New York Giants First Cut Day Approaching: Six Names to Watch

Dec 29, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Jerrel Jernigan (12) runs for a touchdown against the Washington Redskins during the third quarter of a game at MetLife Stadium. The Giants defeated the Redskins 20-6. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Jerrel Jernigan, WR — Much has been made of Tom Coughlin’s comment that Jerrel Jernigan’s play in the last two regular season games has “not necessarily” carried over into this year’s preseason. Jernigan has been heavily featured with the first team offense during this preseason, largely because 1st round draft pick Odell Beckham, Jr. has been sidelined with a hamstring injury. Despite Jernigan’s diminutive size and shiftiness, the Giants seem to have him pegged as an outside receiver.

Jernigan has shown some ability in this position, but did the most damage last year as a runner or slot receiver. This preseason, Jernigan has had some good moments, but has also had a few ugly dropped passes. With all of the strong play by no-name UDFA’s, Jernigan may find himself on the wrong end of a hard decision that favors youth and potential over experience.

Curtis Painter, QB — Painter’s days as a Giant are numbered. If you haven’t been watching the Giants preseason games, 2014 4th round draft pick Ryan Nassib has been tearing up 2nd and 3rd team defenses. It’s clear to see that Nassib is comfortable running Ben McAdoo’s offense and he has clinched the backup quarterback position. The Giants are highly unlikely to roster a trio of quarterbacks.

John Conner, FB — The Terminator is likely to lose the battle for the Giants’ only fullback position, but not because he has played poorly. Conner is likely to be beaten out by Hynoski because of The Hynoceros’s versatility. Conner will blow up linebackers as a lead blocker, but Ben McAdoo’s offense asks its skill players to do a variety of things beyond that.

This is evidenced by reports that Hynoski has been used in practice in H-back positions that McAdoo also asks his TE’s to play. In the recent preseason game against the Jets, Hynoski displayed additional versatility by scoring a touchdown on a Ryan Nassib pass, which may have been the nail in the coffin for Conner’s roster hopes with the Giants.