GIANTS FANS.net

One of the interesting things about free agency and the like is that few people consider the actual roster as it stands.  Many writers and fans just assume most players will be resigned.   We saw last season that isn't always the case (and with the lockout there was a big plus that season to sign your own).   So here is a break down of the Giants actual roster:

Quarterback

Starter:   Eli Manning-  Don't think we need to say much more about that.

Backup:   Ryan Perrilloux-  Most likely the Giants will sign a veteran to compete with Ryan.  Ryan was cut and signed all season as the team tried to carry an extra PS player.    RP has some potential and could eventually become Eli's backup.

Noteable Free Agents:  David Carr-  He has been a seemingly solid backup, although he remains untested (thankfully).  Eli does seem to play better with Carr as his sidekick.

Injury and Salary Cap Issues:  None

Needs:  To resign Carr or other veteran to compete with Ryan for backup QB role.

Running Backs


Starter: Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs  with Henry Hynoski at fullback-  Jacobs may be released as a salary cap casualty (if he doesn't take a big cut).  HH is a solid fullback.

Backups: D.J. Ware, Da’Rel Scott and Andre Brown-   Ware provides a good backup RB.   Scott and Brown could be potential replacements should Jacobs be released.

Injury and Salary Cap Issues:  Jacobs is due a multi-million dollar salary and a big bonus.  He either reduces his numbers or he is released.

Noteable Free Agents: None

Needs:  The Giants could stand pat with just a low level draft pick or RFA or low FA pick up being signed to replace Jacobs if he leaves.

Tight End

Starter:  Bear Pascoe-  He is a restricted FA that should be back with the Giants.   Bear is ideally suited to play a backup role. 

Backups: Christian Hopkins and Ryan Purvis-  Neither of these players appear to be starting caliber TEs but could become solid backup players.

Salary Cap and Injury Issues:  Travis Beckum and Jake Ballard-  Giants TE position took a big hit in the Super Bowl when they lost both of these players with ACL injuries.  Both are set to be PUP players and potentially may miss all of next season.

Noteable Free Agents: None

Need:  The Giants need a starting TE as the team simply doesn't have one or even a potential one on the roster.


Wide Receivers:

Starters:  Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz-  Couldn't ask for a better pair of starters.  Only concern is Nicks penchant for injury and the potential of a sophomore slump by Cruz (who will be game planned for and studied in the off season).  

Slot:  Jerrel Jernigan or Ramses Barden

Backup: Isaiah Stanback and Dan DePalma-  Two unknowns that are not likely to have a big impact.

Noteable Free Agents:  Mario Manningham, Devin Thomas, Michael Clayton and Domenik Hixon

Salary Cap and Injury Issues:  none

Need:  The Giants need to either resign one or two of their FAs or they need to sign or draft additional WR talent. 


Offensive Line

Starters:  William Beatty OLT, Kevin Boothe LG, David Baas C, David Diehl ORT-  Diehl is not an ideal ORT but the rest of the line is reasonably solid.

Backups:   Mitch Petrus OG, Jim Cordle C, Chris White C/OG, James Brewer OT and Selvish Capers OT-  The interior backups are sound, but the tackle position is weak with unproven Brewer and PS yo-yo Capers being the only players.

Noteable Free Agents: Kareem McKenzie ORT, Tony Ugoh OT, and Stacy Andrews

Injury and Salary Cap Issues:  David Diehl's salary is growing higher than his real worth.

Need:  There is a strong need for a ORT.   They need to either resign McKenzie for another year (and make sure there is a solid backup) or sign or draft another ORT.   Beyond that, the line seems to be reasonably solid.