New York Giants 53-Man Roster Prediction: Kelsey's Version

It's Thursday, and by Friday evening the New York Giants will have to cut down their roster to 53 men. It's never an easy task, and so many players this preseason have really stepped their game up. Here is my prediction on what the roster will look like come tomorrow.

Quarterbacks (2) -- Eli Manning, David Carr

Though there is a rule to allow three quarterbacks, there's no need to carry a third on the Giants. Therefore, Ryan Perrilloux will likely be cut.

Running Backs (4) -- Ahmad Bradshaw, David Wilson, DJ Ware, and Andre Brown

Earlier in the preseason I thought Da'Rel Scott had a decent lead in getting the fourth spot for the running backs. The last two games, however, Andre Brown has made a strong statement. It can easily go either way, but right now I'd give the ball to Brown.

Fullbacks (1) -- Henry Hynoski

Wide Receivers (6) -- Hakeem Nicks, Victor Cruz, Rueben Randle, Ramses Barden, Jerrel Jernigan, and David Douglas

This is one of the more painful cuts I'm predicting. Domenik Hixon spent the last two years injured when he tore his ACL twice. He has not been the same player he was and he was always valuable on the specials teams rather than the receiving core. Douglas has proved this preseason that he is worthy of a shot. I'm sure the decision will come down to Hixon and Barden, but if it were up to me, Hixon would go.

Tight Ends (3) -- Martellus Bennett, Bear Pascoe, and Adrien Robinson

Plain and simple. They produced the most, and will get the playing time.

Offensive Line (8) -- Will Beatty, Kevin Boothe, Chris Snee, David Baas, David Diehl, Sean Locklear, Mitch Petrus, James Brewer

The ultimate decision on who to cut will come down to either Petrus or Jim Cordle. I think the Giants will have an easier time moving Petrus around the line if there is an injury. The decision could go either way, but I'm picking Petrus.

Defensive Ends (4) -- Jason Pierre-Paul, Justin Tuck, Osi Umenyiora, Adewale Ojomo

Like the Scott situation, earlier in the preseason I thought Adrian Tracy would have this spot. Ojomo has made it clear that it will likely be his. I'd honestly be shocked at this point if Ojomo wasn't on the roster. To me, he's the next Osi Umenyiora.

Defensive Tackles (5) -- Linval Joseph, Rocky Bernard, Markus Kuhn, Marcus Thomas, Marvin Austin

With Chris Canty on the PUP and Shaun Rogers likely out for the year, this gives Kuhn a chance to see what he can do on the regular season field. Kuhn has played very well this preseason and definitely deserves the shot. Marcus Thomas will also play a big role for the defensive tackles while Canty is out.

Linebackers (8) -- Mathias Kiwanuka, Chase Blackburn, Mark Herzlich, Michael Boley, Jacquain Williams, Greg Jones, Keith Rivers, Spencer Paysinger

Cornerbacks (5) -- Corey Webster, Jayron Hosley, Prince Amukamara, Michael Coe, Justin Tyron

This is will likely be Tom Coughlin's toughest decision, and one that I will hate to watch if it does happen, but I see them placing Terrell Thomas on the IR. Thomas' return isn't set in stone and the last thing the Giants want to do is re-tear that ACL. Amukamara is dealing with an ankle sprain, and Hosley may or may not be ready for Week 1, but both shouldn't miss a lot of time.

Safeties (4) -- Kenny Phillips, Antrel Rolle, Will Hill, Stevie Brown

Tyler Sash will be available after his four game suspension is over.

Kickers (2) -- Lawrence Tynes, Steve Weatherford

Long Snapper (1) -- Zak DeOssie

We'll see Friday how close any of these predictions come. There could be injuries we don't know about, and players who have healed that we may not know of. The Giants have until tomorrow to make their final decisions.

Follow Kelsey O'Donnell on Twitter @KelsODonnell