The preseason is in the books, and let’s just say this isn’t the same New York Giants team fans have been dragging through the mud for the past few years. Three games, three wins. The G-Men didn’t just sneak by either. They outscored their opponents 107-47 and flat-out embarrassed the Patriots in the finale. Fun times all around.
But fun doesn’t last forever. Now it’s officially roster cut time, and Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll have until Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. to trim the roster from 90 players to 53. Most of the decisions were made before Thursday’s kickoff, but a few spots are still coming down to the wire.
There’s no one-size-fits-all way to build a 53. Injuries, contract hits, special teams value, locker room fit... it's all part of the equation. But based on everything from camp to the final whistle of the preseason, this feels like the most accurate version of what fans should see on Week 1.
Giants solidify 53-man roster in final prediction after preseason finale vs Patriots
Quarterbacks (3): Russell Wilson, Jaxson Dart, Jameis Winston
Russell Wilson is locked in as the starter for now, but the real buzz surrounds Jaxson Dart. The rookie impressed throughout camp and the preseason, showing exactly why the Giants traded up to get him in the first place. No one had a more electric or better preseason than Dart. He looked every bit of this team's next franchise QB.
Jameis Winston provides a steady veteran presence, but it's Dart who has nudged his way into the backup conversation for QB2. Tommy DeVito is the odd man out, and unless he clears waivers, Tommy Cutlet's incredible story with the Giants might be over.
Running backs (4): Tyrone Tracy Jr., Devin Singletary, Cam Skattebo, Dante "Turbo" Miller
Four running backs? Yup. Tyrone Tracy Jr. leads a fresh-looking backfield, while Devin Singletary adds experience to the group. Cam Skattebo’s late return from injury secured his spot, eliminating any speculation about an IR stash. Dante "Turbo" Miller earned his way to a spot, thanks largely to standout special teams play and flashes as a versatile weapon.
Wide receivers (6): Malik Nabers, Darius Slayton, Wan'Dale Robinson, Jalin Hyatt, Beaux Collins, Gunner Olszewski
Superstar Malik Nabers headlines a deeper receiver room than you'd think, and Darius Slayton and Wan'Dale Robinson round out a strong starting trio. Jalin Hyatt’s inconsistent summer didn’t knock him off the roster, but he’ll need to find rhythm soon. He just needs to finish plays and catch the ball.
Beaux Collins turned heads in camp and fits well as a depth piece, while Gunner Olszewski makes the cut primarily for return duties. His experience adds value on special teams, even if his offensive snaps are limited. Although if the preseason was any indication, he might just become an offensive weapon after all.
Tight ends (4): Theo Johnson, Chris Manhertz, Thomas Fidone II, Daniel Bellinger
Theo Johnson enters as TE1, with Chris Manhertz expected to serve in a blocking-heavy role. Thomas Fidone II flashed enough potential to warrant a roster spot despite being a seventh-rounder — the team shouldn't risk losing him by releasing him.
Daniel Bellinger’s versatility keeps him in the mix for now, though the team may look into sending him elsewhere to recoup some assets. Greg Dulcich's hot preseason doesn't carry over into the 53 solely because he's a glorified receiver. He offers little to nothing outside of being a receiver threat, something Big Blue just doesn't need.
Offensive line: (10): Andrew Thomas, Jon Runyan Jr., Greg Van Roten, John Michael Schmitz, Jermaine Eluemunor, Evan Neal, Marcus Mbow, Joshua Ezeudu, James Hudson III, Austin Schlottman
There’s finally some semblance of stability along the line, and Andrew Thomas being activated is a massive boost. The projected starting five looks set, with Runyan, Schmitz, Van Roten, and Eluemunor rounding out the unit.
Depth-wise, there’s more to like than in recent years. Mbow and Hudson give them tackle insurance, and Ezeudu’s improvement has been something to note. He might just be turning a corner. The biggest loser is Evan Neal, whose position change couldn't mask that he's not a starting-caliber lineman.
Defensive tackles (5): Dexter Lawrence, Rakeem Nuñez-Roches, Elijah Chatman, Roy Roberston-Harris, Darius Alexander
Dexter Lawrence remains the heartbeat of the interior, with Robertson-Harris joining as a reliable veteran. Chatman adds some versatility, even moonlighting as the team's fullback.
Rakeem Nuñez-Roches and Darius Alexander round out a unit that looks deeper and more balanced heading into Week 1. D.J. Davidson misses the cut here despite a solid showing. Perhaps he can make his way to the practice squad when it's all said and done.
Defensive ends (4): Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux, Abdul Carter, Chauncey Golston
This group looks like a strength, and feels pretty easy to predict. Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux will do the heavy lifting, with Abdul Carter getting a real shot as a rotational presence early. If he shows anything close to what he did against the Bills, he'll be competing for more reps instantly.
Chauncey Golston rounds out the unit, in what could be the most-feared pass-rushing unit in the entire NFL.
Linebackers (4): Bobby Okereke, Micah McFadden, Darius Muasau, Chris Board
The inside linebacker room is defined by steady experience. Okereke and McFadden are penciled in to lead the way, but Muasau could see significant rotational work due to his impressive preseason performances. He'll be a name to watch throughout 2025.
Chris Board’s value on special teams is what ensures his spot here. There’s minimal flash but plenty of reliability in this group.
Cornerbacks (6): Paulson Adebo, Deonte Banks, Dru Phillips, Cor'Dale Flott, Nic Jones, Tre Hawkins III
With the CB2 battle unresolved, Flott seems to be trending toward winning that role. Banks missed time late in the preseason, opening the door for Flott to shine.
Dru Phillips locks down the nickel duties, and Adebo offers the veteran leadership required of CB1. Tre Hawkins and Nic Jones bring depth and special teams utility. New York's seventh-round pick, Korie Black, becomes the first-ever Joe Schoen draft pick not to make the roster. He'll get some much-needed reps on the practice squad.
Safeties (4): Jevón Holland, Tyler Nubin, Dane Belton, Raheem Layne
The G-Men get some stability with Jevón Holland and Tyler Nubin expected to start. Dane Belton offers hybrid versatility and can rotate in as a box player. He's had himself quite the camp, consistently turning the ball over — something this team was allergic to last season.
Raheem Layne hangs on as the fourth safety, after beating out undrafted rookie Makari Paige. The Giants may still eye the waiver wire, but this group feels fairly locked.
Specialists (3): Graham Gano, Jamie Gillan, Casey Kreiter
Nothing new here. Graham Gano, Jamir Gillan, and Casey Kreiter are running it back together for another season.
The unit looked sharp throughout camp, and Gano appears fully recovered from previous injury concerns (three 50-plus field goals, anyone). It’s the easiest position group to project for sure.