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Giants defenders chip in Sunday	Updated 10/25/2009
Mathias Kiwanuka, DE NYG
News: Several Giants defenders played well Sunday against the Cardinals. DB C.C. Brown had 11 tackles and a forced fumble. LB Antonio Pierce had 10 tackles. DB Terrell Thomas had seven tackles and an interception. DL Mathias Kiwanuka had two tackles and a sack. LB Justin Tuck had five tackles and a forced fumble. LB Danny Clark as one tackle and a sack. DL Osi Umenyiora had a tackle.	Analysis: The Giants should play well Sunday at the Eagles. Plan on starting all your regular Giants defenders in IDP leagues in Week 8 at Philadelphia.

Giants DLs held without a tackle	Updated 9/27/2009
Mathias Kiwanuka, DE NYG
News: Giants DLs Osi Umenyiora and Mathias Kiwanuka both failed to make a tackle in a Week 3 rout of the Buccaneers.	Analysis: Umenyiora is a must-start DE in all IDP Fantasy leagues, but the Bucs were so bad on Sunday they they didn't provide him with a tackle. Kiwanuka was filling in for Justin Tuck and only has value in deeper leagues heading into Week 4 at Kansas City.

Tuck will play, but won't start	Updated 9/27/2009
Mathias Kiwanuka, DE NYG
News: Giants DL Justin Tuck, who was questionable with a shoulder injury for Week 3 at Tampa Bay, was not named among the inactives for the game, but will come off the bench behind DL Mathias Kiwanuka.	Analysis: Tuck is usually a No. 1 DL in IDP Fantasy leagues, but you'd be better off benching him in Week 3 with the fact his snaps will be limited. Kiwanuka is more of a low-end option.

Kiwanuka doesn't mind reserve role	Updated 8/11/2009
Mathias Kiwanuka, DE NYG
News: The Sports Xchange notes that Mathias Kiwanuka, who can also play strong-side linebacker, will lose his starting job due to Osi Umenyiora's return. "I don't mind the role as a reserve," he said, "especially in our defense where we rotate the linemen so much. But I do miss the title of starter. It's an ego thing."	Analysis: Kiwanuka became a viable IDP option in antasy leagues last season due to the absence of Umenyiora, but he will enter this year as a backup in most formats. Should anything happen to Umenyiora or Justin Tuck, he would once again become a strong option.

Kiwanuka has solid game	Updated 12/15/2008
Mathias Kiwanuka, DE NYG
News: Giants DL Mathias Kiwanuka had 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble Sunday at Dallas. He also added five tackles.	Analysis: Kiwanuka remains a No. 1 Fantasy option and should be used in all IDP leagues in Week 16 against Carolina.

Giants get four sacks	Updated 12/14/2008
Mathias Kiwanuka, DE NYG
News: The Giants DST had four sacks, a forced fumble and a safety Sunday at Dallas. Mathias Kiwanuka had 1.5 sacks, Jay Alford and Renaldo Wynn had a sack each and Justin Tuck had a half-sack. Kiwanuka also forced the fumble. But the Giants allowed 20 points and did little on special teams. Ahmad Bradshaw had four kickoff returns for 48 yards, and R.W. McQuarters had one punt return for 6 yards and one kickoff return for 18 yards. Sinorice Moss also had two kickoff returns for 39 yards.	Analysis: The Giants DST remains a great source of sacks and should play well at home in Week 16 against Carolina. Continue to start the Giants DST as a No. 1 Fantasy option.

Kiwanuka has one sack	Updated 11/16/2008
Mathias Kiwanuka, DE NYG
News: Giants DL Mathias Kiwanuka had four tackles and a sack Sunday against Baltimore.	Analysis: Kiwanuka is a solid DL in IDP leagues. Consider him a good start in Week 12 at Arizona.

Kiwanuka very busy in Pittsburgh	Updated 10/26/2008
Mathias Kiwanuka, DE NYG
News: Giants FL Mathias Kiwanuka had three solo tackles and two assists in Week 8 at Pittsburgh, including three sacks and a forced fumble.	Analysis: Kiwanuka more than doubled his sack total for the season. He has been useful as a No. 2 DL in IDP formats and his stock certainly could be up after this performance.

Kiwanuka feeling better after bye	Updated 10/1/2008
Mathias Kiwanuka, DE NYG
News: The New York Daily News reports that Giants DL Mathias Kiwanuka's ankle is feeling better after the bye week. He's still not completely free of the pain and swelling, but he said the issue has been reduced to basically "nothing."	Analysis: Kiwanuka has nine tackles and one sack in three games this season, which about his usual pace. He remains a low-end Fantasy DL in IDP leagues.

Kiwi (ankle) active for Week 3	Updated 9/21/2008
Mathias Kiwanuka, DE NYG
News: Giants DL Mathias Kiwanuka, who was listed as probable for Week 3 vs. Cincinnati, was active and able to start. He had returned to a full practice Friday after limited reps the previous two days.	Analysis: Kiwanuka has had a sore ankle since being injured on the last play Week 1, but has yet to miss a game. Kiwanuka had six tackles but no sacks in two games. He is a low-end Fantasy DL until further notice.

Kiwanuka looks fine for Week 3	Updated 9/19/2008
Mathias Kiwanuka, DE NYG
News: Giants DL Mathias Kiwanuka (ankle) is listed as probable for Week 3 vs. Cincinnati. He finally returned to a full practice Friday after limited reps the previous two days.	Analysis: Kiwanuka has had a sore ankle since being injured on the last play Week 1, but has yet to miss a game. Kiwanuka had six tackles but no sacks in two games. He is a low-end Fantasy DL until further notice.

Kiwanuka able to play in Week 2	Updated 9/14/2008
Mathias Kiwanuka, DE NYG
News: Giants DL Mathias Kiwanuka (ankle) was probable for Week 2 at St. Louis. He was active and in the starting lineup.	Analysis: Consider Kiwanuka a No. 2 DL in IDP play when healthy. It does not seem like this injury will be an issue any longer.

Kiwanuka meets Rams' Pace Sunday	Updated 9/13/2008
Mathias Kiwanuka, DE NYG
News: Mathias Kiwanuka has been asked about the health of his left ankle (it should be fine by kickoff of tomorrow's game in St. Louis) and what he's thinking now that he's back in his natural defensive end spot (he's thrilled) all week. Kiwanuka, though, won't be in a vacuum when he faces the Rams, operating at his own pace and defining his own performance. There will be a 6-foot-7, 325-pound potential future Hall of Famer lining up against him on every snap, meaning Orlando Pace will have a say in how Kiwanuka spends his afternoon. "Big guy," Kiwaunka said of Pace. "Shuts down a lot of people." Pace has been a franchise left tackle for nearly a decade, going to seven consecutive Pro Bowls before a torn triceps muscle cut into his 2006 season and a right shoulder injury limited him to one game last season. The 32-year-old may not be what he once was, but he has chewed up and spit out many anxious defensive ends just like Kiwanuka. "Everybody can be beat, but he plays hard, plays intense and he's got a lot of talent," Kiwanuka said. "If you want to beat him you got to be diligent, you got to come off the ball every play and when he slips up you got to capitalize."	Analysis: This is the first time Kiwanuka will line up opposite Pace, known as "the Big O" and renowned as one of the best pass blockers in recent NFL history. Pace is coming off surgery to repair a torn right rotator cuff and torn labrum, a tough injury for a huge man who must keep rushers at bay with his hands and arms. Kiwanuka, in his first game back at end after moving from strong side linebacker in the wake of Osi Umenyiora's season-ending knee injury, did quite well in last week's 16-7 victory over the Redskins. On the final play, Kiwanuka went down in a heap after Chris Samuels leaped on the back of his left leg. After practicing on a limited basis, Kiwanuka isn't 100 percent, but should be more than ready for this start. Two guys who are great but a little banged up. If you depend on Kiwanuka in IDP leagues, go ahead and keep him active.

Kiwanuka expects to play	Updated 9/12/2008
Mathias Kiwanuka, DE NYG
News: Giants DE Mathias Kiwanuka returned to practice Thursday for the first time since injuring his left ankle on the last play of the season opener against Washington last week. Kiwanuka said he is "doing well" a week after Redskins tackle Chris Samuels fell on the back of his left ankle. "It's probably going to take all the time till the game, but I'll be there and I'll be good," Kiwanuka said in the New York Daily News. "I thought it would come around before now. I think I'll be good stepping out there on Sunday. I got a good day in (Thursday) and I'll be practicing (Friday). I'll have plenty of time to get ready for them."	Analysis: Consider Kiwanuka a No. 2 DL in IDP play for Week 2 against the Rams and expect him to attack Marc Bulger. The Giants DST is a No. 1 option with the Rams looking sluggish against the Eagles in Week 1.

Kiwanuka injury not serious	Updated 9/5/2008
Mathias Kiwanuka, DE NYG
News: The Newark Star-Ledger reports that Giants DE Mathias Kiwanuka's left ankle was OK following the Giants' win over the Redskins on Thursday. X-rays were negative, and he was walking OK following the game. He had six total tackles in the game.	Analysis: Kiwanuka should remain a low-end No. 3 Fantasy DL when he plays at St. Louis in Week 2. If his condition worsens, we'll let you know.

Kiwanuka's ankle OK after win	Updated 9/4/2008
Mathias Kiwanuka, DE NYG
News: The only concern for the Giants after a Week 1 16-7 win against the Redskins was that defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka went down with an ankle injury on the final play, but he said after the game that he was OK. He was switched from linebacker to end when Osi Umenyiora was lost for the season with a knee injury in the preseason.	Analysis: Kiwanuka had six tackles, four solo, in the win and the Giants can ill-afford to lose him after he went down with a leg injury in 2007. Kiwanuka is a solid fit at defensive end for the Giants and should develop into a decent pass rusher. Consider him a No. 2 or No. 3 Fantasy DL. It appears as though he will play Week 2 against the Rams.

Kiwanuka excited to play DE	Updated 9/1/2008
Mathias Kiwanuka, DE NYG
News: Seconds after sacking a third-string New England Patriots quarterback in the final preseason game, New York Giants defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka jumped to his feet, shimmied and pounded his chest three or four times with a fist. It was a statement play just a week before the Giants were to kick off the NFL season against the Washington Redskins on Thursday night. Kiwanuka has returned to right end from strongside linebacker in the wake of an injury to Pro Bowl Osi Umenyiora, and he believes the Super Bowl champions are not going to lose anything in the switch. "That was big," Kiwanuka said of the sack. "I wanted to get one early and I knew I had a limited amount of plays so getting one early on was a good confidence booster. It put me in a good situation to get set up for this week."	Analysis: Heading into the season, the play of Kiwanuka at right end might be one of the biggest question marks for the Giants. He started nine games as a rookie at end but he was moved to linebacker last year so the team could get their best 11 defenders on the field. A broken leg in the 10th game ended his season, and that's another question mark. "I was never not a defensive end, I just played linebacker as well," said Kiwanuka, who was drafted out of Boston College in first round in 2006 as a defensive end, a position he had played since he was 7-years-old. "Now I'm getting back into this on the first and second down, and getting the calls and the reads down. To be honest I am so excited about it that I will take any challenge that comes up." Kiwanuka is a solid fit at defensive end for the Giants and should develop into a decent pass rusher. If you can start him as a DL in Fantasy, he's worth taking with a late-round pick.

Kiwanuka gets sack as DE	Updated 8/29/2008
Mathias Kiwanuka, DE NYG
News: DE Mathias Kiwanuka, who was moved back to defensive end in the wake of the Osi Umenyiora injury, had a sack in limited action in Thursday's preseason finale against the Patriots.	Analysis: Kiwanuka is a solid fit at defensive end for the Giants and should develop into a decent pass rusher. If you can start him as a DL in Fantasy, he's worth taking with a late-round pick. Consider Kiwi a reserve DE in Fantasy until he proves himself, though. He should only be starting in deeper formats for Week 1 against the Redskins.

Kiwanuka on move to DE	Updated 8/25/2008
Mathias Kiwanuka, DE NYG
News: The Giants moved Mathias Kiwanuka back to defensive end to replace the injured Osi Umenyiora on Monday, a decision that decreases the already slim chances of the Super Bowl champions needing to make a push to get seven-time Pro Bowler Michael Strahan out of retirement. The Giants' first-round draft pick in 2006, Kiwanuka was moved from defensive end to strongside linebacker last season so the team could get its best 11 defenders on the field. However, he has played almost his whole career as a lineman, including his first season with the Giants and last season on third-down situations before breaking a leg against Detroit in November. "Obviously this is not the way you want it to happen but it's an opportunity for a lot of guys, and I am one of the guys who has to step up and take advantage of it," said Kiwanuka.	Analysis: Kiwanuka is a solid fit at defensive end for the Giants and should develop into a decent pass rusher. If you can start him as a DL in Fantasy, he's worth taking with a late-round pick.

Kiwanuka to replace Umenyiora?	Updated 8/24/2008
Mathias Kiwanuka, DE NYG
News: The Newark Star-Ledger and NFL Network both report that Giants DE Osi Umenyiora will undergo season-ending surgery on his left knee a day after suffering serious ligament damage vs. the Jets, and that he is expected to miss the 2008 season. The paper adds that Umenyiora considered short-term rehab but opted for surgery since that's better for his long-term outlook. It is expected that Mathias Kiwanuka will replace Umenyiora in the starting lineup.	Analysis: Kiwanuka is a solid fit at defensive end for the Giants and should develop into a decent pass rusher. If you can start him as a DL in Fantasy, he's worth taking with a late-round pick.

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Kiwanuka not able to practice yet	Updated 7/29/2008
Mathias Kiwanuka, DE NYG
News: The Sports Xchange reports that LB Mathias Kiwanuka (ankle) will not be able to participate in two-a-days until he receives approval from the medical staff.	Analysis: After missing the Giants' Super Bowl run with a broken leg last season, Kiwanuka will be hungry to make an impact on a pretty good defense this fall. He is a decent No. 3 LB in IDP leagues if he can return at full strength.

Kiwanuka out to prove his worth	Updated 7/26/2008
Mathias Kiwanuka, DE NYG
News: Having also missed the Super Bowl with a broken leg, linebacker Mathias Kiwanuka has a good idea why four-time Pro Bowl tight end Jeremy Shockey became alienated with New York Giants following their run to the NFL title. The pain from the broken bone is bad enough, Kiwanuka said Saturday between practices on the second day of training camp at the University at Albany. There is also the mental pain of missing a sport you love and then a stabbing pain when someone says that if the team won without you, you might not be needed after all.	Analysis: You might not believe it, but this should help Kiwanuka's Fantasy value. The Giants LB is hungry to show them he belongs and he is needed and should bounce back and have an excellent 2008. Kiwanuka is a decent No. 3 LB in IDP leagues if he can return at full strength.

Kiwanuka back on field	Updated 6/4/2008
Mathias Kiwanuka, DE NYG
News: On Tuesday, the New York Post reports Giants LB Mathias Kiwanuka spent his morning on the field along with his teammates, admittedly more excited than most of them to merely be out there running around. He missed the last six games of the regular season with a broken left leg and ankle damage that required surgery, meaning he was a very interested bystander for the entire playoff run and Super Bowl glory. Kiwanuka started the first 10 games last season on the strong side and was just beginning to look like a bona fide linebacker when on Nov. 18 his left fibula snapped in Detroit. Kiwanuka said he came through Tuesday's first real test with no residual problems. For now, he remains at linebacker, although that could change if Michael Strahan retires, meaning Kiwanuka could return to defensive end.	Analysis: Kiwanuka is a decent No. 3 LB in IDP leagues if he can return at full strength. He appears to be on pace for a strong recovery, which is a good sign for Fantasy owners.

Kiwanuka iffy for minicamp	Updated 1/4/2008
Mathias Kiwanuka, DE NYG
News: Sitting in front of his locker, Giants linebacker Mathias Kiwanuka put his left leg into a knee-high protective boot and tightened the straps. Instead of talking about facing Jeff Garcia and the Tampa Bay offense on Sunday in an NFC wild-card game, Kiwanuka spoke of next season before heading home on Thursday. Kiwanuka, who had 47 tackles and 4 1/2 sacks in his first season since switching from defensive end to linebacker, doesn't know whether he will be ready for minicamp this spring. He guaranteed he will play next season. Kiwanuka, 24, feels his recovery is progressing, but he can't wait for the day that he can throw away his crutches, get out and run, and even do the little things like carry his groceries up the stairs. "Once I am off the crutches and I can get around on my own, that will be the first milestone," Kiwanuka said, adding that his family has been helping with those little things during the past six weeks.	Analysis: When healthy, Kiwanuka had enough upside to be a low-end No. 2 Fantasy LB. We'll keep tabs on his progress through the offseason.

Kiwanuka placed on IR	Updated 11/20/2007
Mathias Kiwanuka, DE NYG
News: The Giants placed LB Mathias Kiwanuka on IR Tuesday, officially ending his season.	Analysis: Reggie Torbor replaced Kiwanuka at the linebacker spot in Week 11, but Coughlin must replace him in third-down dime package where he played tackle, and in some other scenarios where he played a roving pass rusher. Tackle Fred Robbins got most of the work in the dime package Sunday, but Coughlin plans to consider other options to keep the "joker" (roving rusher) active. Regardless, Kiwanuka should be kicked off all seasonal IDP teams.

Kiwanuka has surgery, likely done for '07	Updated 11/19/2007
Mathias Kiwanuka, DE NYG
News: Giants LB Mathias Kiwanuka had surgery to stabilize his leg and ankle on Monday after breaking his leg in the team's Week 11 win at Detroit. Head coach Tom Coughlin said doctors don't think there is enough time for the second-year pro to recover and play again this season.	Analysis: Reggie Torbor replaced Kiwanuka at the linebacker spot, but Coughlin must replace him in third-down dime package where he played tackle, and in some other scenarios where he played a roving pass rusher. Tackle Fred Robbins got most of the work in the dime package Sunday, but Coughlin plans to consider other options to keep the "joker" (roving rusher) active. Regardless, Kiwanuka should be kicked off all seasonal IDP teams.

Giants lose DE/LB Kiwanuka	Updated 11/18/2007
Mathias Kiwanuka, DE NYG
News: Giants linebacker Mathias Kiwanuka broke his left leg Sunday against the Detroit Lions. X-rays revealed he broke his fibula. Kiwanuka was hurt when teammate Osi Umenyiora rolled into him while making a tackle on the second play of the game. He was helped off the field, keeping his left foot off the ground, and was later taken toward the locker room on a cart. Giants coach Tom Coughlin said Kiwanuka might be out for the season. "It's obviously a big loss for us," Coughlin said.	Analysis: Kiwanuka had been a reason for the Giants defense's rise since Week 2. If he is out for the season, IDP owners will have to look elsewhere for LB help.

Kiwanuka has monster game	Updated 10/1/2007
Mathias Kiwanuka, DE NYG
News: Mathias Kiwanuka posted three sacks in Week 4 against the Eagles and he totaled five solo tackles and two assists in the win.	Analysis: Kiwanuka normally would have been the story of the game, but he had half of the amount of sacks Osi Umenyiora had. He is a low-end Fantasy option in IDP leagues for Week 5 at N.Y. Jets despite the big game.

Move to DL helps Kiwanuka	Updated 9/23/2007
Mathias Kiwanuka, DE NYG
News: Giants LB Mathias Kiwanuka looked lost playing linebacker through the first two weeks of the season and that trend carried into the first half Week 3 against the Redskins. So the Giants made a change at halftime. They moved Kiwanuka to defensive tackle and the second-year player out of Boston College exploded. He finished with eight total tackles (seven solo), two sacks and one forced fumble.	Analysis: The Giants finally got wise that Kiwaunka is much better with his hand on the ground and you bet they will find a spot on the defensive line for him after Week 3's breakout performance. He still has a lot of potential as a pass rusher and Fantasy owners should keep an eye on his progress. Consider him a low-end Fantasy DL heading into Week 4 against the Eagles.

Kiwanuka heading back to D-line?	Updated 9/19/2007
Mathias Kiwanuka, DE NYG
News: The New York Post reports that Giants DL Adrian Awasom was placed on Injured Reserve with a fractured traverse process in his neck. With this move, the Giants may be forced to move OLB Mathias Kiwanuka back to his natural spot of DE.	Analysis: Kiwanuka may be better off as a defensive end for the Giants, but Fantasy owners will struggle starting Kiwanuka as a linebacker while he plays at end. If this comes to fruition, expect Kiwanuka to be a low-end reserve in all IDP leagues so long as he is only eligible as a linebacker.

Kiwanuka back to DE?	Updated 9/11/2007
Mathias Kiwanuka, DE NYG
News: According to the Newark Star-Ledger, if DL Osi Umenyiora' injury turns out to be a long-term thing, coach Tom Coughlin said there is a possibility that LB Mathias Kiwanuka could move back to end. "There'll be more discussions in the next day or so," Coughlin said about a potential move for Kiwanuka. "We need to get a handle on where Osi is." Kiwanuka, who was taken in the first round of the 2006 draft as a DE out of Boston College (he played the position in all 16 games last season, and started nine), was switched to OLB this season.	Analysis: Kiwanuka was a stellar DE in college and was only moved to LB so that he and Umenyiora could be on the field at the same time. Considering how poorly he played in his early attempts at LB, this move could be a big confidence boost for Kiwanuka. The Giants DST take on a weak Packers offense in Week 2, however Kiwanuka is still listed as an LB, so don't drop any of the DE's on your roster to make room for him just yet.

Kiwanuka debuts at LB vs. Dallas	Updated 9/6/2007
Mathias Kiwanuka, DE NYG
News: In his last meeting with Dallas, Giants LB Mathias Kiwanuka had a sack, forced fumble and interception. He was a DE then, so let's see how he does at LB.	Analysis: Consider Kiwanuka a low-end LB in IDP leagues. He has potential, but give him time to develop at his new spot.

Kiwanuka stinks in debut as LB	Updated 8/12/2007
Mathias Kiwanuka, DE NYG
News: Michael Strahan missed the New York Giants' preseason opener and so did the rest of the defense. Strahan had an excuse. The seven-time Pro Bowl defensive end is holding out while he decides whether to retire. The rest of New York's defenders played like they had retired in their first game under new coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. They missed tackles, overran plays, struggled against the run and made mistakes that led to big plays in a 24-21 loss to the Carolina Panthers on Saturday night. The big experiment with Mathias Kiwanuka was also a dud. The second-year pro, who was moved from defensive end to linebacker so he could get on the field and make plays, was somewhat invisible playing less than a half. He looked lost at times, making three tackles.	Analysis: Giants head coach Tom Coughlin was satisfied that Kiwanuka got a chance to learn in the game. "If you are looking for a definition of why you play these preseason games it's the opportunity for Kiwanuka to be in the position he was in (Saturday)," Coughlin said. "The different things they were throwing at him and the experience he got and will get by looking at this tape, that's one of the good things about preseason." The transistion wasn't going to be easy, let's hope his struggles don't carry into the season. Consider him a reserve Fantasy LB for the upcoming season at this time. Even if he moves back to DE, he can still be a viable Fantasy IDP option since he was a sack specialist at Boston College.

Kiwanuka ready for debut at LB	Updated 8/8/2007
Mathias Kiwanuka, DE NYG
News: Mathias Kiwanuka is enjoying football again. Even being called a linebacker doesn't sound so strange any more. The transition from defensive end to linebacker has been completed in a little more than three months, with the debut scheduled for Saturday night when the New York Giants play host to the Carolina Panthers. "The more comfortable I get, the more I like playing it," Kiwanuka said Wednesday between training camp practices at the University at Albany. "It's starting to be fun again. I'm not learning as much. I still have a long way to go, but I am out there having fun again."	Analysis: During his rookie season, Kiwanuka started nine games, had 55 total tackles, four sacks and two forced fumbles. Everyone still remembers the play he didn't make, letting Tennessee quarterback Vince Young go on what would have been a game-clinching sack against the Titans because he was worried about getting a roughing penalty. With Michael Strahan's holdout now in its 13th day, there is the possibility that Kiwanuka might be moved back to defensive end if Strahan decides to retire after 14 seasons. Consider him a reserve Fantasy LB for the upcoming season at this time. Even if he moves back to DE, he can still be a viable Fantasy IDP option since he was a sack specialist at Boston College.

Kiwanuka still a LB, for now	Updated 7/28/2007
Mathias Kiwanuka, DE NYG
News: For the past seven months, the Giants planned on having Michael Strahan, the NFL's active leader in sacks (132 1/2), line up at left end. They even moved second-year pro Mathias Kiwanuka from defensive end to strongside linebacker in April to get both of them on the field. A day into training camp, they are considering other options since Strahan was a no-show Saturday. For now, Kiwanuka is still a linebacker. William Joseph, the 2003 first-round draft pick who has never lived up to expectations, is starting for Strahan. Kiwanuka believed Strahan didn't think about retiring until recently. "If Michael comes back, it will be a tremendous help to this team," Kiwanuka said. "If he doesn't, we still have talent to go ahead and be strong."	Analysis: Moving back to defensive end would not be a problem, Kiwanuka said, adding he has to know where the defensive ends are going on every play. Kiwanuka's production should rise as an OLB, and he may come up with a few more passes defensed and other defensive stats -- especially tackles. Consider him a reserve Fantasy LB for the upcoming season at this time. Even if he moves back to DE, he can still be a viable Fantasy IDP option since he was a sack specialist at Boston College.

Giants move Kiwanuka to OLB	Updated 4/30/2007
Mathias Kiwanuka, DE NYG
News: Mathias Kiwanuka is changing positions and moving into the Giants' starting lineup at linebacker. The Giants No. 1 draft pick in 2006 will move from defensive end to strongside linebacker next season. "There is no question that he can make the transition to outside linebacker, that he can play SAM linebacker," GM Jerry Reese said, noting that the 6-foot-5, 265-pound Kiwanuka is athletic and dropped into some zone pass coverages last season while playing end.	Analysis: Kiwanuka's production should rise as an OLB, and he may come up with a few more passes defensed and other defensive stats -- especially tackles. Consider him a reserve Fantasy LB for the upcoming season.

Giants overcome losses Sunday	Updated 10/29/2006
Mathias Kiwanuka, DE NYG
News: Despite playing without three injured defensive starters and losing another early, the Giants held Tampa Bay to 174 total yards and set up a score with a turnover deep in Buccaneers territory in a 17-3 victory in Week 8. While it might be considered poor play by a Bucs' offense that was 2-for-16 on third-down chances, the Giants defense stepped up in a game in which it was missing All-Pro defensive end Osi Umenyiora (hip), strongside linebacker LaVar Arrington (season-ending Achilles' injury) and starting cornerback Sam Madison (hamstring).	Analysis: Rookie Mathias Kiwanuka, veteran Carlos Emmons and R.W. McQuarters replaced them, respectively. Rookie Gerris Wilkinson also had to play after weakside linebacker Brandon Short left with a quadriceps injury. The group was outstanding on a blustery afternoon when the winds whipped across Giants Stadium, gusting from 24 mph to 41 mph and Kiwanuka got his first NFL sack. Consider the Giants a great start in Week 9 vs. Houston.

Umenyiora, Madison among inactives	Updated 10/29/2006
Mathias Kiwanuka, DE NYG
News: Giants DL Osi Umenyiora (hip) was among the inactives for Week 8 vs. Tampa Bay. Rookie DL Mathias Kiwanuka got the start in his place. DB Sam Madison was also inactive. R.W. McQuarters got the start in his place at the right CB position.	Analysis: When healthy, Umenyiora is among the best DL in the NFL. Monitor his status leading up to Week 9 vs. Houston. Kiwanuka is a decent replacement option in deeper leagues. Despite the loss of Madison and Umenyiora, the Giants DST remains a very good Fantasy start in leagues of 12 or more teams.

DE Kiwanuka playing well	Updated 8/21/2006
Mathias Kiwanuka, DE NYG
News: Rookie DE Mathias Kiwanuka, the team's first round selection, has shown quickness and aggression in his two games and leads the team with 2.5 sacks. "He's quick, and when he plays he doesn't stand as tall as he does in practice," noted a scout. "He was too high when I saw him in (rookie tryouts) in Indianapolis, but he almost looks like a different player now."	Analysis: Kiwanuka was an All-American defensive end at Boston College and he's expected to learn the professional ways under the tutelage of Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora. Grab him in rookie drafts around the late-second or early-third rounds.

DE Kiwanuka impressive in debut	Updated 8/13/2006
Mathias Kiwanuka, DE NYG
News: The team's official website reports former Boston College standout DE Mathias Kiwanuka was impressive in Friday's preseason debut at Baltimore. He managed to tally 1.5 sacks and he was also credited with a pair of quarterback hurries.	Analysis: Kiwanuka was a stud in college, but the game is a lot faster at this level. He will be a part of the Giants' pass rush rotation, but at least for 2006 will not be a huge statistical contributor. Owners in IDP leagues should ignore Kiwanuka for now unless in a dynasty league where Kiwanuka could be had for a middle- to late-round pick in rookie-only drafts.

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Kiwanuka officially in Giants camp	Updated 7/27/2006
Mathias Kiwanuka, DE NYG
News: First-round draft pick Mathias Kiwanuka reached an agreement on a five-year, nearly $7 million contract with the Giants. Kiwanuka will earn nearly $5 million in guaranteed money under terms of the deal. The Boston College defensive end had 32 1/2 sacks in his final three seasons. He will have to compete for playing time with Pro Bowl defensive ends Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora and highly regarded second-year player Justin Tuck.	Analysis: Kiwanuka will definitely be a part of the Giants' pass rush rotation, but at least for 2006 will not be a huge statistical contributor. Owners in IDP leagues should ignore Kiwanuka for now unless in a dynasty league where Kiwanuka could be had for a middle- to late-round pick in rookie-only drafts.

N.Y. Giants draft Mathias Kiwanuka	Updated 5/1/2006
Mathias Kiwanuka, DE NYG
News: The New York Giants selected Boston College DE Mathias Kiwanuka with the 32rd overall selection in the 2006 NFL Draft. The move is odd since the team has stud DEs Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora.	Analysis: Kiwanuka has a ton of long-term potential, but he won't do much behind Strahan and Umenyiora. The Giants defense is worth a late-round selection in all seasonal formats.

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