New York Giants release jersey numbers for rookie mini-camp
By Pat Ragazzo
The New York Giants released their unofficial rookie uniform numbers for their draft picks on Thursday.
With New York Giants rookie mini-camp starting today, these numbers were initially assigned for this weekend’s practices for first-year players on Friday and Saturday, May 3rd-4th.
Each year, a new wave of players come in following the draft and are assigned jersey numbers that mesh with their position group. The Giants had a total of 10 draft picks, plus have a slew of undrafted free agent players, who will be present in camp, as well.
For now, only the drafted player’s uniform numbers were released by the team. Let’s take a look at who will be wearing what number below!
Quarterback, Daniel Jones-8
After wearing the number 17 throughout his college career, Jones comes into a locker room, where Kyle Lauletta currently holds this number. While Lauletta was the team’s 4th round draft selection in 2018, it can be assumed that Jones will most likely be taking his job, as the intial backup quarterback.
If Jones truly desires to carry on his number 17 legacy, he should be able to make an offer that Lauletta can’t refuse. This is due to the fact that the top pick was taken sixth overall, which according to sportsrac.com is valued somewhere around $25 million for four years, although both sides have not yet agreed on a contract.
Defensive Tackle, Dexter Lawrence-97
Lawrence was a mainstay in the middle of Clemson’s defensive line throughout his collegiate playing days. This ultimately led the Giants to take him with the 17th overall pick in the draft.
Although Lawrence wore the number 90 with the Tigers, this number is taken by fellow defensive line mate R.J McIntosh. Instead, Lawrence’s first jersey number with the Giants was once worn by a young Mathias Kiwanuka, who rocked this number for the first three seasons of his career until switching back in 2009 to the #94 he wore at Boston College.
Cornerback, Deandre Baker-35
After trading one of their multiple fourth and fifth round picks to move back into the first round, the Giants selected University of Georgia defensive back Deandre Baker with the 30th overall pick.
In 36 career games with the Bulldogs, Baker recorded seven career interceptions. He also proved to be a lockdown corner only allowing one touchdown throughout his playing days with Georgia.
Baker has now been given the number 35, which was previously worn by running back Andre Brown (2009, 2011-2013) and defensive back Kevin Dockery (2006-2009).
Outside Linebacker, Oshane Ximines-53
When the Giants drafted Oshane Ximines with the number 95th overall pick, he became the first player in Old Dominion history to be drafted to the NFL.
Ximines will wear number 53 with big blue, which was previous worn by veteran linebacker Connor Barwin in 2018. Like Barwin, Ximines will be playing the same position in James Bettcher’s defense, where he hopes to see more playing time and production than his jersey number’s predecessor.
In 50 career games at ODU, Ximines posted an impressive 32.5 sacks and 51 tackles for a loss.
Cornerback-Julian Love-37
Although the Giants drafted Deandre Baker in the first round, they grabbed another cornerback in Julian Love with their fourth round selection.
Love will wear the number 37 initially and is expected to come in and push for a starting spot in the team’s secondary. Love’s draft stock fell due to the fact that he ran a slower than expected 40-yard dash. Despite this factor, he was a pass breakup machine at Notre Dame, where he had a total of 36 in his collegiate career.
Inside Linebacker, Ryan Connelly-57
The Giants chose Ryan Connelly from Wisconsin with their 5th round selection last Saturday. This pick came as a bit of a surprise with Alabama linebacker Mack Wilson still on the board.
Connelly ran a 4.66 40-yard dash at the combine and has been noted as a player, who has always outworked his competition on the field.
The last notable linebacker on the Giants to wear the number 57 was speedster Jacquian Williams, who played with the team from 2011-2014.
Wide Receiver, Darius Slayton-86
While Darius Slayton was originally projected to go somewhere between the third and fifth rounds, Dave Gettleman stole the incredibly quick Auburn wide receiver in the sixth.
Slayton ran an eye opening 4.39 40-yard dash at the combine and is seen as a dangerous vertical threat and polished route runner. These traits are factors, which will most likely complement the Giants offense well, as he joins fellow receivers Sterling Shepard, Golden Tate, and the speedy tight end Evan Engram.
Cornerback, Corey Ballentine-25 (Won’t Be In Attendance)
Divison II Washburn defensive back Corey Ballentine was selected by the Giants in the sixth round, but will not be in attendance at this weekend’s rookie camp, after being tragically shot following the draft.
Ballentine is recovering well, but it was the team’s decision for him to stay with his family in the wake of this trauma suffered, where his teammate and close friend was shot and killed along side him.
Ballentine impressed at the Senior Bowl while Dave Gettleman was in attendance. He also ran a 4.47 40-yard dash and was the second small school player selected by Gettleman, along with Ximines.
Offensive Tackle, George Asafo-Adjei-78
“Big George” was the University of Kentucky’s starting right tackle, where he most notably went up against teammate and elite edge rusher from this year’s draft Josh Allen in practice everyday.
Standing at 6″5 320 pounds, Asafo-Adjei ran an astounding 4.9 40-yard dash. Not only is he extremely fast and athletic for his size, but the big man reportedly held his own against Allen in practice everyday.
Defensive Tackle, Chris Slayton-99
Chris Slayton was the second defensive tackle taken by the G-Men in the 2019 draft. This pick came six rounds after they took Clemson DT Dexter Lawrence with their second selection of the first round.
Slayton recorded three and a half sacks to go along with eight tackles for a loss in 2018 with Syracuse. The 6″4 307 pound late round selection was given the number 99 for this mini camp, which was previously worn by defensive linemen Robert Thomas (2016-2017) and Chris Canty (2009-2012).