Instead of doing a pure 53-man roster projection ahead of New York Giants training camp, we are looking at the Giants’ 91-man roster a different way
Below is an updated position-by-position look at who I consider to be locks to make the 53-man roster, bubble players, and long shots after the first four days of practice. The intent is to look at where the most interesting competitions are and the chances of individual players.
Quarterback
Locks (2) — Jaxson Dart, Jameis Winston Bubble players (0) — None Long shot
(1) — Brandon Allen
[No change]
Allen received few reps over the first four days. The Giants did one 7-on-7 session in each of those practices, and Dart often took Allen’s reps with the third team. As coach John Harbaugh said in the spring, whatever reps Dart wants, Dart will get.
Running back
Locks (4) — Cam Skattebo, Tyrone Tracy, Devin Singletary, Patrick Ricard
Bubble players (1) — Dante Miller
Long shots (3) — Eric Gray, Damon Bankston
[Change: Miller moves from long shot to bubble]
At the risk of getting the ‘Turbo-maniacs’ fired up, only to once again end up disappointed, it has been clear through the early practices that the Giants see Miller as being ahead of Gray or Bankston. I still won’t believe Miller will make the roster until I see it happen.
Tight end
Locks (3) — Isaiah Likely, Theo Johnson, Chris Manhertz
Bubble players (1) — Tanner Conner
Long shot (1) — Thomas Fidone
[Change: Conner and Fidone switch places]
Conner has made plays every day. Fidone, coming back from foot issues, has been mostly invisible.
Wide receiver
Locks (5) — Malik Nabers, Darius Slayton, Calvin Austin, Darnell Mooney, Malachi Fields
Bubble players (4) — Odell Beckham Jr., JuJu Smith-Schuster, Braxton Berrios, Dalen Cambre
Long shots (5) — Ryan Miller, Jalin Hyatt, Xavier Gipson, Beaux Collins, Isaiah Hodgins
[Change: Cambre and Hodgins switch places]
I still don’t have a good handle on who leads the competition for the last roster spot or two at this position. Berrios had a good start to camp. Beckham hasn’t done much, but he has practiced every day. I switched Cambre and Hodgins because of special teams value.
Offensive line
Locks (7) — Andrew Thomas, Jon Runyan, John Michael Schmitz, Francis Mauigoa, Jermaine Eluemunor, Marcus Mbow, Daniel Faalele
Bubble players (6) — J.C. Davis, Lucas Patrick, Bryan Hudson, Josh Ezeudu, Aaron Stinnie
Long shots (4) — Evan Neal, Ryan Schernecke, Jake Kubas, Jarrod Gray (International Exemption)
[Change: Runyan moved from bubble to lock.]
There was no indication over the first four practices that Runyan is in a competition for the starting left guard job.
Defensive line
Locks (4) — D.J. Reader, Darius Alexander, Shelby Harris, Chauncey Golston
Bubble players (5) — Bobby Jamison-Travis, Leki Fotu, Zacch Pickens, Sam Roberts, Josh Tupou
Long shots (2) — Anquin Barnes Jr., Marlon Davidson
[Change: Undrafted free agent Ben Barten was cut; Davidson was added to the roster to replace C.J. Ravenell]
Padded practices begin on Monday. That should be when this competition begins to declare itself.
Off-ball linebacker
Locks (3) — Arvell Reese, Tremaine Edmunds, Micah McFadden
Bubble players (3) — Jack Kelly, Darius Muasau, Zaire Barnes
Long shots (1) — Anfernee Orji
[Change: Orji added to roster]
Orji was signed to replace Barten. Kelly is edging closer to becoming a lock. One other note: Harbaugh said last week that he considered McFadden a third starter.
Edge defender
Locks (3) — Brian Burns, Abdul Carter, Kayvon Thibodeaux
Bubble players (1) — Khalid Kareem
Long shots (2) — Trace Ford, Caleb Murphy
[No change]
I still see only the three edge defenders making the 53-man roster.
Cornerback
Locks (5) — Paulson Adebo, Greg Newsome II, Colton Hood, Dru Phillips, Deonte Banks
Bubble players (3) — Art Green, Nic Jones, Korie Black
Long shots (1) — Jarick Bernard-Converse
[Change: Banks moved bubble to lock.]
Banks is now where I probably should have put him initially.
Safety
Locks (3) — Jevon Holland, Tyler Nubin, Ar’Darius Washington
Bubble players (2) — Elijah Campbell, Jason Pinnock
Long shots (2) — Beau Brade, Raheem Layne
[No change]
The more I watch practice, the more I believe Washington is going to play a lot.
Special teams
Locks (1) — Jordan Stout (punter)
Bubble players (2) — Dominic Zvada (placekicker), Ben Mann (long-snapper)
Long shot (1) — Ben Sauls (placekicker)
[No change]
I do believe Sauls has a chance to win the placekicking job. I still think Zvada is the front runner.
Totals
Locks: 40
Bubble players: 28
Long shots: 23
