Analyzing the Giants depth chart after free agency's first wave

The Giants have had quite the offseason to this point, singing and trading a variety of playmakers both on the offense and defense.  So with free agency winding down and the draft fast approaching, now is the time to analyze where the roster improved and where it still can be deemed deficient.  Let's dive into […]

Rob Gregson NFL News Writer
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Giants Depth Chart NFL Free agency
© Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Giants have had quite the offseason to this point, singing and trading a variety of playmakers both on the offense and defense. 

So with free agency winding down and the draft fast approaching, now is the time to analyze where the roster improved and where it still can be deemed deficient. 

Let's dive into the full depth chart, as it stands on March 23rd. 

Quarterback:

Daniel Jones
Tyrod Taylor

The re-signing and multi-year extension of Daniel Jones is obviously the headliner here, with New York deciding to lock up the 26-year-old to a long-term deal. 

With an experienced vet like Tyrod Taylor behind him, the room is strong given the two-quarterback setup that many teams employ. 

Running Back:

Saquon Barkley
Matt Breida
Gary Brightwell
Jashaun Corbin

With Barkley officially being franchise-tagged, and Breida returning on a one-year deal, the league's sixth-ranked rushing offense will have their core backfield intact in 2023. 

Depth is something you can never have enough of at running back though, and with a draft class deep at tailback, New York could add a late-round contributor in April. 

Wide Receiver:

Isaiah Hodgins
Parris Campbell
Darius Slayton
Wan'Dale Robinson
Sterling Shepard
David Sills V
Jeff Smith
Collin Johnson
Kalil Pimpleton
Jaydon Mickens
Makai Polk
Dre Miller

Let's be honest, this group didn't exactly jump off the screen, did it?

The re-signing of Darius Slayton is nice, given his leading receiver role of 2022, and the acquisition of Parris Campbell after his best year with the Colts is cool, but there are a lot of wide receiver three and fours on this roster. 

On top of a lower ceiling on the overall skillset of the group, this bunch is far from durable, with Campbell, Robinson, Shepard, and others having suffered significant injuries in the past. 

Wide receiver may be the top priority in April, with the Giants hinting at a certain prospect they like, as recently as yesterday. 

Tight End

Darren Waller
Daniel Bellinger
Lawrence Cager
Chris Myarick

A solid group prior to free agency, a jolt of talent and enthusiasm hit New York when they made the blockbuster trade for Darren Waller. 

To go along with a strong rookie campaign from Bellinger, the group is fit top to bottom, opening the dimensions of Brian Daboll's offense. 

Expect a lot more 12 and 13 personnel (one back and two-three tight ends) on the field in the fall. 

Offensive Line

Left Tackle 
Andrew Thomas
Matt Peart 

Left Guard
Shane Lemieux
Ben Bredeson
Joshua Ezeudu
Jack Anderson

Center
Ben Bredeson

Right Guard
Mark Glowinski
Marcus McKethan 
Wyatt Davis

Right Tackle
Evan Neal
Tyre Phillips
Korey Cunningham
Devery Hamilton

Do you want the good news first or the bad news first, Giants fans?

Well, I'm going to guess you already know the bad news…the interior of the line. After losing Jon Feliciano at center, the group is well below average. 

Glowinski is a serviceable starter but center and left guard leave a ton to be desired. 

The good news though… You have two top-five picks at the tackle spots, with Andrew Thomas coming into his own last season and Evan Neal displaying moments of excellence in a largely difficult rookie campaign. 

Having barely addressed the line in free agency, I expect Joe Schoen and the Giants front office to hit that position heavily in the mid-rounds of April's draft. 

Defensive Line

Left Defensive End
Jihad Ward

Nose Tackle
Dexter Lawrence
Rakeem Nunez-Roches
D.J. Davidson
Vernon Butler


Right Defensive End
Leonard Williams
Ryder Anderson

The front three of the Giant's defensive line is likely the strongest unit of the entire team. 

Lead by the man in the middle, Dexter Lawrence was a Pro Bowler and second-team All-Pro in 2022. 

Leonard Williams is no slouch either, a Pro Bowler in his own right, and a player that has produced double-digit sacks as a three-technique or even shaded further towards the ball. 

That being said, much like the edge group that we will touch on next, you need plenty of bodies to rotate on the line, making sure your pass rush is always fresh. 

The addition of Rakeem Nunez-Raoches will help ensure that, but a late-round flyer in the draft could also help. 

EDGE

Weakside
Kayvon Thibodeaux
Tomon Fox
Darrian Beavers

Strongside

Azeez Ojulari
Elerson Smith 

This edge group is young and hungry. After starting the season slow, the fifth overall pick in last year's draft, Kayvon Thibodeaux, picked things up and finished on the AP All-Pro rookie team. 

Azeez Ojulari is only approaching his third year and had a stellar, eight sacks as a rookie in 2021. 

A group of speed, bend, and upfield burst, this group could use more depth, but the future is strong at the top. 

Inside Linebacker

Bobby Okereke
Jarrad Davis
Jaylen Smith
Micah McFadden
Landon Collins
Cam Brown
Carter Coughlin

After signing Bobby Okereke in free agency, this group looks better than the unit that was playing in must-win playoff games, but not by much. 

With Journeyman behind Okereke, the unit needs to get younger and faster, and after a Pro-Day visit to Clemson, there might be one prospect that can fit the description perfectly. 

Cornerback

Left Corner
Adoree' Jackson
Darnay Holmes
Nick McCloud
Leonard Johnson


Right Corner
Bobby McCain
Cor'Dale Flott
Aaron Robinson
Rodarius Williams

While adding Bobby McCain late in the free agency process boosts the room, there is a lack of true CB number one potential. 

Most of these players are better off suited as situational defensive backs, compared to island corners. 

Don't be surprised if the Giants hit the free agency pool for another dip though, adding a wily veteran that could help the unit. 

Safety

Field Safety
Xavier McKinney
Dane Belton
Trenton Thompson


Boundary Safety
Jason Pinnock
Landon Collins
Terrell Burgess

Xavier McKinney leads the group here, as a rangy player who can play as a centerfielder. 

After that, the unit is underwhelming though, with the loss of Julian Love to Seattle surely being felt. 

With a slow safety market and an average draft class, New York may have to field this group and cross their fingers in 2023. 

Special Teams

Place Kicker
Graham Gano

Punter-Holder
Jamie Gillan

Punt Returner
Adoree' Jackson
Darnay Holmes 

Kick Returner
Gary Brightwell 

Long Snapper
Casey Kreiter

After re-signing their punter and holder in free agency, the Giants are keeping the group intact, which is the most important part of special teams.