The New York Giants have been trying to get things right, but whatever they do it doesn’t seem to go well. Ever since Tom Coughlin was let go after the 2015 season, they have had four different head coaches: Ben McAdoo, Pat Shurmur, Joe Judge, and now Brian Daboll. There is also a new direction in the front office led by general manager Joe Schoen.
Daboll was the offensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills last season and Schoen was the assistant general manager with the Buffalo Bills next to general manager Brandon Beane. Joe Schoen has brought in a modern data approach that co-owners John Mara and Steve Tisch appreciate it. Schoen is going to have to build this team through the draft. Dave Gettleman retired as the general manager of the New York Giants though.
New York finished 4-13 and in last place in the NFC East a season ago. The Giants are in a long rebuild. How could the roster shape up this season?
Quarterbacks
Daniel Jones will be the starter but he is on his last chance. Maybe Daboll and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka (Kansas City Chiefs quarterbacks coach last year) can get him going. If not, they will draft someone in the 2023 NFL Draft. Tyrod Taylor will be the backup.
Running Backs
Saquon Barkley will be the primary running back. Can he stay healthy or will he not? Barkley is due for a big season if he is. Matt Brieda will most likely be the second running back on this depth chart.
Wide Receivers
The top four wide receivers on this roster will be Kenny Golladay, Kadarius Toney, rookie Wan’Dale Robinson, and Sterling Shepard. They did not have a single touchdown last season and that might be because they had no offensive scheme. The talent is there. Expect Shepard’s role to maybe be reduced. A lot of upside for Golladay, Toney, and Robinson.
Tight Ends
Rookie Daniel Bellinger, who was a fourth-round pick, is projected to be the starter. He has so much upside. Bellinger is an excellent blocker and can catch as well. Getting rid of Evan Engram will be the best thing they could have done. Ricky Seals-Jones and Jordan Akins will be the second and third tight ends on the roster.
Offensive Line
This was one of the worst offensive line units in the NFL a season ago. It was improved through free agency and the 2022 NFL Draft. The only bright spot on the offensive line last season was left tackle Andrew Thomas. He will be one of the starters. Shane Lemieux will be the starting left guard, Jon Feliciano will be the starting center, Mark Glowinski will be the starting right guard, and rookie Evan Neal will be the starting right tackle.
Feliciano (Buffalo) and Glowinski (Indianapolis) were signed in free agency. Neal was the seventh overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Matt Gono and rookie Joshua Ezeudu is someone to keep an eye on during training camp.
Defensive Line
The defensive line needs to generate a pass rush under new defensive coordinator Wink Martindale. Leonard Williams, Justin Ellis, and Dexter Lawrence are projected to be the starters. Jayln Holmes could be in the rotation as well.
Linebackers
Azeez Ojulari and rookie Kayvon Thibodeaux will be the starting outside linebackers (EDGE rushers) in this 3-4 defensive scheme. Thibodeaux was the fifth overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. They both will improve this team’s pass rush. Tae Crowder and Blake Martinez will be the starting inside linebackers.
Outside linebacker Elerson Smith and rookie inside linebacker Micah McFadden will be players to watch in training camp.
Secondary
The cornerback position is going to take a massive hit this season and they had to release James Bradberry IV for cap space reasons. It was better for the long-term future of this football team. Aaron Robinson and Adoree’ Jackson will be the starting cornerbacks. Darnay Holmes will be the nickelback.
Xavier McKinney and Julian Love will be the starting safeties. McKinney has star written all over him. Jihad Ward could crack the roster as the fourth cornerback and Michael Jacquet is another safety to watch for. This could be the weak link of this defense.
Special Teams
Graham Gano will be the kicker, Jamie Gillan will be the punter, and Casey Kreiter will be the long snapper for the New York Giants.