The bloated off-season rosters make it impossible to squeeze all the players into a number from 1 to 99, especially when a player's position limits the possibilities. During the Giants' rookie minicamp that ended Monday, 14 pairs of players -- one on offense, one on defense -- had to share numbers.
Skiba is the arbiter, and there is little time or room to wrestle with players over the possibilities. It is about what fits and how they look.
Most of the team's defensive linemen wear numbers in the 90s, although digits in the 60s and 70s are allowed. Only two numbers in the 90s were available for the top draft choice, defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka, and the fourth-round choice, defensive tackle Barry Cofield.
"We had 96 or 97 for Kiwanuka," Skiba said. "He's tall and lean, and the 7 itself is more of a sleeker number. The 96 is more boxy. Barry Cofield is a stout guy. It's all about how it looks."
Kiwanuka wore No. 94 at Boston College, but that Giants number belongs to defensive tackle William Joseph. Kiwanuka said it did not matter to him what number he wore.
"I'll stay with 97," he said.
Kiwanuka is a rare rookie who was consulted. The second-round choice, Sinorice Moss, was also offered a couple of options - No. 89, or a number in the teens. He chose 89, but the Giants have told the suppliers to hold off on selling jerseys with that number, because Moss may change his mind as other numbers become available before the season. He wore No. 83 in college at Miami.
Other rookies get what they are handed.
"I just showed up, and it was on the back of my helmet," said defensive back Charlie Peprah, who was drafted in the sixth round and assigned No. 36.
The team's third-round selection, linebacker Gerris Wilkinson, wore No. 49 at Georgia Tech. But NFL linebackers must wear numbers in the 50s or the 90s. So Wilkinson will be No. 59.
"That's just what they had on my locker when I got here," he said.
Told that the NFL is considering a change to the system, Wilkinson smiled. "I would love to have No. 49," he said.
It is open, but it is not available -- for now.
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