New York Giants' Training Camp: Biggest Positional Battles

With the New York Giants OTA's having wrapped up this past week, there appears to be some obvious positional battles to keep an eye on during the upcoming training camp in Albany.

Let's begin with the obvious. Plaxico Burress and Armani Toomer, both starters for the G-Men the past two years are no longer with the team. Both were released before the draft, and with two huge holes to fill on the offensive side of the ball, you had to believe that the Giants' front office was going to address these glaring holes either through trades or the draft. They went the route of the draft, and though it is way too early to tell, at first glance it looks like they have found exactly what they hoped for.

With the 29th pick, the G-MEN selected Hakeem Nicks from UNC. Even with a poor "Pro Day" workout, the Giants thought enough of him to bring him in with their first pick in the draft. He will immediately be in the mix for a starting job along with Ramses Barton out of Cal-Poly. Ramses is considered a clone of Plaxico minus the attitude and baggage. I expect both of these young receivers to be on the field on opening day.

They both will be competing against vets such as David Tyree, Steve Smith, Sinorice Moss, and Domenick Hixon. Only Steve Smith may prevent one of the two from starting, but this still seems unlikely. Both newcomers are far too athletic and talented to keep on the bench.

Another positional battle to keep an eye on is on the defensive side of the ball. The Giants have had some issues trying to find some consistency in the line-backing corp. Strong side/weak side LB has been a problem for a few years now, and with the addition of Clint Sintim, that issue may be finally put to rest.

Clint Sintim, OLB for Virginia, was taken in the second round with the No. 45 overall pick. Sintim started the final 48 games of his college career and finished second in school history with 27 sacks. His primary competition will come from Gerris Wilkerson, Michael Boley, and Bryan Kehl. This should definitely be a battle to watch in training camp, and I say, don't count the youngster out just because he is a rookie.

In receny history, the Giants have utilized most of their draft day picks, and this year does not appear any different. Should be a very exciting training camp, to say the least.