Here is the second August update for the Giants after their 3rd preseason game the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. They beat the Bengals narrowly to go 3-0 in the preseason (which means nothing, lol) I will also include a fantasy draft perspective.

QB Eli Manning has looked good in limited preseason action. He has more zip on the ball and has full command of the offensive scheme in Year 2. He also is getting better protection from the offensive line allowing him more time and the ability to step up in the pocket. Eli is not a top 12 quarterback but certainly is a worthy backup and roster worthy.Rookie QB Daniel Jones has looked excellent and makes an intriguing pick in dynasty and auction leagues that have keepers.

RB Saquon Barkley has not played the entire preseason and justifiably so. He has nothing to prove and will be used plenty in the regular season. He is the consensus #1 pick off the board in all mock drafts and is slated for a big year. He will get 25 touches a game and all the goal line work. RB Wayne Gallman is the backup and should be rostered as Saquon’s handcuff. RB Paul Perkins and RB Rod Smith are fantasy fodder.

WR Sterling Shepard has been cleared for contact after suffering a fractured thumb early in preseason. He has developed a solid rapport with Eli and is a solid #2 receiver, especially in PPR formats. WR Golden Tate will miss the first four games of the regular season after a league suspension. Due to this, he is no better than a #3 receiver or middling flex player. WR Cody Latimer will benefit from Tate’s absence but I do not think he is consistent enough. He is barely rosterable in my opinion.

TE Evan Engram will be the biggest beneficiary with the absence of OBJ in my opinion. If he stays healthy, he will have a breakout year. He has big play ability and causes huge matchup problems. As a result, he is a top 5 tight end in current mock drafts. TE Rhett Ellison and the rest of the crew are not worthy of drafting.

This defense has changed a lot in the last 2 years. It has gotten considerably younger and more aggressive. But they still have a lot to prove in my opinion, especially when it comes to rushing the quarterback. I think the big defensive line will do a fine job of stopping the run. I am excited to see what S Jabrill Peppers can do. Watch and learn!

PK Aldrick Rosas is a Pro Bowl kicker and is worthy of a top 5 selection in all drafts.

That’s it for now, good luck in your drafts!

End.