Keith in North Carolina: Is it fair to say the Giants will make the playoffs this year?
John Schmeelk: The Giants are just as talented as the other teams in the NFC East if you evaluate them player for player. On offense, Kenny Golladay, Saquon Barkley, Evan Engram, Sterling Shepard, Darius Slayton and Kyle Rudolph can be viewed as right below Dallas as the best group in the division. On defense, no one in the division has a better secondary than the Giants. Every team in the division has their set of questions and the Giants are no different. If Daniel Jones gets the protection he needs and improves in his third season, there's no reason that the Giants won't be in the mix to win the NFC East and in the playoffs. Anything can happen during the season when it comes to things like injuries, but the roster seems to have certainly reached the point where they should be considered true contender for the NFC East or a potential wildcard spot.
Joe in Virginia: For the first time in a long time, I am looking at the cut to 53 this year as – "The Giants are going to have to cut some good players." And next year, with 10 picks (including seven in the first four rounds), the cut "problem" could become even more acute - this seems like a major indicator of progress. Am I reading too much into this? Also, might this lead to packaging picks to move up in next year's draft, since there is no point to drafting volume if you don't have the roster space?
John Schmeelk: This scenario is an indicator of progress. The Giants have not only built up the top of their roster but the depth, as well. You mentioned the Giants' draft picks next season, but last year's draft has much to do with the improved depth, particularly at linebacker and the offensive line. As for how to utilize their future draft picks, key players including Evan Engram, Jabrill Peppers, Will Hernandez, Saquon Barkley, James Bradberry, and Blake Martinez have the potential to reach free agency over the next two off-seasons, meaning there could be some turnover.
Peter in New York: Are there any OTAs this Spring?
John Schmeelk: There are OTA's scheduled for the week of May 24th. The only question is how many players will be in attendance because those sessions are all voluntary. The mandatory veteran minicamp runs from June 8-10.
