Fansided

Every NFL team’s roster, ranked by preseason potential

By Rucker Haringey

SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 03: Quarterback Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles in action against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on December 3, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 03: Quarterback Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles in action against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on December 3, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – DECEMBER 31: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants reacts after throwing a touchdown pass in the first half against the Washington Redskins on December 31, 2017 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants defeated the Redskins 18-10. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – DECEMBER 31: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants reacts after throwing a touchdown pass in the first half against the Washington Redskins on December 31, 2017 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants defeated the Redskins 18-10. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

29. New York Giants

The Giants may not have behaved like a rebuilding team during the draft, but that doesn’t change the reality of their roster. Things are still likely to get worse before they get better in the Big Apple.

The addition of Saquon Barkley will absolutely boost the Giants’ run game, but it’s an open question as to whether or not Eli Manning should still be their starting quarterback. At best, he’s on his last legs. At worst, he should’ve retired before the 2017 season began. Fans will hope Odell Beckham Jr. can come back at full strength and make Manning look good.

The additions of Nate Solder via free agency and Will Hernandez via the draft should do a lot to stabilize the line. Unfortunately, they’re the only two players who project to be league average starters. Ereck Flowers has some natural talent, but he’s been awful doing his pro career. Counting on him to start at right tackle is a significant gamble.

The defensive depth chart is even less inspiring. The secondary has the potential to be decent if you believe Janoris Jenkins can stay focused and Eli Apple can bounce back from a horrible sophomore season. Landon Collins projects as a solid starter at safety as well.

The challenge is they’ll be forced to cover receivers for long periods of time. The Giants just don’t have enough pass rushers to really compete. Olivier Vernon may be able to replace Jason Pierre-Paul’s production, but he’s the only legitimate hope. If he falls short of expectations, this defense may be picked apart no matter how good the corners play.

The Giants are going to pay for failing to hit the reset button this offseason. This year may not be the year they bottom out, but this team has a very low ceiling.