New York Giants roster gets poor reviews from Pro Football Focus

The New York Giants brass is putting out a message that they are fielding a competitive team in 2019. According to Pro Football focus the Big Blue roster ranks near the league’s bottom.

"“Really and truly, you can win while you’re building – New York Giants GM Dave Gettleman"

The New York Giants are in the process of rebuilding their roster in the vision of their general manager Dave Gettleman. They want to field a team that runs and grinds it out over the middle and stops their opponents from doing the same. At this point, the experts don’t agree with the group he’s assembled.

Pro Football Focus put out their team ratings and the New York Giants roster, based on 2018 performance, was ranked 15th in the NFC, ahead of only Arizona, and 27th in the entire NFL. Players were graded into four categories: elite, good/high quality, average, below average/rookies/not active in 2018.

On offense, the G-Men have one high-quality player, Saquan Barkley, as well as five players who rated out as average (TE-Evan Engram, WR-Golden Tate, WR–Cody Latimer, LT-Nate Solder, and RG-Kevin Zeitler). The other four are below average including quarterback Eli Manning.

More from Empire Writes Back

The defense is worse. Only two players rated out as average, DT-Dalvin Tomlinson, and FS-Jabrill Peppers. To be generous, cover corner Jenoris Jenkins was close. Additionally, three players with no NFL experience DT-Dexter Lawrence, CB-Sam Beal, and CB-Deandre Baker ranked as high-quality college players.

All in all however its a poor group. According to PFF, the New York Giants biggest weakness is Manning. Both his poor passing grade and failure to complete downfield throws (39% completion rate on passes of 20 yards or more) were the big reasons.

Obviously, Big Blue shouldn’t be counted on a wild card slot based on their 15th place ranking. Based on the rankings of other teams in the NFC East, contending for a division title seems out of the question as well. 2017 Super Bowl champion Philadelphia’s roster came in fourth overall (elite – 1, high quality – 3, average – 9, below – 9). Dallas was 12th (elite – 0, high quality – 5, average – 8, below – 9). Finally, Washington is slightly ahead of the Giants, ranked 23rd (elite – 0, high quality – 0, average – 9, below – 13).

It may be possible to win while rebuilding, but with the talent assembled so far, it seems unlikely the New York Giants can do it in 2019. The rebuilding (like it or not) is happening but winning with any frequency appears to be unlikely.

Next. Giants fans booing Jones is misplaced anger. dark

What do you think? Let us know in the comments section below, or on social media.

Home/New York Giants