New York Giants’ 75 Player Roster Projection
The New York Giants lost their second preseason game of the 2016 season on Saturday afternoon, losing to the Buffalo Bills 21- 0. Starters played more than expected due to ineffectiveness, so there are still roster battles being waged in training camp.
With roughly 40 roster spots reserved for starters and rotational players, there are only about 13 spots available for the remaining 50 players on the roster. With the first preseason game in the books and the first round of roster cuts coming at 4:00 p.m. on August 30, let’s take a look at who will survive the first round of cuts and keep their hopes in tact of making the final roster.
A Renewed Offense
Quarterback
QB- Eli Manning is, of course, the unquestioned starter at quarterback, the second oldest player on the roster, and the most accomplished leader on the team. His spot is guaranteed until either his arm or production falls off, whichever comes first. Ryan Nassib is still the man with the clip board, the last in a long line of Manning back-ups. However, with Nassib’s less than impressive start in the first preseason game, Logan Thomas will stick around through the first round of cuts, and may even find himself on the final roster; making this the first year the Giants carry three quarterbacks in some time.
Total after first cuts: 3
Running Back
RB- Rashad Jennings and Shane Vereen are locks to make the final roster. Andre Williams and Orleans Darkwa will be on the 75 man roster, as well as 2016 draft pick Paul Perkins. Perkins also showed promise in the first preseason game. Between undrafted free agents Bobby Rainey and Marshaun Coprich, the Giants seem to favor Rainey and his ability to return kicks. Coprich gets the ax.
Total after first cuts: 6
Wide Receiver
WR- There are currently 12 receivers on the roster vying for at most seven roster spots, making this competition one of the most heated in the coming weeks. In Odell Beckham, Dwayne Harris and Sterling Shepherd are the top three receivers. The next tier of receivers who must still show they can contribute on a consistent basis are Geremy Davis, Myles White and Victor Cruz. White and Cruz both didn’t play against the Dolphins, while Geremy Davis had a productive night when he found the field. It is still unknown as to whether any of these players can contribute in the regular season. But right now they represent the most experience and confidence outside of the top three.
After these six, the productive college stars Darius Powe and Roger Lewis will make the 75, along with Kadron Boone and Taverres King. All four have at least shown something in camp, and the final two receivers on the roster, 5-8 KJ Maye and French import Anthony Dable find themselves on the outside looking in come August 30.
Total after first cuts: 10
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Tight End/Fullback
TE/FB- This is combined into one grouping not only because competition at each position, but because of how the Giants plan to utilize the players at the position. During the Dolphins game, various sets featured multiple tight ends, lining up outside the tackle, in the slot, and even in the backfield. This hybrid h-back position appears to be what the Giants are looking for in their fullback/tightends.
Nikita Whitlock is the most traditional of this group, in the classic mode of fullbacks; lining up in the front of the halfback and leading the way through the running lane. Will Johnson, from the Steelers, fulfills the h-back role, a player who can catch and run just as well as he can block. Matt Lacosse is another versatile player who can line up in the backfield or off tackle with equal proficiency and provide sound blocking in both the running and passing game.
Larry Donnell and Will Tye are talented pass catchers but lack the blocking ability that top end tight ends possess. All will make the roster, along with recently drafted Jerrell Adams, who may find his way to the practice squad this season where he can hone his raw potential. Undrafted rookie Ryan Malleck is another prospect but is a reach to make the first cut.
Total after first cuts: 6
Offensive Tackle
T- The tackle position remains one of the biggest areas of concern heading into the 2016 season. Second year player Ereck Flowers endured his share of struggles playing one of the toughest positions in football at left tackle last season. However, even more worrisome than his performance was the play of Marshall Newhouse. Newhouse, a veteran with dozens of career starts, struggles tremendously in pass protection, and the first preseason game showed there is still improvement to be made. These two players will make the roster and will most likely be starters heading into week 1, but the depth behind them, and a possible replacement for Newhouse are just as important as deciding the two starters.
Reserve tackle Adam Gettis had a rough game against the Dolphins. He might find himself without a job come August 30th. Bobby Hart, who is listed as a guard, will make the team in his second season and has the best chance to unseat Newhouse at the right tackle position. Emmett Cleary and Byron Stingily will both survive the first round of cuts based on necessity alone. The Giants lack depth at the position and Newhouse is anything but a sure thing at the position. Other than Gettis, the Giants will continue with the tackles they have to improve the position up until the season opener against Dallas.
Total after first cuts: 5
The tackle position remains one of the biggest areas of concern heading into the 2016 season.
Offensive Guard
G- Justin Pugh remains one of the most promising draft selections in recent years. Pugh plays all over the line and exhibits a versatility that is treasured in offensive lineman. He and Flowers combine to cement the left side of the Giants offensive line for years to come.
John Jerry, another veteran with plenty of experience, shows more promise than his counterpart on the right side. Jerry will be the unquestioned starter at right guard when the season begins. In terms of depth, the Giants will keep Ryan Seymour, signed this past offseason, and Dillon Farrell, another low key signing this offseason. Farrell was taking snaps at center as well during Sunday’s practice according to Patricia Traina. The Giants still have work to do when it comes to depth on the offensive line, so the more numbers the better.
Total after first cuts: 4
Center
C- At center, the Giants may have one of the best young lineman in football in Colorado State product Weston Richburg. Richburg was one of the top centers in all of football in his first professional year at the position. He was forced to play at guard during his rookie season but his 2015 was one of the bright spots for the Giants. Brett Jones is a versatile player from Canada who can play at guard or center and Shane McDermott is a 2015 draft choice. All three will be on 75 player roster.
Total after first cuts: 3
Offensive players on 75-man roster: 37
A Revamped Defense
Defensive End
DE- Jason Pierre Paul and Olivier Vernon could become the top pass rushing tandem in the NFL. Kerry Wynn had a starting role last year after injuries, but is a rotational player at best; Owa Odighizuwa flashed in the first preseason game, notching two sacks and lining up at various spots on the line. Stansly Maponga and Romeo Okwara are two other young pass rushers that could make the final roster and be used situationally or to spell the two starters.
Undrafted player Brad Bars was on the practice squad last year and activated for the final two games but could find himself on the practice squad again. Mike Rose was also undrafted but had 10.5 sacks in his final season at NC State. Both players are still long shots to make the final roster.
Total after first cuts: 5
Defensive Tackle
DT- Like defensive end, the Giants have two solidified starters who could be the best at their position in the league. Johnathan Hankins is back after a torn pectoral forced him to miss a good amount of games last season. Damon Harrison is arguably the best run defender in the league and finished 3rd in the league last year in tackles by a defensive lineman.
Behind them on the depth chart is Jay Bromley who was just removed from the PUP list and is only 24 years old. Greg Milhouse is an undrafted player who impressed during camp and played well in the first preseason game. Returning veterans Montori Hughes and Louis Nix may struggle to make the team after recent signees Davon Coleman and Jermelle Cudjo joined the team this off season. Hughes or Nix may be shown the door after contributing very little last season. Chances are one of these veterans latches on, but the top end at this position is easily the most intimidating group on the defense.
Total after first cuts: 5
Linebacker
LB- The most sure thing at linebacker for the Giants is strong side linebacker Devon Kennard. He has struggled to stay on the field, so he remains a largely unrealized player. But he is easily the most impressive player the Giants have at the position.
As of right now, Jonathan Casillas has the inside track to weak side backer after a good showing in the first preseason game. Jasper Brinkley is the presumed starter in the middle, although each of these spots are far from secure.
Also in the middle are free agent pick up Kennan Robinson and draft choice BJ Goodson. Each has the ability to make the roster. Depending on Brinkley’s performance, both could find a spot in the rotation at middle linebacker. Kelvin Sheppard and Mark Herzlich both could miss the cut at linebacker, but each’s saving grace could be their ability to play special teams.
Total after first cuts: 9
Cornerback
CB- Roster spots are a guarantee for the top four corners on the team. Significant resources are invested in Eli Apple, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Janoris Jenkins, and Leon Hall. Their play is expected to solidify a maligned defensive backfield; both the slot and outside positions are secured with their talents. Also this off season, Rodgers-Cromartie has taken significant snaps at his unorthodox slot position.
The team still needs depth at the position and a host of rookies and career send offs will contend to fortify the end of the depth chart. Both Leon McFadden and Trevin Wade have been on numerous teams and neither has shown to be competent role players. Rookie Donte Deayon has been making plays all summer and has a legitimate chance to make the final roster. Rookie Matt Smalley’s separated shoulder forced the Giants to sign Joe Powell. Fellow rookie Michael Hunter adds to the competition but none appear to be contenders for the final roster.
Total after first cuts: 8
Safety
S- The free safety spot is not yet secured, but Boise State product Darian Thompson has been the strongest candidate throughout camp. Landon Collins will hold down the other spot at strong safety.
Among the myriad other players at the position, most of whom have spent significant time on injured reserve, Cooper Taylor has the least likely chance to make the first round of cuts. Taylor’s lack of playing time and constant injuries makes him highly replaceable.
The rest of the safeties on the roster could make the first cut just off past experiences at the position. The safety position has had terrible luck with injuries and the play at the position subsequently suffered. The more competition and depth at the position the better.
Total after first cuts: 7
Defensive players on 75-man roster: 34
Special Teams
Josh Brown had one of the best kicking seasons in Giants history and they just signed him to an extension. However, Brown’s one game suspension makes undrafted rookie Tom Obarski next in line. Obarski will stay on the team for at least the first week. Brad Wing, acquired for next to nothing from the Pittsburgh Steelers is a tremendous punter who can pin opponents deep. Veteran long snapper Zak Deossie will have legitimate competition from the younger Tyler Ott. He may unseat the two-time Super Bowl champion by the time the season starts.
Total special teams players on 75-man roster: 4