Giants rookie Joseph stands out in a big way

ALBANY - So much of what a defensive tackle does has to do with being big. That's one of the things that attracted the Giants to Linval Joseph in the first place. His space-eating 6-4, 319-pound frame was ideal for clogging the middle, stuffing runs, and keeping linemen away from linebackers.

But as Joseph is making his way through his first training camp, he's finding that bigger isn't everything. In fact, it's the little details that are allowing him to stand out.

"I was shocked at how much the small things really help," he said Tuesday.

Most players are amazed at the amount of information available to them when they jump from college to the NFL. In Joseph's case, it's even more of a glut of tips and tricks because at East Carolina, he was without a true defensive line position coach. Now that he's with the Giants, they are showing him how to become a better player. And he's catching on.

One of the things he's working on is using his hands.

"In college, I never used my hands, I just overpowered people," he said. "But if I keep a low base and use my hands, it's just easier. After doing that, I'm like 'Oh, this works, so let me try doing everything.' And it just gets easier and easier."

So easy, in fact, that Joseph feels like he's at the point where he can contribute to the team.

"I think I'm there pretty much," he said. "Just working on the small things, the little things, and I think I'll be OK. I'm ready."

Of course he still has a few hurdles to climb. Most of his reps have come against fellow rookie Mitch Petrus or other just-as-green offensive linemen, many of whom have little chance of making the team. Joseph said he's looking forward to mixing it up with some heavier NFL talent such as Pro Bowl guard Chris Snee.

"If I can get into the rotation and go against the ones, that will be great," he said. "I can't wait for my opportunity."

He also has to find a way to move ahead at a crowded position. Besides starters Chris Canty and Barry Cofield, Joseph is also competing against veterans Rocky Bernard and Jay Alford for a spot in the inside rotation. It's a rotation that also included Justin Tuck and other defensive ends who often slide over to tackle, bumping a true tackle off the field.

It's not all little things for Joseph. The Giants still want him big, but not too big. Tom Coughlin said he's been impressed not only by Joseph's play on the field, but how he is managing his weight.

"For a young guy, he's played well," Coughlin said.

That really started Saturday, when he made two stops in the backfield and would have had a sack. He's routinely beating Petrus and other guards who have had to resort to grabbing him to slow him down a few times.

"That's just how it goes," he said. "I make a move, I'm free, I get held. I don't get mad because, in game situations, hopefully they won't hold me like that. But yeah, I'm starting to make plays and [get] exposure a little bit more."

For a big guy like him, a little exposure can go a long way.