2015 Season Predictions: NFC East Preview

Jun 16, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants running back

(34) participates in practice during minicamp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Steven Ryan-USA TODAY Sports

New York Giants: 

Key Arrivals: RB Shane Vereen, WR Dwayne Harris, DE Kenrick Ellis, DE George Selvie, OLB J.T. Thomas, LT Ereck Flowers, SS Landon Collins

After a disappointing 2014 season, the Giants tried to reload for 2015. Adding Vereen gives them a great mismatch against opposing defenses who can line up as a WR and as a RB. With Harris they added a return specialist, but completely overpaid him and wasted a lot of money.

Ellis and Selvie both are barely noteworthy signings, but depth might be important because of the Pierre-Paul injury. Adding Thomas is a solid addition and he will likely start right away, though he is not better than an average linebacker. Drafting Flowers and Collins were two very good picks that fill needs, as both players will start at their positions right away.

Key Losses: CB Zack Bowman, CB Walter Thurmond, SS Antrel Rolle

The Giants didn’t add that many key players, but they didn’t lose many either. Losing Bowman won’t hurt too much, as he was mostly forced into action last year by injuries to cornerbacks that were above him on the depth chart. Thurmond was one of those CB’s and he was not resigned by the Giants due to his constant injury history.

Since he only played in two games last year, he won’t be missed much either. Rolle is the loss that probably hurts the most, as the veteran established himself as a big part of the secondary. Collins should be a good replacement for him though, but it is unlikely that rookie can make up for such a veteran presence right away.

Jun 16, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants cornerback

(20) takes part in practice during minicamp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Steven Ryan-USA TODAY Sports

Verdict:

Overall I would say the Giants did get a bit better this year. Eli Manning is still a good quarterback and I think he will have a big year this year. Adding Vereen gives him another weapon and having Beckham Jr. , Cruz, Randle and Donnell as receivers gives him a very good receiving corps. I think Beckham Jr. could be even better than he was last year if he can stay healthy.

With Jennings the Giants still have a good first and second down back and Vereen adds that change of pace element. Adding Flowers seems to continue the trend of the divisions emphasis on offensive line. He will help the line right away, which means the line could be pretty good this year.

On defense there are still some holes, especially on the line. The teams defensive line simply isn’t very good. Jenkins is getting old and Pierre-Paul could miss extensive time and even when returning, he will be down a finger. The weak spot is young Jonathan Hankins. At linebacker the Giants are decent at best as well. Thomas is solid, but Beason is constantly injured, though he is good when healthy, and Kennard also isn’t very good.

If the secondary is healthy it is good. Rodgers-Cromartie and Amukamura are a very good cornerback combination and with Collins and Taylor the safeties aren’t good, but good enough given the very good corners. This year could be a bounce back year for New York.

Jan 31, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver

Jr. on the red carpet prior to the NFL Honors award ceremony at Symphony Hall. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Prediction: 

Best Case Record: 11-5

Worst Case Record: 7-9

Prediction: 10-6

Team’s Offensive MVP: WR Odell Beckham Jr.

Team’s Defensive MVP: CB Prince Amukamara

Rookie Standout: SS Landon Collins

I really like the Giants this year. I think their offense could be extremely good, especially if Beckham Jr. continues his amazing play. The defense will have to be good enough to not nullify that, and I think they can be if their key players don’t get injured like in the past. My ceiling for the Giants isn’t much higher than my prediction.

I think they will lose two games in division and then likely lose two against the AFC East and then one somewhere else, and that is my best case. The Giants have shown that their worst case can be pretty bad and again it could be another rough season if they drop some easy game to the NFC South. A key game for the Wild Card will be week 16 @MIN.

Next: First place, but what record?