EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Projecting 53-man rosters in the NFL has become more complicated with rules that allow for greater practice squad flexibility. Decisions aren’t made entirely based on assembling the best 53-player team, as there are considerations for which bubble players could be poached if they don’t make the roster.
There was an example of this dance last summer when the New York Giants initially kept rookie seventh-round pick Korie Black on their 53-man roster. Black was cut the next day after the Giants made waiver claims. The Giants planned to slide Black to their practice squad, but he instead elected to sign with the Jets’ practice squad (the Giants eventually signed him back to their active roster during the season).
It’s challenging to forecast these roster gymnastics when projecting a 53-man roster, but here’s my best shot at nailing down who will be on the Giants’ roster after Sunday’s 6 p.m. deadline for cuts:
Top Plays from Giants @ Jets
Quarterbacks: 2
In: Jaxson Dart, Jameis Winston
Out: Brandon Allen, Jake Haener
There’s no thought of keeping three quarterbacks. Winston is arguably the best backup in the league, which is especially valuable considering how many hits Dart takes. The Giants can sign Allen to the practice squad if they want to keep him in the quarterback room.
Running backs: 4
In: Cam Skattebo, Najee Harris, Devin Singletary, Tyrone Tracy Jr.
Out: Eric Gray, Damon Bankston
Harris’ signing combined with Tracy’s high-profile preseason gaffes has caused a stir in the running back room. But it would be an overreaction to cut Tracy, especially with the limited upside of Harris and Singletary. Tracy looked explosive while carrying the ball four times for 37 yards and a touchdown in Friday’s preseason finale against the Jets. He left early to get evaluated for a concussion, but he was cleared. Coach John Harbaugh said after the game that Tracy had a stinger.
One of these running backs will likely be a healthy scratch on game day. Tracy’s role on special teams could help him avoid that fate.
Wide receivers: 6
In: Malik Nabers, Malachi Fields, Darnell Mooney, Darius Slayton, Braxton Berrios, Odell Beckham Jr.
Out: Dalen Cambre, Isaiah Hodgins, Xavier Gipson, Jalin Hyatt, Kobe Prentice
Calvin Austin III’s torn ACL was a blow, but it cleared up the cloudy picture for the sixth wide receiver spot that was likely going to come down to Berrios vs. Beckham. Now, Berrios is a near lock to make it as Austin’s replacement as the top punt returner. Beckham should be safe as well, especially coming off his best week of camp. That carried over to three catches for 53 yards in Friday’s preseason finale.
It could come down to Beckham vs. Slayton for one jersey on game day. Cambre is a special teamer, but he hasn’t been starting on those units during camp. He’s an ideal player to stash on the practice squad.
Tight ends: 4
In: Isaiah Likely, Theo Johnson, Chris Manhertz, Pat Ricard
Out: Thomas Fidone II, Tanner Conner, Grant Finley, Josiah Degaura
This is a crowded room since Ricard, a fullback, is grouped with the tight ends. Manhertz was voted to the team’s eight-man leadership committee and is valued for his blocking ability in what promises to be a run-heavy offense. The only question is how the Giants handle Fidone. He has flashed dynamic physical traits when healthy, so it would be risky to expose the 2025 seventh-round pick to waivers, especially with former coach Brian Daboll hoarding Giants players in Tennessee. This could be a situation where the Giants keep five tight ends initially to shield Fidone and then finagle the roster leading into the opener.
Offensive linemen: 9
In: Andrew Thomas, Jon Runyan, John Michael Schmitz Jr., Francis Mauigoa, Jermaine Eluemunor, Marcus Mbow, Aaron Stinnie, Lucas Patrick, JC Davis
Out: Bryan Hudson, Evan Neal, Jake Kubas, Brenden Jaimes, Ryan Schernecke, Jarrod Gray
The recent trades of Daniel Faalele and Josh Ezeudu cleared up the offensive line picture. The five starters are locked in, while Mbow and Stinnie will serve as the top backups. Davis is likely headed for a redshirt year as the fourth tackle after an impressive preseason. The battle between Patrick and Hudson for the backup center job is coming down to the wire.
Patrick replaced Schmitz on the Giants’ third drive in the preseason finale. Patrick played the rest of the first half before Hudson took over in the third quarter.
A case can be made for either player. Patrick’s experience (65 career starts) playing guard and center is an advantage. However, his “old knees,” as Harbaugh called them, had to be managed throughout the offseason. It would be concerning to rely on a 33-year-old with an injury history as the backup center, especially considering Schmitz has missed multiple games in each of his three seasons and was sidelined by a concussion this summer. Hudson is eight years younger, so he presents far more upside, but he lacks game experience.
There’s a scenario where the Giants keep Patrick and Hudson, but that feels like overkill. Center injuries around the league raise the odds of the loser of the competition getting scooped up. Patrick’s experience makes him a greater risk to be claimed, so I think the Giants will roll the dice on sliding Hudson through to the practice squad.
Defensive linemen: 5
In: DJ Reader, Shelby Harris, Chauncey Golston, Darius Alexander, Bobby Jamison-Travis
Out: Leki Fotu, Marlon Davidson, Zacch Pickens, Josh Tupou, Anquin Barnes Jr., Ben Barten
The Giants are banking on Reader and Harris to anchor the defensive line. There are concerns with the team managing the 35-year-old Harris’ reps throughout the summer. Dexter Lawrence played 754 snaps in the middle last season. Harris played 509 snaps, and Reader played 583, so even if the vets stay healthy, there are a lot of snaps that will be left to an uninspiring supporting cast.
Alexander’s struggles led to the 277-pound Golston sliding to defensive end from outside linebacker. Jamison-Travis isn’t ready to contribute now, but it could be risky to expose the sixth-round rookie to waivers. He’s a candidate for the aforementioned Black roster move, where he makes the initial 53-man roster and then is passed to the practice squad when an addition is made after cut day. It would be shocking if there isn’t a defensive lineman added before the opener, whether that’s via the waiver wire or a trade.
Outside linebackers: 4
In: Brian Burns, Abdul Carter, Kayvon Thibodeaux, Caleb Murphy
Out: Khalid Kareem, Trace Ford
Golston’s shift to the defensive line opened a spot at outside linebacker, and Murphy appears ready to seize it. He has moved into a core special teams role, which is crucial for backup linebackers seeking a roster spot.
Inside linebackers: 5
In: Tremaine Edmunds, Arvell Reese, Micah McFadden, Jack Kelly, Zaire Barnes
Out: Darius Muasau, Anfernee Orji, Chandler Martin
McFadden and Kelly will be core special teamers and quality backups at inside linebacker. Barnes has emerged as a core special teamer ahead of Muasau. The Giants could also carry Muasau, but that seems heavy at this position.
Cornerbacks: 6
In: Greg Newsome II, Deonte Banks, Dru Phillips, Paulson Adebo, Colton Hood, Nic Jones
Out: Korie Black, Art Green, Ugo Amadi, JT Woods
Newsome, Banks, Phillips, Adebo and Hood are locks, although the competition for the starting outside corner jobs continues. Jones, Green and Black all have a case for the final corner spot. Green is the most accomplished special teamer in that trio, but he has ceded first-team reps lately. He got hurt in the fourth quarter of the preseason finale, which could seal his fate. Black is the best corner of the group, but he hasn’t been a factor on special teams. Black pulled his groin in the preseason finale, which could eliminate him from the competition. Meanwhile, Jones has maintained his role as a core special teamer. He also offers depth at slot corner, which boosts his cause.
Safeties: 5
In: Jevon Holland, Tyler Nubin, Ar’Darius Washington, Jason Pinnock, Elijah Campbell
Out: Beau Brade, Raheem Layne
Nubin’s hold on the starting spot next to Holland has grown stronger, but Washington and Pinnock are still in the mix. Campbell has emerged as a core special teamer to force his way onto the roster.
Specialists: 3
In: K Dominic Zvada, P Jordan Stout, LS Ben Mann
Out: K Ben Sauls
Mann’s name hasn’t been mentioned once this summer. That means he’s doing his job. Zvada out-performed Sauls throughout the lengthy kicking competition. Harbaugh eliminated any suspense by declaring Zvada the kicker after the preseason finale. Ideally, the Giants will be able to trade Sauls before final cuts.
