The 2023 preseason is now officially over for the New York Giants and decisions on roster cuts begin. They have until 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday to trim their roster to 53 players and those decisions could start immediately.
It’s clear the Giants are deeper at some positions than others, so there may be a lack of balance in certain areas. But waiver claims will come shortly after the Tuesday deadline and swaps will undoubtedly be made.
With all of that in mind, here’s a Giants 53-man roster prediction with the preseason having been closed out:
Quarterback (2)
Starter: Daniel Jones
Backup: Tyrod Taylor
Analysis: Tommy DeVito really opened some eyes this summer and the Giants may be nervous about him clearing waivers, but there’s no chance they carry three quarterbacks on the roster. Ideally, they find a way to keep DeVito around.
Running back (4)
Starter: Saquon Barkley
Others: Matt Breida, Eric Gray (R), Jashaun Corbin
Analysis: Gary Brightwell hasn’t been able to get back onto the field and with cuts looming, he may be destined to start the season on IR. Accordingly, Jashaun Corbin earns the final spot here.
Wide receiver (7)
Starters: Isaiah Hodgins, Parris Campbell, Darius Slayton
Others: Jalin Hyatt (R), Sterling Shepard, Wan’Dale Robinson, Cole Beasley
Analysis: We most recently had the Giants carrying eight wide receivers, including Bryce Ford-Wheaton, but after his injury on Saturday night, the rookie may be headed to IR. That could be good news for him in the long run (if his injury is minor) as positions were limited. If Robinson ends up starting the year on PUP, we could still see the Giants carry seven receivers with Collin Johnson likely grabbing that final spot.
Tight end (3)
Starters: Darren Waller, Daniel Bellinger
Others: Lawrence Cager
Analysis: Tommy Sweeney had a terrifying “medical event” this past week in practice and his future is murky — not as it relates to the roster, but as it relates to his long-term health. Expect him to start the year on IR. Hopefully, he gets well in short order.
Offensive line (9)
Starters: Andrew Thomas, Ben Bredeson, John Michael Schmitz (R), Mark Glowinski, Evan Neal
Others: Joshua Ezeudu, Tyre Phillips, Shane Lemieux, Matt Peart
Analysis: Peart is really on the edge of losing his job and may see that end once waiver claims are made. In this instance, he makes the initial 53-man roster but could be off the team 24 hours after that. Lemieux also secures a spot after a strong performance against the Jets.
Defensive line (5)
Starters: Leonard Williams, Dexter Lawrence
Others: A’Shawn Robinson, Jordon Riley (R), Rakeem Nunez-Roches
Analysis: Nothing changes here. This seems like a really solid five-player group with all likely to make an impact this coming season. D.J. Davidson is a tough cut but likely lands back on the practice squad.
Inside linebacker (4)
Starters: Bobby Okereke, Micah McFadden
Others: Darrian Beavers, Carter Coughlin
Analysis: Cam Brown remains a tough release due to his prowess on special teams but Coughlin has absolutely earned the job. He can contribute on specials and step in defensively. He has shown significant improvement this summer.
Outside linebacker (5)
Starters: Kayvon Thibodeaux, Azeez Ojulari
Others: Jihad Ward, Tomon Fox, Isaiah Simmons
Analysis: Oshane Ximines gets his pink slip after an underwhelming preseason. He still has a ton of potential but just can’t seem to realize it and the addition of Simmons makes him expendable.
Cornerback (6)
Starters: Deonte Banks (R), Tre Hawkins (R), Adoree’ Jackson
Others: Darnay Holmes, Cor’Dale Flott, Amani Oruwariye
Analysis: The only thing that changes here is that Hawkins moves into a starting role alongside Banks with Jackson shifted into the slot. Flott has proven he may be more valuable outside as well, so these six give the Giants some good balance. A few listed safeties can also play cornerback, while Isaiah Simmons can also play safety when needed.
Oruwariye may be gone after waiver claims, too.
Safety (5)
Starters: Xavier McKinney, Jason Pinnock
Others: Dane Belton, Nick McCloud, Gervarrius Owens (R)
Analysis: Bobby McCain’s injury on Saturday night may have sealed his fate. He’s currently in concussion protocol and may not be cleared in time for Week 1, so it’s possible he sticks but on IR. As noted previously, McCloud can also step in at cornerback when needed.
Specialists (3)
Kicker: Graham Gano
Punter: Jamie Gillan
Long snapper: Casey Kreiter
Analysis: Nothing to see here.
