[simple simon]

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. ? Gerris Wilkinson and Barry Cofield were the Giants' third and fourth draft choices this year, but they could be 1 and 1-A among the team's rookies working their way into the starting lineup.

Wilkinson and Cofield started at weakside linebacker and defensive tackle, respectively, in the Giants' 13-7 preseason victory over the Jets Friday night. Both drew praise from Tom Coughlin. The coach hasn't committed to anything, but the two rookies ? Wilkinson was the 96th player taken in the draft, Cofield the 124th ? could be with the first team when the Giants open the regular season two weeks from today against Indianapolis.

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the Giants are that poor at linebacker, they need 3rd and 4th round draft picks to start ?

[EmpireWF]

I wouldn't say poor at linebacker. Antonio Pierce is set in the middle. On the strongside, unless Arrington can play, Reggie Torbor will likely start. On the weakside, unless Emmons can play, Wilkinson may start and split some time with veteran Brandon Short.

As far as Cofield goes, I like the kid. He showed toughness in his time on the field this pre-season and a fire, unlike Miami-bum William Joseph. Cofield did get the start last week versus the Jets so I'd pencil him in alongside Fred Robbins as starting tackles.

[simple simon]

i guess as a Pats fan, i should know gems can come in the later rounds

Tom Brady

[mervinout]

lets take a look at this, of life long giant players starting on def
Corey webster -2nd round
Usi -2nd round
Strahan-2nd round
G. Wilson 5th round

Others
Fred Robbins-2nd round
Pierce-undrafted
Emmons-7th round
Demps-undrafted
Madison-2nd round

and there only other first round pick besides lavar starting on def according to the depth chart on nyg website is William Joseph

So how bout we let them play ernie has shown he isnt a dope. Just give it some time before your knock this

[EmpireWF]

William Joseph hasn't proven he should start. He had one outstanding stretch of games early last year but then fell apart and was anything but a force on the d-line.

I like this defense, they will be a QBs nightmare because they have so much speed. I love what they did with the backfield as they should be in more control and limit the 300 yard passing games this season.