Prematurely Projecting The New York Giants Depth Chart And 53-Man Roster
By Neal Lynch
FREE SAFETY
DARIAN THOMPSON
Thompson’s been impressive during OTAs. He’s a playmaker, specifically during recent two-minute drills, and he’s getting praise from head coach Ben McAdoo.
NAT BERHE
Right now, Berhe’s lining up with the first team alongside Collins, but I expect that to change. I see Nat being more of a Deon Grant third safety than a starting free safety.
STRONG SAFETY
LANDON COLLINS
As previously noted, Collins made the PFWA All-Rookie Team and looks to build on that success in his sophomore effort, stating he wants to be what Weston Richburg was last season.
COOPER TAYLOR
Taylor gets the spot just based on the fact he’s seen the most playing time of the safeties in camp. It’s possible Mykkele Thompson or Bennet Jackson bounce back and show promise, but it won’t be at the strong safety position.
LEFT CORNERBACK
JANORIS JENKINS
JackRabbit has been a standout player at OTAs and eased concerns or worries about the Giants overpaying for his talents. Pro Football Focus called Big Blue’s signing of Jenkins as one of the top 10 worst moves of the offseason. So far, Janoris has impressed everyone and appears to be worth every penny.
TREVIN WADE
Wade played well above his paygrade in 2015 and, injuries withstanding, shouldn’t have to carry too much of the load in 2016. Odds are first round draft pick Eli Apple will find his way onto the field as the #3 corner, typically covering the slot, but Trevin Wade could develop into one of the more reliable reserve d-backs in the division.
DONTE DEAYON
“Neon” Deayon has been called “a tiny chatterbox you can root for” and that is music to Giants fans’ ears. Though seriously undersized, Deayon is the flyweight who’s not afraid to mix it up with heavyweights and his small stature could actually serve as an advantage as he hides behind big bodies to jump underneath passes. Donte picked off Ryan Nassib at OTAs and took it to the house. We could see one of those in a regular season game.
RIGHT CORNERBACK
DOMINIQUE RODGERS-CROMARTIE
DRC has been the subject of trade rumors since he’ll have one of the bigger hits to the Giants salary cap in 2017 and the G-Men drafted 20-year-old Buckeye Eli Apple in the first. However, after a Pro Bowl season in 2015 and the addition of Janoris Jenkins, DRC should see more opportunities to make plays and secure another trip to the Pro Bowl in 2016.
ELI APPLE
Despite all the negative reactions to his selection and to his mother, Annie, joining ESPN’s Sunday NFL Countdown, Apple has held his own at OTAs, going up against Odell Beckham Jr. and not looking completely out of place.
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