The New York Giants have closed out their mandatory minicamp and have just two brief practices remaining before the conclusion of the offseason workout program and the start of summer break.
There has been a lot to digest over the last several weeks, including new arrivals, unexpected departures and a whole lot of roster position jockeying.
But just how substantial have some of the changes been? Enough to reshape our post-NFL Draft roster projections.
Let’s take a look:
Quarterbacks (3)
Eli Manning, Daniel Jones, Alex Tanney
Our quarterback projection remains unchanged, and we’ll stick to the belief that the Giants intend to keep Tanney as an extra veteran presence in the quarterbacks room.
That means Kyle Lauletta will be the eventual odd man out and potential trade bait, although he’s not likely to yield a substantial return.
The only remaining question is whether or not Jones begins the season as the No. 2 or No. 3.
Running backs (5)
Saquon Barkley, Wayne Gallman, Paul Perkins, Rod Smith, Eli Penny
The Giants keeping five running backs on their roster isn’t a decision many will like, but there’s quality talent and they seem to like Penny leading the way at fullback.
Rod Smith, a special teams ace, is the newest addition, having taken to place of Robert Martin, who was a surprise cut last month.
Perkins is arguably the most surprising addition to this list on offense, having managed to survive a Jerry Reese-era purge despite missing the 2018 season due to injury.
Wide receiver (5)
Sterling Shepard, Golden Tate, Corey Coleman, Cody Latimore, Darius Slayton
Little has changed here except the addition of Slayton, who we previously had projected landing on the practice squad. However, after a wildly impressive minicamp, he’s not only earning his way onto the 53-man roster, but has even gotten first-team looks.
The Giants may ultimately decide to keep six wide receivers, but for the time being, we’re going with these five as the safest bets.
Tight end (3)
Evan Engram, Rhett Ellison, C.J. Conrad
Again, little has changed at the top of the depth chart here, but rather than Scott Simonson, we’re now giving Conrad the nod as the team’s third tight end.
Like Slayton, Conrad started the offseason workout program with some rough practices, but then he erupted onto the scene throughout OTAs and minicamp, even earning some first-team reps late.
Offensive line (9)
Nate Solder, Will Hernandez, Jon Halapio, Kevin Zeitler, Chad Wheeler, Spencer Pulley, Chad Slade, George Asafo-Adjei, Mike Remmers
There are absolutely no changes to this projection other than finally being able to name Mike Remmers, who was expected to land a spot on the roster even before he was officially signed.
Meanwhile, an argument could be made for Brian Mihalik over Slade, but early on, we’re going to stick with Slade in the ninth and final spot.
All told, this unit is a dramatic improvement from the one lining the roster a season ago.
Defensive line (6)
B.J. Hill, Dalvin Tomlinson, Olsen Pierre, R.J. McIntosh, Dexter Lawrence, Chris Slayton
The Giants appear determined to use a multitude of formations and unique looks in 2019, so it seems imperative that we add a sixth defensive lineman to the roster.
That spot goes to rookie Chris Slayton, who has had a solid spring and provides defensive coordinator James Bettcher another option as part of the team’s rotation.
Linebackers (8)
Markus Golden, Kareem Martin, Lorenzo Carter, Alec Ogletree, B.J. Goodson, Ryan Connelly, Nate Stupar, Oshane Ximines
It was actually more difficult than you might think to trim this unit from nine to eight, but that came as the cost of inside linebacker Tae Davis.
Although it’s easy to picture Davis with a role, the impressive spring of Connelly made him more expendable. And with an added player along the defensive line, someone was going to draw the short straw.
Stupar remains because he’s an incredibly valuable special teams asset.
Cornerback (7)
Janoris Jenkins, Sam Beal, Grant Haley, Tony Lippett, Deandre Baker, Julian Love, Corey Ballentine
The Giants are suddenly stacked at cornerback and it’s hard to imagine them wanting to give up on anyone. It’s for that reason we’re going with seven at the position as opposed to six.
Initially, we had Antonio Hamilton making the roster, but the play of Lippett has swayed our opinion in recent weeks, ultimately leaving him with the final nod.
How the Giants will use all seven cornerbacks remains to be seen, but keeping all of that talent will prove to be the right decision once the inevitability of injuries kicks in.
Safeties (4)
Jabrill Peppers, Antoine Bethea, Michael Thomas, Sean Chandler
There are no changes to this unit and it’s hard to imagine a scenario in which these aren’t the exact four to make the team’s 53-man roster.
Peppers and Bethea will be the starters, but don’t overlook what Thomas brings to the table or the strides being made by Chandler, who had some legitimate “flash” moments a year ago.
Only an injury or injuries could lead to a change at the safety position.
Special teams (3)
Aldrick Rosas, Riley Dixon, Zak DeOssie
Easy peasy. Rosas is arguably one of the best kickers in the NFL, Dixon had a strong first season in blue and DeOssie continues to provide the Giants with unparalleled experience and leadership.
