EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- There’s no doubt that Odell Beckham Jr. will be on the New York Giants' final 53-man roster. So will quarterback Eli Manning, defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul, rookie wide receiver Sterling Shepard and 40-something others who are practicing every day at Quest Diagnostics Training Center.
There are, by my count, 33 locks to make the roster. That leaves 20 active spots up for grabs, with lots of interchangeable names capable of sticking.
Forget for a minute the players already written in ink. Here are some under-the-radar candidates who may make the squad and the trip to Texas for the Sept. 11 opener against the Dallas Cowboys.
TE Matt LaCosse -- Larry Donnell and Will Tye are the recognizable names at tight end. And they will stick. But LaCosse is right with them, taking first-team reps every day at training camp. I like his chances of making the final roster, especially if he keeps making plays at the same rate he has early this summer. Every day it seems LaCosse is doing something noteworthy. He may not be spectacular, but he's steady and appears deserving of a spot.
“He brings a knowledge of the position, number one, and he's a big target,” tight ends coach Kevin M. Gilbride said. “I would say overall, as far as him going into his second season, he does everything pretty well. So when we talk about getting those tight ends, to get them in the position that we want them in, to execute their jobs, he can execute all of the jobs. But with that being said, there might be someone who's a better run-blocker, a better threat down the field, but Matt executes everything well.”
LB Brad Bars -- He’s pushing Mark Herzlich at strongside linebacker/special-teams ace. Bars, a converted defensive lineman, dropped 15 pounds this offseason and brings more athleticism than Herzlich. He is also an intriguing option as a pass-rusher and linebacker who can set the edge and defend the run.
“He’s a guy that plays with great effort. He’s good on his feet,” coach Ben McAdoo said. “He was a little bit lighter for a defensive end, but he does have some rush ability and some flexibility there.”
WR Tavarres King -- After spending most of last season on the Giants' practice squad, he has caught the coaches’ eyes this spring and summer. He almost reminds me of Marcus Harris two years ago, except King has a wiry frame and sneaky speed and has flashed an ability to get downfield. It gives him a legitimate chance to be the fifth receiver.
“He is a guy that grew on us last year when we had him on the practice squad,” McAdoo said. “He’s champing at the bit. I know he had a couple different opportunities and he feels like -- I know I’m speaking for him -- but he’s walking around like a guy who seems like he’s earned his stripes and he’s ready to take that next jump.”
CB Donte Deayon -- The jitterbug cornerback has proven to be a playmaker. He attacks the football. And while he doesn’t have ideal size (5-9, 158), he does have a nose for the ball. Deayon has made his presence known, getting his hands on a ton of balls at camp.
“He’s doing a great job, very knowledgeable kid, very competitive, understands football and loves to play and bring great energy,” McAdoo said. “We really like what he’s doing so far.”
If Deayon continues to play at this level, he might not be able to sneak onto the practice squad.
OL Adam Gettis -- After parts of last season on the Giants' practice squad and roster as a guard, Gettis has been moved to center this summer. He has played well there early in camp with the second team. This versatility gives him a strong chance to be one of the Giants’ reserve linemen.