After a disappointing 6-11 season, the New York Giants should make modifications to their 53-man roster. Listed below are three choices they’ll have to make earlier than the common season.
Ought to they add one other tight finish?
With the retirement of Darren Waller, Daniel Bellinger and fourth-round decide Theo Johnson every have an ideal probability to turn into the staff’s beginning tight finish. Sadly, Bellinger missed spring practices with an undisclosed harm, and Johnson missed time with a hip harm that landed him on the PUP listing.
Each are wholesome now, however neither encourage confidence for the upcoming season. Whereas he could have two years in head coach Brian Daboll’s system, Bellinger has simply 523 yards since becoming a member of the staff in 2022. Johnson is huge (6-foot-6, 264 kilos), however his numbers with Penn State (938 yards and 12 scores in 4 years) had been something however.
Free-agent choices are restricted at tight finish, so barring a commerce, the Giants should wait till groups begin making cuts in late August. Gamers that might turn into accessible embrace Colts’ tight finish Mo Alie-Cox and the Cowboys’ Peyton Hendershot.
Who will begin at proper deal with?
Evan Neal was the No. 7 decide within the 2022 NFL Draft, however not solely did he miss 14 video games over the previous two seasons, he’s at the moment on the PUP listing whereas recovering from ankle surgical procedure. He performed in simply seven contests final season, permitting seven sacks with seven penalties, according to Pro Football Focus.
In mild of Neal’s efficiency, the staff signed Jermaine Eluemunor, a seven-year veteran who hasn’t missed a recreation since 2021. Eluemunor spent the final two seasons at proper deal with for the Raiders, however he also can play guard, giving the Giants flexibility if Neal can’t play.
The Giants additionally signed offensive lineman Greg Van Roten, Eluemunor’s teammate with the Raiders final 12 months. New offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo was additionally with the Raiders final season which might additionally affect the staff’s determination.
Ideally, New York hopes Neal will win the fitting deal with job, however Eluemunor could possibly be the staff’s most suitable choice, particularly if Van Roten performs proper guard.
Who would be the No. 2 operating again?
Former Large Saquon Barkley had 1,242 whole yards and 10 scores in 14 video games with the Giants final 12 months, whereas new Giants operating again Devin Singletary had 1,091 whole yards and 4 touchdowns with the Texans.
Whereas Barkley all the time operated as a “workhorse” again, Singletary has sometimes been used as a part of a committee, which might create alternatives for operating backs Eric Grey, Dante “Turbo” Miller and Tyrone Tracy Jr.
Tracy performed 38 video games at huge receiver in school earlier than switching positions in 2022. He led the Huge Ten in yards per carry (6.3) for Purdue final season, and with 1,201 yards as a receiver, this 12 months’s fifth-round decide ought to at the least see the sphere because the staff’s third-down again.
Eric Grey was the staff’s fifth-round decide in 2023 however averaged 2.8 yards per carry for 48 yards as a rookie. Numbers like that gained’t earn a lot taking part in time, particularly if Miller continues to have a robust camp.
Miller walked on at South Carolina as a graduate switch in 2022 after three years at Columbia, however because of the COVID-19 pandemic and a misplaced 2020 season, he was dominated a free agent and ineligible for this 12 months’s draft.
In accordance with The Sporting News’ Kevin Hickey, Miller has flashed as a receiver in camp, and with 4.27 velocity and abilities as a returner, he could possibly be pushing Grey for a roster spot.