Here's our roster projection and depth chart prediction for the New York Giants after Week 1 of training camp in East Rutherford.
EAST RUTHERFORD − The New York Giants are jockeying for position at the many levels of the depth chart and training camp has only begun.
Full pads are set to go on Monday morning in the Giants' fifth practice of the summer, and this represents an opportunity for many to drastically change perspective in the battle for jobs [and playing time].
Here is a position-by-position analysis of where the Giants stand with the chase for spots on the 53-man roster just heating up through a week of camp:
OFFENSE (26)
Quarterback (3)
- Russell Wilson
- Jameis Winston
- Jaxson Dart
Breakdown: Nothing has changed here with Wilson the clear QB1. Dart has gotten most of the second-team reps, while Winston has made the most of his with solid play as well as demanding the standard be just as high for players who might be fighting for spots not on the active roster, but the practice squad. His presence as noticeable. Tommy DeVito has had limited chances, but he has looked good with those reps. He's likely still staring at a practice squad offer or heading elsewhere unless there is a significant injury.
Running back (3)
- Tyrone Tracy
- Devin Singletary
- Cam Skattebo
Breakdown: Tracy is the lead back and looks good. Will be interesting to see him when the run game starts getting work. Skattebo has been fantastic as a receiver, catching every pass thrown his way while working with the second and third teams. Singletary is solid and his reliability in pass protection is a plus. Turbo Miller has had a strong start to camp and will be fighting to force the Giants to keep four backs. His burst jumps out. Can he carve out a role on special teams and lock down a roster spot?
Wide receiver (6)
- Malik Nabers
- Darius Slayton
- Wan'Dale Robinson
- Jalin Hyatt
- Ihmir Smith-Marsette
- Beaux Collins
Breakdown: Special teams ace Bryce Ford-Wheaton had an inside track to a spot from this position until he tore his Achilles in Sunday's practice. It's a crushing blow for a third-year player who has shown flashes, but has been hit by bad injury luck in each of his three seasons. That potentially opens the door for another receiver. Undrafted rookie Beaux Collins has stood out with chances on the first and second teams with Russell Wilson, Jaxson Dart and Jameis Winston, so he gets the early nod. Dalen Cambre is another UDFA rookie who could have a path to replace Ford-Wheaton because of his special teams prowess in college at Louisiana. Another option: free agent Gabe Davis did visit the team in May and has strong bonds with Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen. Smith-Marsette has done well with his opportunities on offense and he is the kick returner.
Tight end (4)
- Theo Johnson
- Chris Manhertz
- Daniel Bellinger
- Thomas Fidone
Breakdown: I kept four tight ends here, but as expected, this could be a position that gives up a spot depending on a numbers' crunch elsewhere. A fifth in Greg Dulcich has had a strong start to camp. Bellinger and Manhertz have been relatively quiet, so it'll be interesting to see the physicality they can bring with the pads going on.
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: Thomas has started camp on the PUP list and he can be activated at any time, but don't expect the Giants to rush him. He's working with the training staff to make sure he's ready on road back from Lisfranc surgery. Rookie fifth rounder Marcus Mbow has emerged at left and right tackle with the second and third teams, and while James Hudson has been at left tackle with the 1s, if for some reason Thomas' return is slower than anticipated, it's possible Mbow gets even more of a look. John Michael Schmitz had a tough first week and needs to step up when the physicality increases. It's going to be interesting to watch Evan Neal at guard when the pads go on.
DEFENSE (24)
Defensive line (5)
- Dexter Lawrence
- Rakeem Nunez-Roches
- Roy Robertson-Harris
- Darius Alexander
- Elijah Chatman
Breakdown: Nunez-Roches is going to get pushed by younger players such as Elijah Garcia, who has had a strong start to camp. Chatman gets the fifth spot for now, but the Giants have depth here and it'll be a roller coaster for all those competing for a spot here. All depends on the combinations, and don't forget Abdul Carter and Chauncey Golston can also play inside in rush packages.
Edge (4)
- Brian Burns
- Kayvon Thibodeaux
- Abdul Carter
- Chauncey Golston
Breakdown: Carter has been as advertised - maybe even better so early. Burns is so underrated and such a presence on this team. His production should catch up to that perception. Thibodeaux is off to a strong start as well. Golston rounds out this quartet and he's had his moments, too. Free agent signee Victor Dimukeje was injured while training away from the team, tearing his pectoral and landing on the PUP list to start camp.
Inside linebacker (5)
- Bobby Okereke
- Micah McFadden
- Chris Board
- Darius Muasau
- Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles
Breakdown: Okereke and McFadden are mainstays in the middle. Board and Muasau are core special teams players. Flanningan-Fowles is an addition from our initial projection; he's also a contributor on special teams.
Cornerback (6)
- Paulson Adebo
- Tae Banks
- Dru Phillips
- Cor'Dale Flott
- Tre Hawkins III
- Korie Black
Breakdown: Banks and Flott are battling for the starting job opposite Adebo, and so far, Flott appears to have the upper hand. It's early, however. Phillips is a potential game-changer at nickel. Nic Jones had a Pick 6 of Jaxson Dart on Day 1 and he's been pushing for bigger chances as Phillips' backup. He could threaten for a role, which could put Hawkins or Black in jeopardy if that continues.
Safety (4)
- Jevon Holland
- Tyler Nubin
- Dane Belton
- K'Von Wallace
Breakdown: The top of this position is set with Holland and Nubin. Both have made plays and gives the Giants their best safety tandem since Super Bowl XLVI with Antrel Rolle and Kenny Phillips. Belton has had a quiet start to camp after such a loud spring as a takeaway machine. Wallace was signed on the eve of camp, so he's working his way up the depth chart.
Specialists (3)
- K Graham Gano
- P Jamie Gillan
- LS Casey Kreiter
Breakdown: No reason to think anything has changed here. Jude McAtamney is still on track to be a second kicker on the practice squad as part of the International Pathway Program.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NY Giants roster projection: Our prediction after Week 1 of camp
Category: Football
