New York Giants 53-man roster projection -- preseason edition

The New York Giants open their preseason Friday night against the Cincinnati Bengals. Let's take a look at a 53-man roster projection as we enter the preseason. There are a few changes from the pre-training camp projection.

Offense

Quarterbacks (2)

Eli Manning, Ryan Nassib

Enough said. Let's move on.

Running backs (3)

Change: Orleans Darkwa out

Rashad Jennings, Shane Vereen, Andre Williams

Noticeable absence here is Orleans Darkwa. I am going with only three running backs in this projection, mostly to help special teams and because there really isn't a role for the fourth guy. Darkwa or perhaps Akeem Hunt lands on the practice squad.

Fullback (1)

Henry Hynoski

Tight end (3)

Larry Donnell, Daniel Fells, Adrien Robinson

Change: Fells in, Jerome Cunningham and Matt LaCosse out

Same as last year. Couple of differences from the last projection. Obviously, Matt LaCosse is already gone. Also, here I have the veteran Daniel Fells beating out Jerome Cunningham. Love Cunningham's ability as a receiver, but Fells offers a veteran presence and ability to block that Cunningham does not.

Wide receiver (6)

Change: James Jones in, Corey Washington out

Odell Beckham Jr., Victor Cruz, Rueben Randle, Dwayne Harris, Geremy Davis, James Jones

Sorry, CWash fans. Maybe the preseason games will change the picture, but if Jones has anything left I think offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo is going to have a hard time letting him go. It's not easy to cut an established guy with 383 career receptions. The rookie Davis seems to impress in some fashion every day.

Offensive linemen (9)

Change: Dallas Reynolds in, Michael Bamiro out

Starters -- Ereck Flowers, Justin Pugh, Weston Richburg, Geoff Schwartz, Marshall Newhouse

Reserves -- John Jerry, Dallas Reynolds, Brandon Mosley, Brett Jones

I don't know about anyone else, but I am growing increasingly concerned about Geoff Schwartz.If healthy, he is a better player than John Jerry. If he can't practice, though, how is he going to take the pounding of the regular season? As for the backup spots, it's a complete guess at this point. Michael Bamiro, Adam Gettis and perhaps even Sean Donnelly might have  chance. The other problem with this configuration is that none of the reserve guys is an experienced tackle.

Defense

Defensive tackle (4)

Johnathan Hankins, Cullen Jenkins, Jay Bromley, Kenrick Ellis

I still don't have Markus Kuhn making the team. Admittedly, though, I'm starting to think I am going to end up being wrong about that.

Defensive end (5)

Robert Ayers, Kerry Wynn, Damontre Moore, Owamagbe Odighizuwa, George Selvie

The Giants' pass rush was reportedly impressive in Cincinnati. Jason who?

Linebackers (6)

Devon Kennard, Jon Beason, J.T. Thomas, Jameel McClain, Jonathan Casillas, Mark Herzlich

No change here. The concern will be for Jameel McClain and his neck/spine issues.

Cornerbacks (6)

Change: Josh Gordy out, Jayron Hosley and Chykie Brown in

Prince Amukamara, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Trumaine McBride, Jayron Hosley, Chykie Brown, Mike Harris

This situation is pretty fluid. Trevin Wade could sneak in here. So could Gordy. So could a veteran off the waiver wire. No idea right now how this will turn out.

Safeties (5)

Change: Bennett Jackson and Mykkele Thompson in, Nat Berhe out

Landon Collins, Bennett Jackson, Jeromy Miles, Mykkele Thompson, Cooper Taylor

Umm, yeah, what was I thinking with Bennett Jackson being left off the last projection? Five might be one too many safeties, but I have Taylor on here because GM Jerry Reese is loathe to cut draft picks before they have really had a chance to play. If they go with four, right now my belief is Taylor would be the odd man out.

Specialists (3)

Placekicker -- Josh Brown

Punter -- Steve Weatherford

Long-snapper -- Zak DeOssie