Giants 53 Man Roster Prediction
By Jesse Connor
Nov 23, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin and offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo talk with quarterback Eli Manning (10) during a break in play against the Dallas Cowboys during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Quarterback
1- Eli Manning
2- Ryan Nassib
No surprise here. Eli is the franchise quarterback and Ryan Nassib has had a very good pre-season. He has shown real zip on his throws and some ability to run if need be.
Running Backs
1- Rashad Jennings
2-Andre Williams
3- Shane Vereen
4- Orleans Darkwa
The Giants look to use the top 3 backs in different situations all season. Darkwa has been running like a pro in the pre season and did a nice job at the tail end of 2014. Coach Tom Coughlin usually takes 4 running backs and I see this year to be any different. Darkwa will also contribute on special teams and may see some time as a returner as well.
Fullback
1- Henry Hynoski
Aug 22, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants fullback Henry Hynoski (45) scores a touchdown as he is tackled by New York Jets free safety Jaiquawn Jarrett (37) during the second half at MetLife Stadium. The Giants defeated the Jets 35-24. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Hynoski has been the lead blocker for the G-Men since his making the team as an undrafted free agent in 2011. He is a hard nosed football player who does his job very well.
Tight End
1- Larry Donnell
2- Daniel Fells
3- Jerome Cunningham
I’m not particularly a fan of Donnell. His inability to block and protect the football are not traits of a good tight end. He does have good size and speed which can be a matchup problem for defenders. I like Fells better , he can block and catch. His speed and route running is not on the same level of Donnell’s but he will protect the ball and block on the outside. The third tight end is completely up for grabs. No one has stood out to me. Adrien Robinson is not very good, Jerome Cunningham has not shown me much and Will Tye hasn’t seen much of the field. They have a combined 3 catches thus far. I go with Cunningham because, well he is not Robinson and was on the practice squad all last season. This position may be filled by someone who isn’t with the Giants yet.
Wide Receiver
New York Giants
1- Odell Beckham Jr.
2- Rueben Randle
3- Victor Cruz
4- James Jones
5- Geremy Davis
The wide receiver position will come down to a game of numbers. Behind Beckham, Randle, and Cruz it is anyones guess as to who the Giants keep on the roster. James Jones is a proven veteran so I put him at number 4 as I think he makes this offense very scary. Davis makes the team over Corey Washington as he can play special teams. Washington will most likely get his shot on another team, and I expect the second he gets cut that he’ll have nothing good to say about coach Coughlin. Personally I’m a big Preston Parker fan, he’s tough and a decent receiver. He has the ability to play some special teams but Davis offers a bit more.
Offensive Line
LT – Ereck Flowers
LG – Justin Pugh , John Jerry
C – Weston Richburg , Dallas Reynolds
RG – Geoff Schwartz, Brandon Mosley
RT – Marshall Newhouse , Bobby Hart
John Jerry will be a backup but will play numerous positions across the line of scrimmage. I don’t think Marshall Newhouse will last as a starter, I’ve been saying Bobby Hart will be a starter at some point this season since the Giants drafted him in April. I mentioned Dallas Reynolds as a player the Giants should cut but Canadian import Brett Jones seems to be out of his element in the NFL.
Next: Defense