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NY Giants linebackers: JT Thomas is the future

by Craig J. Santucci | Managing Editor

The Giants linebackers have some spark and JT Thomas is part of that future.  Yes, it has been a couple of years since Giants fans can say they were excited about the linebacker play.   Just when Jon Beason won Giants fans over…he was gone with back to back injuries in 2014.  But don’t get down there is hope for the Giants.

Jameel McClain, a free agent signing from Baltimore in 2014 stepped in nicely for Beason. And though McClain and Beason are back and healthy…the linebacker play you’re going to want keep an eye on comes from 2nd year player Devon Kennard and the free agent acquisition, J.T. Thomas…formerly of Jacksonville.

While fans got a nice taste of Kennard last year his stock will only rise in 2015.  JT Thomas may not be a household name but the linebacker has some great “IT” qualities. His blood line is impressive as his father was a great linebacker at West Virginia.   Thomas also was drafted by the Bears and learned the game, “on the field” and “off the field” from Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs.

Never known to shy away from contact and extremely quick on his feet, Thomas is already standing out in the new Spagnuolo defense.  His athletic ability and raw speed are quite refreshing.  The Giants just did not have enough athleticism with Spencer Paysinger, Marc Herzlich or Keith Rivers.  Don’t let anyone fool you…Thomas and Kennard are the futures leaders  of this defense.

There are 10 linebackers on the New York Giants Defensive roster, expect the following to make the 53 man team:  Beason, McClain, Kennard, J.T. Thomas, Jonathan Casillas, and Marc Herzlich.  Cole Farrand and Unga could make great special team considerations but might not make the team.