Predicting the New York Giants wide receiver room isn’t easy, as several players will be battling for just a handful of roster spots.
The New York Giants have one of the biggest question marks on the roster at wide receiver. There’s some intriguing talent in the room, but outside of a few veterans, it’s largely an unproven group.
That makes training camp one of the most interesting position battles to watch this summer. During a recent episode of the Bleed Big Blue Podcast, we broke down who we think makes the final 53-man roster. Since recording, a few things have changed, including the return of Odell Beckham Jr., which definitely changes the outlook.
Odell Beckham Jr. Changes My Prediction
When we recorded the podcast, Odell Beckham Jr. hadn’t signed with the Giants. Now that he’s back in blue, I think he earns one of the six wide receiver spots.
The Giants didn’t bring Beckham back just for the headlines. If he’s healthy, I expect him to make the final 53-man roster and give this young group another veteran presence.
His signing makes the competition even tougher for everyone else!
Is Malik Nabers Ready for Week 1?
One storyline I’ll continue to watch is Malik Nabers’ recovery.
Personally, I don’t think he’ll be ready for Week 1. That’s just my opinion based on where things stand today.
The good news is the Giants don’t have to rush him back. This coaching staff can afford to be patient and make sure he’s fully healthy before putting him back on the field.
What Happens to Jalin Hyatt?
Jalin Hyatt enters one of the biggest training camps of his career.
I said on the podcast that unless he has an outstanding preseason, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Giants look to move him before roster cutdowns.
The talent has always been there, but we’re entering Year 4 and he still hasn’t carved out a consistent role. At some point, potential has to turn into production.
Braxton Berrios Benefits From Gunner Olszewski’s Injury
Another thing that’s changed since we recorded the show is Gunner Olszewski’s season-ending injury.
Before the injury, Gunner’s biggest value came on special teams as a return specialist. With him now out for the season, I think Braxton Berrios slides right into that role while also giving the Giants depth at wide receiver.
Special teams often determine the final roster spots, and Berrios checks that box.
Final Thoughts on the Giants’ Wide Receiver Room
John Harbaugh has made it clear that roster spots are going to be earned, not handed out.
I don’t think this is a deep wide receiver room. I think it’s an unproven one.
There’s talent here, but there are still plenty of questions. Can Malik Nabers get back to full strength? Can Malachi Fields contribute right away? Does Odell Beckham Jr. still have something left? Can Darnell Mooney bounce back? Those are all legitimate questions that won’t be answered until training camp and the preseason.
The good news is the Giants have competition at the position, and that’s something they haven’t always had. By the end of camp, we’ll know if this group exceeded expectations or if wide receiver is still a position that needs to be addressed moving forward.
My Prediction
Final 53
- Malik Nabers
- Odell Beckham Jr.
- Darius Slayton
- Darnell Mooney
- Malachi Fields
- Braxton Berrios
Practice Squad
- Isaiah Hodgins
What do you think?
Who makes your final six wide receivers? Would you keep Jalin Hyatt, or do you think the Giants could move on before Week 1?
Leave your prediction in the comments below and let me know who you think surprises everyone during training camp.
Rep The Team No Matter What!
Through the highs and the lows, we bleed blue. As a new season begins, there’s no better way to show your Giants pride than with the new Jaxson Dart New York Giants Jersey.
One of the team’s top-selling jerseys, it’s the perfect way to back Big Blue and represent the future of Giants football.
The New York Giants Fanatics Shop.
Ready for Redemption? Grab Tickets Now!
The past is behind us. A new season is coming, and hope is alive. Want to be there when the Giants start writing a new chapter? Head to StubHub to grab your tickets for the home opener at MetLife Stadium
More Giants Talk Every Week.
We’ll be covering more Giants drama, victories, and throwbacks every week. Don’t miss a post, subscribe below and stay in the loop all season long.
2 comments
Marco,
Do you think that Berrios makes it over Austin for the last slot? It seems that Jax and Cal developed some chemistry in OTA’s, no?
I was going back and forth between Austin & Mooney. If Nabers starts on the PUP, he’s probably on.
Also when the pads go on the whole thing changes.