What to Watch for in the Giants Pre-Season Opener

Nov 3, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Corey Washington (88) makes touchdown reception during the second half against Indianapolis Colts free safety Josh Gordy (27) at MetLife Stadium. Indianapolis Colts defeat the New York Giants 40-24. Mandatory Credit: Jim O

Backup Receivers

Odell Beckham, Victor Cruz, and Rueben Randle are all virtual locks to make the Giants. Behind them however is a handful of receivers battling for 2 or maybe 3 roster spots. Preston Parker, James Jones, Corey Washington, and Julian Talley are all trying to make this team.

Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Parker played well in the slot last season. With 36 receptions for 418 and 2 touchdowns the four year veteran filled in the slot after Victor Cruz got hurt. Parker would (and did) make a good reserve slot receiver. He can be a viable #4 or #5 receiver in shotgun sets as Parker is a good route runner and possession receiver. He’s not going to blow the top off the defense but you know what he brings to the table. Parker has proven to be a good teammate with the Giants as well, last season in St. Louis Parker went after Rams players who were seemingly trying to hurt Odell Beckham. He went up a few spots in my book for that one.

James Jones should absolutely be on this roster. He is a veteran receiver who has already scored 14 touchdowns in this offense back as a Green Bay Packer in 2012. Jones is coming of career highs in receptions (73) and receptions per game (4.6). Those numbers probably suffered at the hand of a rookie quarterback in Oakland last year. Last week I said Jones makes this passing attack scary. I cant see any defenses matching up with Beckham, Cruz, Randle, and Jones as a 4-Wide set. He makes this team better.

Corey Washington had an electric pre-season in 2014 but did not see much of the field in the regular season. Washington has the size and ability to go up and get the ball in the air so he has a chance to make this roster. He must impress Coach Tom Coughlin and prove himself. Washington’s disappearance in the regular season won’t be tolerated this time around, he must prove he is not just a pre-season star.

Julian Talley has appeared in just 4 games since signing on with the Giants in 2013. He has no career receptions but has been a staple on the practice squad. He must prove himself on special teams as well as a receiver. He has a tough battle to make the team.

Next: The New Defense