T-Rock's Take on the Giants

ELI MANNING
He’s uncomfortable in the spotlight, skittish in the pocket, isn’t a strong leader and can never seem to win the big one. Oh wait, that’s from six months ago. He’s a Super Bowl MVP, one of the bright young stars of the NFL, the face of the franchise, and the undisputed starter. And yes, he’ll be in Albany.

JARED LORENZEN
The big guy is on the hot seat. He’s the most likely to be cut loose before the middle of the summer. He’s only seen action in four games in three years; presumably there’s a reason for that. He’s a good guy, a nice conversation piece, but if he’s ever a quarterback for the Giants during a real competitive game, the team is in serious trouble. My gut (which may be as sizable as Jared’s) tells me he’s the odd man out. But hey. He’s got a Super Bowl ring.

ANTHONY WRIGHT
The experienced veteran backup with 10 years in the league. But now that young Eli has spread his wings and taken off from the nest, having that veteran leadership in the group isn’t as necessary. Still, he was the backup last year, which theoretically puts him ahead of Lorenzen on the last existing depth chart. Wright shouldn’t be making long-term plans in the Albany area, but barring a meltdown in the OTAs he’ll probably be competing in training camp (even if making the final roster will be a more difficult task).

DAVID CARR
A former No. 1 overall draft pick, his career never really developed in Houston and couldn’t catch a spark in Carolina last year. The Giants didn’t exactly break the bank to bring him in, giving him a humble one-year, $1 million deal. He’ll be at a disadvantage against Lorenzen and Wright in that he isn’t as familiar with the Giants’ system. But then again, if they were all that thrilled with Lorenzen and Wright they wouldn’t have signed Carr or drafted Woodson. It wouldn’t make sense to cut him free without actually seeing him in a competitive practice.

ANDRE’ WOODSON
The Giants love this draft pick because they believe it has value, even if he never plays a down for the team. They think they have found a QB they can develop and hopefully never have to use (which would mean Manning plays well and healthy for years to come). Then, in a few years, some QB-starved team will fork over a few first-day draft picks for the backup who’s ready to blossom. Remember, when the Falcons traded Matt Schaub to the Texans they not only flip-flopped first-rounders in 2007 but got two second-rounders. Woodson’s an investment. He’ll be around.