Having concluded their two-day rookie minicamp, the Giants have identified their chief shortcoming.
No, it isn't wide receiver.
No, it isn't linebacker.
Not even offensive tackle.
It appears that there is a serious shortage at safety, with only a few having any real experience. They would be, of course, the starters -- Michael Johnson and Kenny Phillips -- and former Texans' safety C.C. Brown, who has starting experience and is the most seasoned of the vets. Johnson is in his third season, Phillips was a rookie in 2008.
Does that inspire a warm and fuzzy feeling of confidence for new defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan? The assumption is that it doesn't, and that in fact it has led to several bouts of wakefulness and perhaps a few nightmares.
Veteran starter James Butler exercised his free-agent rights and signed with St. Louis to join former Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, current Rams head coach.
At the same time, veteran R.W. McQuarters, who had experience at both corner and safety (and was solid in the return game) in his 11 seasons, has not been re-signed and is still lingering out there in UFA purgatory.
A few experimental plans have been implemented. Rookie free agent Vince Anderson (6-2, 205, Webber International University) and second-year free agent Travonti Johnson (6-2, 190, Central Florida) have been moved to safety. Both had been working out as corners. Webber, incidentally, is located in Babson Park, Fla., about 50 miles from Orlando, and Anderson is the first "Warrior" to be signed to an NFL contract.
"We've got a long time to go between now and the start of the season," said Sheridan. "There are a lot of great athletes on this roster."
One of them might be Michael Boley, who signed as a free agent from Atlanta. He is a weak-side linebacker but possesses quickness and speed that would serve him as a safety.
