Antonio Pierce

Pierce is unheralded around the NFL and even on his own team. In four years as a starter, he has turned in the following tackle totals: 110, 98, 139 and 102. If not for a three-game absence in 2005, he would certainly have four straight 100-tackle seasons and probably 110 or more in three of his last four campaigns. He's unheralded in part because he doesn't contribute many sacks or interceptions, and in part because the Giants have a solid defensive corps with several bigger names. Pierce is a hard worker that makes up for average skills. He will turn 30 in October, but his age isn't a significant concern. If teammate Michael Strahan elects to retire, Pierce might see a small increase in his sack opportunities, although he's most likely to serve as a steady tackler.

After the really big names are gone, and even before a bunch of them, Pierce provides everything needed from an IDP linebacker. Since becoming a starter in 2004 he's turned in one Top 10-caliber season after another. He missed three games in 2005 and just missed 100 total tackles by the narrowest of margins (99), but has had 100 every other year as a starter and at least one sack and one pick. Like his non-marquee name, Pierce isn't flashy but plays at a consistently strong level. He’s undersized but moves quickly and fluidly. Pierce doesn't take chances, working well against the run and the pass, in coverage and the rush. Wait a few rounds, then take a Pro Bowler just about as good as all the linebackers taken before him.

Pierce finished in the top 20 among linebackers last year even though he missed the season’s last three games with a high ankle sprain. Pierce relies on his hands and great lateral dexterity to evade blockers, and make so many tackles due to his above-average range, so watch in camp for how well his ankle has healed. Another caveat: with LaVar Arrington joining this 4-3 squad on the weak side (he’d previously been an edge rusher in a 3-4) Pierce may not spend as much time rushing. Fine. Arrington takes chances, so Pierce will be there to make the stop when it doesn’t work. Pierce’s strengths are in chasing down the run and pass coverage (he’s had two picks two years running) so the two stars should compliment each other. There’s risk here – and be aware he’s reached what statistical heights he has the past two seasons by scoring TDs in each, which you can’t expect for a third year in a row. Nonetheless, Pierce has proven he has the talent to deliver elite numbers.

Michael Barrow’s injuries gave Pierce the chance to start for Washington last season, and he ran with it. He’s better in coverage than at run stuffing, drew praise for his defensive play calling and smart positioning on the field last year, and has excellent range and mechanics. In the middle of the Giants’ 4-3 and behind what’s a pretty good pair of tackles in William Joseph and Fred Robbins, he’ll have the chance to show last year wasn’t a fluke.