The New York Giants had rookies report last week and the rest of the roster will arrive on July 26. There may not be much pressure on the coaches and front office, but it is a different story for the players. It does not matter if you are a rookie or a veteran, there are expectations to perform. If you do not, then you will get cut. For the Big Blue, there are a lot of players to keep an eye on during camp for good reasons and for bad.
Daniel Jones
This one is obvious. Daniel Jones is entering his fourth year and the Giants declined his fifth-year option. He has to prove he is the franchise quarterback. Now, I don’t think he will be bad and lose the starting job to Tyrod Taylor. However, he must show his leadership and versatility within this new offense. There are mixed opinions within the media on what Daniel Jones is, but the Giants clearly want to give him every opportunity to prove himself.
Darius Slayton
Fourth-year wide-receiver, Darius Slayton, has a lot going against him during camp. For one, there are a lot of other receivers on this roster. Kenny Golladay, Kadarius Toney, Sterling Shephard and Wan’Dale Robinson are four options that can most likely be ahead Slayton already. He saw a drop in numbers in 2021, plus the Giants can shed some salary if he is cut. Its possible Big Blue attempts to trade Slayton to get a late-round pick, but either way it looks like Slaton’s days as a Giant are numbered.
Julian Love
Julian Love and Xavier McKinney are favorites to start at the safety positions, but Love has shown his versatility in his time in the league. A strong camp under a new regime can go a long way for Love. The Giants have a lot of questions in that secondary, so if Love can step up as a leader and top player, it can lead to some stability in that room.
Gary Brightwell
Gary Brightwell has been a name circulating through out the Giants as a potential no. 2 option at running back behind Saquon Barkley. Right now Big Blue has Matt Breida as a veteran back up option in addition to Jashaun Corbin, an undrafted free-agent, Antonio Williams and Sandro Platzgummer. Brightwell was mostly a special teams player and only took 12 offensive snaps, but if he can show out in camp, he can be in line for the no. 2 spot behind Barkley.
Line Backers
The line backer position has gone under the radar for the Giants, despite it also having a lot of questions marks. Blake Martinez is returning from injury, but if he is at 100% he is a clear starter. However, after him, who else will be playing? Tae Crowder is an early favorite to start along side Martinez. Crowder played and started in all 17 games in 2021 recording 64 solo tackles and 130 total tackles. He added two interceptions and a forced fumbles as well.
After that you have Cam Brown who appeared in 12 games in 2021 for the Giants and is entering his third year in the NFL. Carter Coughlin played in seven games for the Giants last season due to an injury. Other names to watch at the linebacker positions are Darrian Beavers (2022 sixth round pick), Micah McFadden (2022 fifth round pick) and Justin Hilliard.
Rookies
The first year players for the Giants will be under a microscope this camp because of either position or expectations. First round picks, Kayvon Thibodeaux and Evan Neal have high expectations for their rookie years. Seeing them go through camp healthy and productive will create optimism. Second round pick Wan’Dale Robinson has interest because he is similar to Toney who was drafted in 2021. Third round pick Joshua Ezeudu has a chance to secure one of the guard positions on the offensive line. Also, fourth round pick Daniel Bellinger is drawing eyes as the possible starting tight end.