Since I never did present a 53-man roster here, I'll run down the positions and see where I think everybody stands heading into tonight's game with the Pats. I hope to hear from all of you who think I have no idea what I'm talking about... In fact, I know I will.
QB
In: Eli, Jared Lorenzen
Out: Anthony Wright
Bubbling: Tim Hasselbeck.
Why? Wright hasn't proven he can be the backup, so there's no reason to keep him -- he gets a little credit for having to play behind a terrible group of O-linemen, but he needed to show a lot more than he has. Hasselbeck could stay for a simple reason: He's very tight with Manning and he's a sharp guy. Of course, there's a case for only keeping two QBs, since the roster is so depleted.
RB
In: Brandon Jacobs, Reuben Droughns, Derrick Ward, Ahmad Bradshaw
Out: Ryan Grant
Bubbling: Robert Douglas
Why? Ward has value as the kick returner; Grant is running in David Tyree's spot at gunner, but others can fill that role until Tyree returns. Grant has impressed so far, but it's a matter of numbers. Douglas is out a couple weeks after knee surgery and I don't really think he can handle the FB grind for a full season. He may end up being stashed on IR so the Giants can keep him around, because there's definitely potential there. Droughns and a TE can fill the blocking back role.
TE
In: Shockey, Kevin Boss, Michael Matthews
Out: Charles Davis
Why? The best three TEs make it. Matthews needs some seasoning, but he's got talent.
OL
In: David Diehl, Rich Seubert, Shaun O'Hara, Chris Snee, Kareem McKenzie, Grey Ruegamer, Zach Piller, Guy Whimper, Todd Londot
Out: Adam Koets, Jon Dunn, Matt Lentz
Why? I almost had them keeping 8 OL because there's so much depletion on D. But I think Londot makes it because he's a bit more versatile than Lentz. Don't think Koets needs to be kept and should end up on the practice squad. There's only one backup T in Whimper, but honestly, do you think any of the other guys who've played there showed they could do the job in an emergency?
K
In: Josh Huston
Out: Lawrence Tynes
Why? TC usually likes to have a guy who's a veteran over someone untested, but in this case, Huston is a safer choice. His kickoffs are better, plain and simple. And it's not exactly a set-in-stone gig, so they'll be trying out kickers for weeks, I'm sure.
P
In: Jeff Feagles
DE
In: Michael Strahan, Justin Tuck, Osi Umenyiora, Adrian Awasom
Out: Tommy Davis, Marquies Gunn
Why? I still truly believe Strahan is coming back, though I'm becoming a little less sure with each passing day. The whole situation is getting more than a little silly, and I'm betting his teammates' good will would dry up if he strings everyone along right up until next Sunday, messing with the roster. In any event, the other three are in, even though Davis and Gunn each had some flashes in camp.
DT
In: Fred Robbins, Barry Cofield, William Joseph, Jay Alford, Manny Wright
Out: Jonas Seawright
Why? Wright is a gamble, but perhaps when there's far less pressure on him, he can succeed. Seawright slimmed down but he's still a head case as far as the coaching staff and front office are concerned. And who knew Willie Joe would end up being a lock? Actually, I think he's looked worse since sliding back to DT, so Robbins and Cofield better stay healthy.
LB
In: Antonio Pierce, Kawika Mitchell, Mathias Kiwanuka, Chase Blackburn, Reggie Torbor, Zak DeOssie, Gerris Wilkinson
Out: Tyson Smith
Why? Smith offers a lot as a special-teamer and depth LB, but it's numbers.
CB
In: Sam Madison, Corey Webster, R.W. McQuarters, Aaron Ross, Kevin Dockery, E.J. Underwood
Out: Gerrick McPhearson
Why? McPhearson needed a huge camp, and his recent minor injury sealed matters. He doesn't offer as much as Dockery or Underwood, who have injuries too but bigger upsides.
S
In: Gibril Wilson, James Butler, Will Demps, Michael Johnson
Out: Craig Dahl
Bubbling: J.R. Reed
Why? I think the Giants could use Reed, who's incredibly athletic and versatile. Johnson could be practice-squad material, but I think he's got enough of an upside not to make it through waivers. If the Giants go with 2 QBs, here's where the extra guy gets in. And yes, I'm saying that the Giants may have only a seventh-round pick as a backup safety in the opener.
So please, call me an idiot.
Be back with some inactives after a nice, leisurely drive.
Comments (9)
Arthur, where are the WRs?
i only see 46 players that are in, with 3 on the bubble. am i counting wrong?
Burress, Toomer, Smith, Moss, Mix, Tyree
Arthur, You forgotten the Wide receivers!
Why would a team cut one of their own players to put Johnson on their roster? I really don't see him having any problems clearing wavers. He is a 7th round pick and he hasn't been that impressive.
Reuben Droughns is not good, just use Matthews as the FB and keep Grant
TC is gonna get you for giving away the opening game strategy of 2 TEs and a full house backfield. Who needs WRs, Power football baby!
That's really too bad about A.Wright. I was hoping he would be a good pickup in the offseason, but I guessed wrong! I hope Lorenzen is ready if Manning gets screwed up.
Craig Dahl sucks. Enough about him.