Ever since Luke Petitgout was released by the Giants, the assumption has been that if David Diehl moved to left tackle Rich Seubert would slide in at left guard.
It does, indeed, seem that Diehl will move from guard to tackle to protect Eli Manning's blind side. Seubert may yet start at left tackle, but he appears to have competition for the job.
One of General Manager Jerry Reese's under the radar moves was the signing of free agent left guard Zach Piller, entering his ninth year in the league. Piller might challenge Seubert for that job.
Let's look at the combatants.
• In the blue corner. Rich Seubert. A favorite of Giants fans and the sentimental favorite to win the job. The seven-year veteran started at left guard in 2002 and 2003 before suffering a devastating leg fracture that caused him to miss the entire 2004 season. The 6-foot-3, 305-pound Seubert worked his way back, and filled in last season at both guard and center, as well as seeing time as a third tight end and occasional blocking back.
• In the red corner. Zach Piller. An eight-year veteran, Piller was released by Tennessee after last season. The 6-foot-5, 321-pound Piller had been a starter for the Titans since the 2001 season.
MY VIEW: Seubert's versatility really helped the Giants last season. He started in two spots on the line due to injuries, and performed capably as a blocking back and third tight end. He deserves to start after all he's been through, but I don't think the Giants would have brought in Piller if they weren't going to give him a real opportunity to win the job.
PREDICTION: Because he doesn't want to rebuild any more of the offensive line than he has to, I think Tom Coughlin will choose Seubert for this job. Gray Reugamer, another veteran backup lineman, will likely take over many of the duties Seubert held last season.