The New York Giants have announced their initial 53-man roster ahead of the upcoming NFL season, drawing reactions and analysis from members of the Giants.com crew.
John Schmeelk, reflecting on his experience predicting the roster, noted that this year saw a slightly unusual breakdown with 26 offensive players and 24 on defense. “Though Gunner Olszewski is technically an offensive player, most of his contributions are likely to come on special teams. The Giants also only kept three safeties, making it possible they bring in a fourth player at that position, with a corresponding roster move that may trim an additional offensive player off the roster,” Schmeelk said.
Schmeelk highlighted Beaux Collins as the only undrafted free agent to make the team. “The fact he made it as the team’s sixth wide receiver shows how much the team thought of him and their concern another team might claim him if he showed up on the waiver wire. With his combination of size and speed, he will have a chance to develop slowly behind an experienced group of wideouts without needing to be forced into action too soon,” he said.
Thomas Fidone II was also mentioned as having potential to grow into his role at tight end. Schmeelk stated, “He is the fourth tight end in a group behind three players with various skillsets in Theo Johnson, Daniel Bellinger and Chris Manhertz. He will be able to get stronger as a blocker and develop as a two-way player without immediate pressure to contribute right away.”
Regarding running backs, Schmeelk commented on the decision to keep just three at the position: “The Giants’ decision to keep only three running backs, even after Dante ‘Turbo’ Miller had a strong offseason and contributed on special teams, reflects their confidence in the top three (Tyrone Tracy Jr., Devin Singletary, Cam Skattebo) to give the team the production they need at the position.”
Schmeelk also pointed out that keeping 11 offensive linemen is rare for the Giants but signals confidence in depth at that position. He added that Marcus Mbow provides developmental depth for offensive line while Jaxson Dart does so for quarterback.
Dan Salomone provided details about released players: “Of the 23 players released, 14 had appeared in a regular-season game for the Giants: defensive linemen Elijah Chatman, Cory Durden, Elijah Garcia and Jordon Riley; quarterback Tommy DeVito; tight end Greg Dulcich; outside linebacker Tomon Fox; cornerbacks Tre Hawkins III and Dee Williams; guard Jake Kubas; safety Raheem Layne; kicker Jude McAtamney; running back Dante Miller; and wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette.”
Salomone described Tommy DeVito’s release as notable given his previous starts for New York: “Perhaps the most recognizable name on that list is DeVito, the New Jersey native who famously won three consecutive games as an undrafted rookie in 2023 and started eight games over the past two seasons. His release means the Giants will move ahead with the three-man quarterback room of Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston and rookie first-round pick Jaxson Dart.”
He further explained changes at quarterback: “DeVito was the only quarterback with previous Giants experience heading into the offseason, which has now culminated in a complete overhaul of the quarterback room.” Salomone referenced NFL Research data showing at least nine teams are expected to start new quarterbacks in Week 1 this year—a situation not often seen since 2012 when twelve teams did so (https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-research-notes-2024-nfl-schedule).
League rules allow clubs to designate an emergency third quarterback from their active roster each game day.
Matt Citak analyzed defensive decisions: “Up front, the Giants decided to go with a more veteran defensive group. Outside of Darius Alexander…the only other player still on their rookie contract is D.J. Davidson…Newcomers Roy Robertson-Harris and Chauncey Golston join Lawrence and Rakeem Nunez-Roches in a unit that is all of a sudden one of the most experienced on the roster.” Citak emphasized strength among edge rushers—Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux and Abdul Carter—and noted competition remains open among cornerbacks for starting roles.
Citak concluded by suggesting practice squad additions could focus more heavily on defense due to current roster makeup.
