Will we even keep 6? The 4 obvious locks are Nicks, Cruz, Randle and Murphy Jr.
It's starting to look like Barden may take the 5th WR spot by default but if Jernigan doesn't take hold of that 6th spot, I'm starting to think we might wind up looking at guys who eventually shake free from other rosters because there's really no one here who is making any sort of case. Hardy, Carlos, Talley, etc.. have all been fairly underwhelming from what I've seen.
It seemed like they wanted Jernigan to win one of the return jobs.. but Cox appears to be taking hold of the KR job and Hosley may wind up with the PR job.
The major reason why I guess Jernigan would have any shot at all at this point is because he's the only insurance for Cruz in the slot. We don't really have another primary slot guy. If he plays against the Jets, he'll probably see extensive playing time with Cruz on the shelf but if he fails to make an impression, I'm starting to think we'll be looking elsewhere for a 6th WR if we want to keep 6.
But Jernigan seems like he could be an average 4th WR, but he doesn't seem to get a lot of opportunities. Maybe he doesn't create the opportunities he needs though.
Another question: in the Colts game it seemed like Murphy was featured over Randle. Am I wrong? I have this dream that they're holding back Randle in preseason so that he can have a huge first few games.
I'm not saying that can't change in the next few weeks.. but as of right now, Barden is pretty clearly the 5th WR.
He looks awkward running his routes...almost clumsily. I think the only reason he gets open is because he's so big. Yet he can't seem to out jump anyone in the end zone or get open deep. But he's also too small to do anything you'd require from a TE.
Jernigan is only in his 2nd year. No way they let him go yet. I think Barden is gone.
Barden has two routes to the roster, and neither really puts him in direct competition with Jernigan. The long shot is that he beats out Murphy for a backup spot on the outside, which would make him active on game day. There seems little chance of him doing that, although I'm not sure Murphy is a total lock either. The more likely path to a roster spot for Barden is the one he followed last year: as a healthy inactive, kept around as injury insurance. In that role, his experience in the offense gives him a big edge over potential waiver claims or street free agents. The question remains whether the Giants can afford a roster spot for that purpose.
Breaston looked like a solid player a few years back. Not sure what happened there.
NJGiantFan84 : 11:06 am
was drafted to return punts. he has failed at that. play the slot. He has been eclipsed by Victor Cruz, who came from nowhere to emerge as the premier slot receiver in the NFL. I still think they keep Barden, but I don't expect he'll get much time and will likely be inactive often. Staying healthy at WR is key this season.
1. he does returns
2. he backs up Cruz in the slot
3. Barden lasted four years until he was cut, JJ isn't getting fewer chances
I'm rooting for both guys, but considering the situation along the DL, I think we'll probably only keep 5 WRs.
If we only keep 5, are we really letting a guy who can't be replaced go? I don't really see it that way.
Keeping 5 right off the bat is certainly a possibility.