The New York Giants have roughly two more weeks to gather as much information as possible leading up to roster cuts.
With the first week of the preseason now behind them, the Giants have more intel following the 14-3 win over the Detroit Lions. Now, they will use the next two games against the Houston Texans (Aug. 17) and New York Jets (Aug. 24) to help make their decisions.
When it comes to the Giants roster, there are so many spots up for grabs. The depth chart at several positions is still fluid, and the preseason games can play a major part in determining the pecking order.
The preseason opener gave us a glimpse of who those roster bubble players might be.
Who is on Giants roster bubble after first preseason game?
QB Tommy DeVito
The second-year quarterback is more than likely going to make the cut thanks to the uncertainty brought along by the Drew Lock injury. While the latter believes he'll be ready for Week 1, the Giants might not want to take that chance, especially since Daniel Jones is also looking to put together a fully healthy season.
DeVito has proven he can be a capable backup quarterback in the NFL, and this is his second season in Brian Daboll's offense. In an ideal world, the Giants would only carry two quarterbacks, giving them depth elsewhere. However, there's a good chance DeVito wouldn't clear waivers during roster cuts so the Giants may need to bite the bullet and carry three quarterbacks.
RB Dante Miller
The decision here is a difficult one simply because Miller has done everything right since signing with the team as an undrafted free agent rookie this offseason. If the Giants carry four running backs, Miller is nearly a lock to make the roster, assuming they don't bring in a veteran free agent. The injury to fellow rookie Tyrone Tracy, while not as bad as initially thought, helps Miller's chances of making the roster.
With that said, it's never a guarantee than an electric rookie running back makes the cut. The running back position is one the Giants don't place a ton of value in, feeling they can find viable replacements if needed. Miller is trending in the right direction, but it will be interesting to see if he winds up being a numbers game casualty if depth is needed at more valuable positions.
WR Isaiah Hodgins
The first four spots in the room are set with Malik Nabers, Wan'Dale Robinson, Jalin Hyatt and Darius Slayton. It seems Gunner Olszewski is close to being a lock due to his special teams contributions so there is massive competition for the final one or two spots. Hodgins, though, is seemingly trending the wrong direction.
Competing with the likes of Allen Robinson, Bryce Ford-Wheaton, Dennis Houston and Miles Boykin on the outside, Hodgins seems to be falling out of favor with the depth chart. If the Giants feel the final roster spot in the wide receiver room should go to special teams player like Boykin or Isaiah McKenzie, then Hodgins very well could be on the outside looking in.
OT Matt Nelson
At the start of training camp, it seemed Nelson may have had a solid chance of holding onto a roster spot. After the first preseason game, though, it seems that roster spot is slipping. The return of Evan Neal from the PUP list certainly hurt his chances, but Nelson is also being outplayed by undrafted rookie Jake Kubas.
Nelson is in a battle with several offensive linemen for the final spot in the room. There are likely seven players locked into roster spots — eight if Joshua Ezeudu is included. With the Giants stubbornly keeping Ezeudu on the edge and with Neal potentially taking a swing tackle role, Nelson's chances of making the roster are diminishing by the day.
DT Elijah Chatman
Few players have raised their stock in the way Chatman has since joining the Giants this offseason as an undrafted free agent rookie. Though undersized for a defensive tackle, Chatman constantly shows off elite speed, burst and explosiveness from the three-technique position behind Ryder Anderson and Rakeem Nunez-Roches.
Chatman was a menace against the Lions in the preseason opener. According to Pro Football Focus, he led the entire defense with five total pressures, including a sack. If he continues to trend the way he has since the spring, the Giants may not have a choice but to keep him.
LB Carter Coughlin
While a few players around him in the linebacker room have taken advantage of their opportunities, Coughlin seems to be slipping in the pecking order. Though there's massive competition for the (likely) three spots available behind Bobby Okereke and Micah McFadden, it seems Dyontae Johnson has played himself into the No. 3 role. However, his recent ankle injury does muddy the picture.
Coughlin is going to have to prove he can provide more value on defense. He's a solid special teams addition, but the arrival of Matthew Adams this offseason might make the Giants feel its redundant to keep both. Adams is probably a better special teamer than Coughlin at this point so these next few weeks are vital for his chances of making the cut.
S Gervarrius Owens
One of the standouts from camp and the preseason opener, Owens finds himself right on the cusp of the roster. There's an increasing chance he makes the cut, but a knee injury he picked up during the win over the Lions adds a bit more uncertainty.
On the field, Owens has earned a spot. He was all over the field during the joint practices, and he continued to bring an exciting level of physicality during the preseason opener. According to Pro Football Focus, he was credited with two run stops while allowing a 56.5 passer rating in coverage on two targets. If he knee injury isn't too serious, Owens has likely earned a spot on the roster.
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