Aug 28, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New England Patriots defensive back Nate Ebner (43) brings down New York Giants running back Andre Williams (44) inside the 10 yard line during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim OOn Wednesay, I posted my last New York Giants 53-man roster prediction. After last night’s 16-13 victory over the New England Patriots in the GMEN’s last preseason game, there were just a couple of changes I felt inclined to make to round out my absolutely final roster projection.
53-man Roster Prediction
Quarterback (2) – Eli Manning, Ryan Nassib
Nassib had an up-and-down game, but for the most part I don’t think he did anything to knock him out of the back-up quarterback spot for the Giants. Painter got some action in the fourth quarter and had some very nice throws. I would not be surprised at all to see him land with another team after the roster cuts on Saturday.
Fullback (1) – Henry Hynoski
Hynoski has been very good this preseason and has outplayed John Connor. However, he tweaked his shoulder last night which is a bit concerning given that it was the same shoulder that caused him to miss games last season. The extent of the injury is not known, at the moment, so for now I will stick with Hynoski making the team. However, I would not be surprised to see the Giants go with Connor if they believe Hynoski’s injury is serious.
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Once again, Andre Williams got big blue nation excited with an impressive 38 yard run. Peyton Hillis also notched a touchdown in his return to game action. Kendall Gaskins and Michael Cox both had their moments, but I don’t think either did enough to warrant a roster spot.
Wide Receiver (6) –Breakout preseason star, Corey Washington, had his most quiet game so far with just 1 reception for 3 yards. He still should make the team, but it is a bit concerning that the Giants coaching staff didn’t get him any reps until the second half. Preston Parker had a miserable game with drops and a muffed punt. However, none of the other wide receiver candidates stood out either, and frankly, the Giants don’t have any other punt returners at the moment given Odell Beckham Jr.’s injury. I could see Jerry Reese scanning the wire for a solid punt returner to replace Parker.
Tight End (3) –Adrien Robinson did not do himself any favors last night with a fumble, but I still can’t see Jerry Reese cutting one of his more prized draft choices. Daniel Fells has been solid all around, but does not do any one thing spectacularly. This is definitely one of the Giants weakest groups.
Offensive Line (10) –One of the first groups I am making changes to. I have Mark Asper in and Charles Brown out. Brown’s injury has set him back and the Giants need healthy bodies. The GMEN also need guys who are versatile and can play multiple positions along the line, that’s where I think Asper comes in. He got a lot of snaps last night and held up fairly well. This is another group that I expect the Giants front office to tinker with after the cuts are made on Saturday.
Defensive End (5) –Undrafted free agent rookie Kerry Wynn has had a very solid preseason, but I think the Giants will hope to sneak him on the practice squad. Here, I have the GMEN going with veteran Idonije who has been fantastic on special teams and also notched 2 sacks last night.
Defensive Tackle (4) –Marcus Kuhn keeps getting injured and when he has been on the field he has not been performing well. Undrafted free agent Kelcy Quarles has shown signs of being a NFL player, but for now I think the Giants will hope to put him on their practice squad.
Cincy on the Prowl
No changes to this grouping based on last night’s game. I still think the Giants will try and get undrafted free agent, Dan Fox, onto their practice squad.
Cornerback (6) –
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Prince Amukamara, Walter Thurmond III, Trumaine McBride, Zack Bowman, Bennett JacksonI liked that Bennett Jackson showed some more physicality to his game last night, and I think that will really help with him sticking to this roster.
Safety (4) –No changes here as this should be one of the easier decisions for the Giants front office after Cooper Taylor had to be placed on injured reserve with a foot injury.
Special Teams (3) –Josh Brown showed last night that the Giants probably made a good decision to keep him, going 3-for-3 on field goal attempts, including a long of 45 yards. Steve Weatherford continues to punt very well and should help the Giants with field position all season.
New York Giants: Conclusion
My final 53-man roster prediction is in the books. The offensive line and tight end groupings do not inspire much confidence, but I expect the Giants front office to do their due diligence on the waiver wire to improve those positions. Also, don’t be surprised if the Giants try and bring a punt returner in given Preston Parker’s muffed punt last night and Odell Beckham’s injury. I don’t know about you, Giants’ fans, but I am excited for the roster announcements on Saturday and for the 2014 GMEN to make it past one more hurdle before Giants football returns for real!
What are your thoughts on this 53-man roster? Where do the Giants need to improve? Which group do you have the most faith in? Which group are you the most nervous about? Let us hear it below!