Giants vs. Patriots: 6 Giants offensive players who are on the roster bubble

The final preseason game is here for the New York Giants http://www.giantslockerroom.com/authentic-andrew-adams-jersey , and as is their annual tradition, they will be playing the New England Patriots. It is almost always a great game when these two teams square off, but unlike some of their past meetings (particularly the ones numbered in Roman numerals), these games don’t count officially. But they are also far from meaningless. Every year there is a group of players at the back end of the roster who need to use the final week of practice, and the game, to make one last positive impression. Even if they don’t make the Giants’ roster, there is still the chance that they could land on the practice squad or with another franchise. Let’s look at six players who need to take this opportunity to secure a spot for themselves. Chad Wheeler Brought in as an undrafted free agent in the 2017 off-season, Wheeler has been the Giants’ primary backup at offensive tackle. Though athletic, Wheeler is still working on building an “NFL” strength base to stand up against defenders at this level. He has made some nice blocks on occasion, but more often has found himself back on his heels or pushed in to the backfield. He has played both left and right tackle for the Giants, but the team could well look elsewhere for a more capable veteran back-up once teams begin roster cuts. John JerryGiants fans just can’t seem to be rid of Jerry, but this season might finally be it for him in New York. The trade of Brett Jones likely solidifies John Greco’s position on the roster, but it has also taken away another backup interior lineman. Jerry Has been playing with the second team, has played both right and left guard Wayne Gallman Jersey , and is well-regarded as a professional. However, his struggles as a run blocker could convince the Giants to look elsewhere.Jerry will have one last chance to prove that he should be one of the Giants’ reserve linemen and that they don’t need to scan the waiver wire for a better option.Hunter SharpSharp surprised by jumping up the depth chart to play with the starters in the offseason, and carried that momentum through to training camp and the preseason. He finally showed why the coaches kept giving him opportunities as the starting return specialist when he took a punt return 55 yards for a touchdown against the New York Jets, followed by a return for 11 yards in the second quarter. However, he has not impressed on the field as a wide receiver. Playing with the starters in the absence of Odell Beckham Jr., Sharp has fought the ball, most notably dropping two would-be third down conversions against the Jets. He also showed issues with ball security in the Giants’ first two preseason games.Sharp faces competition from Kalif Raymond, who had punt returns for 35, 10, 1, and 19 yards after Sharp’s night was done, as well as from potential returners who could be cut from other teams. Scott SimonsonThe Giants have long based their offense on the 11-personnel package, even before Ben McAdoo took the idea past the point of excess. This year, however Womens Jon Halapio Jersey , they seem to be emphasizing the two-tight end 12-personnel package when the starters are in the game. However, most roster projections leave Simonson on the outside looking in with respect to the tight end position. A tight end-heavy offense could certainly use the depth provided by a fourth tight end, but the numbers game is working against Simonson. Robert Martin Martin landed with the Giants as an undrafted free agent out of Rutgers after an impressive performance at the team’s rookie mini-camp. The Giants will probably only keep three running backs on the 53-man roster — particularly if they keep fullback Shane Smith. However, Martin has proven exciting in games, consistently averaging 7.8 and 6.7 yards per carry in his two appearances. Another strong performance could force the Giants’ hand and keep him on the roster at the expense of depth elsewhere. New signee Jhurell Pressley is in the same situation, having shown enough less than a week after signing to make you want to see more.Roger LewisLewis has been a Giant since 2016, and was the recipient of Eli Manning’s 300th touchdown pass. However, he has yet to capitalize on his flashes and become a consistent threat as a receiver — though he has worked to be a solid and reliable special teams player. Lewis has certainly flashed ability as both a possession receiver and as a big-play threat, buthe remains inconsistent and has the dubious honor of being the target of the largest number of Manning’s interceptions — a title previously held by Reuben Randle. Lewis was buried on the depth chart for much of the spring and summer, but has ascended to playing with the second team in games. Because of his flashes and ability on special teams, Lewis Jr. has the chance to make the roster as the fourth receiver, but he faces pressure from the likes of Russell Shepard, who fills a similar role. Is Dakota Allen the rangy, athletic linebacker the Giants’ defense needs?"WhiteFanposts Fanshots Sections New York Giants NewsGiants Training Camp 2016Giants vs. Eagles 2015 Jabrill Peppers Jersey , Week 172019 NFL DraftCould Texas Tech’s Dakota Allen bring some much-needed speed to the Giants’ linebacking corps?New,11commentsIs Dakota Allen the rangy, athletic linebacker the Giants’ defense needs? ESTShareTweetShareShareCould Texas Tech’s Dakota Allen bring some much-needed speed to the Giants’ linebacking corps?Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY SportsThe nature of offense is changing in the NFL. Thanks to a number of influences, offenses are adopting a number of strategies and concepts from the college ranks, relying on on spacing and speed to stress defenses. And as a natural response, the NFL defense has had to adjust, most notably by getting smaller, faster, and more flexible than in years past. The New York Giants need to upgrade the talent at every level of their defense, which includes adding more speed to the middle of their defense. They were gashed by running backs and tight ends over the middle, and the team could be looking to upgrade UDFA nickel linebacker Tae Davis. If so, Texas Tech’s Dakota Allen could be the athletic coverage and blitzing linebacker the team has lacked. MeasurablesProsHighly athletic linebacker. Flies around the field when he commits.Aggressive, fiery blitzer. Hard hitter and physical taking blockers.Fluid dropping into zone coverage, able to run with pass catchers in man coverage.Shows the ability to “click and close”. Reacts quickly to the offense.ConsDoesn’t appear to be overly instinctive.Can get caught up in the trash.Struggles to shed blockers.Was dismissed from TTU in 2016 after being arrested for burglary (charges were dismissed)Prospect VideoWhat They’re Saying Allen is an inside linebacker with good toughness and intangibles but lacks the speed and instincts teams look for in the middle. He plays with good short-area quickness and a willingness to stick his nose into oncoming traffic in order to leverage his gap and set his teammates up for success. With adequate athleticism and the potential to become a core special teamer Kerry Wynn Jersey , Allen could hear his name called in the later rounds of the draft.- Lance Zierlein (NFL.com - Scouting Report)Does He Fit The Giants?If the Giants want to upgrade Tae Davis and add a “new age” athletic linebacker to their defense, Dakota Allen would be a good choice. He has the kind of range and speed the Giants have lacked in the middle of their defense, with the athleticism to drop into both man and zone coverage. He is also a capable run defender when the defensive line does a good job of occupying blockers, and flies downhill when asked to blitz. While Allen is quick to react to the offense, he isn’t the most instinctive defender and that can be used against him. He can be prone to being manipulated by offensive misdirection, and might be best suited to being a sub-package player to start his career -- though he might be able to grow into a larger role. The NFL will want to do an in-depth background check on him after he was dismissed from Texas Tech back in 2016 after being arrested for burglary (including the theft of firearms). The charges were eventually dismissed, and he earned his way back to Texas Tech in 2017 after enrolling in East Mississippi Community College. At EMCC he racked up 117 tackles, which he followed up with 175 tackles, 8.5 for a loss, and 6 passes defensed in 2017 and 2018 since returning to Texas Tech. Assuming Allen doesn’t have any lingering character concerns, the Giants could make good use of one of their many day three picks by selecting him. His athleticism and physicality would be welcome on both the Giants’ defense and their special teams.