The New York Giants kick off their preseason schedule on Friday night against the Detroit Lions. That means it’s just a few short weeks before final cuts are made and the initial 53-man roster is established.
With the team deep at some positions and thin at others, some difficult decisions will have to be made courtesy of general manager Joe Schoen & Co. Due to that lack of balance, the Giants may be forced to load up at some positions and run on a deficit at others.
With all of that in mind, here’s an early preseason 53-man roster prediction courtesy of Giants Wire:
Quarterback (2)
Starter: Daniel Jones
Backup: Tyrod Taylor
Analysis: Although both Jones and Taylor have a history of injury, it’s unlikely the Giants keep a third quarterback on their 53-man roster despite the new emergency QB rule. There’s a greater premium at other positions.
Running back (4)
Starter: Saquon Barkley
Others: Matt Breida, Gary Brightwell, Eric Gray (R)
Analysis: Brightwell gets the nod over James Robinson and some others due to his prowess in special teams.
Wide receiver (7)
Starters: Isaiah Hodgins, Parris Campbell, Darius Slayton
Others: Jalin Hyatt (R), Sterling Shepard, Wan’Dale Robinson, Jamison Crowder
Analysis: It was initially believed that Wan’Dale Robinson would start the season on PUP but that no longer appears to be the case, forcing us to change this projection. That makes Beasley a tough cut.
Tight end (3)
Starters: Darren Waller, Daniel Bellinger
Others: Lawrence Cager
Analysis: Tommy Sweeney could get the nod over Cager if the Giants place a greater emphasis on blocking. However, Cager is very athletic and would provide the team a sleeper target.
Offensive line (9)
Starters: Andrew Thomas, Ben Bredeson, John Michael Schmitz (R), Mark Glowinski, Evan Neal
Others: Joshua Ezeudu, Shane Lemieux, Tyre Phillips, Marcus McKethan
Analysis: Phillips is performing well thus far in camp and has some versatility the Giants like. Wyatt Davis could be a sleeper and even Matt Peart could possible sneak in but for now, we’re going with these nine and McKethan gets the final spot.
Defensive line (5)
Starters: Leonard Williams, Dexter Lawrence
Others: A’Shawn Robinson, D.J. Davidson, Rakeem Nunez-Roches
Analysis: Jordon Riley is a big body but needs to develop. He’s likely to end up on the practice squad with the possibility of being elevated on gameday.
Inside linebacker (4)
Starters: Bobby Okereke, Micah McFadden
Others: Darrian Beavers, Cam Brown
Analysis: Carter Coughlin could also make the initial 53-man roster if the Giants trim numbers at another position but for now, we’re going with just four at ILB. Brown gets the nod because he’s a special teams standout.
Outside linebacker (5)
Starters: Kayvon Thibodeaux, Azeez Ojulari
Others: Jihad Ward, Oshane Ximines, Tomon Fox
Analysis: The Giants could sign another edge rusher once cuts begin but as far as their initial 53, it’s likely to be these five who get the call. Fox may end up on the practice squad at some point.
Cornerback (6)
Starters: Adoree’ Jackson, Deonte Banks (R), Cor’Dale Flott
Others: Tre Hawkins (R), Aaron Robinson, Nick McCloud
Analysis: Darnay Holmes has worked his tail off this offseason but with Hawkins performing at a high level and Banks improving, the Giants have moved Jackson into the slot at times. If that continues, the team can afford to trim a roster spot here (Holmes) and add it back elsewhere.
Safety (5)
Starters: Xavier McKinney, Jason Pinnock
Others: Dane Belton, Gevarrius Owens (R), Bobby McCain
Analysis: Owens could end up on the practice squad, allowing the Giants to carry an extra body at another position. However, for now, we’ve got him making the initial 53-man roster.
Specialists (3)
Kicker: Graham Gano
Punter: Jamie Gillan
Long snapper: Casey Kreiter
Analysis: This doesn’t really need much explanation. Same trio as a year ago with Gillan showing some early improvement in camp.
