EAST RUTHERFORD -- Jasper Brinkley is entering his eighth season in the NFL, so he has a good grasp on what makes a successful linebacker corps. And he feels the Giants have it.

"You need a room full of nasty guys," Brinkley told NJ Advance Media. "If you think about linebacker play, you want a physical group of guys, tough, mentally smart and sharp, and able to be able to lead.

"Once we hone in on these small details, it's going to be something nice. We definitely have the guys."

The Giants had many issues contribute to their existence as the league's worst defense a season ago. Linebacker was a particular sore spot, plagued by injuries and ineffective performances. Brinkley was a bright spot, working his way into the starting lineup by midseason and playing well in eight starts at middle linebacker. But those were few and far between.

The Giants' grand plan to address their linebacker issues - drafting Georgia's Leonard Floyd with the No. 10 pick - did not come to fruition. But they have been active this offseason nonetheless, putting together what the organization hopes is a solid group of established players who can provide an upgrade from the recent struggles at the position.

Brinkley was rewarded for his 2015 play with a one-year deal, and veterans Keenan Robinson and Kelvin Sheppard were also signed. The team selected B.J. Goodson in the fourth round of the NFL Draft, and veterans Jonathan Casillas, Mark Herzlich, Devon Kennard and J.T. Thomas also return.

None of the moves made a big splash on their own, but together they give the Giants proven options for new linebackers coach Bill McGovern to work with.

"There's a lot of talent, and it shows each and every day," Brinkley said. "The thing we're trying to do right now in OTAs is hone in on the smaller details of things. That's what really matters. Details get you beat as far as alignments, assignments, and just stepping to the right place at the right time with your eyes clean."

So, how will it all fit together? On Monday during the Giants' seventh organized team activity practice, Brinkley was running with the first team in the middle, with Jonathan Casillas at weakside linebacker and Devon Kennard at strongside linebacker. That's the way it has looked for much of this spring.

Kennard is expected to stay on the strong side. Brinkley and Robinson will likely be a key training camp battle for a starting spot at middle linebacker. Brinkley's strength is as a run-stopper, while Robinson projects as more of a complete linebacker when healthy. Robinson was believed to have the slight edge to win the job when signed, but Brinkley knows defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo's system and will have a serious shot to win the job.

"I was just fortunate to be able to come back," Brinkley said. "The team believed in me enough to bring me back, and I don't want to let them down. So I'm going to do my part on that end."

Sheppard, who can also play in the middle, has been seeing time on the weak side this spring. Thomas was the weakside starter last year before the injury bug hit him. Robinson has worked on the weak side as well, and Brinkley can also play at multiple spots. Goodson has the ability to push for time at all three positions, and Herzlich provides depth.

It seems unlikely the Giants would carry all eight linebackers on their roster once the regular season begins, and only three will be able to start. Health always has to be a consideration, too, given the injury histories on the unit.

But like the crowded receivers room, the focus for the linebackers right now is improving their craft, Brinkley said. The details can be determined once training camp begins in July.

Brinkley and his teammates have heard it all - the Giants' linebackers aren't very good, they have no depth, they can't cover the pass, and on and on. They know doubters and detractors are out there. But, Brinkley said, that cannot be the focus.

"People have the right to have their own opinions. We know what we can do," he said. "We do it each and every week. Sometimes people just commentate, or see it from afar and don't really know the scheme. But we can't let the outside [bother us]. We just have to go out and play within ourselves, and play for the guy next to you. ... At the end of the day, we're going to be the ones out on the field, no matter what the combination is."

James Kratch can be reached at jkratch@njadvancemedia.com or by leaving a note in the comments below. Follow him on Twitter @JamesKratch. Find and like NJ.com Giants on Facebook.