Ever since Tim Mara ponied up $500 for a National Football League franchise for New York in 1925, some of the greatest names in the game have called the Big Apple home - from Frank Gifford and Lawrence Taylor to the defending Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning. Now, the Daily News wants to know who you think tops the list. Each day this week you'll have an opportunity to vote for who you think deserves to be called the best in Big Blue history.

Today the News looks at the linemen.

Offense linemen never get the recognition they deserve, but now is their time, at least on nydailynews.com. Mel Hein and Roosevelt Brown are both Hall of Famers and were truly great players. Al Blozis was on his way to a successful career himself before his life was cut short in WWII. Brad Benson, Bart Oates and Jumbo Elliot were key contributors for winning Parcells clubs in the 80s and 90s. But how about two key parts of the Giants' recent success in Shaun O'Hara and Chris Snee? Plus, doesn't Jumbo have the best nickname for a lineman ever?

At the same time, the New York Football Giants have seen many ferocious defensive linemen, from a few Hall of Famers (Red Badgro, Andy Robustelli, Arnie Weinmeister) to a future member of Canton (Michael Strahan). Not to mention some other good players in Rosey Grier, Leonard Marshall and George Martin. Finally, is Justin Tuck one of those guys that everyone knows is going to be an all-time great?

Here are the nominees for greatest Giants offensive lineman:

Brad Benson (1978-1987): Plays tackle, guard and center for the G-Men, starting 137 games in his career... Is picked for one Pro Bowl in 1986... Benson and the Giants win the Super Bowl that same year.

Al Blozis (1942-1944): This tackle is drafted in the fifth round out of Georgetown... Makes a Pro Bowl and is named first-team All-Pro once (1943)... He is sent overseas after the 1944 Championship Game and is killed in combat.

Roosevelt Brown (1953-1965): Is drafted in the 27th round in 1953 and is known as one of the all-time best sleeper picks... Rosey makes 9 Pro Bowls and is a 6-time first-team All-Pro... The future Hall of Famer helps the Giants reach championships in 1956 and 1958-1963, winning in 1956.

Jumbo Elliott (1988-1995): The second-round draft pick makes a Pro Bowl with the Giants... He also wins a Super Bowl with the G-Men in 1990, making it to the postseason three times.

Mel Hein (1931-1945): This Hall of Fame center is a 4-time Pro Bowler and 5-time first-team All-Pro... Hein and the Giants make 8 postseason appearances, winning the 1938 Championship... He never misses a minute of a game in 15 years, and or a game in the NFL, college and high school.

Shaun O'Hara (2004-present): This tough center starts 97 games for the G-men after being acquired from Cleveland... The Rutgers alum makes three playoff appearances, blocking the Patriots linemen in their Super Bowl XLII win.

Bart Oates (1986-1993): This durable center was a leader on the O-line... The 5-time Pro Bowler made nine playoff appearances and won two Super Bowls with Big Blue.

Chris Snee (2004-present): Coughlin's son-in-law is drafted in the second round and earns a spot starting at right guard, raising eyebrows about his relationship with the head coach... The Boston College alum is a rising star as a physical and consistent lineman, starting every game he plays at guard... He makes the playoff three times, winning one Super Bowl.

Vote for Brad Benson as the NY Giants greatest offensive lineman.

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