Outside linebacker Gerris Wilkinson from Georgia Tech was drafted by the Giants in the third round in 2006. Wilkinson has yet to be able to solidify his role on the Giants, even though he’s impressed GM Jerry Reese with his natural ability.

The depature of Kawika Mitchell has opened an opportunity for Wilkinson to step up, that is if the Giants don’t feel they can find someone better this weekend to at least challenge Wilkinson for the starting job.

In the offseason, the Giants added veteran Danny Clark, who will be another challenge in Wilkinson’s path hoping to win a spot. Reese tells Paul Schwartz at the New York Post that the job is up for grabs.

“He’s going to have to beat out other players at that position,” Reese said of Wilkinson, “but he’s definitely going to get his shot to be a starter.”

The Giants have met with Quentin Groves of Auburn and Marc Ross, the Giants director of college scouting, attended Auburn’s Pro Day. The Giants have not visited with Jerod Mayo but Reese saw him at Tennessee’s Pro Day. Penn State’s Dan Connor could be there in the second round for the Giants.

In the final game of the regular season against the Patriots, Wilkinson took over for the injured Mitchell, making four tackles. In the NFC wild card playoff game he had eight tackles against the Buccaneers, making an impression on the front office and his teammates

Wilkinson feels he’s up to the task to take over the position next season.

“They brought me here to be a starter, I feel,” he said. “That’s what they’re looking for me. It just feels like I’ve had some experiences, I’ve had some time to grow as a player, I had some time to get used to the system, so I just feel like it’s time to do it.”

I think if Mayo is available, the Giants would be wise to take him. If nothing else it will provide the Giants with more depth and added incentive for Wilkinson to step up, and insurance in case he doesn’t. I can also see the Giants taking Connor with their second round pick if he falls to them.

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Ralph Vacchiano on his blog for the New York Daily News writes that the Giants visit with former Texans linebacker Danny Clark went well and according to a source, and it is more likely than not that he’ll be Giant soon.

Clark had 51 tackles last year.

QB David Carr is visiting the Giants today as well.

Hat tip to Gary Grund for the news.

…added by Gary Grund…

Ernie Palladino of the Journal News is now reporting that the two sides of agreed on a contract.

Update - 8:13 p.m. - Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News says that Clark left without a contract.

…added by Anthony De Rosa…

Update - 7:04 PM March 13th - Michael Eisen of Giants.com reports that the Giants have signed Clark, detail of the deal are not yet know.

Update - 9:11 AM March 14th - The New York Post reports the deal is two years and worth $4 million.

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