Linebacker Zak DeOssie, the Giants fourth-round pick, officially signed his rookie contract with New York today. He will now be playing for the very same team his father, Steve (pictured), played for from 1989-1993.While Zak had some question marks coming out of college, he has had a strong offseason and helped put some coaches' minds to rest.
"You just watch him on the field, and even when he didn't make any big plays you just see over and over how much of a contribution he is going to make," coach Tom Coughlin said.DeOssie isn't currently penciled in as a starter and will likely fill a reserve role this season. However, I wouldn't get used to seeing him come off the bench. I fully expect DeOssie to shine in New York and to eventually become a key piece of the Giants defensive puzzle.
No specific contract details were given.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
6-19-2007 @ 9:01PM
fanfor55years said...
Dan, while who starts isn't as important as who gets minutes, I am going to guess that DeOssie will be a major contributor immediately on special teams but will not start over the next few years unless he can beat out Pierce. Kiwanuka, Wilkinson and Pierce may take the Giants from one of the worst linebacking corps in the league to one of the best. It will be great to have DeOssie as Pierce wears down, but I don't see him beating out either of the other two, who I suspect are going to be beasts who will strike fear into the hearts of offensive coordinators. Wilkinson may still be a bit of a project, which is why the Giants picked up Mitchell, but I think he is headed toward being a very, very, good player with good speed and more size than he showed last season. He got knocked off the ball too much in his limited time last season but it sounds like he gained about ten pounds of muscle in the off-season and with his frame he could afford ten more. He looks like a Carl Banks-type to me. Great upside. Don't get me wrong. I think DeOssie is going to see plenty of playing time, and there will probably be at least five guys playing every game, but I don't see him getting above 4 on the depth chart until he can pass Pierce, which should take a few years.
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