Big Blue View
With time growing short before initial 53-man rosters have to be set on August 26, let’s update our projection for the New York Giants. The final projection will be made following the Thursday, Aug. 21 preseason finale against the New England Patriots.
Quarterback (3) — Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston, Jaxson Dart
Out: Tommy DeVito
(Change: None)
Status quo here. There is no room on the 53-man roster for DeVito unless there is an injury or someone offers the Giants so much for Jameis Winston that they can’t say no.
Running back (4) — Tyrone Tracy Jr., Devin Singletary, Cam Skattebo, Dante Miller
Out: Eric Gray, Jonathan Ward
(Change: Miller in)
Miller’s performance against the Buffalo and Skattebo’s sketchy health add up to keeping an extra running back. Skattebo did not practice much in the spring, and is now sidelined with a hamstring injury that seems like more than a day-to-day thing.
Tight end (4) — Theo Johnson, Chris Manhertz, Thomas Fidone
Out: Daniel Bellinger, Greg Dulcich, Jermaine Terry
(Change: Bellinger out)
I stewed over what to do at this position for a looong time. I truthfully don’t know if this is how I will go in my final 53-man projection. Here, though, I have Bellinger out and Fidone in.
Keeping Miller as a fourth running back meant somebody had to lose a roster spot. Honestly, I think Bellinger has been under-utilized and under-appreciated by this coaching staff. If the Giants do cut him they might come to regret it — he will be a good player for someone.
I just feel like Fidone has shown enough that the Giants won’t want to expose him to waivers, and that they could use the $3.4 million in cap savings they could get by releasing Bellinger. Of course, they could force him to take a pay cut if he wants to stay
I don’t really like going with three tight ends, but I also keep remembering that the Giants have occasionally used defensive tackle Elijah Chatman at fullback. They might also be able to get Dulcich to the practice squad as depth.
I know this one would be controversial if the Giants actually did it.
Wide receiver (6) — Malik Nabers, Darius Slayton, Wan’Dale Robinson, Jalin Hyatt, Ihmir Smith-Marsette, Beaux Collins
Out: Zach Pascal, Juice Wells, Jordan Bly, Montrell Washington, Da’Quan Felton, Gunner Olszewski, Dalen Cambre, Lil’Jordan Humphrey
(Change: Cambre out)
I honestly have no idea what is going to happen with the final wide receiver spot. I am giving the spot to Collins for now as a placeholder while I watch this competition over the remaining two preseason games.
I think Smith-Marsette is safe because of how well he did as a kickoff and punt returner for the Giants last season. But Olszewski, the guy he replaced due to injury, is back. The coaching staff obviously has respect for Olszewski, and he has been getting a lot of looks as a receiver.
I can make an argument for either Washington...
