My Final 53.

Might as well use a TE there.

Too bad Johnson went down last year. He oiled have been perfect.

Not much to argue about with that.

When they are keeping 4 TEs. 3 TEs and a FB might be possible but they've been keeping 4 RBs as a rule. I think it's a bit of wishful thinking to believe they'll go with only the 2 QBs but I'll wish along with you. That would give them room for the 9th OL and either a 7th LB or 6 DEs. I don't see a 6th S as where they'd spend that spot. Good job.

effort. Some thoughts:

We will carry three QBs. I don't see the Giants going into the season with a rookie as the #2 QB, especially since Webb comes from a spread offense. McAdoo also said that it is hard for a rookie to come into the NFL and be a #2.

Darkwa is probably the 4th RB.

No FB. As Ivan15 said, one of the TEs can man that role.

Powe on the PS.

Wheeler over Gettis.

Johnson on the PS.

is still a major concern of mine with two guys in Apple and DRC who have shown a tendency to get nicked up. Not saying he won't improve, but we saw what happened when Michael Hunter had to play meaningful snaps against GB in the regular season. Rodgers attacked mercilessly.

I would think we could see a veteran brought in late, similar to Hall and Sensabaugh last season.

Nice work though, looks like a solid estimation

If I were running the team, I'd only keep 2 QBs. The problem is that McAdoo likes keeping 3 and I think they'll feel like if Manning has to miss a game or two, Johnson or Smith might be a better veteran option. My preference would be to keep another position player, but that's not my call.

I think they go with 4 RBs and no FB with the hope that Ellison plays that spot with needed. I do like Smith, and he might be a good practice squad guy. I think Darkwa makes the squad.

Speaking of practice squad, I'm hoping both Wheeler and Dunker will play well enough to push their way onto the roster.

I like a lot of the practice squad guys like Abdullah, Rudolph, Schwann and Munson.

I don't think the 5th CB is on the roster yet. I like Hunter, but he got undressed in the playoff game. Thompson's injuries worry me. I'd really like a veteran here.

Pinkins is talented but raw and may not have a true position, but I like him.

I'm very curious to see how the 4th DT spot shakes out.

Just some random thoughts.

but at this point in the preseason your guess at a final roster is good one. My only disagreement is at QB. I think they will keep three. Clearly, NYG have to think they are in a win now mode. Do you trust a rookie QB, with no experience running a pro offense, as the back up? That said, hope Webb ends up being that surprise!

That said, I can hope..I think Darkwa if deemed 100% is our 4th in lieu of a FB..

Powe? No idea..Haven't seen enough of him to render an opinion..

A rather quick perusal at the moment finds me in agreement with most of what the OP opines..

Not sure what they will do with OO (unless I've missed something) and I wouldn't be so certain that Wynn doesn't make the cut

Vin_Cuccs' thoughts echoed here, though as to PS my reaction was more the OL than the others, and that is a hope and a wish more than any evidence-based notion that Wheeler or Dunker can beat out any of the incumbents, Fluker or Bisno, the latter two whom I think BBI is broadly in favor of.

As to Webb only, is it a McAdoo call (as Vin suggests) or does the FO handicap whether both Johnson and Geno will be picked up if waived? So, if Eli were to go down, would either remain available as a FA?

Agree that Tye is likely odd man out.

Why Shane Smith, what have you seen of him this early to give him a roster spot over a move-back/TE?

And of course, you're wed to JB and MT; as to Mykele, isn't he dinged up already, again (as CHP reprises a theme)?

I'm assuming he's a full participant in camp. I think if he shows up, the NYG will be reluctant to parting with a former 3rd rounder before his rookie contract is up.

Will disagree on keeping a FB. 4 TEs and 4 Rbs preclude a fb.

Like what you did with the secondary but I think they will opt for a little experience at backup S in Duke Inecho and keep either Pinkins or Mykele Thompson as the swing cb/s. I would probably go with Pinkins since he is bigger, a proven ST commodity and has the versatility to play lb also.

I doubt both JT Thomas and Herzlich make the final roster. Would prefer to get some youth and athleticsm there. Lets see how Munson and Skinner shake out when the hitting starts

Here is my long shot to make the final 53: Snead wr

I think picking up the vet wr Marshall and also having a big fast TE like Engram that can be positioned anywhere reduces the chances of Powe.

I suspect that Snead will stun everyone in the preseason games by running right past a couple of secondaries and taking a couple to the house in a manner that will compel Giant management to put Snead on the roster because he simply has too much speed to pass waivers through the entire league and be stashed on the PS where he really needs to go and learn

I think Ipenema (Prefer this to his real name) has a good shot to stay

Defense and special teams look fine.

On offense, I'd love for Webb to shine in pre-season, but he likely won't get enough snaps unless they cut Johnson or Smith (likely Smith) very early.

I think 3 QBs to start the season.

I'd go with 4 RBs and take away 1 WR or 1 TE or make 1 TE an HB/FB.

I like your thought on Marshall/Engram reducing Powe's chances, has merit

Geno will make it as the backup CB.

Darkwa will be 4th RB.

Ellison would be the "FB" on this roster even though he'll play TE as well.

I like Tye over LaCosse.

I like Rudolph over Powe.

I see 8 OL rather than 9 with Gettis likely to be the one missing the cut.

I like Mykelle Thompson as 5th CB because I think it means you're ok with 4 safeties. Anything happens injury-wise Thompson can fill in at either spot.

But they are effectively going to redshirt Webb this season and he will not see the field at all.

Everything else looks reasonable. However, I do believe there are 3-4 players who are not yet with the Giants who will end up on the final 53. Someone is going to get hurt or someone will shake free from another team that would be an upgrade to what the Giants have in camp.

Don't think he will make team either

And I don't think your boy Bromley makes the team

But Gettis will not be one of them. I expect Wheeler to stay healthy and earn the final spot. The Giants have Pugh, Jerry, Hart, Fluker, Jones, and Bisnowaty who can all play guard plus another position. Gettis is strictly a guard and the Giants need backups who can handle LT so Pugh doesn't have to move out there in the event of an injury to Flowers. My bold prediction for the season is that Wheeler will be the primary backup LT.

9 OL:
5 Current starters.
2 OT: Wheeler, Bisno (both currently 2nd string)
2 C + OG : Jones, Gettis (ditto)

Fluker will not make it unless he beats out Jerry.
Can only play OG on this team not C. And stinks as OT.

Gettis also plays OC.

However, why would they keep Gettis when they have cut him each of the last two years and nobody has picked him up?

Shane Smith the newest member of the BBI Hall of Fame. Giants are likely not keeping a FB. Smith would have to be a Tyree-like ST player to make it.

They are probably also not keeping 5 safeties.

But overall, an excellent job.

But.....

No way they go with just 3 RB's.....the fourth guy may not even be on the roster.....counting on a rookie to spell Perkins if injured, is risky....Vereen has enough health problems without carrying an extra load....

Also doubt just 2 qb's, unless Webb does some crazy things in preseason games....

So Tye gets the boot.....I have a hard time seeing Lacosse staying injury free.....

I'm not too impressed with the WR's after our top 3....if one gets injured it's possible Engram can move out there....Harris has some experience with Eli....King is a one trick pony, and Powe is an unknown.....I wouldn't hesitate to latch onto a castoff if available...

Others say no FB.....but I disagree....I like having Ellison in the backfield, on occasion, which allows Eli to shift him into a TE position, if Eli reads the defense that way......I don't want him being the full time FB.....so with Klaatu on this one....

Defensively, how in the world is Herz still on this team? M. Thompson? Until he actually plays against someone who isn't a Giant, that remains to be seen....

Is now working out with the tight ends...but that group is pretty tough to break into.

He sticks around because he works his ass off and plays very well on specials. I think Herzlich will make this team because he's just one of those glue guys that will do anything you ask of him, and with him learning the offense, he could be a guy that has that depth that could come out and be a fullback or a blocking TE in addition to his special teams contributions.

No Ihenacho either. I know Jadar Johnson had a great spring session, but really, I don't think you can pencil him in the depth chart over Ihenacho or Berhe, both of whom are more established. Also think the Giants will carry 3 QBs, and because of that, you are going to have to lose one, and this would seem like the spot, where they might only carry 4 safeties.

QB - ok with me. Too many tough decisions and I think Webb looks good enough that the team decides to go with just two. Yes, it would be a surprise to many, but I think it could happen.

RB - like many have said here, 3 is a very small number. Still, I'd think that Darkwa is likely to be around or another serviceable back could be brought in if the need arises.

FB - I think we have to have one, given all the discussion about how the lack of a true FB really hurt this team. I'm worried about Ellison's health too, so wouldn't count on him being an option. None of the other 3 TE's you've listed look to be able to lead block in a way that we need.

WR - looks good to me too.

OL - ditto.

On defense

DE - Moss is safe. I think Wynn beats out Taylor for the fifth spot. OO's days are numbered.

DT - Bromley's definitely been a disappointment. I wouldn't be surprised if Bryant makes the team over him. I was surprised how much the Giants liked Thomas - picking him up and carrying him on the active roster despite illness last year. I'm going with Bryant over Bromley.

LB - IMO no way that Thomas makes the roster. No way, and I'm surprised to not have seen other posts disputing that. Munson could surprise or possibly Maponga gets a ride in his place.

CB - switch out Mykkele Thompson with Deshaun Amos. I know about his pedigree being drafted but he can't seem to get and stay healthy. I would be surprised if he makes the team.

S - I think Duke makes the cut and the final spot will go to either Pinkins or Johnson. I think the Giants like both and wouldn't be surprised to see them go either way.

Everything else is good, including your PS projections.

Note that injuries can/will happen, and as guys get hurt others will have a better chance of sticking. Also, someone you have listed on the PS will make it due to injuries, imo.

Keep in mind the Giants told Will Johnson they might bring him back when they released him.

Offense

QB (2): Eli Manning, Davis Webb.

RB (3): Paul Perkins, Wayne Gallman, Shane Vereen.

FB (>1 or 2): Shane Smith (WILL TYE)

WR (>ONLY 5): Odell Beckham, Jr., Brandon Marshall, Sterling Shepard, Dwayne Harris, Tavares King.

'X' (>1) Evan ENGRAM

TE (>3 or 4): Rhett Ellison, Jerrell Adams, Matt LaCosse (WILL TYE)

OL (9): Ereck Flowers, Justin Pugh, Weston Richburg, John Jerry, Bobby Hart, Adam Bisnowaty, D.J. Fluker, Brett Jones, Adam Gettis.

Defense

DE (5): Jason Pierre-Paul, Olivier Vernon, >KERRY WYNN, Romeo Okwara, Avery Moss.

DT (>5 not 4): Damon Harrison, Dalvin Tomlinson, Jay Bromley, Robert Thomas, >CORBYN BRYANT

LB (>ONLY 5): B.J. Goodson, Jonathan Casillas, Devon Kennard, Keenan Robinson, Mark Herzlich.>(no Thomas)

CB (5): Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Janoris Jenkins, Eli Apple, Michael Hunter, Mykkele Thompson.

S (5): Landon Collins, Darian Thompson, Andrew Adams, Eric Pinkins, Jadar Johnson.

K (1): Aldrick Rosas.

P (1): Brad Wing.

LS (1): Zak DeOssie.

and 3 TEs

No: WR Powe, LB Thomas, DE Taylor

Yes: TE/FB Tye, DT Bryant, DE Wynn

Besides paving the way for our RBs, especially in short-yardage/goal-line situations (but certainly not limited to them - see Bruce Miller, 49ers, circa 2012, opening holes for Frank Gore)...besides providing excellent protection for our QB...in Smith you've got a 250-pound former LB with enough speed and athleticism to become a core special-teamer.

Now, keeping only two QBs may be wishful thinking on my part, but when I see the kind of success that guys like Dak Prescott, Carson Wentz, and Trevor Siemian have had, I don't think it's that outlandish. Personally, I wouldn't have drafted a QB this year, but since the Giants did, they might as well give him as many reps in practice as possible. Do Smith or Johnson have a future on this team? I doubt it. So if Webb is in our future, I say we act like it.

the Dolphins fullback last year?

In comment 13510451 XBRONX said:

Quote:

the Dolphins fullback last year?

They didn't have one. Not every team does. But the Giants are one team that has had success with one, and suffered by not having one last year. It seems to me that they're not going to repeat that mistake.

Because that's how many the 2011 Packers carried, but special teams was a factor again, and I really like Powe in that regard. He was an excellent special-teamer in college (I believe he has a blocked punt on his resume', too), and in fact was only removed from special teams when he became a bigger part of the Cal offense.

I did follow the 2011 Packers when it came to RBs - three plus one FB. I think that's plenty. I know Orleans Darkwa has his supporters, but to me he's too much of an injury risk, and his value as a special-teamer I feel can be made up for with a kid like Smith.

at least to me. I would assume Darkwa sticks.

- I really don't have a view on FB until preseason. But tend to think no if they keep 4 RBs. Can Smith catch the quick out and get upfield?

- All-in on the 2 QB thing

- I think Skinner over Herz unless your drinking the NYG cool-aid. Thomas vs the other whatevers for last spot.

- We need a veteran backup CB.

- Adams/Pinkins/Jadar - shocked if all 3 make it and disappointed

Smith caught 21 passes for 225 yards and two TDs in his four years at San Jose State. That's no a whole hell of a lot, but then again, I doubt he was targeted very often. I figure if a pass comes his way he'll be able to hang onto it.

I like Pinkins because of his versatility. I get the sense that the Giants do, too. Jadar Johnson is a tougher call. If he shows that he's not a liability in run support, if he shows that he can actually tackle, i figure he'll stick, too. His ball skills are undeniable.

nygirlie said:

Quote:

9 OL: 5 Current starters. 2 OT: Wheeler, Bisno (both currently 2nd string) 2 C + OG : Jones, Gettis (ditto) Fluker will not make it unless he beats out Jerry. Can only play OG on this team not C. And stinks as OT.

Nonsense. The Giants gave Fluker $1.5MM in up-front cash, knowing that he would enter camp as the "third man" on the right side, behind Hart and Jerry. Best-case scenario is that he takes Jerry's job, but he's on the team barring a disastrous pre-season.

The one-dimensional veteran second-stringer most likely to be cut isn't Fluker. It's Adam Gettis, whom you bizarrely list making the team over Fluker - despite being nearly three years older, with no dead money, no upside and a very narrow role. I've made one point about Gettis elsewhere, and I'll repeat it here. Over the past two seasons, the Giants have established a routine for Gettis: he clears waivers and sits on the practice squad, unwanted by the rest of the League, until injuries hit - most likely to Justin Pugh. Then he gets promoted to the active roster. It worked when he was 26, and it worked when he was 27. Why would they do anything differently now that he's approaching 29 and there's more OL talent on the roster? Unless other linemen falter, he doesn't have a good path to the final 53. The liberalized practice squad rules are perfect for Gettis - or rather, for the Giants in their handling of Gettis.

Wheeler has a steep uphill climb to make the team. I doubt the Giants will go with two rookies - a sixth-round pick and a UDFA - as the backup tackles. For that to happen, they would both have to play really well in pre-season, where we seldom see anything but chaos from the second-string OL. Or the staff could revert to treating Pugh as the backup to Flowers. Most likely, Wheeler lands on the practice squad.

makes sense especially since opposing LBs seem untouched with our porous O-line.

But he has got to be a credible receiving threat so the playbook gets expanded, not restricted, when used. I love the first down quick swing pass for 8 yards catching defense looking in the backfield.

Also, FBs should be key special teams players too.

If he provides the above then I am all-in versus keeping a 4th RB.

I was tempted to go with Dunker over Gettis, but went with the veteran, at least at this stage of the game. I'm probably higher on Dunker than most, but still feel that a year on the PS (and in a professional strength and conditioning program) will do him a world of good.

In comment 13510481 Klaatu said:

Quote:

I like Pinkins because of his versatility. I get the sense that the Giants do, too. Jadar Johnson is a tougher call. If he shows that he's not a liability in run support, if he shows that he can actually tackle, i figure he'll stick, too. His ball skills are undeniable.

I am begging for somebody else to step up at backup Free Safety.

Yes, D. Thompson should be the guy if healthy as we all know but the backup is going to likely play too, and may have to start more than we would like.

I really cannot comment on Pinkins and Jadar b/c I haven't seen but them go but for a few plays. To me the Duke has a decent chance since he at least played a bunch of NFCE ball but he hasn't been much different than Adams to us.
I want more of a reactionary guy versus pass back there (versus solid tackler if I had to choose). Besides Adams is not exactly a special tackler either...

Sure, he needs to show that he can stay on the field, and at least be the player he was with Jacksonville in 2014. He also needs to take a pay cut. But look at the competition: the team's combined commitment of cash and draft picks to Herzlich, Skinner, Pinkins, Grant, Maponga and Munson is $80K. (That's Herzlich's signing bonus, which probably reflects the team's affection more than his ability to command guaranteed money in the open market.) All of the other LBs, after the top four, are completely expendable.

A healthy Thomas is a credible backup for multiple positions, and a proven contributor on special teams. Obviously, if his body is shot, he's done. But we won't have a clue about that for at least another month.

Klaatu said:

Quote:

I was tempted to go with Dunker over Gettis, but went with the veteran, at least at this stage of the game. I'm probably higher on Dunker than most, but still feel that a year on the PS (and in a professional strength and conditioning program) will do him a world of good.

Barring a wave of injuries or an embarrassing camp/pre-season for Dunker, I think you can almost pencil him into one of the non-vet PS slots right now. He fits the profile to a T.

In comment 13510493 Big Blue Blogger said:

Quote:

Klaatu said: Quote: I was tempted to go with Dunker over Gettis, but went with the veteran, at least at this stage of the game. I'm probably higher on Dunker than most, but still feel that a year on the PS (and in a professional strength and conditioning program) will do him a world of good. Barring a wave of injuries or an embarrassing camp/pre-season for Dunker, I think you can almost pencil him into one of the non-vet PS slots right now. He fits the profile to a T.

I thought he had more of the proverbial "upside" than a few OLs who got drafted, but he's still a raw kid who's going to need some seasoning. He's a good athlete, though, and it would be nice to see the Giants finally develop a kid like him.

Tomlinson and Moss will make the team; but they may not be significant contributors for a while. I could see the staff initially using the practice squad for depth at another position - say, OL, DB or RB - to avoid cutting a Devin Taylor, Kerry Wynn, Owa Odighizuwa, Romeo Okwara or Jay Bromley. (Not to mention Robert Thomas, who is currently first-string with Harrison, Pierre-Paul and Vernon).

At the margins, a lot depends on health status at cut-down time. That usually determines which positions get extra depth to start the season.

In comment 13510490 Jimmy Googs said:

Quote:

In comment 13510481 Klaatu said: Quote: I like Pinkins because of his versatility. I get the sense that the Giants do, too. Jadar Johnson is a tougher call. If he shows that he's not a liability in run support, if he shows that he can actually tackle, i figure he'll stick, too. His ball skills are undeniable. I am begging for somebody else to step up at backup Free Safety. Yes, D. Thompson should be the guy if healthy as we all know but the backup is going to likely play too, and may have to start more than we would like. I really cannot comment on Pinkins and Jadar b/c I haven't seen but them go but for a few plays. To me the Duke has a decent chance since he at least played a bunch of NFCE ball but he hasn't been much different than Adams to us. I want more of a reactionary guy versus pass back there (versus solid tackler if I had to choose). Besides Adams is not exactly a special tackler either...

I'm not very high on Duke, for all that he is a veteran. One good year on the Broncos four years ago, and a decent year with the Redskins last year, but no interceptions at all in five years plus a shaky injury history and I say meh.

Johnson really blew me away at the East-West Game (although so did Cooper Taylor, so make of that what you will). A team captain, first-team all ACC as a Senior, athletic, instinctive, I think a lot of teams who are short at safety will regret not drafting him when they had the chance. I think the Giants got a steal with this kid. Just get him acquainted with the Big Blue Donut early and often and let him do his stuff.

He has to beat Berhe, Pinkins and the long-shot Murphy. If any of these guys is playing free safety, I will be very surprised - and scared. That competition is mostly D.Thompson vs. Adams, with Johnson and M.Thompson just trying to hang on.

Safety is a hard position to learn, and mistakes there are costly. I don't see another team spending a September roster spot on a UDFA who won't even know their system. Of course, if Johnson has a great pre-season, he'll make the team. Otherwise, though, I think he's ticketed for PS.

I think it's going to be CB or bust for the guy, and that's only if he can finally stay healthy.

It's weird...drafting Thompson in the 5th round drew all kinds of criticism. It was a reach! We could've gotten him as a UDFA!

But I think if the Giants had drafted Johnson in the 5th round no one would have batted an eyelash, suspect tackling and all, and this was the guy we did get as a UDFA.