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Seven linebackers (Mathias Kiwanuka, Michael Boley, Jacquian Williams, Keith Rivers, Chase Blackburn, Mark Herzlich, and Spencer Paysinger) started at least one game in 2012 for the Giants. That number will decrease in 2013.

MICHAEL EISEN: Fact - I think the Giants would like to stabilize their linebacker corps and find three reliable and consistent starters in 2013. Injuries and schemes for specific games will dictate changes, but I’m predicting fewer linebackers will start for the Giants this year.

JOHN SCHMEELK: Fact - I think the Giants will make some significant decisions regarding their linebacker corps this offseason, and try to put in place some long term solutions at each of three positions. Whether it works or not remains to be seen but I think it will be much less of a revolving door. Of course, salary cap space and timing in the draft might hinder the Giants ability to do just that.

DAN SALOMONE: Fact - The number can’t really increase much more than last year, so I’m going to say it will be fewer this time around. There were many reasons for the constant shuffling at the positions last year, and I think that will be addressed in 2013. Due to inevitable injuries and week-to-week game plans, the lineup won’t be completely the same throughout, but we should see more stability this season.

Mathias Kiwanuka will see more time at defensive end this season.

MICHAEL EISEN: Fact - It seems unlikely Osi Umenyiora will return to the Giants, so I believe the logical move is to move Kiwanuka back up front so the Giants will still have three outstanding ends (with JPP and Justin Tuck).

JOHN SCHMEELK: Fact - I think it’s pretty clear to anyone that has watched him that Mathias Kiwanuka is a better defensive end than he is a linebacker. Combine that with the possible departure of Osi Umenyiora, the Giants will need another dynamic pass rusher off the edge. Kiwanuka should fill that role well this season.

DAN SALOMONE: Fact - Even he has admitted defensive end is his natural position, but being the team player that he is, Kiwanuka went where the team needed him the most. With the way things turned out last year and the possible personnel moves, it’s safe to say Kiwi will be back on the line more frequently in 2013.

The Giants will add more defensive players through free agency than on offense.

MICHAEL EISEN: Fact - The defense ranked 31st in the NFL in yards allowed in 2012, so it’s safe to say that unit needs some new blood.

JOHN SCHMEELK: Fact - My initial reaction was pretty emphatic in favor of Fact, but as I thought about it more and more this is going to be closer than people think. Victor Cruz has to be resigned. Kevin Boothe or a replacement must be brought back. There’s some question as to whether or not the team’s starting tight end next year is on the roster. There needs to be some additions for offensive line depth. With all the said, I still give the nod to the defense with all the holes at DT, LB, and in secondary. The team needs to add a lot of bodies at cornerback especially to provide some depth at an injury prone position.

DAN SALOMONE: Fiction - Regardless of need, the numbers game is leaning toward the offense in regards to free agency this offseason. More than half of the Giants set to become free agents are on the offensive side of the ball and need to be filled. Yes, the defense needs to be addressed, but I think we’ll see more of that in the draft.

Hypothetically, the next book about a current Giants player or staff member you would most want to read would be of Justin Tuck.

MICHAEL EISEN: Fiction - Steve Weatherford has the kind of unusual personality that would make any book about him interesting.

JOHN SCHMEELK: Fiction - I’m going to go with Eli Manning, and only so I could read about some great stories about the Manning QB’s when they were kids. I must imagine there are some great childhood stories that need to be told. As one of the team’s pranksters, I imagine he has some great locker room stories too. The only problem here is that Eli is never one to divulge any secrets, so I’m not sure he would actually tell in the book. Other guys in the mix for a book I’d like to read: Chris Snee (he’s Tom Coughlin’s son in law and must have some kind of great stuff to say about the Coach off the field, Tuck (tends to tell the truth, even the hard ones) and David Diehl (great O-line stories).

DAN SALOMONE: Fiction - Hands down, I’d have to say tight ends coach Michael Pope. The stories he could tell from being the only Giants coach on all five teams that made it to the Super Bowl would be must-read material. The volumes of lore he could produce as well as comparing generations would be absolutely fascinating. If his prose would be as good as his one-liners, I’d buy that book.

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