NY Giants Roster Projection 2.0: Who will make the final 53?

NY Giants running backs

In: Saquon Barkley, Matt Breida, Eric Gray
Out: James Robinson, Gary Brightwell, Jashuan Corbin

Barkley was a pass-catching weapon for Jones during the Detroit practices. Barkley is hungry and motivated. He has every incentive to ball in 2023, as he will become a free agent in 2024 and would like a significant payday from the Giants or another club.

Breida received just one carry in the preseason opener but is cemented as the Giants No. 2 running back. Gray, the Giants 2023 fifth-round pick, is also a roster lock. The rookie ran for nine yards on five attempts while hauling in 10 yards and two receptions. The Oklahoma product is also the top man on the depth chart as both punt returner and kick returner. Brightwell was the leading kick return man, but a recent injury has sidelined him and allowed Gray to steal essential reps. His injury is not thought to be long-term but is also not day-to-day. Robinson was given six carries and was only able to grab nine yards. He seems destined to get cut.

Corbin, a member of the Giants practice squad in 2022, shined in the fourth quarter. The Florida State product, who starred for the Giants last preseason, ran for 40 yards on three carries, including a 33-yard sprint down the sideline. He deserves more reps and a shot to crack the 53. According to The Athletic's Dan Duggan, Corbin received "more first-team reps than usual" during Monday's practice thanks to his strong preseason showing.

NY Giants wide receivers

In: Isaiah Hodgins, Darius Slayton, Parris Campbell Jr., Sterling Shepard, Wan'Dale Robinson, Jalin Hyatt, Cole Beasley
Out: Collin Johnson, Jamison Crowder, Bryce Ford-Wheaton, Kalil Pimpleton, David Sills V, Jaydon Mickens

Barring injury, Hodgins, Slayton, and Campbell Jr. will start the Giants opener against the Cowboys out wide. Robinson is expected to be activated from the PUP list this week and should be ready for the season opener. Hyatt played much of the first half vs. the Lions, received just one target, and recorded -4 yards in his first professional football action. Look for the Giants to get the camp standout the football in the final two preseason games.

Beasley feels like a roster lock now. Beasley caught four passes for 33 yards on Friday. He is a professional chain mover with gas left in the tank, despite not playing the majority of 2022. He was chatting with both Jones and Brian Daboll throughout the game. Shepard did not play but cooked Tre Hawkins during Monday's practice. Jones' favorite target still has it.

Johnson led the Giants onto the field on Friday night but suffered a knee injury early in the game and did not return. The 2022 preseason star has made multiple highlight reel plays this summer, but it appears the injury bug will once again keep him off the roster. Crowder looked good (two catches for 32 yards), but it is hard to see him jumping up the depth chart. The Giants would love to add the veteran to the practice squad and Ford-Wheaton, who was disappointing in Detroit.