New York Giants: 5 Veterans who won't survive 2017 training camp

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Before 2017 training camp is in the rear-view mirror, the New York Giants will have asked these five veteran players to turn in their playbooks.

The New York Giants are coming off a strong but ultimately disappointing 2016 campaign that saw them exit the playoffs too early. After a strong offseason characterized by some key additions, it'll be interesting to see how this roster continues to grow.

For now, though, I want to turn my attention to the trimming the roster will undergo in the coming months. As many of you know, the Giants will be forced to cut their team down to 53 men before Week 1 of the 2017 season arrives. When that time comes, it's almost guaranteed that several notable names will be shown the door.

That's why we're here today — to look at a few veterans who simply won't survive this offseason. For one reason or another, they're already on the roster bubble and seem destined to be cut as part of the involuntary mass exodus scheduled for September.

It's always a tough pill to swallow, but that's life in the NFL. Luckily, I see most of them getting at least one more opportunity elsewhere after New York sends them packing.

So here they are, five Giants who won't survive 2017 training camp. A lot can happen between now and September, but these players don't appear to be in a position to secure a roster spot as we work our way through the middle of June.

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5. Orleans Darkwa, RB

Many see the New York backfield as an underwhelming unit, but that doesn't mean they don't have a handful of capable options. That's why, when all is said and done, Orleans Darkwa will get his pink slip before/during final roster cuts.

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By all accounts, Paul Perkins is ticketed to be the lead back in 2017. He showed some promise as a rookie in 2016, and head coach Ben McAdoo has made it clear (via New York Post's Paul Schwartz) it's his job to lose. Then there's Shane Vereen, who serves well in the receiving back role. After the Giants spent a fourth-round pick on him in April, Wayne Gallman also seems safe.

So that leaves the final spot (if there is a fourth spot) up for grabs. Chances are Darkwa will face off with fellow veteran Shaun Draughn for the job. In the end, though, I believe it'll be the latter who earns a spot on the 53-man roster.

The Giants already re-signed Darkwa on the cheap, meaning they can cut him without suffering any significant financial follies. The only way he sticks around is if someone ahead of him gets hurt, but there's no telling whether or not that'll come into play. For now, let's assume Perskins, Vereen, Gallman and Draughn stay healthy and Darkwa gets the ax.

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4. Antwon Blake, CB

Realistically, I don't believe Antwon Blake belongs in any NFL secondary. And yet, he continues to get opportunities in this league, due largely to his speed and physicality. However, in coverage, Blake is little more than a hot mess.

That's why he won't last long in the Big Apple. His tenure was short-lived in Pittsburgh despite the team's lack of secondary talent, and his stay didn't last long with the Tennessee Titans either. Based on what we've seen so far, there's little reason to believe he'll change his fortunes with the Giants.

It doesn't help that New York has plenty of talent at cornerback. Eli Apple and Janoris Jenkins are the unquestioned starters, and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie is capable of providing quality depth. While there are some question marks further down the depth chart, my guess is a youngster outshines Blake or the Giants go out and sign a veteran to take his spot.

Either way, don't expect Blake to be here come Week 1. This could actually be his final opportunity to make a mark in the NFL, and chances are he disappoints as he has in years passed. It's unfortunate for him, but it'll be in the best interests of this Giants pass defense in 2017.

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3. Dwayne Harris, WR

If you're looking for a loaded position, you need look no further than wide receiver when it comes to the Giants. There is plenty of talent for Eli Manning to throw to this season, which is going to make life very difficult for some of the guys further down the depth chart.

Odell Beckham Jr. and Brandon Marshall look like locks for the top two spots, while Sterling Shepard should see plenty of targets as well. I'd anticipate Roger Lewis serving in the No. 4 role (assuming he isn't cut) and Tavarres King stands a good chance of sticking around. That leaves Dwayne Harris to battle for the final spot or two on the depth chart.

It also doesn't help that first-round pick Evan Engram could also make an impact out wide. An uber-athletic tight end, the rookie could easily work his way in as a slot receiver at some point this season. That means even less targets (and roster spots) to go around.

The only way Harris sticks around is by shining as the main return man during training camp. However, after he underwhelmed last season, it's not crazy to imagine him losing the job in 2017. Especially if Shepard takes a step back in terms of his offensive role and makes plays as a return man, Harris could be shown the door.

It's been a good run, but Harris is overpaid and unexciting. Now seems like the right time for the Giants to cut the cord.

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2. Owa Odighizuwa, DE

I don't normally consider players who have less than three seasons under their belts as veterans. However, in the case of Owa Odighizuwa, I think his inclusion on this list is more than warranted considering his current situation.

Through two years, the Giants haven't seen much from Odighizuwa. The 2015 third-round pick was lauded as a future star edge rusher, but has unquestionably failed to live up to expectations. Things got worse earlier this year when the UCLA product stepped away from the game for a short time, leading to some speculation on his potential retirement.

Even though he returned, it demonstrates a lack of commitment to the game. That kind of half-in, half-out approach typically doesn't lead to successful NFL careers. In the case of Odighizuwa, it doesn't make it any better that he's failed to show much through his first two campaigns in New York.

The Giants have plenty of talent at defensive end. Jason Pierre-Paul and Olivier Vernon are stars, and Kerry Wynn and Avery Moss are capable backups on the edge. Barring some sudden realization by Odighizuwa, it seems highly likely he won't be on this roster much longer.

Maybe retirement is the best bet for the former Bruin?

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1. Geno Smith, QB

It's great that Geno Smith is getting another opportunity to prove himself as a capable NFL quarterback. He showed a smidgen of promise early in his career, but watched poor decision making, inaccurate throws and an inconsistent supporting cast lead to his demise with the New York Jets.

Now playing for the other NY team, Smith will be hoping to reverse his luck. Unfortunately for him, I don't see that happening. There are two reasons why I'm in the "say no to Geno" boat.

The first is that Smith really isn't that good of a signal caller. He's thrown some of the most bone-headed passes I've ever seen. Between his inaccuracy, tendency to panic under pressure, and knack for turning the ball over, there just isn't a whole lot to be optimistic about. And yet the Giants are ready to hand him the No. 2 job for the time being.

With that said, my second reason is that Davis Webb is on the roster. While Smith may have the experience, the rookie out of Cal has more talent — by far. When the pads are on and the lights are shining, we'll see how big of a gap there is between the two in terms of natural ability.

So with Webb beating him out the backup gig, that leaves Smith and Josh Johnson to battle for the No. 3 role. If the Giants even decide to keep three (not a given), I'd guess they go with a more stable option like Johnson, who already spent time with the franchise a season ago.

Sorry Geno, but your days in the league are numbered.