{Numbers in braces are Approximate Value, other stats labeled as appropriate.}
The shock dominant team in the league for Year II, the Royal Giants are out to prove the season wasn’t a fluke.
Key Additions: Dwayne Allen from ROM, Marshawn Lynch from LON; Terence Newman from ROM, Cam Newton from AMS, Mike Singletary from BER.
Key Departures: Maurice Jones-Drew {4, to LON}; Mike Patterson {9, to SYD}; Jeremy Shockey {6}.
Rookies To Watch: Carl Banks, Ken Hamlin.
QB
Eli Manning {18} was shockingly good in year II, and returns hoping to duplicate the performance. Cam Newton {9} comes in from Amsterdam as his backup, with Derek Carr rounding out the roster.
RB / WR / TE
Tiki Barber {10} returns as the starting RB, with Marshawn Lynch {8} coming in from London as his primary backup. Dave Meggett {7} returns in his scatback role.
The duo of Victor Cruz {20} and Odell Beckham, Jr. {7} is quite solid, although there are questions about Cruz replicating his stellar Year II numbers. Jimmy Smith {7} returns as the 3rd WR, and Dwayne Allen {7}–a far better blocker than receiver–steps in as the starting TE.
OL
Chris Snee {13} as as good a G as there is in the WFL, and Justin Blalock {3} beat out Shaun O’Hara in preseason to join him. Pete Henry {8} and Bruiser Kinard {4} return at T, with stalwart Mel Hein {11} at C.
DL
The front 4 are quite strong, with Jason Pierre-Paul {19} and Michael Strahan {13} on the ends flanking Sen’Derrick Marks {13} and Tyson Alualu. Henry and Kinard can pitch in here, but likely without great success: still, the depth may help at times.
LB
Lawrence Taylor {12} is a monster at one OLB spot, but the Royal Giants have struggled to find a long term solution opposite him. This year, Chip Banks will give it a try. Jon Beason {12} is steady as they come in the middle.
DB
All pro Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie {17} returns at 1 CB slot, and Terence Newman {1} steps in at the other. Emlen Tunnel {10} and Antrel Rolle {12} return at S.
ST
Matt Bryant {1} is back at K, and New York welcomes Adam Podlesh as P. Return duties will be covered by a mixture of Barber, Meggett, and Tunnell.
