EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Our offensive depth chart for the New York Giants already was unveiled. Now we're turning our attention to the revamped defense. This one is harder. So much uncertainty at so many positions.
But here’s my best crack at it after a week of practices.
DEFENSE
* recently signed
# currently injured and on PUP list
Right defensive end
Stansley Maponga
Mike Rose
Vernon is the guy. OO will be part of the defensive end rotation. Maponga and Rose have been relatively quiet early in camp.
Defensive tackle 1
Montari Hughes
Louis Nix
Harrison recently returned from a knee injury but is fine. Milhouse, an undrafted free agent, made his mark in his absence. It means something that he received first-team snaps ahead of Nix and Hughes during that time.
Defensive tackle 2
Hankins is playing in base and nickel packages. Coleman has quickly worked his way up the depth chart, while Bromley remains on the physically unable to perform list.
Left defensive end
Jason Pierre-Paul
Pierre-Paul has looked good so far. Wynn appears part of the plan while Okwara has some work to do in order to make the roster.
Weakside linebacker
# J.T. Thomas
Casillas appears to be the most likely three-down linebacker on the team, especially with Thomas unable to get on the field because of a hamstring injury.
Middle linebacker
Keenan Robinson/Kelvin Shepard
B.J. Goodson
Brinkley has received the most first-team reps, but Robinson and Shepard have been getting opportunities in recent days, especially in nickel packages. Goodson is behind the veterans right now.
Strongside linebacker
Ishaq Williams
Kennard, Herzlich and Bars have looked solid. There is going to be competition for that second spot. Kennard, if healthy, is the starter.
Right cornerback
Michael Hunter
Jenkins has worked consistently with the first team. McFadden and Hunter have struggled in their reps.
Left cornerback
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
Matt Smalley
Rodgers-Cromartie and Apple are splitting first-team reps. Rodgers-Cromartie is spending an eye-opening amount of time in the slot.
Slot cornerback
Donte Deayon
It had been Wade, Rodgers-Cromartie and Deayon in the slot. But Hall may quickly jump to the top.
Strong safety
Andrew Adams
Collins is the clear-cut No. 1.
Free safety
Darian Thompson is the clear-cut No. 1.
(Note: Aside from Collins and Darian Thompson, the Giants have constantly rotated their safeties. It’s hard to tell who stands where in the safety pecking order this early in the summer.)
