The New York Giants turned over roughly 45 percent of their roster this offseason, and that includes the much-maligned release of cornerback James Bradberry.
By releasing Bradberry, the Giants turned one of their strengths into a weakness. They now lack an experienced outside cornerback opposite of Adoree’ Jackson and their depth took a hit as well.
Aaron Robinson played well throughout the offseason workout program and that’s provided some optimism, but it’s not enough. If either Jackson or Robinson go down injured in 2022, the Giants will quickly find themselves in a dire situation.
For that reason, Josh Edwards of CBS Sports recently named cornerback the Giants’ “biggest remaining need” over their equally thin group of tight ends and linebackers.
There were more potential shortcomings on the Giants’ roster than initially expected. Tight end is a bit scary post-Kyle Rudolph and Evan Engram. Linebacker and the interior offensive line are problematic. The team released James Bradberry after attempting and failing to trade him. Going into the draft, the impression was that the team had zeroed in on adding Cincinnati’s Sauce Gardner or LSU’s Derek Stingley Jr. to combat the eventual loss of Bradberry. Both prospects were gone before the Giants came on the clock. Adoree’ Jackson, who has dealt with injuries in the past, is going to be relied upon heavily. Aaron Robinson, Cordale Flott, Darnay Holmes and Jarren Williams are others competing for spots.
One should not be so quick to forget about Rodarius Williams, the 2021 sixth-round pick who flashed at times before tearing his ACL in Week 5. He may not be ready by training camp, but he’s another potential option when he returns.
Still, there’s little doubt the team is lacking on paper and on the field. But the good news is that roster cuts will bring a wave of free agents and some new options for the Giants to sift through. It may not be an ideal scenario, but no one said this latest rebuild was going to be easy.
