On July 16, the New York Giants rookies reported to training camp. This is the first step in the long process for preparing for the NFL season.
The New York Giants have been on NFL’s radar the past few weeks as the first ever offseason edition of Hard Knocks featured the team. As the offseason transitions into the preseason there are several areas to watch for on the Giants.
New York Giants preseason watch list one- Running Back
One of the most notable moves of the 2024 NFL offseason was Saquon Barkley leaving the Giants to sign with the rival Philadelphia Eagles. To compensate for this loss, the Giants signed the veteran Devin Singletary. His backup will be the second year player Eric Gray. Gray played in 13 games in his rookie season but got just 17 rushing attempts. The Giants will need Gray to take a leap if they wish to have a good running game.
New York Giants preseason watch list two- Quarterback
When the Giants gave Daniel Jones a four year, 160 million dollar contract extension in the 2023 offseason, they took a leap of faith that Jones would be able to build off his 2023 season. Unfortunately he took a step back. Heading into training camp the QB position should be a competition. Drew Lock has mostly served as a backup for the Seahawks the last two seasons. His last season as a starter was 2020. He led the league in interceptions that season. However, many QBs like Geno Smith and Baker Mayfield have seen improvement after watching and learning off the bench for multiple seasons.
The other competitor is Tommy Devito. He had a three game run where he gave the Giants some life in an otherwise lifeless season. He’s a raw talent but the Giants could start him just to see what they have in the undrafted QB.
Photo via Gridiron heroics
New York Giants preseason watch list three- Malik Nabers
The Giants held the sixth overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft. They had several options but they went with Malik Nabers, a wide receiver from LSU. Nabers was a unanimous all American in 2023. Despite getting overshadowed by Marvin Harrison Jr. it is clear Nabers is a generational talent. The Giants have struggled at wide receiver since trading away Odell Beckham Jr. in the 2019 offseason. Nabers could be the answer the Giants have been looking for.
New York Giants preseason watch list four- Evan Neal
In the first draft done by GM Joe Schoen, the Giants held the fifth and seventh overall picks. The seventh overall pick was used to draft Evan Neal. Neal seemed like the perfect fit, a guy from Alabama who was a member of the first team all SEC. In the hardknocks show Schoen did not consider Neal a part of the offensive line’s future. This season presents Neal with one last chance to prove he’s an NFL level offensive lineman.
New York Giants preseason watch list five- secondary defense
The Giants have made an identity behind their ability to pass rush. This identity was fully emphasized with the trade for Brian Burns. Unfortunately, the team lost safety Xavier Mckinney to the Packers in the offseason. This means that rookie Tyler Nubin and fourth year player Jason Pinnock will be the starting safeties heading into 2024. They will need to step up to make up for the loss of McKinney.
Photo via Giants Wire
New York Giants preseason watch list six- Kayvon Thibodeaux
Kayvon Thibodeuax was the player drafted with the fifth overall pick of the 2022 NFL draft. Unlike his draftmate Neal, Thibodeuax has shown a lot of talent. In the 2023 NFL season he had 11.5 sacks and 3 forced fumbles. Despite this, his defensive impact has been all or nothing. He either successfully gets a sack or he struggles to impact on defense any other way. A new defensive coordinator could possibly allow him to have more impact.
To see some of the New York Giants most important games this season, check out this article.
