The New York Giants released an unofficial team depth chart on Monday, and in several respects, it’s a clear departure from the Ben McAdoo days.
The first item of note on the unofficial depth chart for the New York Giants is the appearance of the “12” personnel package. McAdoo stubbornly clung to the infamous “11” personnel grouping, even after he said he wouldn’t. The difference between the two packages is simple, and it revolves around the tight end position. The 12-package utilizes two tight ends, while the 11-grouping has one tight end and three wideouts.
It may be nuanced, but at first blush, it appears that the offense leans toward having Evan Engram line up as a slot receiver. That adjustment would move wide receiver Sterling Shepard to the outside. When I raised this exact scenario in the offseason, more than one detractor questioned my football knowledge. Since Pat Shurmur has perhaps decided to go in this direction, these same folks will likely think it’s the greatest thing since sliced bread.
If Engram gets time in the slot, I like Shurmur’s pragmatic approach. Let’s get the best 11 players, within reason, on the field. To that end, Rhett Ellison was vastly under-utilized last season, and don’t sleep on the veteran tight end as a potential red zone threat either. He should have been on the field more last season.
More from GMEN HQ
- Workout clip of Evan Neal training with former All-Pro OT has Giants fans excited
- NFL Draft Schedule of Events: How to Navigate Draft Weekend
- 4 NY Giants who must step their game up in 2023
- This SEC CB at No. 25 overall for the Giants is gaining steam
- When is the NFL Draft?
The Rookies
Another refreshing change from previous years comes from the fact that rookies are awarded first-team status. Under McAdoo, and even before that under Tom Coughlin, the team would seemingly shield rookies from anointed first-team status.
I say good riddance to that philosophy. These young guys were brought into play. Does anyone really think that Saquon Barkley was drafted No. 2 overall to sit behind Jonathan Stewart?.
No less than three rookies have secured starting positions. They are: Saquon Barkley (RB), Will Hernandez (OG) and B.J. Hill (DT). We have already heard plenty about all three of these guys, so none of this should come as a surprise.
Rookie linebacker Lorenzo Carter lines up as Olivier Vernon’s back-up at the WILL position. At quarterback, it’s no surprise that Kyle Lauletta appears as the third-stringer. Overall, if you get three starters from a draft class, that’s a good haul.
In addition, I wouldn’t read too much into Carter’s status either. Obviously, he won’t challenge Vernon for the starting nod, but he earns playing time, he’ll get onto the field. Lauletta falls into the category of not having enough quality signal-callers on the roster. He won’t much up the chart anytime soon if Davis Webb has anything to say about it.
Of Note
There are a few areas of note that I saw in reviewing the chart. First, Riley Dixon appears to have won the punting sweepstakes outright. There was a strong indication this may have been the case when Taylor Symmank was cut. Again, keep in mind that the team may just have been unhappy with Symmank.
Today, Dixon was listed as the place-kick holder. In my estimation, that seals the deal. Last week, I wondered about the holder as both Curtis Riley and Davis Webb were found on various websites as the holder. Messing around with the holder at this late date would be counter-productive.
Speaking of Riley, he is listed a the first team free safety, opposite Landon Collins. Once again, this shouldn’t surprise anyone, as we have heard that the new administration was not as high on Darian Thompson as the old regime was. Riley has been taking first-team reps for a good chunk of the offseason.
Additionally at safety, Andrew Adams has tumbled behind Michael Thomas on the depth chart. And finally, Jon Halapio gets listed as the first-team center over Brett Jones. Once again, this has been what was reported all spring and summer, based upon who was taking the reps. Putting it on paper confirms what we already saw.
In Trouble
If I were a few guys, I’d be concerned. Last year’s darling of training camp, wideout Travis Rudolph, shows up on the fifth team. That can’t be good. Ditto for Roger Lewis. Lewis takes a seat behind newcomers Hunter Sharp and Russell Shepard on the depth chart. Both appear to be in serious jeopardy of getting cut.
Fullback Shane Smith shows up at the bottom of the depth chart at running back. That may be a signal that the team will kep four tight ends. Both Jerell Adams and Scott Simonson could make the final 53-man roster.
Other guys who may have to step it up are edge rushers Romeo Okwara and Avery Moss. Moss will not get graded on a bell curve this year, since he’s a Jerry Reese draft pick. Okwara may be a victim of the numbers game.
Additionally, second-year man Calvin Munson appears to have slipped behind veteran Mark Herzlich on the depth chart. Herzlich remains a steady locker room presence, and he may make the team for that reason, as well as his ability to assist on special teams. Lastly, Marshall Koehn remains behind Aldrick Rosas in the quest to become the team’s permanent place-kicker.