FanPost

2013 New York Giants Projections

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The 2012 season ended in disappointment when the Giants lost 2 of there final 3 games to miss the playoffs. As usual, the Giants had another off-season in which they lost marquee players, had a questionable draft, and didn't sign any big name free agents. The formula has worked in the past for Tom Coughlin, but how much longer will it work?

Projected Record: 9-7 (4-2)

Projected Finish: 2nd in NFC East (miss playoffs)

Quarterbacks: Eli Manning is an elite QB. With 2 Superbowl wins in the past 5 years, there is no question that Eli is among those on top. To add insurance, the Giants drafted Ryan Nassib in the fourth round which could leave David Carr the odd man out on a Giants team that tends to take just 2 QB's.

Grade: A-

Running Backs: This off-season the Giants let Ahmad Bradshaw go. After an outstanding year last season running for 1,015 yards I was quite upset by this move. He has been with the organization for both Superbowl’s and is a powerful, change of pace back. David Wilson, who got better as the season went last year, will look to carry most of the weight this season and if he struggles then Andre Brown, who was a pleasant surprise last season, will take some of the load off Wilson's shoulders. Da'Rel Scott and Michael Cox will play out for the other RB spots. Henry Hynoski is one of the more underrated FB's in the NFL who's been a crucial part of the Giants run game.

Grade: C+

Receiver's: The Giants have one of the best 1-2 punches at the WR position in all of the NFL with Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz. Nicks spent a portion of last year on the IR but was a critical player when healthy. Cruz has subtly emerged to an every down, Pro-Bowl receiver. Rueben Randle came up big when Nicks was out and finished the season with 19 catches for 298 yards and 3 TD's. With the absence of Domenik Hixon, look for Randle to fill the #3 role. Jerel Jernigan, Louis Murphy, and Ramses Barden will fight for spots 3-6. Jernigan was a 3rd round pick in 2011 that has never performed to expectations. In 2 NFL seasons he has just 3 catches and has remained on the roster via special teams play. Louis Murphy could push Randle for the #3 role. He was signed from Oakland and is a deep ball threat. In week 3 last year, Ramses Barden caught 9 balls for 138 yards. In the 15 other games, he only caught 5 passes for 82 yards. His time could be running out in New York. Martellus Bennett leaves after one season and in comes Brandon Myers, also from Oakland. 2nd year man Adrien Robinson will compete with TE/FB Bear Pascoe and Chase Clement for the #2 TE spot.

Grade: A

Offensive Line: Eli Manning was only sacked 20 times last year. That was good for best in the league. Besides the loss of Sean Locklear, most of this unit returns. Will Beatty will become a starting tackle as David Diehl looks as if he will be pushed out of the rotation due to age and injury. 1rst round pick, tackle Justin Pugh should also provide decent depth.

Grade: B+

Defensive Line: The loss of Osi Umenyiora is big, but not critical. As much as it would have been nice to see Osi back, he wanted the money, and the Giants didn't want to give him the money. And why would they? Starters Justin Tuck and Jason Pierre-Paul combined for 10.5 sacks and there is a TON of depth behind them. Damontre Moore, Adewale Ojomo, Matt Broha, Adrian Tracy, and Justin Trattou will compete for 3 or 4 other DE spots. Moore was a 3rd round draft pick who had 12.5 sacks at Texas A&M last season. Ojomo and Broha both impressed last preseason but couldn’t make the opening day roster. Adrian Tracy and Trattou both experienced limited game play last year, mostly on special teams. Linval Joseph becomes a starter at DT and the Giants also signed DT Cullen Jenkins from their rival Philly. Jenkins will look to replace Chris Canty. Marvin Austin, Johnathan Hankins, Markus Kuhn, Mike Patterson, and Shaun Rogers will all contend for the other 2 or 3 DT spots. Austin will look at 2013 as a 'make or break' year, Johnathan Hankins is very talented run-stopper, Markus Kuhn impressed last preseason, Mike Patterson was also brought in from Philly to provide run-defense, and Shaun Rogers is a 350 pound interior lineman who was once one of the best in the league.

Grade: A-

Linebackers: Michael Boley was arrested in February for child abuse and was released immediately. Dan Connor and Aaron Curry were both brought to fill that null. I predict that only 1 of these 2 will make the final roster. Mark Herzlich will push for that starting MLB role. Jacquian Williams will become a full-time starting LB, and Spencer Paysinger should provide good depth behind him. Mathias Kiwaunuka is listed as a LB but his versatility allows him to play DE.

Grade: C+

Defensive Backs: If there's one portion of this defense that’s always under constant attack it's the secondary. Prince Amukamara spent a stint of last season on the IR again but when he was healthy he was a shutdown corner. Corey Webster is 31 years old but is still a force. He was second on the team with 4 interceptions in 2012. Terrell Thomas missed all of last year with an ACL injury and could have some competition for the #3 CB position with Aaron Ross, Jayron Hosley, and Laron Scott. Ross won 2 Superbowl with New York before spending time with Jacksonville last year. Hosley is a ball-hawking corner who is very inconsistent. Laron Scott is a long shot whose spot on the roster could be determined by special teams play. Antrel Rolle may have some competition for #1 safety spot with Stevie Brown. Brown, an undrafted player from Michigan, led the Giants with 8 interceptions last season. Ryan Mundy comes in from Pittsburgh to try and snag a #3 safety spot to which he'll compete with Will Hill, Tyler Sash, and Cooper Taylor. Hill and Sash both had minor roles on special teams last year and Cooper Taylor is 5th round rookie from Richmond. Alonzo Tweedy is an undrafted rookie from Virginia Tech who will need a superior preseason to make the team.

Grade: B

Buy: Prince Amukamara

Sell: Shaun Rogers

On the Hot Seat: Jerrel Jernigan

Breakout Player: Rueben Randle

Follow me on twitter @rickypackard3 for all your sports news and updates!

Check out my blog rickypackard.blogspot.com for all 31 other teams predictions and playoff projections!

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