My stab at the 53

I can see Taylor beating out Wynn.

In comment 13508984 Ed A. said:

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I can see Taylor beating out Wynn.

I could see that too. It was one of several choices that were toss-ups.

I can see Abdullah beating out Darkwa and Powe beating out Harris (Rudolph looks good returning punts).
However, your overall effort is pretty good.

This silly ritual puts the competition at each position going forward in perspective. Any debate over your choices is food for thought and fans being fans.

This is supposedly what the teams do first.

King makes it.

nygirlie said:

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This is supposedly what the teams do first.

Not a bad approach, but...
1) I think you mean 46.
2) The inactive list is a bit more complicated than just the bottom seven players on the roster. It's just as often determined by injuries.
3) You have to consider quirks like the QB situation: Webb is a mortal lock to make the team (unlike Smith or Johnson), but if either of the vets is on the final 53, Webb might never dress. Tavarres King could be another oddity: Even if he's the primary backup to Beckham, he might not dress until injuries hit, because guys like Harris and Lewis are more useful on specials.

Those spots could go to a receiver and a defensive lineman, especially if: a) both gunners are WRs; and b) Tomlinson and Moss aren't ready for significant roles. Those both seem like very plausible conditions. Overall, though, this list is a good basis for discussion.

Over Amos (will likely stick on PS) or Behre (injury questions). Looked good in camp, can play special teams, and offers size to play S or LB. I also just don't see LaCosse making it unless he looks better at FB than someone like Shane Smith. Unlike last year I think we are going with a real FB this year. I would not be surprised if Darkwa was cut to give a roster spot to someone like King.

Over a 6th WR. They usually dress 5 WR so when one gets nicked you're shuffling you game day numbers. Otherwise, that's right on target, I think.

makes the 53, serving as the dime back / 3 safety look

DRC Apple JJ; Johnson Thompson Collins ... oh the possibilities.

I think that group could quickly turn into a strength [big fan of adams/lacosse]

4 TE, 1 FB, 2 QB?

I'd think gettis has a leg up due to his tenure in the system over wheeler. Can see wheeler on the PS. Also id think the geno / josh competition in camp and preseason will be interesting to watch.

Powe, King, or Lewis off our practice squad. Sorry. They made some good plays last season, but none of those guys convinced me that they are NFL starter material.

I think we may have a FB this year. I think that there are two FBs on our roster because 1. it adds variety to our offensive sets, 2. Ellison can't be in two places at once on third and inches (and the other 3 TEs have yet to demonstrate great blocking skills), and 3. One of those FBs may be more effective in the backfield than when Ellison sets as a HB.

with Powe and King making it. Rudolph to PS.

malslayer said:

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I'd think gettis has a leg up due to his tenure in the system over wheeler. Can see wheeler on the PS.

Gettis's problem remains the same as it has been since he joined the Giants: he might be the second-best LG on the team, but he is highly questionable anywhere else - despite efforts to expand his skill set, e.g. with snaps at center. So he is a nice guy to have around, as insurance against Pugh getting hurt again and/or walking for big money in 2018. On the other hand, it's difficult to dedicate a roster spot to a backup lineman who turns 29 in December and offers little versatility or upside.

Ihnecho for Berhre so they have some experience at S should they run into injury there.

Just may not go with 6 lbs given the competition at some of the other positions and the fact that we rarely have more than two on the field at any one time?.

If the #6 wr can play decently on ST that might be the edge over someone like Herzlich.

I might opt for Pinkins over M Thompson since Pinkins shined on ST and also has the versatility to play S, CB and LB

,

Smith or - less likely - Huesman could make the decision much easier by shining on special teams. I'm sure McAdoo and Sullivan would like to carry a true FB. The challenge is devoting not just a roster spot but also a weekly active slot to a player who might only be on the field for about ten offensive snaps each game. (That's based on the average in 2014 and 2015, when McAdoo had a fullback at his disposal, albeit not a particularly good one.) Having a TE or OL take those snaps isn't ideal, but how much better is Smith likely to lead-block on a given running play than, say, Jones or a TE? Does the difference justify the cost?

for a handful of plays also tells the opposing DC that you are running the ball which is not helpful

In comment 13509067 malslayer said:

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I'd think gettis has a leg up due to his tenure in the system over wheeler. Can see wheeler on the PS. Also id think the geno / josh competition in camp and preseason will be interesting to watch.

wheeler likely doesn't last on the practice squad ... I'm expecting he either makes the 53 or theres a random "serious injury" at the end of summer that sends him to IR ...

In comment 13509180 ChicagoMarty said:

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for a handful of plays also tells the opposing DC that you are running the ball which is not helpful

that personnel coupled with a playaction pass ... now wouldn't that be something?

due to his speed and experience combo, especially in case of a Becks injury, you need that piece.

IMHO Wynn and Tye keepers as well as veterans who are tough, don't get injured and know the system.

You make room for Tye by either making him FB or loosing one WR (since EE does it all, title is not a thing).

The best case, from the team's point of view, might be to use one of the veteran PS slots on him again - assuming that rule has been renewed through 2017. If Pugh gets hurt in a game, you try to survive the day with Jones or the other dressed backup. If the injury lingers, Gettis is promoted and steps right into the lineup the following week. The arrangement isn't great for Gettis's wallet, and the team risks losing him if another team needs a left guard. But it's an option.

In comment 13509167 gtt350 said:

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1. adds much needed roster flexibility to the 53
2. the season is over if Eli goes down anyway
3. I'm a big believer in "trial by fire". giving Geno/JJ regular season reps does nothing for this franchise. Get Webb reps if disaster strikes - while keeping an extra TE/WR/DB/OL prospect

As a base 3 WR offense I don't see any way we keep only 5 WRs. I think we'll have to use the Practice Squad carefully - I can see only 8 OL and call Wheeler up if needed. Perhaps Halapio or Dunker, too, if they show well.

Wynn vs. Taylor vs. Owa will be interesting too. Run defender vs. pass rusher vs. untapped upside.

Pinkins sticks as more versatile than Skinner. He can play OLB, S and CB and legit on teams. Very physical and explosive.

Also see Deayon back to the PS as another DB in the fold who knows the system in an emergency.

annexOPR said:

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Wheeler likely doesn't last on the practice squad ... I'm expecting he either makes the 53 or there's a random "serious injury" at the end of summer that sends him to IR...

In a weak offensive line class, Wheeler sat on the board through 253 picks. Yes, he got $30K in cash - not bad for a UDFA - but that's still less than half the bonus given to the last selection in the draft, Chad Kelly. With a checkered medical history and a disastrous Combine on his resume, Wheeler isn't a player any NFL team is likely to claim on waivers, after passing on him an average of eight times in the Draft. If claimed, he would tie up a roster spot while learning a new system, with all of his negatives still intact.

Obviously, a great pre-season could vault Wheeler into contention for the swing tackle job. I just don't see a need to "hide" him on IR, and waste a year of salary control, if he doesn't make the team.

they let QBs Johnson and Smith go but tell them to stay in shape and near the phone. That frees up a roster spot and at least one will still be on the street if needed (hell, I'd put Webb in before either of them anyway).

We are not keeping a FB just to run play action

add either one WR or RB for special teams.

In comment 13509240 ChicagoMarty said:

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We are not keeping a FB just to run play action

it only works when you have the threat of a running game which a capable blocker would improve - in theory

also, the "FB is on the field = run" mentality would make the playaction even more effective ...

continues.....

I think our 4th RB is not on the roster yet.....

Would love to save a roster spot with only two QB's....

I think we only carry 3 TE's....

We need a FB.....

we could add another LB or DB from other team's cuts....

if lacosse is healthy

Ellison can be the FB/HB/TE hybrid.- they paid him accordingly

Doomster said:

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continues...

What lovefest? Maybe you didn't notice that Herzlich signed a one-year qualifying deal this year, which suggests that he is squarely on the bubble. If two of Thomas/Pinkins//Skinner/Grant/Maponga/Munson outperform him, he's done.

Casillas, Robinson, Kennard and Goodson will be on the team, if they are healthy. The other LB jobs are wide open.

How can he make the roster if people cannot even get his name straight?
This, as well as his injuries, has been an issue for 3 years now.

Once again, follow me: BERHE.

In comment 13509240 ChicagoMarty said:

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We are not keeping a FB just to run play action

Maybe not, but if he's a demon on special teams, in addition to being an effective lead-blocker, he'll stick.

In comment 13509398 Big Blue Blogger said:

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Doomster said: Quote: continues... What lovefest? Maybe you didn't notice that Herzlich signed a one-year qualifying deal this year, which suggests that he is squarely on the bubble. If two of Thomas/Pinkins//Skinner/Grant/Maponga/Munson outperform him, he's done. Casillas, Robinson, Kennard and Goodson will be on the team, if they are healthy. The other LB jobs are wide open.

Skinner is already a better special teamer than Hezlich. He's done...

I'd do it, almost all of BBI would, too, I'm sure, but I just can't see the Giants doing it.

I like your 4 TEs (Adams, Ellison, Engram & LaCosse) and the flexibility they bring ... but if 1 of them goes down, I'd like to see what Shane Smith can do; you need the lead blocker on 4th and 1 from in tight.

I'll be disappointed if Tye makes the team ... he simply cannot block at the pro level.

Except, I put:

1. Taylor over Wynn
2. Jadar makes it
3. They almost certainly go with 6 WRs not 5

I still think Tye makes the roster. I see the argument for Lacosse because he has a big TE body but Tye has the production and has cheap years left. Just don't see his getting dumped but would not surprise me if it happens because of the numbers game at TE.

In comment 13509574 Klaatu said:

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I'd do it, almost all of BBI would, too, I'm sure, but I just can't see the Giants doing it.

This is the year baby.

And then we go LB in first round next year. Times are a changin'...

With so much uncertainty, I went with the wishful thinking/upside approach, ergo none of the free agents who received qualifying deals were included. These are guys (Blake, Taylor, Ihenacho, Bryant) who have spent at least four years in the league and weren't able to put enough on film to get anyone to give them more than a minimum deal, so I figure their potential to shine is equally minimal.

They serve as nice insurance, but I'd prefer to see youngsters (whose rights will be controlled for several more years) beat them out for the job. In fact, I toyed with the idea of Schwan over Wynn, but I didn't think the Giants would go with so many rookies along the DL.

As for Wheeler, I think he was a draftable player who went undrafted due to his history of injuries and his pathetic performance at the combine, but if he has a healthy camp and looks good in the preseason, it will rehabilitate his reputation with NFL scouts and make it risky to assume he will be safe on the practice squad.

As for Geno Smith, I think the plan is to go with three QBs and I don't expect that to change. My hope is that Smith looks good in the preseason and the playing time he receives on week 17 when Eli is rested for the playoffs and this leads to a $3M-$5M contract for him in free agency thus netting the Giants a decent comp pick for him in the 2019 draft (I like to think ahead!).

In comment 13509594 Jimmy Googs said:

Quote:

In comment 13509574 Klaatu said: Quote: I'd do it, almost all of BBI would, too, I'm sure, but I just can't see the Giants doing it. This is the year baby. And then we go LB in first round next year. Times are a changin'...

Malik "The Predator" Jefferson, UT Austin, Round One. Book it.

finally a proposed 53 with 4 RBs and no FB. I like the 4 TEs, but finally someone realized that might mean 5 WRs, since Engram is pretty much a WR.
Smart. Very smart.

Tye is making the team.

In comment 13510276 Glover said:

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finally a proposed 53 with 4 RBs and no FB. I like the 4 TEs, but finally someone realized that might mean 5 WRs, since Engram is pretty much a WR.

Exactly. My thinking is the additions of Ellison and Engram diminishes/eliminates the need for a FB and a 6th WR (when they're only going to dress four WRs on game day). Also, despite James Kratch's insistence that the Giants like to keep only eight OL, the truth is that it's only been the last year or two that they have had only eight OL on the 53 man roster. Prior to that, they've always kept at least nine and sometimes ten. At least that's how I remember it.

On defense, I went with six LB despite the temptation to go with only five, because LBs are so valuable on special teams. I figure J.T. Thomas will either fail his physical and be released at a cost of $1M or he will pass his physical and be released at no cost at all (or maybe he will agree to a paycut with incentives and injury protection for the Giants). I chose Skinner because he appeared to be the most likely next man up, but it's an open competition for the sixth spot.

In the secondary, I think the ideal is six corners and four safeties. M. Thompson gives us that with his switch to the slot CB role, but he also serves as insurance if Berhe (I spelled it correctly this time!) or D. Thompson are hobbled. And my inclusion of Amos was wishful thinking on my part at a roster spot that's up for grabs.

In comment 13510324 Carl in CT said:

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Tye is making the team.

You don't have to be sorry, it's not the end of the world. If he can stay healthy, I think LaCosse makes it over Tye but it's a pretty big if. So Tye has the Vegas oddsmakers on his side (like I said, my stab at the 53 was based largely (but not solely) on wishful thinking).