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NY Giants complete roster breakdown pre-free agency

By Matt Lombardo

New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) motions at the line of scrimmage in the first half of a game against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, January 3, 2021, in East Rutherford.Nyg Vs Dal
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) motions at the line of scrimmage in the first half of a game against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, January 3, 2021, in East Rutherford.Nyg Vs Dal /
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New York Giants cornerback James Bradberry (Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports) /

Defensive line

On the roster: Leonard Williams ($19.35 million), Dexter Lawrence ($3.61 million), B.J. Hill ($2.44 million), R.J. McIntosh ($1 million), Breeland Speaks ($780,000), Niko Lalos ($780,000), David Moa ($663,250),

Need: non-existent

An argument can be made that this is the strength of the roster. However, that doesn’t mean the front office doesn’t have much work to do here. Signing Leonard Williams to a long-term contract to dramatically lower his cap hit this season must be a top priority. Likewise, before going shopping on the open market at other positions, the Giants would be wise to do whatever is necessary to re-sign Dalvin Tomlison and keep its dominant trio up front intact for the next several seasons.

Linebackers/edge rushers

On the roster: Blake Martinez ($10.22 million), Lorenzo Carter ($2.44 million), Oshane Ximines ($1.08 million), Trent Harris ($852,000), Cam Brown ($829,591), Carter Coughlin ($807,536), T.J. Brunson ($800,488), Tae Crowder ($799,873), Cale Garrett ($660,000).

Need: Moderate to high

Last season, the NY Giants produced a majority of their sacks with front-three pressure and were rarely able to blitz. Add last season’s inconsistency with Ximines and Carter coming off significant injuries and the fact that the NFL is more of a passing league than ever, and bolstering the linebacking corps alongside Blake Martinez and Patrick Graham’s edge rush presence is a priority.

Cornerbacks

On the roster: James Bradberry ($17.25 million), Isaac Yiadom ($2.18 million), Sam Beal ($1.11 million), Darnay Holmes ($977,972), Ryan Lewis ($937,500), Quincy Wilson ($853,000), Montre Hartage ($850,750), Madre Harper ($780,000), Jarren Williams ($663,750).

Need: High

While James Bradberry lived up to, and even exceeded his lofty contract making the Pro Bowl in his first season with the Giants, and Darnay Holmes showed moments of promise in the slot, the NY Giants don’t have a second viable outside cornerback on the roster. Given the depth of this year’s cornerback class, this could be a position the NY Giants target in the first three rounds.

Safeties

On the roster: Logan Ryan ($7 million), Jabrill Peppers ($6.77 million), Xavier McKinney ($1.9 million), Julian Love ($1.04 million).

Need: None

Ryan’s presence as a field general and locker room leader was instrumental to the NY Giants’ turnaround on defense last season, and he brought out the best of Peppers. Xavier McKinney has the potential to be a breakout star in 2021, and Love has flashed versatility to contribute at safety or at the nickel.

Special teams

On the roster: Graham Gano ($4.25 million), Riley Dixon ($2.92 million), Carson Tinker ($858,500), Ryan Santoso ($783,750).

Need: Minimal

Graham Gano had a Pro Bowl caliber season, despite not getting voted into the all-star game, and while Dixon disappointed, Santoso will have the opportunity to win the starting punter job out of training camp, if not before.

Matt Lombardo is the site expert for GMenHQ, and writes Between The Hash Marks each Wednesday for FanSided. Follow Matt on Twitter: @MattLombardoNFL.

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