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

NY Giants defensive line

In: Dexter Lawrence, Leonard Williams, A'Shawn Robinson, Rakeem Nunez-Roches, Jordon Riley, DJ Davidson
Out: Ryder Anderson, Kobe Smith, Brandin Bryant, Kevin Atkins

Lawrence and Williams are monstrous humans poised to destroy interior offensive lines all season. Robinson and Nunez-Roches add quality depth to the defensive line room, raising the D-line's ceiling to the best D-line in football.

Riley was among the biggest winners from the Giants joint practices in Michigan. He stood out during the practices and then flashed during Friday's loss. Riley, Big Blue's seventh-round pick in 2023, is a huge dude (6-5, 325 pounds). Despite being a rookie, Riley is the same age as Lawrence (25), which is part of the reason the Oregon product fell to round seven. Davidson was recently activated off the PUP list and should be a roster lock, as he was a 2022 fifth-rounder.

NY Giants outside linebackers

In: Kayvon Thibodeaux, Azeez Ojulari, Jihad Ward, Tomon Fox
Out: Oshane Ximines, Habakkuk Baldonado, Tashawn Bowser

None of that top three players on the Giants outside linebacker depth chart played on Friday (Thibodeaux, Ojulari, and Ward). That created a huge opportunity for Fox, Ximines, Baldonado, and Bowser to prove their worth.

No player stepped up more than Fox. Fox showed an incredible burst off the edge on the game's first play and hit Lions QB Nate Sudfeld, which led to an easy Jason Pinnock interception. Fox made the roster last summer with a huge forced fumble hit stick to end a preseason game and may have stolen a spot with another huge hit.

Ximines really disappointed, failing to set the edge on the run on numerous plays. Ximines recorded the worst PFF grade amongst the four OLBs who suited up for Big Blue. Baldonado made his presence known, recording a sack and two tackles. Bowser is one to watch for the rest of the summer, as he quietly recorded four tackles (tied for most on the team), one batted ball, and two hurries.