Prematurely Projecting The New York Giants Depth Chart And 53-Man Roster
By Neal Lynch
QUARTERBACK
ELI MANNING
The man with the longest current consecutive starts streak has been disrespected by Top 100 lists, yet many believe 2016 might be his best shot at a league MVP. His former teammate Tiki Barber doesn’t even think Eli’s the best quarterback in his own division. Admittedly, Manning struggled against the blitz in 2015, but he’s poised to vault past John Elway on the list of all-time greatest QBs. Maybe his newfound knowledge of the French language will have him romancing his squad to the Super Bowl this season.
RYAN NASSIB
Many have wondered who and what Ryan Nassib is. Is he the heir apparent or trade bait? Some have called him “an improving player“, but confess he’ll never replace Eli. Some have speculated he’s not in the Giants’ future plans, even going so far as to surmise that free agent signee B.J. Daniels will usurp him as the backup. Yet, Giants QB coach Frank Cignetti Jr. thinks Nassib has a great future ahead of him and I’ve labeled him the Brock Osweiler of this upcoming offseason.
RUNNING BACK
RASHAD JENNINGS
After finishing the 2015 regular season with four consecutive games with 100 or more yards from scrimmage, Jennings is expected to be the workhorse in 2016. As for the running back overloard – there are 7 expected in training camp – Rashad said, “We’re going to have as many as we need.” With regards to drafting UCLA running back Paul Perkins, Jennings said he was excited to groom Perk into “a great one”.
SHANE VEREEN
After a mixed season in which Shane showed signs of being a serious threat, Vereen is motivated following last season with “a big smile” and is looking to stand out in a crowded backfield. I’d expect Shane to snag another 50 receptions for around 500 yards and five touchdowns.
PAUL PERKINS
The Giants see a future in Perkins because he “wins in a variety of ways“. Some feel Perkins could make an impact immediately and become an early standout player.
FULLBACK
NIKITA WHITLOCK
He went from undersized afterthought to 2-way weapon. Whitlock still remains a defensive option as he added weight in the offseason and is poised for more defensive snaps, which might mean a few defensive linemen won’t make the cut.
WILL JOHNSON
I called Johnson “this offseason’s most underrated signing“. Ben McAdoo is holding his plans for Will close to his vest, but pundits believe Johnson will play a dual role and offers Big Blue a “world of options“, calling him a “valuable utility man“.
Next: WIDE RECEIVERS AND TIGHT ENDS