With undrafted free agents still signing with teams, I thought it would be a good idea to review the Giants roster post-draft. Some positions were upgraded, while others remain the same and could use some help. Let’s break it down. Here is the New York Giants Post-Draft Roster Review, focusing on the offense first.
Quarterbacks
After seven rounds, the Giants failed to do one of two things: draft a quarterback. In the end, Joe Schoen’s words about Jones being the starter when healthy is true.
I understand the acquisition of Lock and the play of Devito last year helps soften the blow of not getting a rookie at the position. But, there’s no way the front office thinks either of the two is the long-term answer. This is especially true for the incumbent, as Jones has a concerning injury history which included a torn ACL last year.
The opportunity was there to select Spencer Rattler (fifth round) or Michael Pratt (seventh round). But, New York steered away, opting to stick with who they have.
Running Back
Singletary isn’t the same back as Saquon Barkley. But, he’s a cheaper and productive player nonetheless (898 yards in 2023). Gray looks to make his mark after not getting much playing time last year, participating more in special teams than in the backfield.
Drafted in the fifth round, Tracy is a playmaker with his explosiveness and pass-catching ability. But, he did barely transition to running back not too long ago.
Brightwell has played mostly special teams in his career and is a strong candidate to be cut during training camp. One to watch for is Miller, whose journey to the Giants was filled with twists and turns but is intriguing to watch.
Wide Receiver
- Malik Nabers, Darius Slayton, Jalin Hyatt, Wan’Dale Robinson, Isaiah Hodgins, Isaiah McKenzie, Gunner Olszewski, Bryce Ford-Wheaton
The first-rounder Nabers slots in as the immediate WR1 for a team in desperate need of a true one. Slayton has been the leading wideout for a while now but is best as a WR2. With him currently holding out, he could be in a new uniform in 2024.
Not that the Giants will miss him. Hyatt looks to develop into that role in his sophomore season. The third-rounder brings speed and good hands to be dependable as the second receiver.
Wan’Dale Robinson is strictly a slot wideout but bounced back after a tough injury year in 2022. His 525 yards on 60 receptions in 2023 was good for third-best on the team.
Hodgins was brought back on a cheap deal, while McKenzie was signed in free agency and has familiarity with head coach Brian Daboll. Both look to challenge for the WR4 spot. Olszewski is strictly for return purposes. Ford-Wheaton could make some noise after missing last season with an injury.
Tight End
Let’s assume Waller retires. Who’s the TE1? Bellinger likely takes the spot because of his familiarity with the offense plus he’s solid as a blocker with good hands (255 yards on 25 catches in 2023).
Johnson, the rookie, is appealing because of his size. But, I doubt the Giants insert him immediately as the TE1 because of his lack of ability to be an impactful receiver early. Though he is a vertical threat, his route tree is limited because of his below-average change of direction, and doesn’t move well laterally.
Cager has served as the third tight end for a while but could be challenged by Stoll or Manhertz. Both were brought in as free agents.
Offensive Line
- Starters: Andrew Thomas, Evan Neal, John Michael Schmitz, Jon Runyan, Jermaine Eluemenor
- Backups: Joshua Ezeudu, Aaron Stinnie, Austin Schlottmann, Marcus McKethan, Matt Nelson
Despite not adding anyone on the offensive line in the draft, the Giants can feel competent with the starting lineup I listed. It’s time for Neal to shift to guard, where he could be better playing next to Andrew Thomas. Runyan would occupy the right guard position, and Eluemenor was good for the Raiders at right tackle last year (68.5 PFF grade).
Thomas is the best left tackle the Giants have had in years. Schmitz is still developing but has a long career ahead of him. The issue is if one of the guys in the starting lineup go down, that’s the scare. The Giants may sign someone off the market if needed.
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