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Giants' offseason of change met some needs; not QB future

The New York Giants ended their offseason program on June 14. Here’s a look at how they fared:

Offseason goals: There is a new regime in place. With that comes new schemes and philosophies. The Giants had to reshape their roster (specifically improve their offensive line) and learn Pat Shurmur’s offense and James Bettcher’s defense. They also had to get on the same page with star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. and get him healthy after a broken ankle ruined his 2017 campaign.

Grade: Above average

Move I liked: Signing guard Patrick Omameh. It flies under the radar because of the record-setting money handed to left tackle Nate Solder, but Omameh is a quality starting guard who came at a reasonable price. Combine him with guard Will Hernandez, their second-round pick, and the interior of the Giants’ offensive line should be significantly improved.

Move I didn’t like: Passing on a quarterback with the No. 2 overall pick for running back Saquon Barkley. And this has nothing to do with Barkley’s ability to play. The Giants had a chance to solidify their future in what turned out to be a historic quarterback draft (four selected in the top 10 for the first time in modern history). Eli Manning is 37, and will turn 38 before the playoffs. The Giants now have last year’s third-rounder, Davis Webb, and this year’s fourth-rounder, Kyle Lauletta, as possible successors. Odds are against mid-round picks becoming franchise quarterbacks. The Giants could have greatly increased their chances of being set at the most important position in football with a first-round quarterback. They took a running back (albeit one with immense talent) instead.

Biggest question still to be answered in training camp: Will Beckham get a new contract? He wants one and things likely get bumpy if Beckham doesn’t get one. He isn’t about to put himself at risk in live drills this summer before getting paid. That would be a bad business decision. This situation is going to hang over training camp and the regular season until it’s resolved.

Quotable:“The thing that makes him different is he has the feet and speed of a little guy, with the power and strength of a big guy. That’s what makes him so darn unique. He’s different. It’s like he was touched by the hand of God, frankly.” -- Giants GM Dave Gettleman on why they selected Saquon Barkley with the No. 2 overall pick

Salary-cap space: $7,275,806 (per NFLPA)

2018 draft picks: 1. RB Saquon Barkley (Penn State); 2. G Will Hernandez (UTEP); 3a. OLB Lorenzo Carter (Georgia); 3b. DL B.J. Hill (N.C. State); 4. QB Kyle Lauletta (Richmond); DL 5. R.J. McIntosh (Miami)

Undrafted rookie free agents signed: G Malcolm Bunche (UCLA); C Evan Brown (ECU); S Sean Chandler (Temple); DT Tyrell Chavis (Penn State); WR Jawill Davis (Bethune-Cookman); LB Tae Davis (Tennessee-Chattanooga); TE Garrett Dickerson; CB Byron Fields (Duke); G Nick Gates (Nebraska); CB Grant Haley (Penn State); OT Tyler Howell (Missouri); RB Robert Martin (Rutgers)

Unrestricted free agents signed: DT A.J. Francis (Redskins); CB William Gay (Steelers); G Jon Greco (Giants); LB Mark Herzlich (Giants); WR Cody Latimer (Broncos); CB Chris Lewis-Harris (Broncos); LB Kareem Martin (Cardinals); DL Josh Mauro (Cardinals); G Patrick Omameh (Jaguars); DB Curtis Riley (Titans); WR Russell Shepard (Panthers); OT Nate Solder (Patriots); RB Jonathan Stewart (Panthers); P Taylor Symmank (Vikings); QB Alex Tanney (Titans); S Michael Thomas (Dolphins); CB B.W. Webb (Browns); CB Teddy Williams (Panthers)

Restricted free agents signed: C Brett Jones (Giants)

Players acquired via trade: LB Alec Ogletree (Rams); P Riley Dixon (Broncos)