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New York Giants’ 53-man roster projection after offseason workouts | Sporting News
The New York Giants wrapped up the offseason workout program Wednesday with their final minicamp practice, officially breaking for summer.
With the offseason workouts officially over, the Giants won’t be back together until the start of training camp, which is scheduled to begin July 24.
There were plenty of notes to take away from the offseason workouts and while the position battles aren’t won during the spring, the foundation for the competitions took place.
Though most of the decisions will be made throughout training camp and the preseason, it’s time to take a look at projecting the Giants’ 53-man roster as the offseason concludes.
Rookies are marked in italics.
Giants’ 53-man roster projection
Quarterback (3)
Starter: Daniel Jones
Backups: Drew Lock, Tommy DeVito
Analysis: Jones is expected to be ready for the start of training camp and Week 1 of the season. He’s the projected starter even after the Giants signed Lock in free agency. Keeping DeVito on the roster as the emergency quarterback will likely be necessary.
MORE: Giants QB Daniel Jones provides update on ACL recovery
Running Back (3)
Starter: Devin Singletary
Backups: Tyrone Tracy Jr., Eric Gray
Analysis: There’s no denying Singletary will be the starting running back on early downs, and he’ll see the majority of work. The main competition in the backfield is between Tracy and Gray. The rookie seems to be climbing the depth chart quickly and could be in for a pretty significant role.
MORE: Giants rookie quickly climbing running back depth chart
Wide Receiver (6)
Starters: Malik Nabers, Darius Slayton, Wan’Dale Robinson
Backups: Jalin Hyatt, Isaiah Hodgins, Gunner Olszewski
Analysis: The trio of Nabers, Slayton and Robinson should be a fun one to watch in Brian Daboll’s offense. Hyatt has received some praise going into Year 2 while the battle for the final two spots is wide open and includes veteran Allen Robinson II.
Tight End (4)
Starters: Theo Johnson, Daniel Bellinger
Backups: Lawrence Cager, Jack Stoll
Analysis: The Giants no longer have Darren Waller on the depth chart following his retirement. The starting role is seemingly up for grabs and will be led by the rookie Johnson, who has had a strong start during the offseason workouts.
Offensive Line (10)
Starters: Andrew Thomas, Jermaine Eluemunor, John Michael Schmitz, Jon Runyan Jr., Evan Neal
Backups: Matt Nelson, Aaron Stinnie, Austin Schlottmann, Marcus McKethan, Joshua Ezeudu
Analysis: The Giants ran with a constant starting five this offseason even with Neal working his way back from ankle surgery. It seems they are giving Neal one final shot to prove he’s the starting right tackle with Ezeudu working as his backup.
Defensive Line (9)
Starters: Brian Burns, Dexter Lawrence, Jordan Phillips, Kayvon Thibodeaux
Backups: Azeez Ojulari, Rakeem Nunez-Roches, D.J. Davidson, Jordon Riley, Boogie Basham
Analysis: Arguably the deepest unit throughout the entire roster, the Giants boast a strong defensive line. Some interior depth may be needed at the three-technique, but the trio of Burns, Lawrence and Thibodeaux has a lot of potential.
Linebacker (5)
Starters: Bobby Okereke, Micah McFadden
Backups: Darius Muasau, Matthew Adams, Isaiah Simmons
Analysis: Okereke and McFadden are still the projected starters while Simmons will hold a hybrid role between linebacker and safety. Muasau is currently battling for the backup role with a handful of others. Adams has a lot of experience as a special teams leader so he gets the final spot.
Cornerback (6)
Starters: Deonte Banks, Cor’Dale Flott, Andru Phillips
Backups: Nick McCloud, Darnay Holmes, Tre Hawkins III
Analysis: The Giants need as many bodies as possible here. As Phillips is projected to work as the nickel defender, there will be a lot of competition in training camp for the final three spots in the room. McCloud has shown some promise when on the field, and it seems the Giants want to see what they still have in Hawkins after a troubling rookie campaign.
Safety (4)
Starters: Jason Pinnock, Tyler Nubin
Backups: Jalen Mills, Dane Belton
It’s only a matter of time before Nubin takes over as the starter even though he’s only seen first-team reps in dime packages thus far. This room seems pretty set outside of a veteran addition in free agency.
Specialists (3)
Starters: Graham Gano, Casey Kreiter, Jamie Gillan
For more Giants coverage, check out Kevin Hickey’s work on Sporting News.