Avery Moss could provide linebacker depth, if he can get healthy

Can Avery Moss give the New York Giants some much-needed depth at linebacker in 2018? Let’s focus on Moss as we continue our player-by-player look at the 90-man roster the Giants will bring to training camp.

The basics

Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 271
Position: OLB
Experience: 1

2017 season in review

A fifth-round pick, Moss was on the active roster Week 1 but was then inactive until Week 5. With Olivier Vernon slowed, or completely sideline, by injuries Moss played 25 or more snaps during a six-game stretch mid-season. After playing 25 snaps in a Week 11 game against the Kansas City Chiefs, though, Moss played only 26 snaps the rest of the season.

We now know that his sparse playing time down the stretch may have been due to an apparent shoulder injury that also kept him sidelined during spring practices.

2018 outlook

That may depend on whether or not Moss can ever get healthy enough to play. During training camp a year ago, Moss looked like a player who would be comfortable standing up and playing in space, and the Giants have him listed as a linebacker. It is, however, impossible to know how he fits in the revamped defense because he didn’t practice at all during the spring.

Moss did flash some ability during his 11 games (2 starts) last season. The Giants could use depth at the linebacker spot, and hopefully Moss will be healthy enough to show whether or not he can provide it.