Giants Final 53-Man Roster: How it stacks up
Feb 23, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New York Giants general manager Jerry Reese speaks at a press conference during the 2013 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports
The other day I put out my Giants 53-man roster projection and now that the cuts have all been made official, I am going to take a look at how it stacked up and why the Giants went in different directions than I predicted.
For a full analysis of all the players the Giants cut today don’t miss JT’s post.
Aug 7, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants quarterback Curtis Painter (17) drops back to pass during team practice at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
QB –I had (3): Eli Manning, David Carr, Ryan Nassib
Giants kept (3): Eli Manning, Curtis Painter, Ryan Nassib
To the surprise of some, the Giants kept Painter over Carr. I’m not too shocked, although I did believe they would keep Carr because of his familiarity. However, Carr’s contract would have been guaranteed after the first game of the season, while Painter’s will not be, giving the Giants more roster flexibility going forward. Also, let’s be real, if the Giants back-up QB is spending a lot of time on the field, they are in big trouble no matter who it is.
Giants kept (4) David Wilson, Andre Brown, Michael Cox, Da’Rel Scott
The Giants decision to keep 4 running backs is not a big surprise after Brown fractured his leg on Thursday against the Patriots. Scott looked impressive the rest of the game, which probably locked up a spot for him. Multiple reports are stating that Brown could end up only missing 4-6 weeks making him a possible candidate for the injured reserve-designation to return list. However, the Giants would not be able to utilize this until Tuesday, according to league rules.
Got this one right!
Aug 24, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Jerrel Jernigan (12) makes reception against New York Jets safety Antonio Allen (39) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim O
WR – I had (5): Victor Cruz, Hakeem Nicks, Rueben Randle, Louis Murphy, Ramses Barden
Giants kept (5): Victor Cruz, Hakeem Nicks, Rueben Randle, Louis Murphy, Jerrel Jernigan
I went back and forth on the Ramses Barden over Jerrel Jernigan choice. If I had made the predictions after the Patriots game where Barden didn’t play, I probably would have changed this, so it’s not very surprising. The Giants placed Barden on IR, but I have a feeling he might come to an injury settlement with the Giants.
A lot of people seemed surprised that the Giants kept four tight ends, but I thought it was a real possibility. This could be one position that will see changes if the Giants decide to pick up an extra linebacker or safety from waivers.
No surprises here. I can see the Giants trying to sign Eric Herman and/or Matt McCants to the practice squad if they clear waivers.
Aug 24, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants defensive tackle Marvin Austin (96) throws New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez (6) to the ground for sack on his first ply from scrimmage during the second half at MetLife Stadium. New York Jets defeat the New York Giants 24-21 in OT. Mandatory Credit: Jim O
DT – I had same as Giants (5): Linval Joseph, Cullen Jenkins, Johnathan Hankins, Shaun Rogers, Mike Patterson
The big surprise cut here was Marvin Austin, but one that I foresaw. The former second round pick was decent in training camp, but Mike Patterson was just too good for the Giants to let go. In fact, Pro Football Focus graded Patterson as the second best DT during the preseason:
Marvin Austin may find success elsewhere, but Patterson was too impressive to let go. #Giants
— Pete Damilatis (@PeteDamilatis) August 31, 2013
Giants Kept (5): Justin Tuck, Jason Pierre-Paul, Damontre Moore, Mathias Kiwanuka, Justin Trattou
The local kid, Trattou, made the team over Adrian Tracy in a mild surprise. Trattou has had an impressive training camp, but I just always felt Tracy had more upside. Apparently, the Giants felt differently. Trattou should contribute on special teams. Matt Broha was another guy who had a good pre-season, but he was a tough cut. If he clears waivers, I believe the Giants will look to add him to the practice squad.
Jul 28, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants linebacker Kyle Bosworth (48) during training camp at the Quest Diagnostic Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim O
LB – I had (6): Keith Rivers, Dan Connor, Spencer Paysinger, Kyle Bosworth, Mark Herzlich, Jacquian Williams
Giants Kept (5): Keith Rivers, Dan Connor, Spencer Paysinger, Mark Herzlich, Jacquian Williams
The Giants cut Kyle Bosworth who had a fantastic pre-season, in what was the biggest surprise move to me. I guess the team felt they needed to add depth to other positions more so than at linebacker.
Giants Kept (6): Corey Webster, Prince Amukamara, Aaron Ross, Jayron Hosley, Terrell Thomas, Trumaine McBride
I went back and forth a couple of times between including Charles James or Trumaine McBride in my roster projection. Both were very good this pre-season, but the Giants must have felt more comfortable going with the veteran, McBride. If James clears waivers, he should definitely be on the practice squad.
Aug 24, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants safety Tyler Sash (39) prior to the game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim O
S – I had (3): Antrel Rolle, Ryan Mundy, Tyler Sash
Giants Kept (3): Antrel Rolle, Ryan Mundy, Cooper Taylor
From a lot of the reaction I have seen so far to the cuts, it seems the Giants move to cut Tyler Sash is what surprised Giants fans most. They will be very thin at a key position while Will Hill serves his suspension for the first four games of the season. Fifth round pick, Cooper Taylor, who has not played a regular season snap in the NFL will be the only depth at the position. One has to wonder if Sash’s concussion on Thursday against the Patriots is what ultimately kept him off the team. I don’t know about you guys, but I am going to definitely miss Sash’s sweet facial hair.
No brainer here.
Overall, I feel pretty comfortable with the final roster the Giants went with. I nailed 46 of the 53 spots, and if I had written this post after the last pre-season game, I would have probably had 48.
Aug 18, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants running back Andre Brown (35) runs the ball defended by Indianapolis Colts safety Antoine Bethea (41) and corner back Darius Butler (20) during the second quarter of a preseason game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Obviously, Jerry Reese and the Giants aren’t done with compiling their roster. As I mentioned above, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them move Andre Brown to the IR-designate to return when they can on Tuesday, opening up another roster spot. They could look to add a veteran runningback to fill this spot. The could take a look at any intriguing linebackers or safeties that hit the waiver wire. The Giants organization is always looking for ways to improve their team.
Let me hear your reactions to the Giants final 53 man roster, and possible moves going forward in the comments below!
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