Let's look a look at one of the biggest questions for the Giants heading into training camp. Do they have anybody who can play fullback on a regular basis?
It's a question even offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride isn't sure he has the answer to. Here is what he told Giants.com.
Let's take a closer look at the candidates.
• In the red corner. Robert Douglas. Douglas has been kicking around practice squads for the past two seasons, including part of last year with the Giants. He is 6-foot-1, 230 pounds and the only true fullback on the roster.
• In the blue corner. Mike Matthews. Matthews is an interesting case. He's a 6-foot-4, 270-pound rookie free agent from Georgia Tech. He was signed as a tight end, but also played some fullback in college.
• In the white corner. Your guess is as good as mine. Right now, nobody.
MY VIEW: Considering that the Giants spent a long time in the off-season seemingly trying to find a real power fullback, Matthews might get a long look. Especially since he can catch the ball.
PREDICTION: Douglas wins the job, based mostly on the fact that Matthews has little experience at the position. I think, however, that the Giants will use a variety of backfield sets. Some true fullback sets, some H-back sets using tight ends Kevin Boss or Darcy Johnson, some straight two-tight end sets and, occasionally even using a reserve lineman (like they did last season with Rich Seubert) as the lead blocker.
This position will generate a lot of attention and debate. In the end, though, I'm not sure how much it matters. It's fullback, and the Giants should be able to find a lot of ways to provide a lead blocker for whoever is running the ball.