The New York Giants are mid-way through training camp with their first preseason game just around the bend, and to say some things have changed since the conclusion of mini-camp would be a bit of an understatement.
There have been a lot of moving parts for the Giants, highlighted primarily by injury and suspension, which has altered their projected 53-man roster somewhat significantly.
Let’s take a look at our update projections:
Quarterbacks (3)
Eli Manning, Daniel Jones, Alex Tanney
We’re going to stick with Manning, Jones and Tanney for now, but make no mistake about it, Kyle Lauletta has improved and is not going to go quietly into the night.
Ultimately, we feel the Giants will keep Tanney’s because of his veteran experience and leadership as opposed to carrying two inexperienced quarterbacks behind Manning. We also don’t expect them to use an additional spot to carry four quarterbacks, even though head coach Pat Shurmur won’t rule it out.
Running backs (4)
Saquon Barkley, Wayne Gallman, Paul Perkins, Rod Smith
Previously, we had Eli Penny on this list, but given Rod Smith’s increased snaps at the fullback position coupled with his special teams prowess, it’s entirely possible the Giants go with him in a multi-tool-like role, clearing an additional spot on their 53-man roster for someone else.
Also, don’t sleep on Perkins taking over the No. 2 role behind Barkley.
Wide receiver (6)
Sterling Shepard, T.J. Jones, Russell Shepard, Cody Latimore, Bennie Fowler, Darius Slayton
Because Tate will be suspended to start the season, it’s likely the Giants keep six receivers coming out of the preseason. Tate, of course, will not count against the 53-man roster until his suspension is lifted.
Russell Shepard has played well enough and taken on enough of a leadership role to earn a spot on the roster, which can also be said about Fowler. Alonzo Russell is also making a case, but may be the odd-man out.
Tight end (3)
Evan Engram, Rhett Ellison, C.J. Conrad
Nothing changes here. Engram and Ellison are clearly No. 1 and No. 2 at the position, while Conrad has maintained his high level of play, earning the respect and admiration of his coaches and teammates.
However, don’t rule out the Giants keeping a fourth tight end.
Offensive line (9)
Nate Solder, Will Hernandez, Jon Halapio, Kevin Zeitler, Chad Wheeler, Spencer Pulley, Nick Gates, George Asafo-Adjei, Mike Remmers
Most of our early offensive line projections remain in place, but we’re giving Nick Gates the green light in our sole change here, although it’s entirely possible that Brian Mihalik also beats out Chad Wheeler.
Beyond the projected starting five and Pulley, there’s a lot of open space and uncertainty. Everything is still pretty much up for grabs.
Defensive line (6)
B.J. Hill, Dalvin Tomlinson, Olsen Pierre, R.J. McIntosh, Dexter Lawrence, Chris Slayton
We didn’t make a single change here although it’s possible Slayton doesn’t make the 53-man roster. He’s been relatively quiet at camp, which can be viewed either positively or negatively, but either way, his spot is the only uncertain one.
Linebackers (8)
Markus Golden, Kareem Martin, Lorenzo Carter, Alec Ogletree, Tae Davis, Ryan Connelly, Nate Stupar, Oshane Ximines
We’ve wavered on B.J. Goodson and Tae Davis in recent months, but there’s no denying how much Davis has stepped up since the spring. He’s stood out frequently this summer and has apparently leaped Goodson on the depth chart.
This time around, it’s Goodson, who has been taking third-team reps, who’s on the outside looking in.
The rest of this unit remains unchanged.
Cornerback (7)
Janoris Jenkins, Sam Beal, Grant Haley, Antonio Hamilton, Deandre Baker, Julian Love, Corey Ballentine
Tony Lippett is no longer on the team, so he’s replaced by Antonio Hamilton, who has been quite a surprise thus far in camp. He seems to make one or two outstanding plays per practice and above all else, he stays relatively healthy.
Moving forward, Beal is the one who really needs to make some waves, having missed the majority of spring and summer practices with injury. If that doesn’t change, he could be destined for IR yet again.
Also, watch out for Jake Carlock as part of this group come Week 1. We’ll have more on him shortly — he’s just barely missing the cut.
Safeties (4)
Jabrill Peppers, Antoine Bethea, Michael Thomas, Sean Chandler
Julian Love’s ability to play both cornerback and safety could lead the Giants to keep just three safeties on their 53-man roster, but we’ll need to see a bit more out of Love before we remove Chandler from this list.
Special teams (3)
Aldrick Rosas, Riley Dixon, Zak DeOssie
There’s no change here at the moment, but as heartbreaking as it might ultimately be, DeOssie’s time with the Giants could be coming to an end.
The position-less Jake Carlock has become a Swiss Army Knife for the Giants, playing EDGE, linebacker, safety and long-snapper. And assuming he can round his snapping into pristine shape, he could oust DeOssie because of his ability to play multiple positions.
