New York Giants 2025 Depth Chart Analysis: Roster Upgrades and Predictions

Quarterback Room Overhaul

The New York Giants have completely transformed their quarterback room heading into the 2025 season. Gone are Daniel Jones, Drew Lock, and Tim Boyle. In their place, the Giants have assembled a much more formidable group:

• Russell Wilson - Projected starter
• Jameis Winston - Veteran backup
• Jackson Dart - Rookie developmental QB

While not a perfect situation, this represents a massive upgrade over last season. Wilson brings a proven track record of success and should provide stability and playmaking ability that has been sorely lacking. Winston offers an experienced backup option, while Dart provides upside for the future.

Notably absent is Tommy DeVito, who may end up on the practice squad if he clears waivers. The Giants seem likely to keep only 3 QBs on the active roster.

Running Back Competition

The running back depth chart projects as follows:

1. Saquon Barkley
2. Devin Singletary
3. Cam Scataboo (rookie)
4. Eric Gray

Barkley remains the clear lead back, but the addition of Singletary provides a solid complementary option. The rookie Scataboo is an intriguing prospect who could push for more playing time as the season progresses.

Eric Gray finds himself on the roster bubble and will need to prove his value on special teams to stick around. Dante Miller is also in the mix but likely headed back to the practice squad.

Wide Receiver Corps

The Giants' receiving corps looks largely similar to last season, with a couple veteran additions:

• Malik Neighbors
• Jalin Hyatt
• Darius Slayton
• Wan'Dale Robinson
• Lil'Jordan Humphrey (free agent addition)
• Zach Pascal (free agent addition)

Neighbors remains the clear top option, but keep an eye on Hyatt in his second season. His deep threat ability could mesh well with Wilson's aggressive downfield passing style. Slayton may also benefit from having a QB more willing to push the ball vertically.

Robinson's role may evolve, as his short-area quickness was often used as a safety valve by Daniel Jones - a tendency Wilson may not share.

Tight End Battle

The tight end depth chart projects as:

1. Darren Waller
2. Daniel Bellinger
3. Chris Manhertz

Waller remains the top receiving threat, while Manhertz provides a strong blocking presence. The third spot will likely come down to a competition between Bellinger, Greg Dulcich, and rookie Thomas Fidone.

This is a pivotal year for Bellinger to prove he can be a consistent contributor in the passing game after being selected in the 4th round of the 2024 draft.

Offensive Line Stability

The projected starting offensive line:

• LT: Andrew Thomas
• LG: Ben Bredeson
• C: John Michael Schmitz
• RG: Mark Glowinski
• RT: Evan Neal

This unit has potential if it can stay healthy, particularly Thomas at left tackle. Neal's move inside to guard is official and could help solidify the interior.

Depth has been bolstered with additions like:

• Stone Forsythe (swing tackle)
• James Hudson (swing tackle)
• Aaron Stinnie (interior depth)
• Greg Van Roten (interior depth)

Rookie Marcus Boe provides additional tackle depth. Overall, this group has more quality depth than in recent years.

Defensive Tackle Reinforcements

The defensive tackle group looks much improved:

• Dexter Lawrence - Elite interior force
• Roy Robertson-Harris - Free agent addition
• Jeremiah Ledbetter - Free agent addition
• DJ Davidson
• Jordan Riley
• Elijah Chapman
• Darius Alexander (rookie)
• Rakeem Nunez-Roches

Lawrence remains one of the NFL's best interior defenders. Robertson-Harris and Ledbetter provide proven depth and run-stopping ability. The Giants will hope this revamped unit can significantly improve their run defense in 2025.

Edge Rusher Upgrades

Despite a strong pass rush in 2024, the Giants further bolstered their edge group:

• Brian Burns - Major free agent acquisition
• Kayvon Thibodeaux
• Azeez Ojulari
• Abdul Carter (1st round pick)
• Chauncey Golston (free agent addition)

Burns headlines this group after signing a massive contract. While some have questioned the price tag, his production (8.5 sacks, 60 pressures in 2024) speaks for itself. Thibodeaux could be poised for a breakout year opposite Burns.

Carter adds another dynamic pass rusher to the rotation, while Golston provides solid depth and run defense.

Inside Linebacker Depth

The inside linebacker group remains largely unchanged:

• Bobby Okereke
• Micah McFadden
• Darrian Beavers
• Carter Coughlin

New additions include Tae Crowder and Isaiah Simmons. This unit will be crucial in improving the run defense. Keep an eye on Darius Muasau (2024 6th round pick) and Deonte Johnson (UDFA) as potential contributors.

Revamped Cornerback Room

The cornerback depth chart has seen significant upgrades:

1. Adoree' Jackson - Top free agent CB signing
2. Deonte Banks
3. Tre Hawkins III
4. Cor'Dale Flott
5. Nick McCloud

Jackson provides a true #1 corner the Giants have lacked. Banks enters a pivotal third season where he needs to prove worthy of his first-round selection. Hawkins showed promise as a rookie and could take another step forward.

Safety Duo

The Giants made a major move at safety, signing Javon Holland to pair with second-year player Tre Hawkins:

1. Javon Holland
2. Tre Hawkins
3. Jason Pinnock
4. Gervarrius Owens

Holland was arguably the top safety available in free agency and should provide playmaking ability on the back end. Hawkins showed promise as a rookie and now doesn't have to shoulder as much responsibility.

Special Teams

The Giants' special teams unit remains largely intact:

• K: Graham Gano
• P: Jamie Gillan
• LS: Casey Kreiter
• KR/PR: Amani Smith-Marsette

Gano could face competition from rookie Jude McAtee, but for now the veteran retains his job.

Overall Roster Grade

Considering the upgrades made across multiple position groups, particularly at quarterback, edge rusher, and in the secondary, the Giants' roster deserves a solid B grade heading into 2025.

Key factors in this grade:

1. Massive QB room improvement
2. Elite additions like Brian Burns and Javon Holland
3. Improved depth across the board
4. Questions still remain at WR and interior OL

While not yet an elite roster, the Giants have clearly improved their talent level and should be more competitive in 2025. The over/under win total of 5.5 games set by oddsmakers feels low given these upgrades.

Outlook for 2025

The New York Giants enter the 2025 season with renewed optimism after an offseason of significant roster improvements. Here are some key storylines to watch:

Russell Wilson's Impact

The addition of Russell Wilson at quarterback completely changes the complexion of the Giants' offense. His ability to push the ball downfield and make plays outside the pocket should open up new dimensions in the passing game. How quickly Wilson adapts to his new surroundings and develops chemistry with receivers like Malik Neighbors and Jalin Hyatt will be crucial.

Defensive Line Dominance?

With Dexter Lawrence anchoring the interior and Brian Burns now rushing off the edge, the Giants have the potential for an elite defensive front. If Kayvon Thibodeaux takes a leap in year three and rookie Abdul Carter contributes immediately, this unit could wreak havoc on opposing offenses.

Secondary Improvement

The additions of Adoree' Jackson and Javon Holland significantly upgrade the Giants' secondary. If Deonte Banks develops into a reliable #2 corner in his third season, this group could become a real strength of the defense.

Offensive Line Cohesion

The offensive line has been a persistent issue for the Giants. With Andrew Thomas returning from injury and Evan Neal moving inside to guard, can this unit finally provide consistent protection and run blocking? Their performance will be key to unlocking the offense's potential.

Saquon Barkley's Usage

With an improved passing attack, how will the Giants utilize Saquon Barkley? Will a more balanced offense allow Barkley to be more efficient and potentially healthier over the course of the season?

Rookie Contributions

First-round pick Abdul Carter and third-round quarterback Jackson Dart headline the Giants' rookie class. How quickly can Carter make an impact in the pass rush rotation? Will Dart show enough development to be considered the potential QB of the future?

Coaching Adjustments

How will the coaching staff adapt their schemes to fit the new personnel, particularly on offense with Russell Wilson at the helm? The ability to maximize the talents of key additions will be crucial to the team's success.

NFC East Competition

The NFC East remains a highly competitive division. How do the Giants' offseason moves stack up against their rivals, and can they climb out of the cellar to challenge for a playoff spot?

Exceeding Expectations

With oddsmakers setting a low bar of 5.5 wins, the Giants have an opportunity to surprise in 2025. If the offense clicks and the defense takes a step forward, surpassing this total seems well within reach.

While challenges remain, the New York Giants enter the 2025 season with a much-improved roster and reason for optimism. The infusion of veteran talent combined with developing young players gives the team a chance to be much more competitive than in recent years.

Fans should be excited about the potential for marked improvement, even if a full turnaround may still be a year or two away. The groundwork has been laid for the Giants to start climbing back towards relevance in the NFC East and the broader NFL landscape.

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