New York Giants roster projection: Breaking down the chase for 53 as training camp begins

EAST RUTHERFORD - Giants general manager Joe Schoen and coach Brian Daboll were brought back by ownership despite a three-win campaign last fall in which seemingly nothing went right.

Their return came with an obvious mission to turn the corner and bring some positivity and competitiveness back to the franchise about not only the upcoming season, but the future.

We have a much more complete picture of how Big Blue wants to take the next step, a much-needed leap with high level talent added with tremendous value at what they hope were difference-making positions.

There was fear from some fans and within the media that Schoen would be reckless, throwing cash from co-owners John Mara and Steve Tisch all over the place in what would be a perceived attempt at saving face and his job.

Despite speculation, that has not happened; if anything, Schoen has been patient and calculated.

Now the Giants move into the next phase of that challenge with the veterans set to join the rookies at training camp come Tuesday: it's time to hit the field with the first practice Wednesday morning and to start proving it.

For the Giants, the offseason program was a good opportunity for players to jockey for position at the many levels of the depth chart, and whether one final impression is enough to drastically change perspective for individuals fighting for jobs [and playing time] depends on what they have shown the coaches and team brass this spring.

Once the pads come on next week, the true competition starts. Here is a position-by-position analysis of where the Giants stand with the chase for spots on the 53-man roster kicking off.

OFFENSE (27)

Quarterback (3)

• Russell Wilson
• Jameis Winston
• Jaxson Dart

Breakdown: Wilson has done everything the Giants could have wanted to this point, and this is not a competition in a conventional sense. The pressure exists only because of Dart's presence and what he could - should - develop into with an uncertain yet realistic timeline. Winston, on a 2-year deal, is the backup and while there has been talk of a possible emergence as a trade chip, Schoen appears to have made this commitment with a two-year plan in mind. The Giants have a plan to develop Dart, and they won't place expectations on him until he is ready. There should be no delusions here: the only thing that will keep Dart on the sideline if and when he is deemed ready will be winning. DeVito appears destined to be the odd man out on the active roster, but don't underestimate his value for the entire room as the only QB with experience in this offense. The Giants still like DeVito, so even if he gets the chance to explore other opportunities later this summer, a return to the practice squad might still be his best move if offered.

Running back (4)

• Tyrone Tracy
• Devin Singletary
• Cam Skattebo
• Turbo Miller

Breakdown: The Giants saw a lot to like from Tracy last season, but there was room for another back to complement Tracy, or for Tracy to complement. That's Skattebo, whose powerful style and electric personality should make him a fan favorite the moment he gets on the field. Those two backs together should provide a great foundation here. Singletary is a solid veteran and someone is going to have to beat him out. The pressure facing Eric Gray, a fifth-round pick two years ago, comes from the presence of Miller, who can push him for a spot. There is a chance "Turbo" might be able to carve out a role on special teams, perhaps as the secondary kickoff returner to Ihmir Smith-Marsette, which is why he gets the nod in this initial projection.

Wide receiver (6)

• Malik Nabers
• Darius Slayton
• Wan'Dale Robinson
• Jalin Hyatt
• Ihmir Smith-Marsette
• Bryce Ford-Wheaton

Break it down: Nabers' presence is undeniable, and with the Giants essentially keeping him in bubble wrap due to a lingering toe issue dating back to college, Hyatt had the most to gain. He came into this offseason with the most to lose. Slayton's return was unexpected, but he's a mainstay and could be even more productive with Wilson's superb deep ball. Maybe Robinson won't take as much punishment if his quarterbacks could be sharper with their anticipation. Hyatt's status will be a fascinating watch. On paper, he should have a chance to expand his role with Wilson. Can he earn chances or will he be better served elsewhere? Smith-Marsette, the key returner, would love more snaps at WR and he has flashed this spring. Undrafted free agents DaQuan Felton, Beaux Collins, Juice Wells, Dalen Cambre and Jordan Bly have all had their moments as UDFAs. Cambre was a decorated special teams ace in college, so he could make a strong move this summer. He'll likely have to beat out Ford-Wheaton, who showed flashes as a very good gunner in punt coverage last year.

Tight end (4)

• Theo Johnson
• Chris Manhertz
• Daniel Bellinger
• Thomas Fidone

Break it down: Bellinger's role was limited last year, so he has to force the Giants to keep him and carve out a bigger part within this offense. The Giants showed some interest in tight end prospects, so adding a tight end was expected. Did they find a sleeper in Nebraska's Fidone? A foot injury ended Johnson's rookie season just when he was getting going, so there are big plans for the former Penn State star heading into this year. Manhertz was a solid contributor last season. Bellinger and Manhertz could ultimately wind up in a battle for one spot if Fidone earns the trust of the coaches earlier than anticipated.

Offensive line (10)

• LT Andrew Thomas
• LG Jon Runyan Jr.
• C John Michael Schmitz
• RG Greg Van Roten
• RT Jermaine Eluemunor
• T James Hudson
• T/G Marcus Mbow
• G Evan Neal
• G Jake Kubas
• G/T Joshua Ezeudu

Breakdown: So much attention will be paid to Neal's potential move to guard but Schmitz could also be playing to cement his future here, perhaps even more so. There is not an obvious heir apparent on the roster at center, but Schmitz needs to stay healthy and bring his best to answer a lot of outside criticism. The Giants see a lot to like in Mbow, their fifth-round pick from Purdue. He's been working at right tackle so far, but circumstances could force him into another role if the coaches believe he's one of their five best and they need him on the field. The depth of this group has wrecked whatever plans they had at the start of the last two seasons. Right now, the numbers are there and the talent is more proven. Hudson has been first up at swing tackle, which was actually starting left tackle with the Giants easing Thomas back this spring from a foot injury last year. Could Kubas or Neal push Van Roten? Van Roten could be the backup for Schmitz. His best role might be top reserve on the interior. Veteran Aaron Stinnie could wind up on the practice squad, but he could also push Ezeudu off the roster with a good camp.

DEFENSE (23)

Defensive line (5)

• Dexter Lawrence
• Rakeem Nunez-Roches
• Roy Robertson-Harris
• Darius Alexander
• Elijah Chatman

Breakdown: The Giants wanted to draft a running mate for Dexter Lawrence and that came early in the draft with the addition of Alexander, who has a lot of tools worthy of his third-round pick status. Alexander worked with the training staff for much of the spring, so it'll be interesting to see how soon he factors into the plans. The veterans Nunez-Roches, Robertson-Harris and Jeremiah Ledbetter will be fighting to earn spots in an anticipated rotation. Can D.J. Davidson stay healthy and measure up with those guys? Jordon Riley, Chatman and Elijah Garcia are all in the mix. If Riley steps up in Year 3, he could put pressure on Nunez-Roches.

Edge (4)

• Brian Burns
• Kayvon Thibodeaux
• Abdul Carter
• Chauncey Golston

Breakdown: The Giants added a front-line talent at No. 3 with Carter, and it would be to their detriment if they did not have him on the field a majority of the time. They'll have to be creative and Carter's experience at off ball linebacker should allow for some interesting combinations. Burns had a better season in his first as a Giant than some critics suggest, but both the player and the team have even higher expectations. There had been speculation about Thibodeaux as a potential trade piece, but given the depth here, that would have been weakening the unit. The Giants picked up his fifth-year option, but a long-term extension at the moment is a different story. Thibodeaux still has a lot to prove, just don't slam the door on his spot here just yet. Trace Ford is a UDFA signing who has flashed and could land on the PS with Tomon Fox. Signee Victor Dimukeje was injured early and seems destined for the PUP list during camp.

Inside linebacker (4)

• Bobby Okereke
• Micah McFadden
• Chris Board
• Darius Muasau

Breakdown: The Giants are counting on Okereke to have a bounce back season and for McFadden's continued development following a breakout campaign. One of the overlooked components of this defense and making sure it reaches its potential is getting 2023 Okereke back in the fold. That should be a priority. Abdul Carter could factor here as well in a sub-package capacity. This unit has young players who could step up with Muasau and Dyontae Johnson. Board and Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles are would-be core special teamers, although Board could earn a defensive role if things break a certain way. Flannigan-Fowles was the odd man out in this projection.

Cornerback (6)

• Paulson Adebo
• Tae Banks
• Dru Phillips
• Cor'Dale Flott
• Tre Hawkins III
• Korie Black

Breakdown: Adebo is a serious upgrade at CB1, and that should allow Banks to settle in at CB2 with Phillips in line for a breakout in the slot. Flott showed signs of coming into his own on the boundary before an injury ended his year and momentum yet again. Could Flott push Banks? He certainly appeared to be doing just that late in the spring. If they bring out the best in each other, the Giants benefit. Watch for Black to get a lot of time in preseason games, and he could be a sleeper.

Safety (4)

• Jevon Holland
• Tyler Nubin
• Dane Belton
• Raheem Layne

Breakdown: Belton would fit perfectly as the representative for DC Shane Bowen's "Be a Damn Pirate" mantra with the staff pushing for more takeaways. He had a productive spring and the third safety job is there yet again for the taking. The pairing of Holland and Nubin could be special - if the Giants figure out how to use their talents to make a difference on the back end. Layne, the UDFA in Makari Paige and Anthony Johnson, who is recovering from shoulder surgery, will have opportunities in the summer to stand out.

Specialists (3)

• K Graham Gano
• P Jamie Gillan
• LS Casey Kreiter

Breakdown: Gano's last two seasons have been derailed by injury, so he needs to avoid that and stay on the field. Not sure Jude McAtamney is a threat, he'll likely be an International Pathway Program exemption again, or whether the Giants would go outside the organization if Gano has a slow summer. Gano needs to make sure he doesn't let that become part of the equation, regardless of how reliable and productive the 38-year-old has been in a very good pro career. The Giants appear ready to roll with what is, if healthy, a solid group of veterans. Smith-Marsette emerged as a weapon as the punt and kickoff returner.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NY Giants roster projection: Our prediction heading into training camp