Five roster cuts to watch for the Giants

With NFL rosters cut down to 53 players, we move to the next phase of roster building, when teams scour the waiver wire to see if they can find an upgrade to their roster. New York Giants general manager Jerry Reese is fond of saying that they investigate every avenue to improve their team. The waiver wire is one of those avenues, and it just got flooded with talent.

Josh Sitton (OG, Green Bay Packers) - The name on everyone’s lips is now former Green Bay Packers Pro Bowl guard Josh Sitton. As a vested veteran, Sitton became a free agent, free to sign with anyone at any time, upon his release. Sitton is 30 years old, but he was still one of the top guards in the NFL last season. Both Ben McAdoo and offensive line coach Mike Solari are familiar with Sitton, so he makes a ton of sense for the Giants. He will have plenty of other suitors, though.

Akeem Ayers (OLB, Los Angeles Rams) - One of our own Invictus’ original draft crushes back in 2011, Ayers is tall, long, and athletic. Originally drafted by the Tennessee Titans, Ayers was traded to the Patriots when the Titans switched to a 3-4 defense. Ayers thrives behind a four-man front and could be an upgrade across from Devon Kennard.

Players who aren’t vested veterans go to the waiver wire, where teams put in claims. If two teams put in a claim on the same player, the team that was had the worse record the year before is awarded the player.

Jeremiah Poutasi (OG, Tennessee Titans) - Formerly of the Tennessee Titans, the massive guard was drafted with the second pick in the third round of the 2015 draft. He should be fairly familiar to the Giants, as they had him in for a workout before the draft. He is a big, strong former tackle, but his best position is probably at right guard. If the Giants have fond memories of Poutasi, they could claim him to compete with Bobby Hart as John Jerry’s successor.

David Yankey (OG, Carolina Panthers) - Considered one of the top linemen in the 2014 draft, Yankey couldn’t crack the Carolina Panthers’ talented interior. Unlike Poutasi, he seems better suited to left guard position, which is more mobile and works more closely with the center.

Travis Feeney (OLB, Pittsburgh Steelers) - A former safety turned linebacker in college, Travis Feeney is a freak athlete at the second level. Feeney’s 4.50 speed, 40-inch vertical, and 6-foot-4 frame and experience at safety might make him a good candidate to be a developmental weakside linebacker. There he could use his length and range in coverage and put his athleticism to use in blitzes while getting regular protection from the defensive line.

Which roster cuts have piqued your interest?