Prematurely Projecting The New York Giants Depth Chart And 53-Man Roster
By Neal Lynch
WIDE RECEIVER 1
ODELL BECKHAM, JR.
If he can stay away from Khloe Kardashian and recover from the loss of his dog, Odell Beckham should have another record-breaking season and steal Josh Norman’s bologna in the process. Beckham is more popular than Tom Brady and every non-QB in the NFL as he placed 40th on ESPN’s World Fame 100 list. Now that he’s got Victor Cruz back and Sterling Shepard in the mix, the pressure to carry the receiving corps is off his shoulders. Teams can’t insist on doubling or tripling Odell and we should see some deep routes open up.
DWAYNE HARRIS
The Giants are looking to Dwayne Harris to take on a bigger role on offense and “the man of many hats” could become a key player for the G-Men.
MYLES WHITE
Days after the Green Bay Packers released Myles in early September 2015, the Giants acquired him, as they were trying to recover from releasing James Jones and Preston Parker. In early October 2015, White was promoted to the active roster. He was the recipient of Ryan Nassib’s first career passing touchdown and seems to be making waves at OTAs.
WIDE RECEIVER 2
VICTOR CRUZ
In late May, it was reported the Giants were taking it slow with Victor, putting him on a “pitch count“, and aiming for a full return in training camp. Vic provided a scare when he slipped during a drill and stayed down for a few frightening moments, but the prolonged fall was more out of embarrassment than injury. Today (June 7th), it’s been reported that Cruz is running full speed during OTAs. The positive signs still haven’t convinced many Cruz is back or that he’ll be effective, prompting some to suggest released Cleveland Browns receiver Brian Hartline get a look.
STERLING SHEPARD
Shep is catching everything at OTAs – including this one-handed gem – and making plenty of plays. Sterling’s the rookie that’s leading his draft class and figures to be the rookie who plays the most. With Cruz pretty much a question mark until he gets through an entire season, Shepard has a tremendous opportunity to shine.
GEREMY DAVIS
I’ll be honest, I’d written off 2015 draft pick Geremy Davis as another Jerry Reese misfire, but the former UConn Husky is getting a chance to catch on and is making a sizable impression. Now, it looks like Davis is primed for an impact season and ready for an increased role in the offense. How he aims to carve out a role in a crowded receiver room is still yet to be seen, but apparently Davis held his own with the first team during OTAs.
TIGHT END
WILL TYE
Tye was one of the first cuts of training camp last season, yet when he was activated after the MRSA diagnosis that sent Daniel Fells to the IR, he stepped up and shaped up to be a steady target. Will ended up on the Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie Team. Now, a former practice squad player is expected to be “a big piece” for the team. Tye says he’ll be even better in his second season with some claiming he’s poised for a breakout year and the Giants have uncovered “a future star“.
LARRY DONNELL
Donnell’s future was in jeopardy after suffering a neck injury in New Orleans. Even though he was cleared to play and the Giants signed him to a new contract, there’s speculation that Larry might be the odd man out in a crowded tight end group that saw a draft steal added and the emergence of Matt LaCosse in OTAs. Tye’s got the edge on Donnell and it wouldn’t be surprising if Jerell Adams leapfrogs Larry by the end of the season.
JERELL ADAMS
The South Carolina Gamecock is ready for a big role in the offense, and some think he’ll contribute right away as a “promising weapon“.
Next: OFFENSIVE LINE