Johnathan Hankins did not start as a rookie defensive tackle for the New York Giants. Neither did Linval Joseph. For that matter, defensive ends Jason Pierre-Paul, Justin Tuck, Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora weren’t starters as rookies, either.
When the Giants face the Dallas Cowboys in their season-opener on Sept. 10, though, it appears pretty certain that second-round pick Dalvin Tomlinson will be starting at defensive tackle. That wasn’t the plan, but Jay Bromley said Monday that he isn’t sure he will be ready to play against Dallas after injuring a knee Saturday against the New York Jets.