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Middle linebacker competition heats up at Giants practice

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- The New York Giants' coaches have been waiting for this part of the summer for months. Until now, without full pads and limited to touch football, they haven’t been able to make a full evaluation on what they have at middle linebacker, perhaps the most important position to a defense.

They have lots of options, although not one that is penciled in as the definitive starter. The incumbent, Jasper Brinkley, has worked primarily with the first team. That’s admittedly because, well, he’s the incumbent and knows the defense best.

Newcomers Keenan Robinson, Kelvin Sheppard and rookie B.