For the final time let's project the New York Giants 2014 53-man roster. By 4 p.m. ET on Saturday when rosters have to be finalized we will know how close I came to getting it right.
Quarterback (2)
Eli Manning
Ryan Nassib
No change
This one has been settled for a while.
Running Back (3)
Rashad Jennings
Andre Williams
Peyton Hillis
No change
I like Kendall Gaskins and I think he's had a nice preseason, but his weakness in pass protection scares me. Michael Cox has been behind Gaskins for weeks and that did not change Thursday. I think Gaskins could end up on the practice squad.
Fullback (1)
Henry Hynoski
No change
The Giants have clearly leaned toward Hynoski instead of John Conner during the preseason, with good reason. Hynoski has been better. The only thing that could change the situation is the severity of the shoulder injury suffered by Hynoski Thursday night, and that is something we just don't know right now.
Tight End (4)
Larry Donnell
Adrien Robinson
Kellen Davis
Daniel Fells
Change: Daniel Fells in
The Giants don't really have one tight end they trust to do everything. So, it appears they are going to keep a bunch of guys and hope they make it work. I still believe the Giants might go the trade route here or pick up a player off the waiver wire.
Wide Receiver (6)
Victor Cruz
Odell Beckham Jr.
Reuben Randle
Jerrel Jernigan
Corey Washington
Preston Parker
No change
Mario Manningham received a ton of chances, but he doesn't have enough gas left in the tank to deserve a spot. His calf injury Thursday probably sealed his fate. Parker muffed a punt Thursday but still seems like the guy likely to open the season returning punts.
Offensive Line (9)
Will Beatty
Weston Richburg
J.D. Walton
John Jerry
Justin Pugh
Brandon Mosley
Geoff Schwartz
Rogers Gaines
Charles Brown
Change: Gaines in, James Brewer out
Truth is, I feel really good about the first eight picks on my list. I think the fact that Gaines played nearly the entire game in relief of Justin Pugh at right tackles speaks volumes about his chance to make the roster. When it comes to the ninth spot, though, I have no idea. It could go to Brown. It could go to Brewer. It could go to Dallas Reynolds. It could go to someone who has yet to be released from their current team. I have no idea.
Defensive Tackle (5)
Cullen Jenkins
Johnathan Hankins
Mike Patterson
Markus Kuhn
Jay Bromley
No change
It's been this way all through the preseason. No reason to change it now. Kelcy Quarles has probably earned a spot on the practice squad.
Defensive End (5)
Jason Pierre-Paul
Mathias Kiwanuka
Robert Ayers
Damontre Moore
Israel Idonije
No change
I think Idonije's two sack Thursday and the fact that the Giants seem to value his special teams ability means they will find a way to keep him around.
Linebackers (6)
Jon Beason
Jameel McClain
Jacquian Williams
Spencer Paysinger
Devon Kennard
Mark Herzlich
No change
This has been the status quo for a while. No reason to change it now, especially with the increasing likelihood that Beason will be ready for the season opener.
Cornerbacks (5)
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
Prince Amukamara
Walter Thurmond
Trumaine McBride
Zack Bowman
No change
Charles James is gone, much to the chagrin of Antrel Rolle. I still have rookie sixth-round pick Bennett Jackson targeted for the practice squad.
Safeties (4)
Antrel Rolle
Stevie Brown
Quintin Demps
Nat Berhe
No change
With Cooper Taylor on IR these are the four safeties deserving of roster spots
Specialists (3)
PK -- Josh Brown
P -- Steve Weatherford
LS -- Zak DeOssie
No change
Brandon McManus is now a member of the Denver Broncos, so this has already been settled.