Giants: Final 53-man roster prediction before 2023 NFL season
Now that the New York Giants preseason has come to an end, it's time to turn our attention to Tuesday's cutdown day. Every NFL team must comply by cutting down their rosters to 53 players by Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET. For a team as deep as the Giants, that's easier said than done. Positions […]
Now that the New York Giants preseason has come to an end, it's time to turn our attention to Tuesday's cutdown day. Every NFL team must comply by cutting down their rosters to 53 players by Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET.
For a team as deep as the Giants, that's easier said than done. Positions like running back, edge rusher, and cornerback are bound to feature some tough cuts, and some of these calls will be nightmares for the coaches.
Below is my final prediction of the Cowboys 53-man roster ahead of the 2023 regular season. Note: Players with one asterisk (*) represent 2023 draft picks and players with double asterisks (**) represent 2023 undrafted free agents.
Disclaimer: There is a high chance that the Cowboys pull off some "roster gymnastics" moves like having players start off the roster in the practice squad only to be called up for game day for a couple of weeks and eventually signed to the 53 as injuries happen. There are not a whole lot of ways to predict those other than through guessing, so this article won't have a ton of those predictions in it.
Another disclaimer: It's incredibly tough to put together a roster projection and yes, I'm glad I'm not a coach making these calls. I know this final prediction will have multiple mistakes but let's get to my educated guess about what things will look like when it's all said and done.
Quarterback
In: Daniel Jones, Tyrod Taylor
Out: Tommy DeVito
The Skinny: Jones just signed a brand new contract extension and is the franchise quarterback for the foreseeable future. Taylor brings a veteran presence behind him.
Running back
In: Saquon Barkley, Matt Breida, Eric Gray, Jashaun Corbin
Out: Gary Brightwell, James Robinson
The Skinny: Barkley is ready to go for the season, and Gray has flashed exciting capabilities of carving out a role behind the All-Pro back.
Wide receiver
In: Isaiah Hodgins, Darius Slayton, Parris Campbell, Jalin Hyatt, Sterling Shepard
Out: Collin Johnson, Bryce Wheaton-Ford, Kalil Pimpleton, Jamison Crowder, David Mills
Tight end
In: Darren Waller, Daniel Bellinger, Lawrence Cager
Out: Ryan Jones, Chris Myarick
The Skinny: Waller is the big story at the position, as his addition has already shown signs of paying off with Daniel Jones in the preseason.
Offensive Line
In: Andrew Thomas, Ben Bredeson, John Michael Schmitz, Mark Glowinski, Evan Neal, Josh Ezeudu, Tyre Phillips, Matt Peart, Marcus McKethan
Out: Shane Lemieux, Julie’n Davenport, Jack Anderson, Sean Harlow, Korey Cunningham, Wyatt Davis
The Skinny: Thomas has established himself as one of the best in the NFL. Evan Neal flashed upside in the preseason, and John Michael Schmitz looks ready to slide in at center.
Defensive Line
In: Dexter Lawrence, Leonard Williams, Rakeem Nunez-Roches, A’Shawn Robinson, Jordon Riley, Ryder Anderson
Out: Kobe Smith, Brandin Bryant, Kevin Atkins, Donovan Jeter, DJ Davidson
The Skinny: Dexter Lawrence is a much richer man after signing a new deal this offseason. Jordon Riley has been an exciting bright spot from the preseason.
Edge
In: Kayvon Thibodeaux, Azeez Ojulari, Jihad Ward, Tomon Fox
Out: Habakkuk Baldonado, Oshane Ximines, Tashawn Bower
The Skinny: Thibodeaux is looking to continue to build on his strong start to his NFL career and be the cornerstone of the Giants defense.
Linebacker
In: Bobby Okereke, Micah McFadden, Isaiah Simmons, Darrian Beavers, Carter Coughlin
Out: Dyontae Johnson, Cam Brown, Ray Wilborn
The Skinny: The duo of Okereke and Simmons provides the Giants with an impressive one-two punch on the second level of the defense.
Cornerback
In: Adoree’ Jackson, Deonte Banks, Tre Hawkins III, Cor’Dale Flott, Amani Oruwariye, Darnay Holmes
Out: Zyon Gilbert, Gemon Green, Darren Evans
The Skinny: Banks was drafted in the first-round of the NFL Draft to emerge as the top corner for Wink Martindale's defense.
Safety
In: Xavier McKinney, Jason Pinnock, Dane Belton, Nick McCloud, Alex Cook
Out: Bobby McCain, Gervarrius Owens
The Skinny: McKinney leads the way at the safety position for New York.
Special Teams
In: Graham Gano, Jamie Gillan, Casey Kreiter
Out: Cameron Lyons
The Skinny: Graham Gano is back to lead the kicking game in the Big Apple.
Giants coach immediately shows why trade for Isaiah Simmons was genius
It hasn’t taken long for New York Giants defensive coordinator Wink Martindale to show why trading for Isaiah Simmons was so crucial.
Featured image via Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
