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Jordan Ranan, ESPN Writer
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – The New York Giants open the 2024 NFL regular season against the Minnesota Vikings on Sept. 8 at MetLife Stadium.
One question facing general manager Joe Schon is whether it’s best to keep three center fielders on the active roster, which will determine the fate of Tommy DeVito.
Wide receiver is another position that will require some tough decisions, with proven players like Allen Robinson, Isaiah Hudgins and Gunner Olszewski on the injured reserve list. The new reserve rule (where two players can be placed on the injured reserve list in addition to the 53 players initially) is likely to go into effect.
The roster will be trimmed to 53 players by 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday. Here are the Giants’ projections:
Defensive back (3): Daniel Jones, Drew Lock, Tommy DeVito
Jones has a long history of injuries. Luke also suffered a major injury this summer. It makes sense for the Giants to keep DeVito and continue to develop him after he showed promise last season.
Attacking fullback (3): Devin Singletary, Eric Gray, Tyrone Tracy Jr.
Singletary is the first choice forward. Gray and Tracy are players who will play every week. Dante Miller is next on the list, but his lack of playing experience should make him eligible for the practice squad.
Back (1): Jacob Johnson
He was signed last week, but he’s been a favorite of offensive line coach Carmen Briscillo since they spent time together in New England and Las Vegas. There’s a reason he was signed.
Narrow end (3): Daniel Bellinger, Theo Johnson, Chris Manhertz
Bellinger and Johnson play tight end 1A and 1B. Manhertz plays tight end. Lawrence Kiger (groin) suffers injury.
Broad Future (7): Malik Nabers, Jalen Hiatt, Darius Slayton, OneDale Robinson, Isaiah Hodgins, Myles Boykin, Isaiah McKenzie
Nabers is already the New York Giants’ No. 1 receiver. He’s been impressive and leads the pack. Hudgins has outplayed Allen Robinson, and Janner Olszewski has been placed on the injured list with a groin injury that should keep him out for a few more weeks.
Offensive line (9): Andrew Thomas, John Runyan Jr., John Michael Schmitz, Greg Van Roten, Jermaine Elumonor, Evan Neal, Joshua Ezeudu, Aaron Stinney, Jake Cubas
This has become a veteran line with four of the five projected starters having at least four years of experience. Cubas is perhaps the only surprise pick given that he is an undrafted free agent.
Defensive line (5): Dexter Lawrence, Rakim Nunez-Roches, Elijah Chatman, DJ Davidson, Jordan Reilly
Lawrence is the star of this group. Behind him, the New York Giants are weak and young. This is an opportunity for Davidson, Chatman and Riley to win a starting job or at least earn some playing time. Azeez Ojulari could also be a factor here on the pass rush.
Outside back (5): Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeau, Aziz Ojulari, Boogie Basham, Benton Whiteley
The Giants need Burns to be a star with Thibodeau as his backup. Ojulari is expected to shine as a pressurer. Whitley thrives because he can contribute on special teams.
Inner back (6): Bobby Okereke, Micah McFadden, Diontae Johnson, Carter Coughlin, Matthew Adams, Darius Musau
One of the toughest positions to predict because it depends on the health of McFadden (groin), Johnson (ankle) and Adams (groin). Coughlin and Adams are key players on special teams.
Back (6): Deonte Banks, Nick McCloud, Cordal Flute, Drew Phillips, Isaiah Simmons, Trey Hawkins III
The New York Giants are incredibly young and untested at defensive back. Only McCloud and Simmons are older than 24. Don’t be surprised if the Giants add a defensive back after he’s cut.
Safety (3): Jason Pinnock, Dan Belton, Tyler Nubin
All three will play well for the New York Giants this season. With Gervarius Owens (knee) out injured, New York will be struggling to overcome that. The entire defensive line may need some help.
Specialists (3): Graham Gano, Jimmy Gillan, Casey Crater
Gano is the forward, Gillan is the forward, Crater is the forward. They’re all in place. There are no decisions to be made with the New York Giants’ specialists.