Risers

Jeremiah Hall and Andre Miller — I’m lumping the two undrafted free agents together because packed practices and the Fan Fest showdown make it feel like they’ve caught the attention of the coaching staff and could be competing for the same roster spot. Both Hall, who I spoke with 1-on-1 recently, and Miller have made first-team reps in recent days. It is noteworthy that these representatives of the first teams generally come aligned at full back. You’d think Hall, who played running back for two years at Oklahoma, would have an advantage in that role over Miller, a converted wide receiver. Miller, however, caught a 1-yard pass from Daniel Jones while coming out of the backfield during Fan Fest. Both players are worth watching. Darrian Beavers — The Giants drafted Beavers in Round 6 after Micah McFadden in Round 5. It is, however, Beavers who continues to show up in the backfield. Importantly, he has done so against both the run and the pass. Joshua Ezeudu — The third-round pick out of North Carolina is unlikely to earn a starting spot unless there is a significant injury along the offensive line. However, his importance to the Giants appears to be growing. Ezeudu has worked at both tackles, left guard and may have gotten some right guard as well, although I don’t recall seeing any, if he hasn’t it will likely follow Marcus McKethan’s injury. With Matt Gono out of the team with a career-threatening neck injury, Ezeudu is currently the swing tackle. In fact, he is probably the first offensive lineman off the bench in case of injury. Kenny Golladay — The highly paid wide receiver had a great week of practice. He was spectacular Wednesday, making the types of plays that made the organization want to bring him in a year ago. Perhaps the offseason work he put in with Daniel Jones and the fact that Golladay was able to practice every day in training camp is starting to pay off. Collin Johnson — Don’t overlook this third-year receiver in the battle for roster spots at this position. He made several plays last week, including hauling in a long pass from Tyrod Taylor on Friday night. He has size, the ability to get down the field and make plays and special teams.

failures

Darius Slayton — Every time I bring up the idea that the fourth-year wide receiver could be in danger of not making the roster, some of you want to come after me. The reality is, however, that it’s time to start believing your eyes. Slayton worked almost exclusively with the third team during Fan Fest on Friday, and really didn’t make plays that would make the coaching staff want to push him up the depth chart. He has speed. It has been successful in the past. My position at the beginning of training camp was that Slayton had to stand out in camp, he had to force Brian Daboll and Co. to keep him around. So far, this has not happened. Johnson, CJ Board, Richie James and even David Sills were better. There is still time and opportunity for Slayton, but he needs to do better. Offensive line depth — Gono was forced out of the lineup and McKethan’s injury limited options for a team that already had serious question marks. Quincy Roche — I still feel like Roche makes the team, but both Elerson Smith and Oshane Ximines have made a lot more plays so far. He feels Roche needs to show up in the preseason games.