Giants news, 6/27: Mark Herzlich, roster moves, more

The New York Giants are off for their summer “prep-cation,” and there is little going on. That, however, does not mean that Big Blue View and the many other fine writers who cover the team have shut down for the next month. Let’s begin the week by looking at some of the excellent work done recently by many of the other writers covering the Giants.

Why is Mark Herzlich still a Giant?

After five seasons of pedestrian play as a backup linebacker and special teams contributor, that’s a question many Giants fans wonder about. For the past couple of seasons yours truly has been projecting the end to Herzlich’s tenure with the Giants, and each time I’ve been proven wrong. Herzlich spoke with Paul Schwartz of the New York Post about that topic. Here is some of what he had to say:

“They think I got blackmail stuff on someone, that’s why I’m staying around,’’ Herzlich said in an expansive recent interview with The Post, “but I’d like to think it’s my work ethic. It’s a business, be what it may, one day I will not be playing for the New York Giants. I hope I can for my entire career, but you never know.” ...

“I don’t think someone liking someone keeps someone on the team,” Herzlich said. “There have been plenty of guys who have come through here who were just awesome guys and just weren’t able to make it fit. I think it’s more about trust on the field. It goes into trust off the field, too. If there’s a guy you know is not going to be making the media for the wrong side, that helps. As far as if he’s a nice guy or not, it doesn’t matter.”

Herzlich’s time with the Giants will end someday. Will it be this year, with a crowded field of veteran linebackers competing for roster spots? Maybe, but Herzlich has a habit of sticking around. Don’t be surprised if he does it again.

Are there any roster moves coming?

The obvious place fans are hoping for a move is on the offensive line. Jordan Ranaan looks at four positions the Giants might aim to supplement before the season begins. It is a predictable list — offensive line, wide receiver, cornerback, defensive line.

WR Roger Lewis has opportunity

Undrafted wide receiver Roger Lewis is considered a player with a chance to stick around as a reserve. Lewis, with a troubled past, understands his good fortune.

“All this, everything that’s happening, is just God blessing me with just the little things,” Lewis said. “Just reminding myself that I’m an undrafted free agent. … I have to play with a chip on my shoulder every day.”

Can Owa Odighizuwa be next Justin Tuck?

Owamagbe Odighizuwa and Justin Tuck are linked in several ways. Both were selected 74th overall in the draft by the Giants. Both are versatile players who can move around and do more than play defensive end. Both had slow starts to their NFL careers. Odighizuwa is “embracing” the multiple ways the Giants are planning to use him.

"I'm just embracing it," Odighizuwa said. "I just want to get on the field and be as productive as I can. That is my goal."