find himself starting Week 1 of his 2nd season.
On the defensive side of the ball, Tyler Sash injured his hamstring during Monday's practice. Sash was the favorite to earn the 3rd safety spot, which in the Giants defensive system is a rather prominent role. Hamstrings have a tendency to become nagging problems, so it will be interesting to see how severe Sash's setback truly is.
Challenging Sash for the top reserve safety slot is former Redskin Chris Horton, Jersey City native Will Hill, and undrafted rookie Janzen Jackson.
Sash is also the incumbent up man on punt team. Should he be hampered in camp, several rookies and bubble players will get a look there as well.
Finally, the potential defensive line log jam got a bit more compelling today. Osi Umeyiora's return to practice (following the signing of his new contract) officially gives the Giants their dangerous DE trio once more. With Dave Tollefson now in Oakland, it is unclear as to whether a 4th DE spot will be assigned.
At DT, New York is currently set with spots one through three with Chris Canty, Linval Joseph, and Shaun Rogers. If both Marvin Austin and rookie Markus Kuhn make the final roster, the Giants will have eight defensive linemen and a part-time pass rusher in LB Mathias Kiwanuka.
A poor performance by DEs Justin Trattou or AdewaleOjomo could convince the Giants to use the 9th D-Line spot at another position.
