Most NFL coaches will agree that having to cut multiple players to get the roster to 53 players is one of the harder things they have to do. For some, this may have been their last opportunity to ever practice or play with an NFL team again.
Others find themselves back on the practice squad or possibly catching the eye of another organization for an opportunity. Regardless, cutting a player who you’ve built a connection and relationship with will never be easy, but it’s a viscous cycle that happens every year.
On Wednesday, the NY Giants released their initial 53-man roster. It is subject to change with players being placed on the IR and others being cut and waived from the practice squad. Injury concerns are lingering for some, though it should not affect the team’s game for Week 1. Next, we’ll look at four of the best decisions that Joe Schoen made with the Giants 53-man roster.
4. Depth on the offensive line
The 2021 NY Giants offensive line was ranked 30th in the league last season. Offseason signings and the draft have brought in new faces, who the team is hoping will make a big impact. Big Blue’s o-line last season was LT Andrew Thomas, LG Matt Skura, C Billy Price, RG Will Hernandez, and RT Nate Solder.
With Shane Lemieux on the IR, leaving him out for at least four weeks, that means the Giants will have four new starters on the offensive line to start the 2022 season.
Andrew Thomas who was voted captain for the Giants this season, is also the only returning starter to the line. New York has struggled tremendously in the past with consistently having the same five starters week after week. Starters for the offensive line will most likely be LT Andrew Thomas, LG Devery Hamilton, C Jon Feliciano, RG Mark Glowinski, RT Evan Neal.
The right side of the line got a huge upgrade, replacing Hernandez with Glowinski and Solder for Neal. Nick Gates, however, is still fighting back from a serious leg injury he suffered in Week 2 of last season. That is why Joe Schoen recruited Feliciano to come to the Giants with him from Buffalo. If this group can find a way to stay healthy and be out there week after week, this would be a huge improvement from what the team has seen in seasons past.
3. Keeping TE/FB Chris Myarick
A roster spot is a roster spot, no matter how you get it. Maybe you make it because a spot opens up due to injury. Or you could be Chris Myarick, who started training camp and preseason as a tight end, and has recently found himself getting reps at fullback.
He’s entering his third NFL season, and chances are he was not going to make the team as a tight-end with rookie Daniel Bellinger and Tanner Hudson as TE1 and TE2. That forced Myarick to make a tough decision.
Initially, the offense did not have a fullback implemented. Myarick’s ability to run and pass block, along with his tight-end skills, make him a versatile fullback for the Giants. A comparison that comes to mind is Kyle Jusczcyk from the 49ers, who’s made a great career being a fullback. He’s made the Pro Bowl every season since 2016.
Chris Myarick is nowhere close to being Kyle Jusczcyk, let’s get that straight. But there is room for him to grow at fullback, and maybe he’ll catch on quickly. It could turn out to be a great decision for him.
2. Keeping the right WRs on the roster
The Giants kept seven WRs on their 53-man roster, with others on the practice squad if anyone is lost for significant time. New York kept Kenny Golladay, Richie James, Wan’Dale Robinson, Sterling Shepard, David Sills V, Darius Slayton, and Kadarius Toney. Both James and Slayton were on the chopping block, but it was in the best interest of the Giants to keep them.
Giants have gotten trade inquiries on WR Darius Slayton, per source. One more name to watch in a busy week of moves.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 29, 2022
Darius Slayton is a player whose name has also been up for trade as well. As a fifth-round pick in 2019, the Giants may not get any value back in a possible trade. If he is kept, Slayton’s targets will likely fall again, leading to a possible in-season trade. Or he could overcome adversity and find a role again in the NY Giants offense. Richie James was close to being cut, but he may have been saved by CJ Board’s rib injury.
This left the Giants in need of another player capable of returning the ball on punts and kickoffs. James was that guy.
A lot is expected this season from the Giants WRs. Kenny Golladay had a disappointing 2021 season, Kadarius Toney was incredible when he was healthy, and Wan’Dale Robinson looks to be an explosive part of the offense.
1. Only keeping two QBs on the roster
Joe Schoen made a great decision in only keeping two QBs on the 53-man roster. All teams have intentions of their starter being in at all times, and the backup is simply there for insurance. That’s likely the reason why the Giants did not keep third-string QB Davis Webb on the active roster, but signed him back to the practice squad instead. Webb had an outstanding preseason for the Giants, leading the team to two comeback victories, and his presence will be invaluable. But probably not on the field.
Daniel Jones is the starter heading into 2022, but don’t be surprised to see Tyrod Taylor make an appearance if Jones can’t handle the pressure. It’s a make-or-break season for Daniel Jones, and he has to play at an elite level if he plans on playing QB for the Giants in future seasons.
The NFL season will begin on Thursday when the Bills and Rams meet on Thursday Night Football. Big Blue’s season will begin that Sunday, Sept. 11, with NY on the road to face the Titans at 4:25. It’s about to become the best time of the year. Football season!
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