Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports
The 2014 New York Football Giants have completed ten practices and one game so far this training camp. While the 53-man roster cut off is still weeks away, Giants’ fans now have a slightly better idea of what this year’s roster will look like. Without further ado, here is GMEN HQ’s first 2014 New York Giants 53-man roster projection.
Offense (25)
Quarterbacks (2) – Eli Manning, Ryan Nassib
Despite throwing a career worst 27 interceptions in 2013, Eli’s roster spot is still etched in stone. I believe Ryan Nassib has shown enough improvement so far this year that he will win the back-up job over Curtis Painter. I would be really surprised to see the Giants carry three quarterbacks again this season.
Running Back (4) – Rashad Jennings, Andre Williams, Peyton Hillis, Michael Cox
At this point, Rashad Jennings and Andre Williams are the only locks to make the final Giants roster. Hillis seemed like a lock a few days ago, but an ankle injury that will cost him some time could put that in jeopardy. Michael Cox has been underwhelming, but with David Wilson‘s neck injury a spot has certainly opened for Cox to make the team. Still, I would not be surprised to see the Giants scan the waiver wire on cut down day to see if they can snag running back depth from another team.
Fullback (1) – Henry Hynoski
Truth be told, I flirted with the Giants not carrying a fullback this year as McAdoo’s offensive scheme has not utilized the position much in practice. However, in Sunday’s game against the Bills, the Giants run game was atrocious until they started to use Hynoski and Conner. I have the Giants going with the younger Hynoski, coming off season ending shoulder surgery last year, over John Conner.
Wide Receiver (6) – Victor Cruz, Rueben Randle, Odell Beckham Jr., Jerrel Jernigan, Corey Washington, Marcus Harris
Here is where things begin to get very interesting. I have the Giants keeping little known Marcus Harris and undrafted free agent rookie, Corey Washington, over the likes of Mario Manningham, Trindon Holliday, and Julian Talley. I dare you to go out and find a receiver projection for the Giants as ballsy as this one. Manningham clearly still doesn’t look right coming off multiple knee injuries and Trindon Holliday is suffering from a hamstring injury which has not made head coach Tom Coughlin very happy. At 6’4, Washington would give the Giants a tall receiving threat that they wouldn’t have if they don’t keep him. Marcus Harris has really flashed so far in training camp, even drawing the attention of Victor Cruz:
Victor Cruz on Marcus Harris: "From the game he had and streaming into practice, he's been really taking advantage of his opportunity." #NYG
— Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton) August 6, 2014
Victor Cruz on Marcus Harris: "He's coming to the forefront here as a good player." #NYG
— Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton) August 6, 2014
Tight End (3) – Larry Donnell, Xavier Grimble, Adrien Robinson (3)
Just looking at the tight end’s the Giants have on paper, it is not a very awe inspiring group. I still think the Giants could go a number of different ways, maybe taking a veteran like Kellen Davis, but I am putting my faith in some of the younger guys to step up.
Offensive Line (9) – William Beatty, Geoff Schwartz, J.D. Walton, Brandon Mosley, Justin Pugh, Weston Richburg, Charles Brown, Dallas Reynolds, John Jerry
The Giants could go a number of different ways with the offensive line, but I have them moving on from James Brewer & Eric Herman; although I wouldn’t be surprised if either makes the team. Nobody has really stood out so far on the back-end of the line and these next few pre-season games will be important for the depth players to prove their case. Another interesting development to keep an eye out for is whether John Jerry will be suspended by the league at all for his involvement in the Jonathan Martin bullying case. If Jerry is suspended, another roster spot will open along the offensive line.