How does the NFL Lockout affect the New York Giants as a football team? Well, that question is really impossible to answer at this point. We don't know how long it will last, what will be missed in terms of OTAs, mini-camp, training camp, preseason game -- even regular-season games.

ESPN offered up the thought that the lockout will make it difficult to figure out how to proceed with injured veterans, offering Mathias Kiwanuka and Steve Smith for evidence. I think that barely scratches the surface.

Kiwanuka and Smith are, of course, important players. There are several other injured players the Giants will now be unable to monitor or get reports on as they rehab -- including Richie Seubert and Shaun O'Hara. What about Ramses Barden? Domenik Hixon? Shawn Andrews?

The only thing the team can control at this point is the 2011 NFL Draft, and you have to believe the fact that the team will be unable to get information on the health of some of these guys will impact how GM Jerry Reese drafts this April.

ESPN also pointed out that, with a $132.9 million current payroll, the Giants are well over the likely $115 to $120 million salary cap. That, of course, means some veterans will need to be cut. Now way to know how that will shake out until there is a collective bargaining agreement, though.