James

Brewer

Brewer ''redshirted’’ his rookie season, but has the size to develop into a starting right tackle. Moving veteran David Diehl from his natural guard position is also an option. Former Colts’ castoff Tony Ugoh could be brought back to provide insurance.

McKenzie turns 33 in May and was a considerable liability in pass protection for much of the season, including the playoffs. David Diehl’s versatility gives the Giants several options at right tackle for 2012. Last year’s fourth-rounder, James Brewer, could be promoted if he excels in training camp.

With David Diehl likely to be released and Will Beatty set to become a free agent, Brewer will be in the mix for a starting role. He appeared in just eight games over his first two seasons, but is a bit of an athletic freak as a former high school basketball star who goes 6-foot-6, 320 with nearly 36-inch arms.

Brewer was the 117th pick in the 2011 draft and stands 6-foot-6 and 320 pounds with vine-like 36-inch arms. He appeared in 14 games last season, participating on 443 offensive snaps at left guard, right guard, and right tackle. In five starts at left guard, Brewer was exposed as a pass protector. Brewer might have the edge for a roster spot if the Giants decide to keep ten linemen.

Brewer played 20 snaps at right tackle this preseason while receiving a slightly negative grade from Pro Football Focus. The former fourth-round pick is running out of chances to stay in the league. Breno Giacomini is locked in as the Jets’ starting right tackle ahead of backup Brent Qvale.

The former fourth-round pick never amounted to anything with the Giants, making just eight starts when several players in front of him got hurt. He’ll compete for a job as a versatile reserve for Gang Green.

After playing 443 snaps at three different positions for the Giants in 2013, Brewer only played in two games last season. Though Brewer is capable of playing both guard and tackle, six of his eight career starts have come at left guard.

On the roster bubble in the summer, Brewer appeared in just two games this season, playing 53 snaps. An impending free agent, Brewer appears highly unlikely to be back with the G-Men.

“This former basketball player is a bit off the radar,” concedes Razzano. “But, believe me, scouts and offensive line coaches know all about this guy.” Razzano calls Brewer an “instant starter” at right tackle. We’d still be surprised if he went higher than the second round.

Brewer was a fourth-round value, but the G-Men view him as a project. “He will come in and learn and develop and won’t get thrown into the fire,” Ross said. “It’s a perfect situation for him.” Brewer is a size-athleticism freak, but didn’t begin playing football until his senior year in high school. In five years at Indiana -- including a redshirt -- he only started 21 games.