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Posted by Michael Stewart | Contributor

Who makes the 53 man roster for the New York Giants

QUARTERBACKS (2)
• Eli Manning
• Ryan Nassib
The Giants usually do not like to carry 3 quarterbacks as they did last season. With another season under his belt, the Giants are hoping that Ryan Nassib will develop into a solid backup for Eli Manning. Nassib expects to win the backup job and has shown a vast improvement from last season. Regardless of who ends up winning the backup role, if Manning misses any games, the Giants will be in big trouble; so it’s Nassib’s job to lose
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RUNNING BACKS (4)
• Rashad Jennings
• Kendall Gaskins
• Michael Cox
• Andre Williams

Hard to imagine the Giants carry more than 4 running backs, so the battle for the final spot should and most probably will go down between Michael Cox or Kendall Gaskins. Rookie and 4th rounder Andre Williams is the wild card in my opinion. After leading the nation in rushing last season, Williams is out to prove to the entire league that he never should have lasted until the 4th round. Thus far, Williams hasn’t disappointed the Giants staff and has run very well. Jennings is a lock, but the same may not be said for Hillis as he needs to impress if he intends to be on the roster. Cox and Gaskins are both strong and tough, but will that be enough to secure a spot on the roster? I’m taking a leap of faith here and believe the Giants will go with Cox and Gaskins.

FULLBACK (1)
• Henry Hynoski
Hynoski is best suited in the Ben McAdoo’s offensive scheme as he is a better receiver than Conner. Both are excellent blockers and if Hynoski can stay healthy; the job is his to lose.

WIDE RECEIVERS (6)
• Victor Cruz
• Rueben Randle
• Corey Washington
• Odell Beckham Jr.
• Jerrel Jernigan
• Marcus Harris

Based on the WR’s thus far in camp, Washington has been the most impressive WR of the bunch. Cruz, Randle and Beckham Jr (despite his injury) are locks. Harris has been steady and if not for Washington’s production; Harris would have gotten more attention. Jernigan makes the list, because aside from Cruz, he is the only other slot receiver.

TIGHT ENDS (3)
• Adrien Robinson
• Larry Donnell
• Kellen Davis

Donnell has immersed is the leader in the TE race after several preseason games. Robinson has looked better, but is still trailing for the #1 spot. Davis is the best blocker among these three, along with NFL experience and for that reason he makes it.

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN (9)
• J.D. Walton
• Weston Richburg
• Will Beatty
• Justin Pugh
• Charles Brown
• Geoff Schwartz
• Brandon Mosley
• James Brewer
• Dallas Reynolds

There are injury and health concerns with several OL for the Giants. However; based on their lack of depth these 9 could very well be on the 53 man roster by opening day. Reynolds makes the list over Jerry because of his ability to play more positions along the OL over Jerry. However; it wouldn’t be a shocker if Jerry beats out Reynolds.

DEFENSIVE LINE (9)
• Jason Pierre-Paul
• Mathias Kiwanuka
• Robert Ayers
• Markus Kuhn
• Mike Patterson
• Johnathan Hankins
• Jay Bromley
• Damontre Moore
• Cullen Jenkins

I thought about undrafted Kelcy Quarles for one of the defensive tackle spots, and I guess it’s possible he could beat out one of the other DT in camp. However; my guess is that Quarles finds his way on the practice squad if he can clear waivers. As for the DE position, only 4 will be placed on the roster and unless for some unforeseen mishap; the obvious choices have been made.

LINEBACKERS (6)
• Jon Beason
• Jameel McClain
• Spencer Paysinger
• Jacquian Williams
• Mark Herzlich
• Devon Kennard

If Beason’s foot injury isn’t healed in time to allow him to start the season, (all reports suggests he will be ready) then someone like Terrell Manning or Dan Fox could sneak on here. More likely, the Giants would go with five linebackers, if Beason isn’t available and add an addition player to either the DL or in the secondary..

CORNERBACKS (6)
• Prince Amukamara
• Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
• Walter Thurmond
• Zack Bowman
• Trumaine McBride
• Charles James

Jayron Hosley will be suspended for the first four games of the regular season for a drug violation. If he was to make the team on his return, the Giants would need to open up a roster spot for him in week 5. Bennett Jackson is an interesting player and could make the decision by Tom Coughlin very difficult on whether to have 6 or 7 corners on the roster.

SAFETIES (4)
• Antrel Rolle
• Stevie Brown
• Quintin Demps
• Nat Berhe

Taylor Cooper will most likely be headed to injured reserve, which will open the door for Nat Berhe. Berhe has been regarded as a missile, which fits in well with the Giants safeties.
SPECIALISTS (3)
• Josh Brown
• Steve Weatherford
• Zak DeOssie

Brandon McManus has done well this pre-season, however; Coach Coughlin trust Brown and he has more NFL experience than McManus. Unless there are injuries to either Weatherford or DeOssie, they are a lock to secure a roster spot.
Giants Practice Squad Possibilities: the NFL has expanded the practice squad from 8 to 10. If these 10 clear waivers, the Giants should add them to the practice squad.
1. Kelcy Quarles (DT): Lots of upside
2. Xavier Gimble (TE): Has the tools
3. Bennett Jackson (CB): Could be added to the 53 man roster, if the Giants decide to carry 7 Corners
4. Dan Ford (LB): An endless motor
5. Roger Gaines (OT): Adds depth to a very thin OL
6. Jordan Stanton (DE/DT): very raw, lots of potential
7. Emmanual Diekes (DE): very raw, lots of potential
8. Terrell Manning (LB): NFL experience, adds depth
9. Brandon McManus (PK): Showed enough, insurance
10. CJ Barnett (S): Steady performer in pre-season