New York Giants 53-man projection: Big changes after win over Dolphins

With four weeks of training camp complete and a dominant preseason victory over the Miami Dolphins in the books, the New York Giants’ roster hierarchy has grown clearer under head coach John Harbaugh. Extended practices and meaningful game action have sharpened evaluations across multiple position groups, leading to several notable adjustments from prior projections.

This updated 53-man outlook accounts for the physical demands of camp, special-teams contributions, and standout performances in the second preseason contest. Harbaugh’s preference for versatile, reliable contributors continues to shape the depth chart as competition intensifies.

Final roster decisions remain a week away, but the current snapshot reflects the strongest consensus following a full month of work and two exhibition games.

Quarterbacks (2)

Nothing changes here except the addition of Jake Haener, who will be cut and likely signed to the practice squad. Meanwhile, after two brutal games, Brandon Allen may not even make it to cutdown day. He’s toast.

In: Jaxson Dart, Jameis Winston

Out: Brandon Allen, Jake Haener

Running backs (5)

This is where things begin to get tough and interesting. The Giants signed Najee Harris last week knowing he may not be fully ready until Week 1, implying he’s a lock. Given that, are Tyrone Tracy Jr. or Devin Singletary expendable? The talent seems too good to give up, so the fat will have to be trimmed elsewhere.

In: Cam Skattebo, Tyrone Tracy Jr., Devin Singletary, Najee Harris, and Patrick Ricard

Out: Eric Gray, Damon Bankston, Grant Finley

Wide receivers (7)

Again, this is becoming tougher by the week. I want to believe Odell Beckham Jr. makes this team, but his lack of special teams viability coupled with a huge drop against the Dolphins has him on thin ice. Assuming Braxton Berrios returns to health, he may push OBJ or Dalen Cambre off the initial roster. In this case, it’s Cambre. But it’s a lot closer than many would like to believe.

In: Malik Nabers, Darius Slayton, Darnell Mooney, Malachi Fields, Calvin Austin III, Odell Beckham Jr., Braxton Berrios

Out: Dalen Cambre, Isaiah Hodgins, Jalin Hyatt, Xavier Gipson, Ryan Miller

Tight ends (3)

Thomas Fidone finally stated his case for a roster spot, but unless they opt to carry four, it’s not going to happen. Likely and Johnson are poised to play big roles in the passing game, while Manhertz is the quality blocking tight end they need.

In: Isaiah Likely, Theo Johnson, Chris Manhertz

Out: Tanner Conner, Thomas Fidone II

Offensive line (9)

After an impressive performance on Sunday, I believe rookie J.C. Davis is a lock. Joshua Ezeudu and Evan Neal continue to make a push, and perhaps the Giants ultimately go with 10 on the offensive line. For now, I’ll keep it at nine and slot Bryan Hudson in as the final lineman.

In: Andrew Thomas, Jon Runyan Jr., John Michael Schmitz, Francis Mauigoa, Jermaine Eluemunor, Marcus Mbow, Aaron Stinnie, J.C. Davis, Bryan Hudson

Out: Josh Ezeudu, Lucas Patrick (knee), Evan Neal, Jake Kubas, Ryan Schernecke, Jarrod Gray, Brenden Jaimes

Defensive line (5)

The Giants are using Chauncey Golston as a defensive lineman, and he’s shining in that role. We move him from linebacker this time around, and that pushes Leki Fotu to the outside. Bobby Jamison-Travis was an option for the practice squad, but he has played well enough that leaving him vulnerable to a signing is too risky.

In: D.J. Reader, Shelby Harris, Chauncey Golston, Darius Alexander, Bobby Jamison-Travis

Out: Josh Tupou, Leki Fotu, Zacch Pickens, Marlon Davidson, Anquin Barnes Jr., Ben Barten

Outside linebackers (4)

With Golston now on the defensive line, it opens up another spot. Trace Ford was singled out by head coach John Harbaugh for his play on Saturday, but he has flashed before then. He’s had a strong camp and also made some plays in the preseason opener, so he eeks out a spot ahead of Caleb Murphy and Khalid Kareem.

In: Brian Burns, Abdul Carter, Kayvon Thibodeaux, Trace Ford

Out: Khalid Kareem, Caleb Murphy

Inside linebackers (5)

Nothing changes here, although the battle between Darius Muasau and Zaire Barnes rages on. The two are neck-and-neck heading into the final week, and Friday night’s game against the New York Jets may be the deciding factor.

In: Tremaine Edmunds, Arvell Reese, Micah McFadden, Jack Kelly, Darius Muasau

Out: Anfernee Orji, Zaire Barnes, Chandler Martin

Cornerbacks (6)

Harbaugh says he is impressed with the team’s depth at cornerback, so they may go into the season with just five. That feels a tad risky given the role cornerbacks play in Dennard Wilson’s defense, so we’ll stick to six for now, swapping Korie Black and Art Green in the final spot given Black’s special teams prowess.

In: Paulson Adebo, Greg Newsome II, Dru Phillips, Deonte Banks, Colton Hood, Korie Black

Out: Nic Jones, Art Green

Safeties (4)

With other positions needing an extra player or two, Beau Brade gets bumped at safety as we now project the Giants carry only four.

In: Jevon Holland, Tyler Nubin, Ar’Darius Washington, Jason Pinnock

Out: Raheem Layne, Elijah Campbell, JT Woods, Ugochukwu Amadi, Beau Brade

Specialists (3)

Both kickers have performed well of late, but the leg strength of rookie Dominiz Zvada can not be overstated. Perhaps Sauls has some trade value? If the Giants can’t ship him off, he’ll be a tough cut. Ultimately, Zvada appears to be the guy.

In: Dominic Zvada (K), Jordan Stout (P), Ben Mann (LS)

Out: Ben Sauls (K)

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5 New York Giants who must perform vs. Miami Dolphins

New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (3) catches a pass during a preseason opening game between the New York Giants and Minnesota Vikings on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ.

(Julian Leshay Guadalupe/NorthJer, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)