Training camp is in full swing for the New York Giants at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center. Yesterday marked the eighth practice and the fourth in full pads for Big Blue.
After a week and change of practice, there are plenty of indicators as to how the Giants roster will shakeout. The 53-man roster cutdown deadline will be here before we know it.
Of course, practice is one thing. The Giants will have three opportunities to see how the pieces fit and test their depth in the preseason. Here are the three games:
- Thursday August 8 vs. Detroit Lions, 7 pm ET
- Saturday August 17 at Houston Texans, 1 pm ET
- Saturday August 24 at New York Jets, 7:30 pm ET
Of those three teams, two made the playoffs last year and all three certainly have playoff aspirations in 2024. NFL teams do not knock on the door of the playoffs without elite talent and depth. These three matchups will serve as a good litmus test for what to expect from the Giants in 2024.
Prior to 2023, several roster cuts were required throughout each week of the preseason. Now, NFL teams can carry as many as 90 players throughout the end of August. The Giants will have to trim their roster to 53 players by:
- Tuesday August 27, 4 pm ET
If cutdown day was today and I was general manager of the New York Giants, here are the 53 players I would keep:
Quarterbacks – 2
- In: Daniel Jones, Drew Lock
- Out: Tommy DeVito, Nathan Rourke (already cut)
The biggest question mark going into 2024 is Daniel Jones health. After re-injuring his neck and tearing his ACL in 2023, there is no guarantee that Jones is ever the same again. That’s not even considering his poor play in the 2023 season prior to his injuries.
However, Jones had a speedy recovery and rehab process. Reports from training camp note that Jones is not moving like someone who just tore his ACL 9 months ago. Accuracy and decision making have been the main concerns through one week of camp. Jones will need to polish off the rust before Week 1.
The expected backup Drew Lock has not done himself any favors at Jones’ expense, but he will still be a solid replacement should Jones lose the starting job. Lock was the sure-fire backup once the Giants were unable to secure Drake Maye via a trade with the Patriots in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Cutting fan-favorite Tommy DeVito may come as a surprise. But the Giants have never carried three quarterbacks on the roster under Schoen/Daboll. Luckily, it is unlikely that other NFL teams would sign Tommy Cutlets to be a backup when all are carrying multiple through the preseason. Coaching staff and playbook familiarity are heavily weighted for 2nd string QBs.
The only risk of losing DeVito would be if injuries mount for teams in season. But the Giants could get creative and offer DeVito a roster spot off their practice squad if there’s a risk of losing him. The emergency QB rule also would allow DeVito to be elevated to the active roster before every game.
Running Backs – 4
- In: Devin Singletary, Tyrone Tracy Jr., Eric Gray, Dante Miller
- Out: Jashaun Corbin, Jacob Salyors
The Giants running back room in 2024 could bring a lot to the table. Devin Singletary is as reliable as it gets. There’s no doubt he will be the starter going into Week 1. Tyrone Tracy Jr. needs refinement at the running back position, but he can be a true home run hitter in the run and pass game. Eric Gray showed signs of being a smart, patient runner between the tackles. But he still needs work as a pass protector.
There’s a new training camp star in the form of undrafted rookie Dante Miller. NCAA eligibility issues made “Turbo” ineligible for the 2024 NFL Draft. However, the NCAA can’t stop speed from succeeding in the NFL. Since the start of training camp, “Turbo” has generated highlight play after highlight play with his 4.27 40-yard dash speed. Miller could solidify his spot on the roster with good showings in the preseason. The Giants may need to keep him on the active roster to prevent another team from poaching him.
Wide Receivers – 7
- In: Malik Nabers, Jalin Hyatt, Darius Slayton, Wan’Dale Robinson, Allen Robinson, Isaiah McKenzie, Gunner Olszewski
- Out: Isaiah Hodgins, Miles Boykin, Bryce Ford-Wheaton, Dennis Houston, John Jiles, Chase Cota, Ayir Asante
Malik Nabers has put on a show through the first week of training camp. The 6th overall pick has been as good as advertised, showcasing the elite traits that made him college football’s leading receiver last year. Slot receiver is virtually locked up as well with Wan’Dale Robinson getting plays designed specifically for his skillset.
One of the heavily debated position battles coming into camp was for outside wide receiver #2, between Darius Slayton and Jalin Hyatt. Hyatt has shown progress as a route runner (not just as a deep threat) in the early returns at camp. The Giants coaching staff is giving him every opportunity to grab the job. But there may be enough receptions to go around. Slayton is reliable as ever; he is training camp’s leader in receptions currently.
Filling out the roster, Allen Robinson will serve as veteran depth in the locker room. Isaiah McKenzie and Gunner Olszewski will most likely be kept for special teams, but McKenzie could also serve as the backup slot receiver.
Tight Ends – 3
- In: Theo Johnson, Daniel Bellinger, Chris Manhertz
- Out: Lawrence Cager, Tyree Jackson, Jack Stoll
Theo Johnson started on the PUP list (physically unable to perform) but has already impressed in his training camp debut. Johnson is a physically imposing tight end and has receiving refinement to match. Even Brian Daboll reportedly has big plans for Johnson. Chris Manhertz has also proven to be an underrated signing by the Giants this offseason. Manhertz is known as an elite blocking tight end, and reports out of camp have praised Manhertz’s ability in that department.
After being relied on heavily with the Giants in his first two seasons, Daniel Bellinger is limited compared to his fellow tight ends. He’s not as good of an athlete nor receiver as Theo Johnson, nor is he as good of a blocker as Manhertz. But he’ll bring some versatility; expect Bellinger to be the 2nd string tight end used in somewhat of a fullback role.
Offensive Linemen – 9
- In: Andrew Thomas, Jon Runyan Jr., John Michael Schmitz, Greg Van Roten, Jermaine Eluemunor, Evan Neal, Aaron Stinnie, Josh Ezeudu, Jake Kubas
- Out: Austin Schlottmann, Marcus McKethan, Matt Nelson, Jimmy Morrissey, Jalen Mayfield, Yodny Cajuste, Marcellus Johnson, Joshua Miles
Former All-Pro tackle Andrew Thomas is in mid-season form after getting to 100% health in the offseason. The starting offensive line looks set on the depth chart: Thomas, Jon Runyan Jr., John Michael Schmitz, Greg Van Roten, and Jermaine Eluemunor. The goal for the rest of camp should be to build cohesion under new o-line coach Carmen Bricillo’s guidance.
Former 7th overall pick Evan Neal was going to be given the first shot to compete for the starting right tackle job. However, Neal has been on the PUP list since the start of camp and may have missed his chance. Jermaine Eluemunor is the better tackle, but the Giants had been holding out hope that Neal could develop into the player he was once projected to be. As of August 3rd, that does not appear to be the case.
Josh Ezeudu will most likely be the swing tackle after being drafted to play guard. Aaron Stinnie has started in the NFL and will provide depth. Lastly, undrafted guard Jake Kubas has impressed so far in camp, even getting some opportunities as a 1st stringer with injuries to fellow teammates.
The Giants have been trying out different options at center other than Austin Schlottmann, so that may mitigate the need to carry a backup.
Defensive Linemen – 5
- In: Dexter Lawrence, Rakeem Nunez-Roches, Jordan Phillips, Ryder Anderson, Jordon Riley
- Out: DJ Davidson, Timmy Horne, Elijah Chatman, Casey Rogers
Dexter Lawrence is a top 3 defensive lineman in football and the undisputed face of the Giants going into 2024. But who will line up next to “Sexy Dexy” was one of the biggest questions going into camp. The success of defensive coordinator Shane Bowen’s defense is dependent on having four capable pass rushers.
Rakeem “Nacho” Nunez-Roches is the most established run defender outside of Lawrence. He may get most of the early-down snaps. In passing situations, Bowen may turn to whoever has the hot hand in pass rush scenarios between Nacho, Jordan Phillips, Ryder Anderson, and Jordon Riley. Second year player Riley has the most to gain after showing flashes of promise in 2023.
Outside Linebackers / Edge Rushers – 4
- In: Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux, Azeez Ojulari, Boogie Basham
- Out: Tomon Fox, Ovie Oghoufo, Benton Whitley
The Giants do not have proven depth at OLB/Edge going into 2024. One injury to Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux, or even Azeez Ojulari could derail their season.
Pro bowl pass rusher Burns was the highlight acquisition of the offeseason via a trade with the Carolina Panthers. He will also draw much attention from opposing offensive lines that will benefit Dexter Lawrence and young star Thibodeaux.
Ojulari has proven to be a capable pass rusher in the NFL but his size has always been a detriment when defending the run. He can be effectively utilized by DC Shane Bowen with the addition of Burns. Boogie Basham is a bigger edge and a better run defender, so he will provide some versatility.
Inside Linebackers – 5
- In: Bobby Okereke, Micah McFadden, Dyontae Johnson, Carter Coughlin, Darius Muasau
- Out: Darrian Beavers, Matthew Adams
Star linebacker Bobby Okereke was indispensable in his first season with the Giants in 2023. He constantly made impactful plays against the run and the pass. His elite play also saw Micah McFadden thrive next to him.
With McFadden nursing a hamstring injury and Carter Coughlin hurt as well, second year undrafted linebacker Dyontae Johnson has made the most of his camp opportunities. He’s one of the surprising stars of camp and has also reaped the benefits of playing with Okereke. Coughlin and rookie Darius Muasau will be kept on the roster because of their value on special teams.
Cornerbacks – 6
- In: Deonte Banks, Cor’Dale Flott, Dru Phillips, Nick McCloud, Tre Hawkins III, Darnay Holmes
- Out: Tre Herndon, Alex Johnson, Breon Borders, Mario Goodrich, David Long Jr.
Deonte Banks showed signs of promise in his first year with the Giants. Nevertheless, he will need to take a significant step forward if he is to shadow opponents’ #1 wide receivers. Reports from camp say that Banks is being constantly challenged by Malik Nabers. The Giants hope that competition will have an “iron sharpens iron” effect.
The biggest question mark going into the 2024 offseason was who will start opposite of Banks. That remains the burning question going into the 2024 season. Projected starter Cor’Dale Flott has appeared unplayable throughout camp so far. The Giants could evaluate in-house or free agent options with Flott’s struggles. In-house, jack of all trades corner Nick McCloud would be serviceable.
Rookie Dru Phillips is expected to start at slot corner because of his elite athleticism and willingness to play the run. Darnay Holmes will provide valuable veteran experience backing up Phillips. Tre Hawkins will serve as depth to Banks, Flott, and McCloud on the outside.
Safeties – 5
- In: Jason Pinnock, Dane Belton, Tyler Nubin, Isaiah Simmons, Gervarrius Owens
- Out: Kaleb Hayes, Elijah Riley
- Non-Football Injury List: Jalen Mills
Jason Pinnock and Dane Belton may not be household names, but both made numerous plays for the Giants in 2023. DC Shane Bowen said the starting safety job alongside Pinnock was Belton’s ” to lose” with promising 2nd round draft pick Tyler Nubin out with injury to start camp.
Safety is a position that requires versatility in Bowen’s defense. Isaiah Simmons should provide just that as a gadget player. Gervarrius Owens has also been an early star at training camp. He’s put together great preseasons two years in a row and will push for playing time. Jalen Mills has yet to suit up at training camp and will most likely start the 2024 season injured.
Special Teams – 3
In: Placekicker Graham Gano, Punter Jamie Gillan, Long Snapper Casey Kreiter
Out: Placekicker Jude McAtamney
