The final preseason game is upon us.
So let’s take a look at some positions where there are roster spots still up for grabs and potentially on the line on Thursday against New England. The Giants have to cut their roster down to 53 on Saturday and figure out who to place on IR and the practice squad.
Quarterback
In: Eli Manning, Ryan Nassib.
Probably in: David Carr.
On the bubble: Curtis Painter.
Analysis: Hard to envision Giants not keeping three quarterbacks while they groom Nassib. I see the Giants keeping Carr behind Manning.
Running back
In: David Wilson, Andre Brown, FB Henry Hynoski.
Probably in: Michael Cox.
On the bubble: Ryan Torain, Da'Rel Scott.
Analysis: Cox has shown enough in camp at running back and kick returner to stick. Scott may have doomed himself with a fumble against the Jets.
Wide receiver
In: Hakeem Nicks, Victor Cruz, Rueben Randle, Louis Murphy, Jerrel Jernigan.
On the bubble: Ramses Barden, Kevin Hardy, Julian Talley, Marcus Harris.
Analysis: There’s an opportunity for somebody to be the sixth receiver, although the Giants may need a roster spot at another position. With Murphy banged up a bit, the Giants may want one more body for depth. Barden has the experience but he’s been banged up as well. Hardy could have a chance to stick. it could come down to Thursday night.
Tight end
In: Brandon Myers, Bear Pascoe, Adrien Robinson.
On the bubble: Larry Donnell.
Analysis: Donnell has impressed in camp and even been used as a backup fullback which shows what the coaches think of his versatility. I think the Giants want to keep Donnell. The reason he’s on the bubble here is because he could be a numbers casualty if the Giants need a roster spot elsewhere.
Offensive line
In: Will Beatty, Chris Snee, David Baas, Kevin Boothe, Justin Pugh, David Diehl, James Brewer.
Probably in: Brandon Mosley, Jim Cordle.
On the bubble: Eric Herman, Selvish Capers, Matt McCants, Stephen Goodin, Bryant Browning.
Analysis: The coaching staff has given Mosley opportunities in camp and that makes me believe he is going to make the team. Cordle offers versatility and depth. If the Giants keep 10 linemen, Herman is a draft pick who can be developed. McCants falls in the same category. Capers also would be in the mix if the Giants can keep extra linemen.
Defensive line
In: DE Jason Pierre-Paul, DE Justin Tuck, DE Mathias Kiwanuka, DE Damontre Moore, DE Adrian Tracy, DT Linval Joseph, DT Cullen Jenkins, DT Shaun Rogers, DT Johnathan Hankins.
Probably in: DT Markus Kuhn (on PUP).
On the bubble: DT Mike Patterson, DT Marvin Austin, DE Justin Trattou, DE Matt Broha, DE Adewale Ojomo.
Analysis: This may be the toughest group of them all. I still think the Giants should find a way to keep Austin and that he has shown enough lately in camp to find a way to stick. Austin and Patterson could be fighting for the last DT spot. But can the Giants keep five to six defensive tackles? Kuhn should end up on PUP/reserve. Trattou has shown flashes and Ojomo has potential but needs to be more well-rounded. Somebody good will get cut from this group.
Linebackers
In: Dan Connor, Keith Rivers, Spencer Paysinger, Jacquian Williams, Mark Herzlich.
Probably in: Kyle Bosworth.
Analysis: The Giants only have six linebackers and I can’t see them not keeping Bosworth, who has shown he can provide depth at linebacker and help on special teams. They’ll likely need six linebackers.
Defensive backs
In: CB Corey Webster, CB Prince Amukamara, CB Aaron Ross, CB Terrell Thomas, CB Jayron Hosley, S Antrel Rolle, S Ryan Mundy, S Tyler Sash, S Stevie Brown (on IR).
Probably in: S Cooper Taylor, S Will Hill (suspension).
On the bubble: CB Trumaine McBride, CB Charles James, CB Terrence Frederick, S David Caldwell.
Analysis: McBride has shown that he can stick with his play in camp. Sash has had a nice preseason and will be needed for depth. Hill will serve a four-game suspension to start the season. Taylor’s preseason has been marred by a hamstring injury but the Giants like the fifth-round pick’s potential. James has shown ability to provide depth and be a possible punt returner.
Special teams
In: K Josh Brown, P Steve Weatherford, LS Zak DeOssie.