Today's edition of The Mailbag on Giants.com.
Photos of new Giants linebacker Keenan Robinson
• Which under-the-radar player made the biggest impact on the Giants in 2016?
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Several worthy candidates here, but we'll go with linebacker Keenan Robinson. His arrival last year as a free agent didn't get nearly as much attention as the acquisitions of fellow defenders Damon Harrison, Olivier Vernon, and Janoris Jenkins. But Robinson was a productive, versatile, and durable player. He played in every game, starting seven (including the NFC Wild Card Game in Green Bay).
Robinson finished fourth on the team with 79 tackles (52 solo), behind only Landon Collins, Jonathan Casillas, and Harrison. He was particularly strong in pass coverage, where he knocked down seven passes. But with the play of the aforementioned three players, plus Jason Pierre-Paul and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Robinson received relatively little acclaim.
• Who is Landon Collins' biggest competition for defensive player of the year?
Well, the Pro Football Writers Association (PFWA) voted Oakland defensive end Khalil Mack as its Defensive Player of the Year, so he would probably be Collins' top competitor. Interestingly, Mack was the AFC Defensive Player of the Month in November – the same month Collins won the NFC award. Other contenders include Atlanta's Vic Beasley, who led the NFL with 15.5 sacks, and Denver's Von Miller, who had 13.5 sacks after his strong performance in the Super Bowl last year.
