Giants.com is counting down to the start of 2024 Giants Training Camp with 24 questions in 24 days.
6) What are the top competitions to follow at training camp?
Dan Salomone: Much has been made about the importance of the front four in Shane Bowen's defense, but they can't get home if they can't hold down the back end. That's where the safeties come in. Despite parting ways with Xavier McKinney in free agency, the Giants have an intriguing group as the last line of defense. Rookie Tyler Nubin, who set the program record with 13 interceptions at Minnesota, joined a room that already included Jason Pinnock and Dane Belton, who have the ability to change games with takeaways. This will be one of the most entertaining groups to watch at training camp because they can make a play at any point.
Other competitions of note will be close by at cornerback, where Cor'Dale Flott is penciled in opposite Deonte Banks. Rookie Dru Phillips, a third-round pick from Kentucky, relishes his opportunity at nickel. We'll see how that group shakes out in the end.
"I remember when I was growing up people thought nickel was almost a bad thing, kind of just throwing a guy in there," Phillips said. "Especially with how the game is going now and how there is so much passing in the league – and also in college. When I went to Kentucky, I always wanted to play nickel the whole time. I didn't really get an opportunity until my junior year. Once I got the opportunity I kind of like – I embodied it. I felt like it's who I was. That's what I did best, so I went all in on it. It carried over here, so I'm out here playing nickel now. … [There's] so much going on at that nickel. I like being in control a lot of times. You get to communicate more. You're involved in the run game as well as the pass game. A lot of times on certain down distances you know that ball is coming to you. I'm trying just to make as many plays as possible."
As always, the pecking order at wide receiver will be sorted out at training camp and especially in preseason games. The Giants also have competition for depth on the interior of the defensive line, which is lead by two-time Pro Bowler Dexter Lawrence.
Take a look at rare photos of New York Giants training camps through the years.
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