NY Giants 53-man roster projections from the first week of training camp
By Zak Musso
NY Giants cornerbacks
In: Adoree' Jackson, Deonte Banks, Cordale Flott, Tre Hawkins III, Aaron Robinson, Nick McCloud
Out: Darnay Holmes, Amani Oruwariye, Zyon Gilbert, Germon Green, Rodarius Williams, Alex Cook, Darren Evans
The Giants have a very young cornerback group. Jackson is still the leader of the pack, but two 2023 Giants draft picks have gotten all the headlines. Big Blue’s first-round draft pick, Banks, has been in the headlines but for the wrong reasons, as he has gotten torched early on. Giants fans shouldn’t be concerned, as Banks has gotten thrown right into the fire, squaring off against the Giants first-team offense.
Hawkins, the Giants sixth-round pick, has been a camp standout, displaying his off-the-charts athleticism. Big Blue has been so impressed with Hawkins that they are considering moving him to play with the first-team defense.
Flott has outplayed Holmes so far, and he is the most realistic option to start the season in the slot. Robinson is on the PUP list, but should find his way back onto the roster, due to his versatility to play on the inside and the outside. After all, before he got hurt in 2022, Robinson likely would have been a starting corner.
NY Giants safeties
In: Xavier McKinney, Bobby McCain, Jason Pinnock, Gervarrius Owens, Dane Belton
Out: Trenton Thompson, Alex Cook
Xavier McKinney is one of the leaders of the Giants defense, and could be next in line for a big payday. Pinnock made a highlight-reel interception on Sunday, and is the leading candidate to start alongside McKinney. McCain, a veteran offseason signee, is his main competition. Belton struggled immensely as a rookie in 2022, but has a chance to re-write the narrative this summer.
NY Giants specialists
In: Graham Gano (K), Jamie Gillan (P), Casey Kreiter (LS)
Out: Cameron Lyons (LS)
Gano is one of the best kickers in the league, and seemingly continues to get better every year. Kreiter should return as the long snapper. Gillan, also known as the "Scottish Hammer," is coming off a rough 2023. He's set to be the starting punter, but he really needs to showcase improved play this fall and winter.
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