No one likes to be second string...until they become first string.

One of the most under appreciated units on a professional football team is the backup. Most fans have a perception that backups only hold clipboards and are basically practice dummies...right?

Wrong!

The backups bust their humps everyday just like the starters do. They need to be prepared in case they're ever thrust into a live game. The team overall is built on depth. 

Depth is the key to a winning season and is the hinge that allows the hot quarterback and lights-out defense to prosper.  Injuries and free agency change the face of franchise in a flash, do depth is vital.

Over the years, the Giants have had some gritty backups win big games.  

Back-up quarterback Jeff Hostetler stepped in when Phil Simms got hurt in 1990 and rode Big Blue all the way to a Super Bowl victory.

Tight end Kevin Boss took over for an injured Jeremy Shockey and was an immediate spark for Eli Manning. Eventually, Boss would catch a 45-yarder that would set up a Super Bowl touchdown pass.

And the list goes on and on...

Fresh off a Super Bowl victory, the cold breeze of change is blowing ion. The Giants have 24 free-agent players, so one could expect to see "backups" stepping into a starting position in 2012.

In some cases, you need a backup to keep the seat warm while the starter gets healthy.

1. Da'Rel Scott (RB)

This seventh-round draft pick from the University of Maryland deserves to get on the field. Scott, the fastest man on the Giants roster, could make an immediate impact on the league's worst running game.

His speed alone could add a new dimension to Kevin Gilbride's playbook, including a quick toss, reverse and a pitch back.

While Danny Ware is a nice back, his pro level skills are average. He has no burst, and his field vision to see the cut-back lane is almost non-existent. 

The Brandon Jacobs situation is still undecided, which could force Scott to the field.

At 3.5 yards per carry, the Giants have something to worry about regardless of their successful passing attack. Yes, the offensive line takes a huge hit here; however, if Scott, who runs a sub 4.4 can fly, this backup needs to see the ball more often. 

2. Dave Tollefson (DE)

The New York Giants have six defensive ends on their roster, and one of them (Mathias Kiwanuka) was forced to play linebacker. 

Another defensive end (Justin Trattou) is an undrafted player from University of Florida. So, if the Giants are hoping to keep some continuity from this 2012 Super Bowl team, Dave Tollefson first and foremost needs to be re-signed. 

If Tolley is re-signed and Osi Umenyiora is traded or holds out, Tollefson will need to become the backup of the century to fill that gap. It's highly unlikely that is going to happen for they are on different skill levels.

While Tollefson is a great locker room guy and is valued by Justin Tuck, Tolley will need to step up his back-up status to game-changer.  He needs to play the run with more discipline and rush with less reckless abandonment. 

If Osi and Tolley are gone, there will be a very deep void to fill.

3. Mitch Petrus (G)

It is time to put the young guard to work. He received a good smattering of play this year when Kevin Boothe slid over to center after David Bass' injury; however, the powerful and agile lineman's time has come to be a full-time player. 

The Giants might not be known as a smash-mouth offensive team anymore, but having the worst rushing attack in the NFL is pitiful. At the end of the day, having no push up front only puts more pressure on Eli and his receivers.

Petrus brings a nastiness to the big boys and cements the inside protection. He was tagged the guard of future, and the future is here.

4. Jerrel Jernigan (WR)

With Mario Manningham's free agency status hanging out in the open, Giants fans are planning to send the 2011 third-round draft pick an invitation to step up his game.

Jerrel Jernigan's rookie season for the New York Giants hit a huge snag when the all-purpose yards leader (6,000 yards) at Troy University dropped every kick that touched his fingers.

If Manningam does not return, Jernigan will be relied on to fill the void. Patience will be extremely thin for this third-round draft pick, as he needs to show some on-field confidence and progress in the kick return game, as well as being a third receiver option for Eli Manning. 

The memory of Sinorice Moss has made a lasting impression.

5. Prince Amukamara (CB)

First-round draft picks don't sit for long. 

With Aaron Ross most certainly leaving via free agency, the Prince Amukamara era should begin. In 2012, Prince will be able to capitalize on a year of experience and the benefits of a full offseason training program.

The more physical Amukamara will be a huge upgrade over Ross from the moment he wraps up an oncoming receiver and makes a form tackle. At times, he did look lost in coverage when he did see action on the field, but understandably, he did not have much time to learn the system and gel with Antrel Rolle, Kenny Phillips, Deon Grant and Corey Webster.

Terrell Thomas and his health will also become a factor.  If Thomas is signed and is healthy, I would expect Prince and Thomas to play together in the nickle.

Who will be the starter? 

6. James Brewer (OT)

No one knows if this guy can play or not; however, the fourth-round pick needs to make his presence felt in 2012.

As a unit, the Giants offensive line has been in the worst unit on the squad. Inconsistency and lack of explosion haunts this group week in and week out.

Left tackle Will Beatty does not come across as the guy to take this unit to the next level.

In 2012, James Brewer needs to pancake a few defensive linemen and make a statement that he wants to play tackle for the NY Giants.

7. Marvin Austin (DT)

Suspended. Injured.

Not what you want to hear from a promising draft pick. It's been two years since Austin has played football. With Rocky Bernard on the free-agent bubble, one Marvin Austin needs to come to Giants Stadium in 2012 and get it on.

The potential is there; however, being out of the game for that type of extended period will hurt any player. 2012 needs to be Austin's year of redemption, and when he is finally given time to play, he needs to maximize it with everything he has.

Linval Joseph is a nice young player who made strides in 2011. He would excel even further if he had a healthy Austin next to him creating havoc.

When the season started, the Giants had trouble up the middle with running backs ripping off big chunks of yards. For a big man, Austin is quick footed and gets to the ball carrier immediately.  

He may remain a backup or in a rotation status with Chris Canty and  Joseph; however, in this case that's okay.  No one cares who starts; it only matters how you finish.