Here is an update on the World Champion Giants off season news for July as they head into training camp in Albany later this week.

This team already isn’t getting the respect World Champs deserve as many "experts" are picking the Cowboys to win the division. The Eagles will be tougher too, according to the pundits. Don’t worry, the Giants will be fine. They are a very good football team and will be very competitive in 2008.

QB – This is now Eli Manning’s team. He needs to prove his playoff form was no fluke. The training camp battle for the other 2 quarterback slots should be interesting as David Carr, Anthony Wright and rookie Andre Woodson fight it out. The Pillsbury Throwboy, Jared Lorenzen was released earlier this month.

RB – This is a very deep area prior to the beginning of training camp. Brandon Jacobs will be the de facto starter but expect Derrick Ward to get plenty of reps also. Ahmad Bradshaw was released from a Virginia prison last week after serving 30 days for a probation violation. He is under investigation by the league so he isn’t free and clear just yet. Veteran Ruben Droughns will provide toughness and depth.

WR – Plax has put his contract squabbles behind him and feels confident the team will take care of him. I expect this will be Toomer’s last year as he will continue to mentor the young receivers like Moss, Smith and Manningham. David Tyree continues to rehab from knee surgery and might miss parts of training camp.

TE – Goodbye Jeremy Shockey and good riddance! Big Blue traded the disgruntled tight end to the Saints earlier this week for a 2^nd and 5^th round draft pick. Jeremy had worn out his welcome and his argument during minicamp with GM Jerry Reese sealed his fate. Young Kevin Boss will become the starter and should improve in his second year. He has added 20 lbs of bulk to his 6’6" frame to improve his blocking. Darcy Johnson is coming back from an injury and will provide solid depth. Mike Matthews is the blocking tight end.

OL – This group is set with Diehl, Seubert, O’Hara, Snee and McKenzie at starters. Diehl and Snee got contract extensions to boot.

DL – The loss of Michael Strahan will loom large. He was still performing at a high level but his locker room presence will be sorely missed. Justin Tuck steps into a starting role opposite Osi making for a very nice pair of bookends. The defensive tackle rotation should be effective as Robbins, Cofield, and Renaldo Wynn vie for time.

LB – Kiwanuka will return as a backer and provide some pass rushing ability. Training camp will provide some insight to the other starter besides Pierce as there are several young players looking for attention.

DB – Rookie #2 pick corner Terrelle Thomas and rookie #1 pick safety Kenny Phillips signed this week and will report to camp. I can’t wait to see the competition in the secondary as GM Reese has really upgraded the talent over the last several years.

K – No news to report.

That’s it for now, more to come in August with training camp reports.