New York Giants updated 53-man roster projection: Choices entering preseason

With the New York Giants first preseason game just two days away, let’s update our 53-man roster projection. Based on moves that have already been made, and observations from practice, there are some changes.

Offense

Quarterback (3) — Eli Manning, Davis Webb, Kyle Lauletta

No change. Nothing to see here, at least in terms of roster projections.

Running back (3) — Saquon Barkley, Wayne Gallman, Jonathan Stewart

At this point, I still believe one of Robert Martin and Jalen Simmons will be on the practice squad. Let’s see if one forces his way onto the roster with a strong preseason.

Tight end (4) — Evan Engram, Rhett Ellison, Jerell Adams, Shane Smith

Changes: Kyle Carter and Scott Simonson out. Adams and Smith in.

Carter has already been cut. Adams keeps showing up, having made some nice catches during camp. I have no real way to judge his blocking at this point, but the more I see the more I think he sticks. Smith, too. If the Giants are going to continue to list him as a tight end instead of a fullback, I guess I will, too. I’m not sure there will be many snaps for Smith, though.

Wide receiver (7) — Odell Beckham Jr., Sterling Shepard, Cody Latimer, Hunter Sharp, Russell Shepard, Amba Etta-Tawo, Kalif Raymond

Change: Raymond added. Yes, that is too many receivers. I can’t figure out which one to cut, though. Raymond is having an excellent camp and judging by practice reps might be the favorite to be the primary punt and kickoff returner.

Offensive line (8) — Starters: Nate Solder (LT), Will Hernandez (LG), Jon Halapio (C), Patrick Omameh (RG), Ereck Flowers (RT); Reserves: Brett Jones, John Greco, Chad Wheeler

Changes: Kerin dropped, Halapio listed as starter. Jones is getting some first-team reps, but Halapio is getting the majority. I’ll go with that. I wouldn’t be surprised if John Jerry somehow makes the roster, but right now I can’t figure out who else to drop to get him on the 53.

Defense

Defensive line (7) — Starters: Damon Harrison, Dalvin Tomlinson, B.J. Hill; Reserves: Kerry Wynn, Robert Thomas, A.J. Francis, Avery Moss

Change: Sokoli out, Moss added. The second-year man might really be an EDGE player, but for now I will list him with the defensive linemen.

Linebackers (8) — Starters: Alec Ogletree, B.J. Goodson, Olivier Vernon, Kareem Martin; Reserves: Lorenzo Carter, Ray-Ray Armstrong, Mark Herzlich, Connor Barwin

No change. I’m still concerned about the inside linebacker depth, but right now this is what the Giants have.

Cornerbacks (5) — Starters: Janoris Jenkins, Eli Apple; Reserves: B.W. Webb, Grant Haley, Leonard Johnson

Changes: Sam Beal, William Gay out. This is the toughest position on the roster to predict. Every time I do a projection, it changes. Gay, at one point, looked like the starter in the slot. Lately, he’s been at safety, Now, he’s hurt. Webb is — for now — the starter in the slot. There has to be an undrafted free agent rookie who makes the roster, and right now I will make Haley that guy. As for Johnson, someone has to be the backup on the outside. In all honesty, this is probably wrong. We’ll see in a month.

Safeties (5) — Starters: Landon Collins, Curtis Riley; Reserves: Michael Thomas, Darian Thompson, Andrew Adams

No change. I will leave Riley as the starter for now, but that could easily be Thompson. Thomas and Adams could figure here. Gay, too.

Special teams

Placekicker — Aldrick Rosas
Punter — Riley Dixon
Long-snapper — Zak DeOssie

Practice squad (10 players)

RB Robert Martin, TE Ryan O’Malley, C Evan Brown, OL Nick Gates, WR Travis Rudolph, S Sean Chandler, CB, Donte Deayon, DL Tyrell Chavis, TE Garrett Dickerson, OT Victor Salako