By the time this issue prints, you will either be laughing at my grasp of the Giants organization’s collective thought process, or you’ll be sitting in amazement at how truly dialed in I am with all things Mara Tech.
If I had to guess, it will likely be the former. Nevertheless, here is my attempt at the final 53 with commentary on some players who could be deemed to be on the bubble or players who have either surprised or disappointed. I’m not commenting on guys like Leonard Williams, Saquon Barkley, or James Bradberry and I’m not going to try and predict the complete practice squad unit.
It’s also worth noting that I’m putting this list together as I write this article. I didn’t sit down ahead of time and jot these players down so if I make mistakes (too many in one position, too few), you’ll see them as you read. Enjoy.
Quarterbacks
Daniel Jones, Mike Glennon, Brian Lewerke. Lewerke was a pleasant surprise with his performance in the Cleveland game. He was far from spectacular, but he was a vast improvement over Clayton Thorson. Mike Glennon, like it or not, is secure as the backup. Jones, like Eli Manning before him, will never be pushed by a backup. If Jones goes down, the season is over.
Running Backs
Saquon Barkley, Devontae Booker, Corey Clement. Clement has shined in practice and should be the backup, but the Giants signed Booker to a fairly hefty deal so he will likely remain firmly entrenched in the two-hole. Rookie Gary Brightwell and Sandro Platzgummer are probably headed to the practice squad. Clement, outside of his fumble against the Jets, has really looked good.
Fullbacks
Eli Penny. I understand they signed Cullen Gillaspia this past offseason in free agency, but it’s going to be difficult to displace Penny. Gillaspia was brought in for his special teams play but if they are going to keep him on the roster, they’re going to have to get creative as I highly doubt the Giants will keep two fullbacks on the roster.
Wide Receivers
Continue reading your story on the app
Continue reading your story in the magazine
THE HOT SEAT
No matter what John Mara says, Dave Gettleman’s job is on the line
WEEK 1: BRONCOS AT GIANTS
The 2021 season kicks off at MetLife
Northwest Huntsman
TGI sat down with guard Shane Lemieux
WEEK 2: GIANTS AT WFT
Primetime divisional showdown in DC
TRAINING CAMP TAKEAWAYS
The X factor, Kadarius Toney is falling behind and The big tight end is back
The GMEN'S all-time record against their 2021 opponents
As we inch closer to opening day of the 2021 sea son, let’s take a look at how the Giants have fared historically against their opponents on this year’s schedule:
THE 12TH DIMENSION
My crack at the final 53 (in real time)
Reviewing the best Giants' WRs of all time
2021 hopes to be the Year of the Receiver for the New York Giants.
Darnold mea culpa
Sam Darnold was the third pick of the 2018 NFL draft and three years later dangles on a tightrope mixed with underwhelming NFL starters and guys on the cusp of the unemployment line.
Are we ready for September 12th?
MOST EXCITING TIME OF THE YEAR FOR FOOTBALL FANS
A Major Leaguer's Second Chance at Life
A suicide attempt nearly ended Drew Robinson's story. Now he is adding the most remarkable chapters yet.
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN: TOP AVAILABLE FREE AGENTS
Leonard Williams, Giants 6-5 • 255 pounds • 28 years old An athletic 300-pounder with quick feet, Williams amassed a career-high 11.5 sacks last season. Add that to him being a stout run defender, very durable and possessing great character, and he should be in high demand. He won NFC Defensive Player of the Week twice last year. $$$$$
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN
JC Deep Dive: Why Jets said, ‘No Tank You'
Those who frequent social media are likely aware that some Jets fans were livid at the team for beating the Los Angeles Rams, Dec. 10, greatly hurting their chances at landing the first pick in the draft, which likely will be Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence.
A LASTING LEGACY
All-star player. Decorated manager. Ambassador for the Dominican Republic. Felipe Alou wore many hats, but above all he was a pioneer who helped pave the way for generations of Latino players.
ONE GIANT STEP
San Francisco invited Marco Luciano to its summer camp, even though the 18-year-old shortstop had yet to appear in full-season ball
MEDIA WHISPERS
Beat writer names two assistants to be fired
Darnold: Thumb injury could have been avoided
Darnold: Thumb injury could have been avoided
From RC To Full Scale
Nick Ziroli Jr. and his warbird obsession
GIANTS DWARF KINGS
WITH the pitch tailor-made for pacers, Punjab Kings’ bowlers did very well to restrict Lucknow Super Giants to a modest total. The likes of Sandeep Sharma, Arshdeep Singh and Kagiso Rabada, who picked up four wickets of the day, made merry, making life difficult for the Giants’ batters, including the in-form KL Rahul.