New York Giants 10-man practice squad

The New York Giants practice squad is set, at least for now. After trimming their roster from 75 to 53 players, the Giants brought 10 back to make up their practice squad.

At least for now, these are the 10 players the Giants have brought back.

Quarterback (1)

Logan Thomas - Thomas is a big and athletic quarterback who’s physical talents and strong arm have given several teams dreams of developing their own Cam Newton. The Giants brought him in after trying several quarterbacks as competition for Ryan Nassib. With Nassib in the final year of his contract, the Giants could be hoping that with a year of development Thomas will be able to step in as Eli Manning’s backup. This year he will help the Giants practice against mobile quarterbacks like Dak Prescott.

Offensive Line (2)

Adam Gettis (OC) - Gettis’ name was burned into the minds of Giants fans after a memorably bad performance in the preseason opener. He rebounded well, however, after dropping to the bottom of the depth chart.

Shane McDermott (OL) - McDermott was ultimately the third man at offensive center, but he was being cross-trained at several positions throughout camp and pre-season. That kind of versatility will help the Giants practice this year and could earn him a place on the final roster next year.

Wide Receiver (2)

Geremy Davis - Drafted in the 6th round of the 2015 draft, the Giants like Davis for his size, reliable hands, and special teams ability. He couldn’t match Tavarres King’s on-field performance or Roger Lewis’ potential. He made plays in camp and preseason and could crack the final roster with another year to develop his route running and work on his quickness.

Darius Powe - The undrafted rookie from Cal has an intriguing blend of size and speed that the Giants are happy to keep around. He was the clear fourth in the competition between King, Lewis, Davis, and himself for the final two receiver spots. If he can continue to develop in the the finer points of his craft, Powe could be a name to watch in the future.

Defensive back (3)

Michael Hunter (CB) - Hunter was an undrafted free agent from Oklahoma State, but the Giants were attracted to his combination of size and athleticism. He showed some weakness at times in coverage, but always seemed to rebound well if he couldn't make a play or gave one up. He has intriguing raw talent, and it seems the Giants want a chance to coach him up.

Donte Deayon (CB) - The undersized corner from Boise State impressed this summer with his football IQ, playmaking ability, and sheer tenacity. As the preseason wore on, his inability to match up with bigger receivers became apparent. Perhaps he will be able to add size and strength with a year in an NFL strength and conditioning program.

Andrew Adams (S) - Undrafted from UConn, Adams was a steady presence on the back end of the Giants’ back-up defense. While he isn’t a spectacular athlete, he always seemed to be in the right place at the right time, and around the ball. With another year in Steve Spagnuolo’s communication-heavy defense, perhaps he can force the Giants to keep him on the roster.

Linebacker (1)

Ishaq Williams (OLB) - Caught up in an academic scandal at Notre Dame, Williams went nearly two years without playing football, but his effort and athleticism impressed during training camp and in preseason games. He looked at home coming down hill and dropping into coverage at outside linebacker. With a year back in football, he could challenge for a roster spot next season.

Defensive End (1)

Stansley Maponga - Maponga played well in the pre-season but he couldn’t outshine Kerry Wynn and Romeo Okwara. Maponga flashed as well, however, and was a steady presence on the edge.

The practice squad isn't final, and any of these players can be signed to any other team's active roster. As well, these players can be released at any time.

Surprising Absences

Anthony Dable - The French born receiver is a athletic phenom with prototypical NFL traits. But for all his physical ability he always seemed a step behind the other receivers when it came to actually playing the game. It was thought that he would be a lock for the practice squad, but at 27, perhaps the Giants believe that he is too far from NFL-ready to be of use to their offense.

Greg Milhouse - The undrafted defensive tackle from Campbell received heavy interest from the Giants before the draft and opened training camp next to John Hankins with the starters. As pre-season wore on, he seemed to slip down the depth chart, and was among the first players cut by the Giants.