Top 5 Candidates to Replace Production of Kevin Boss on New York Giants

Who would have thought in the fall of 2007 that 6'7" Kevin Boss from Western Oregon University would one day cause so much consternation in Giants camp?

The former fifth round pick, who has since moved into the New York limelight with his consistency and clutch play, is currently deciding between free agent offers.

And the Giants are caught in the NFL's version of the Butterfly Effect.

It began with the Seattle Seahawks, who have made some of the most curious personnel decisions in the league over the last two seasons.

Despite having three different tight ends catch passes for more than a hundred yards in 2010, they went out and added another big target for whoever ends up being their quarterback, signing former Oakland Raider Zach Miller.

This left Oakland with a whole at the tight end position. And thus the Giants, still scrapping to resign their own tight end, are now on the hot seat.

Boss reportedly worked out for the Raiders as they analyze the prospect of adding his considerable services. And so the Giants must consider contingencies. 

If Boss elects to leave, then he will present a large whole that needs filling. Not only the pass catching but also in blocking. Let's take a look at some of the players whose jobs get little bigger if number 89 decides to go.

No. 5: Will Beatty, Left Tackle

I realize that a tight end and tackle play dramatically different roles in certain respects. Will Beatty will probably never catch a pass (unless by accident).

Yet the Giants blocking scheme is just as important as the passing game.

Regardless of who would replace Kevin Boss, there's a pretty good chance they won't be as effective a blocker (if for no other reason than the fact that Boss is very familiar with the offensive scheme.)

So that means that even more pressure will be on left tackle Will Beatty to perform if he actually wins the starting left tackle spot in training camp.

Beatty won't have the luxury of having Boss around to help chip defensive ends or block other edge rushers.

And as Giants fans have learned so completely in the last few seasons, giving Eli Manning time in the pocket is critical.

No. 4: Ben Patrick, Tight End

Patrick has been an early signing for Giants GM Jerry Reese. He's plied his trade for the Arizona Cardinals since coming into the league in 2007.

If Boss leaves, obviously his role will be heightened.

Patrick could be counted on to replace a lot of the blocking responsibilities.

No. 3: Ahmad Bradshaw, Running Back

Bradshaw's return is obviously beneficial to the Giants running game.

This season though, he'll have to contribute more to the passing game.

Part of the reason why Boss was such a useful player for the Giants was that Eli Manning viewed him as a safety valve, someone who could make a clutch catch when other options failed.

Bradshaw will need to replace Boss as that option, since getting him the ball in space is never a bad idea anyway.

No. 2: Mario Manningham, Wide Receiver

Super Mario will have to finally make the leap this season, especially if Steve Smith doesn't return or is injured.

And if Smith does return, then Manningham will probably be used as a third option. He can make plays and make defenders miss. Now, he'll have to add consistency to his game.

No. 1: Travis Beckum, Tight End

Whether he relishes this or not, Travis Beckum will have to step up more than everyone else on this list combined.

If Boss does leave, he'll be the most experienced Giant tight end on the roster, familiar with their system.

The thing is, he has the potential to be better than Boss as a pass-catcher. He's fast, agile for a big guy and can catch.

But can he block? And can he perform the same roles as Boss in goal-line sets since he's shorter? These are just some of the questions that Beckum will have to answer.

In his third season, the burden may finally be falling on his shoulders.