Here it is, the FINAL, projected 53. As I mentioned in my first post trying this exercise back in June, injuries would shape this roster before opening day. Victor Cruz, Reuben Randle, JPP, and the constant revolving door at safety makes this even harder than I thought. Here we go!
QB (2)
Eli Manning
Ryan Nassib: Not great, but solid play and understanding of offense gives Eli a confident backup. Also enhances roster flexibility that team can carry two quarterbacks.
RB (4)
Rashad Jennings
Shane Vereen
Andre Williams
Orleans Darkwa: Could be a late trade chip, but the team loves him and values his game
FB (1)
Henry Hynoski: Holds off two way player Nikita Whitlock
WR (7)
Odell Beckham Jr.
Victor Cruz: How serious is the calf problem? Team may have to carry an extra WR because of uncertainty of Cruz and Randle (knee).
Rueben Randle
Dwayne Harris
Geremy Davis
Corey Washington
James Jones
TE (3)
Larry Donnell
Daniel Fells
Jerome Cunningham: Has cemented himself as a viable part of the offense. Great training camp for the Southern Connecticut alum.
OL (9)
Ereck Flowers
Marshall Newhouse
Adam Gettis
Justin Pugh
Geoff Schwartz
John Jerry
Weston Richburg
Dallas Reynolds
Bobby Hart
DL (10)
Jason Pierre Paul: No one, and I mean no one, knows what to expect when JPP shows up this week. Again, uncertainty forces the team to go heavy in numbers along the DLine.
Robert Ayers
George Selvie
Kerry Wynn
Damontre Moore
Owamagbe Odighizuwa
Johnathan Hankins
Cullen Jenkins
KenrickEllis
Jay Bromley
LB (6)
Jon Beason
Jameel McClain
Devon Kennard
JT Thomas
Mark Herzlich
Uani “Devin” Unga: Came out of nowhere to earn one of the final spots on the team. Aggressive, fast, and decisive player. Looks like a young Troy Polamalu at linebacker.
DB (5)
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
Prince Amukamara
Trumaine McBride
Jayron Hosely
Trevin Wade: Has been on the practice squad in my first two projections. Wade now deserves to be on the final 53.
Safety (4)
Landon Collins: Even while bringing in veterans, Landon Collins has been the most important safety on the roster. His maturation as a rookie will tell a lot of what happens to the Giants defense on 3rd down this season.
Cooper Taylor
Jeromy Miles
Stevie Brown
Kickers/Snappers (3)
Brad Wing: The new Aussie left footed punter via LSU was traded for after the team cut fan favorite, Steve Weatherford.
Josh Brown
Zak DeOssie