NY Giants Sign Van Roten & Goodrich Plus Hard Knocks: Offseason Finale

The New York Giants have signed Greg Van Roten to a one-year deal worth up to $3 million. Van Roten, who played right guard next to current Giants right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor last season, reunites with offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo, under whom he had his best season with a Pro Football Focus grade of 75.3. For comparison, Andrew Thomas, the Giants' top lineman, had a grade of 76.1.
The Giants have also signed cornerback Mario Goodrich, a former Philadelphia Eagle. Goodrich, who split time between the Eagles' practice squad and active roster, has played in four games with one start since leaving Clemson. His release by the Eagles occurred when they picked up former Giant Nick Gates, highlighting the fluid nature of roster changes in the NFL. Gates, who previously played for the Giants and then the Commanders, recently signed with the Eagles. This move has sparked some discussion among fans, particularly given the contrasting reactions to Saquon Barkley’s move to the Eagles compared to Gates' transition between NFC East rivals.

In another roster move, the Giants released cornerback Aaron Robinson, a former third-round pick in 2021, who has struggled with injuries throughout his career, playing only 11 games for the team. This release leaves Azeez Ojulari as the last player from the Giants' 2021 draft class still on the roster.

Questions have also arisen about the future of Evan Neal as a starter. His rookie deal is fully guaranteed, with a cap hit of $6.7 million this season and $7.8 million next season, meaning the Giants will pay him regardless of whether they cut him. The signing of Van Roten could signal a change in Neal's role.

Brian Burns suffered an ankle injury, but it is reportedly minor. Given the significant investment the Giants have made in him, they are likely to be cautious about his return to avoid further injury.

Concerns linger about head coach Brian Daboll's confidence in quarterback Daniel Jones. Daboll's reaction to the plan of acquiring a weapon for Jones if they didn’t draft a quarterback in the first round seemed lukewarm.

There has been debate about whether the Giants should have traded down in the first round. The Indianapolis Colts offered picks 15, 46, and a second-round pick next year, but the Giants declined.

Malik Nabers, a first-round draft pick, sparked some controversy when he seemed less than enthusiastic during his draft-day phone call.

The Giants’ selection of Andru Phillips in the third round as a nickel corner was confirmed by DC Shane Bowen and DBs coach Jerome Henderson, who described him as a three-down player.

Fourth-round pick Theo Johnson, a tight end, was praised by the Giants' scouting and coaching staff, with General Manager Joe Schoen expressing confidence in the decision.

The team also drafted running back Tyrone Tracy Jr., who was highlighted for his versatility as a former wide receiver and three-down running back.

Finally, the Giants selected linebacker Darius Muasau.

There has been speculation about whether the Giants drafted based on need rather than the best player available

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