With the NFL Draft wrapped up, the NY Giants have to start thinking about what their final roster could look like ahead of the 2024 season. As things currently stand, the Giants have more than 80 players on their roster (including new draft picks and UDFAs), so they have a ways to go until they get down to that magic 53.
There are some obvious choices for who could be released. However, some of our choices may surprise you a bit. Regardless, this is a realistic look at what the Giants' final 53-man roster could look like by Week 1.
Quarterbacks: Daniel Jones, Drew Lock and Tommy DeVito
This one was pretty simple, as, to the surprise of some, the Giants opted not to draft a rookie in this year's draft, leaving three quarterbacks on the roster. Given the injury history of Daniel Jones and the potential of Drew Lock and Tommy DeVito, it's very doubtful that the ladder two will be released unless Joe Schoen does something drastic before the start of the campaign.
We'll have to wait and see how the Giants' quarterback situation plays out. Jones may be the starter for now, but if he fails, we doubt it will take long before Brian Daboll looks to the bench to bring Lock in to play over Jones.
Running backs: Devin Singletary, Eric Gray andTyrone Tracy
Following the selection of Tyrone Tracy in the fifth round of this year's draft, this order of running backs seems most fitting. Devin Singletary is the clear RB1 of the Giants, and it will likely be both Tracy and Eric Gray splitting carries behind him. Given his playmaking and utility back potential, it's easy to see Tracy playing a big role this year and potentially becoming New York's RB2.
Gray had a very rough rookie season, but it's doubtful that Schoen will release his fifth-round pick from 2023 so soon. Unfortunately, this means guys like Gary Brightwell, Deon Jackson, and others won't make the cut. However, if Gray underperforms again, the door could open for any of their returns.
Wide receivers: Malik Nabers, Darius Slayton, Wan'Dale Robinson, Jalin Hyatt, Isaiah Hodgins, Isaiah McKenzie and Gunner Olszewski
Now, this may be a lot of receivers, but given the Giants' history of underperforming pass-catchers, they may need this many. Not to mention, Gunner Olszewski is only on the list for his special teams prowess, he won't be a prominent feature on New York's offense.
The only player who is at a real risk of being released is Isaiah McKenzie. However, given his connections to both Schoen and Daboll, and the lack of better options behind him, we think he'll be around by Week 1 unless there is a surprise performer in the preseason.
Tight ends: Daniel Bellinger, Theo Johnson and Jack Stoll
This is probably the first surprise of our predictions, but we really doubt Darren Waller will be around for the 2024 season. It's taken him far too long to commit and with the Giants selecting Theo Johnson in the fourth round, Schoen may be getting ready for life without Waller.
In this scenario, it looks like Daniel Bellinger will have to step up and be the TE1 for New York. Is he as dynamic as Waller? No, but he's shown flashes when given the opportunity to be more than a blocker for New York. Alongside him will be Johnson, an uber-athletic prospect with tons of potential. Together, these two could form an interesting duo that could help elevate the Giants offense without Waller.
Offensive line: Andrew Thomas, Aaron Stinnie, John Michael-Schmitz, Jon Runyan Jr., Evan Neal, Matt Nelson, Josh Ezeudu, Austin Schlottman, Jermaine Eluemunor and Marcus McKethan
Surprisingly, the Giants opted not to select a single offensive lineman in this year's draft, leaving them with veterans across the board and a couple of young guys with potential. However, it's looking like this selection of guys is what's most likely to be the final group heading into the season.
Perhaps Schoen could give up on Marcus McKethan, but the fact that he has starting experience helps his odds over other guys currently on the depth chart. This current unit essentially leaves the Giants with one starter and backup at each spot. However, we could see Schoen potentially trimming this down by a player or two to make room for other positions.
Defensive line: Dexter Lawrence, D.J. Davidson, Jordan Phillips, Rakeem Nunez-Roches and Jordon Riley
This is where things get a little unclear, as it's a little tough to tell whether or not a guy like Rakeem Nunez-Roches or even Jordon Riley could get cut. At this point in time, though, we believe this unit makes the most sense for the Giants. Not only does it put the best players on the field, but it keeps some versatility in the trenches.
The signing of UDFA Casey Rogers, a massive nose tackle from Oregon, could shake things up a bit. However, he'd really have to show out in training camp and the preseason for this to happen. Regardless, the Giants likely have their unit right here, with Dexter Lawrence of course leading things.
Linebackers: Bobby Okereke, Micah McFadden, Isaiah Simmons, Darius Muasau and Carter Coughlin
This goup shouldn't come as much of a surprise. Bobby Okereke and Micah McFadden are the clear starters, with Isaiah Simmons serving in a utility role, and rookie Darius Muasau rotating in and out. As for Carter Coughlin, he was kept to as a special teams guy, which is where he'll likely remain.
We would like to see Darrian Beavers potentially push for a roster spot, but unless he drastically improves his speed, this is unlikely to happen. So for now, it's looking like this is the most obvious inside linebacker unit for New York.
Edge-rushers: Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux, Azeez Ojulari and Boogie Basham
Similar to inside linebackers, there's really no other world where this isn't the unit heading into the season. Not only are the Giants finally stacked at the top with Brian Bruns and Kayvon Thibodeaux, but if he can remain healthy, Azeez Ojulari could be a serious threat off the bench. It was just two seasons ago where he racked up 5.5 sacks in seven games, an impressive feat.
A lot of this unit depends on whether or not Thibodeaux makes the leap to star. While his sacks numbers in 2023 were very impressive (11.5), he was still inconsistent, something he must work on. If Thibodeaux can find this consistency, he and Burns could form one of the best pass-rushing duos in the NFL.
Cornerbacks: Deonte Banks, Cor'Dale Flott, Andru Phillips, Tre Hawkins, Nick McCloud and Darnay Holmes
Safeties: Tyler Nubin, Jason Pinnock, Dane Belton and Gervarrius Owens
The Giants are faced with a tough situation at corner this season, as Deonte Banks is the only true starter they have. While Cor'Dale Flott or Tre Hawkins could make the jump, that's not guaranteed and New York could struggle at this position unless they make a trade or signing.
In terms of surprises, some may be shocked to see Aaron Robinson get released. However, he has played 11 games in three seasons, and with the mystery surrounding his injury from 2023, we doubt Schoen keeps wasting time hoping Robinson gets healthy enough to make an impact. Alongside this, releasing him gives New York roughly $1.3 million back in cap space. NY recently signed David Long Jr., who is entering Year 6 in the NFL. Could he steal a roster spot? It's tough to say.
For safeties, we could see Gervarrius Owens getting released in favor of a veteran like Jalen Mills, but neither will make a significant enough impact for it to really matter in the end. People are quite excited for second-round pick Tyler Nubin to make an impact. He should be a stud from Day 1 for this team.
Special teams: Graham Gano, Jamie Gillan and Casey Kreiter
No surprises here, as the Giants have found some stability across the board on special teams. Now, New York just has to hope Graham Gano doesn't suffer another injury, so we don't have to see the team go through another kicker crisis like they did last year.