EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Dexter Lawrence and Jordon Riley are both skilled defensive linemen standing more than six feet tall and weighing in excess of 300 pounds. They were drafted by the Giants from successful major college programs, Lawrence from Clemson and Riley from Oregon. And though Lawrence had a four-year head start in the NFL, each is 25 years old.
So, is Riley, who is nearing the end of his first NFL training camp, like Lawrence was when he worked his way through this stage in 2019?
"No," Lawrence said this week. "I was cuter."
Well, we won't argue that point. But one significant difference does exist between the young linemen. Lawrence was a first-round draft choice in 2019, the 17th overall selection. Riley was selected in the seventh round, 243rd overall.
Coaches like to say once a player is on the team, how he arrived is irrelevant. Riley personifies that sentiment. He has been impressive since first practicing with the team in the spring, has had a strong camp and maintained his performance with four tackles, including one for loss, in the first two preseason games. Riley will have another chance to sway the coaches in the preseason finale Saturday night against the Jets.
Seventh-round draft choices don't play this well this early every year. So naturally, when defensive coordinator Wink Martindale was asked about Riley on Wednesday, the question was "how much of a surprise has he been to you?"
"I don't think it's a surprise at all," Martindale said. "I think that when you draft a guy you expect him to play the way that you saw on tape and then you see in the future of what you can do to help develop him that can make him even better. And I think that's what you are seeing right now. But he still needs a lot of snaps and still needs to grow. I think he's in the perfect spot for it right now with where he is at with the veterans he has in that room and with Dre (defensive line coach Andre Patterson) and B-Cox (assistant defensive line coach Bryan Cox)."
View the best photos of all the action at the Giants' 2023 training camp.
WR Jalin Hyatt (84)
New York Giants safety Dane Belton (24)) strips the balll during a joint training camp practice with the Detroit Lions on August 9, 2023 in Allen Park, Michigan (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
QB Daniel Jones (8)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99), Rakeem Nunez-Roches (93) Jordon Riley (95) and Dexter Lawrence (97) during training camp practice on August 23, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants offensive tackle Andrew Thomas (78) talks with Evan Neal (73) during training camp practice on August 22, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
WR Bryce Ford-Wheaton (6), CB Tre Hawkins III (37)
New York Giants wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins (18) and Saquon Barkley (26) celebrate a touchdown catch during training camp practice on August 23, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) and Daniel Jones (8) during training camp practice on August 23, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
CB Deonte Banks (36), WR Jalin Hyatt (84)
RB Saquon Barkley (26), marshawn lynch
WR Jalin Hyatt (84)
S Jason Pinnock (27)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll before training camp practice on July 28, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
S Xavier McKinney (29)
WR Sterling Shepard (3), Victor Cruz
QB Daniel Jones (8)
RB Saquon Barkley (26)
P Jamie Gillan (6) fist bumps K Graham Gano ( during training camp practice on August 3, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
Eli Manning, Brian Daboll Head Coach
WR Jalin Hyatt (84)
RB Saquon Barkley (26)
WR Darius Slayton (86)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with Dan Campbell during a joint training camp practice with the Detroit Lions on August 8, 2023 in Allen Park, Michigan (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
WR Cole Beasley (9)
WR Parris Campbell (0)
TE Darren Waller (12)
WR Bryce Ford-Wheaton (6)
DL Leonard Williams (99)
Brian Daboll Head Coach, Fivio Foreign
QB Daniel Jones (8)
WR Parris Campbell (0), CB Darnay Holmes (30)
QB Daniel Jones (8)
TE Daniel Bellinger (82)
RB Matt Breida (31)
OLB Jihad Ward (55)
QB Tyrod Taylor (2), WR David Sills V (13)
QB Tyrod Taylor (2)
K Graham Gano (9)
WR Cole Beasley (9)
TE Lawrence Cager (83)
RB Saquon Barkley (26), fivio foreign
TE Tommy Sweeney (89)
QB Daniel Jones (8)
S Xavier McKinney (29), TE Daniel Bellinger (82)
CB Deonte Banks (36), S Dane Belton (24)
TE Darren Waller (12)
RB James Robinson (24)
OLB Jihad Ward (55)
S Jason Pinnock (27)
OLB Azeez Ojulari (51)
CB Adoree' Jackson (22)
LB Bobby Okereke (58), RB Saquon Barkley (26)
S Dane Belton (24)
QB Tommy DeVito (5)
CB Amani Oruwariye (20)
G Ben Bredeson (68), C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61)
RB Matt Breida (31), ILB Micah McFadden (41)
WR Jalin Hyatt (84)
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
WR Darius Slayton (86)
WR Parris Campbell (0)
RB Saquon Barkley (26)
TE Darren Waller (12)
CB Tre Hawkins III (37), S Jason Pinnock (27)
QB Daniel Jones (8)
Jamison Crowder (80)
T Andrew Thomas (78)
WR Darius Slayton (86)
DL Leonard Williams (99)
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
TE Tommy Sweeney (89)
DL Dexter Lawrence II (97)
RB Saquon Barkley (26)
RB Saquon Barkley (26), marshawn lynch
WR Sterling Shepard (3)
C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61), OL Joshua Ezeudu (75), T Andrew Thomas (78), QB Daniel Jones (8), WR Jalin Hyatt (84)
WR Sterling Shepard (3)
LB Bobby Okereke (58)
WR Isaiah Hodgins (18)
Eli Manning, Brian Daboll Head Coach
WR Collin Johnson (15)
TE Darren Waller (12)
WR Isaiah Hodgins (18)
ILB Darrian Beavers (43)
OLB Azeez Ojulari (51)
OLB Azeez Ojulari (51)
Brian Daboll Head Coach
QB Tyrod Taylor (2), S Xavier McKinney (29)
S Xavier McKinney (29)
C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61)
QB Daniel Jones (8)
WR Darius Slayton (86)
WR Parris Campbell (0)
WR Parris Campbell (0)
WR Jalin Hyatt (84)
WR Jaydon Mickens (88)
WR Sterling Shepard (3)
WR Parris Campbell (0)
WR Collin Johnson (15)
S Xavier McKinney (29)
CB Deonte Banks (36), TE Darren Waller (12)
Eli Manning, Brian Daboll Head Coach
WR Sterling Shepard (3)
QB Tyrod Taylor (2), S Xavier McKinney (29)
WR Darius Slayton (86)
WR Jalin Hyatt (84)
WR Jalin Hyatt (84), QB Daniel Jones (8)
Brian Daboll Head Coach
RB Saquon Barkley (26), QB Daniel Jones (8)
CB Nick McCloud (44)
RB Saquon Barkley (26)
RB Saquon Barkley (26), QB Daniel Jones (8)
Brian Daboll Head Coach, QB Daniel Jones (8)
S Jason Pinnock (27)
LB Bobby Okereke (58)
QB Daniel Jones (8), RB Saquon Barkley (26)
WR Jalin Hyatt (84)
CB Deonte Banks (36)
S Xavier McKinney (29)
RB Saquon Barkley (26)
T Andrew Thomas (78)
QB Daniel Jones (8)
P Jamie Gillan (6), K Graham Gano (9)
WR Cole Beasley (9)
WR Collin Johnson (15)
WR Bryce Ford-Wheaton (6), CB Tre Hawkins III (37)
S Xavier McKinney (29)
CB Gemon Green (34), CB Tre Hawkins III (37)
QB Tyrod Taylor (2), RB Matt Breida (31)
TE Darren Waller (12)
CB Adoree' Jackson (22), WR Isaiah Hodgins (18)
WR Parris Campbell (0)
WR Jeff Smith (19)
QB Daniel Jones (8)
RB Saquon Barkley (26)
TE Lawrence Cager (83)
WR Darius Slayton (86)
WR Bryce Ford-Wheaton (6)
TE Daniel Bellinger (82), S Xavier McKinney (29)
TE Darren Waller (12)
TE Darren Waller (12)
QB Tyrod Taylor (2)
QB Tommy DeVito (5)
QB Daniel Jones (8)
Brian Daboll Head Coach, RB Saquon Barkley (26)
QB Daniel Jones (8)
QB Daniel Jones (8)
RB Saquon Barkley (26)
C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61)
DL Dexter Lawrence II (97), DL Leonard Williams (99)
Bill Cowher talks with New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during training camp practice on August 15,2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
DL Leonard Williams (99)
New York Giants tight end Darren Waller (12) talks with Bill Cowher during training camp practice on August 15,2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
QB Daniel Jones (8) during training camp practice on August 1, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) during training camp practice on August 16,2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) during training camp practice on August 16,2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) during training camp practice on August 15,2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
WR Jamison Crowder (80) during training camp practice on July 30, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks to his team during training camp practice on August 15,2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) and Mike Kafka during training camp practice on August 15,2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants quarterback Tyrod Taylor (2) during training camp practice on August 15,2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during training camp practice on August 14,2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
T Evan Neal (73) during training camp practice on August 1, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants place kicker Graham Gano (9) fist bumps punter Jamie Gillan (6) during training camp practice on August 15,2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
WR Jalin Hyatt (84) and CB Gemon Green (34) during training camp practice on August 1, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) during training camp practice on August 15,2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
WR Isaiah Hodgins (18) during training camp practice on August 1, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) during training camp practice on August 15,2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
CB Adoree' Jackson (22) high fives fans following training camp practice on July 28, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants players huddle before training camp practice on August 15,2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
Defensive coordinator Don Wink Martindale high fives fans following training camp practice on July 28, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants punter Jamie Gillan (6) during training camp practice on August 15,2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
QB Daniel Jones (8) during training camp practice on July 31, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
TE Daniel Bellinger (82) and TE Tommy Sweeney (89) during training camp practice on July 31, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants tight end Tommy Sweeney (89) during training camp practice on August 14,2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
RB Saquon Barkley (26) during training camp practice on July 28, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
T Evan Neal (73) during training camp practice on July 31, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll before training camp practice on July 28, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants safety Dane Belton (24) high fives cornerback Adoree' Jackson (22) during training camp practice on August 14,2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants cornerback Deonte Banks (36) talks with cornerback Adoree' Jackson (22) during training camp practice on August 14,2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during a joint training camp practice with the Detroit Lions on August 8, 2023 in Allen Park, Michigan (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
RB Saquon Barkley (26) during training camp practice on July 31, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
WR Cole Beasley (9) during training camp practice on July 31, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants defensive tackle Rakeem Nunez-Roches (93) during training camp practice on August 14,2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
TE Darren Waller (12) makes a touchdown catch during training camp practice on July 26, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) walks out to training camp practice on July 26, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with QB Daniel Jones (8) during training camp practice on July 30, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
RB Saquon Barkley (26) shakes hands with S Xavier McKinney (29) during training camp practice on July 30, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
Jessie Armstead talks with DL Leonard Williams (99) and DL Dexter Lawrence II (97) during training camp practice on July 26, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
T Evan Neal (73) walks out to training camp practice on July 30, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
WR Jalin Hyatt (84) during training camp practice on July 28, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants wide receiver Parris Campbell (0) during a joint training camp practice with the Detroit Lions on August 8, 2023 in Allen Park, Michigan (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) thanks the fans after training camp practice on August 5, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
WR Jaydon Mickens (88) during training camp practice on July 28, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) during training camp practice on August 5, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) talks with Barry Sanders following a joint training camp practice with the Detroit Lions on August 8, 2023 in Allen Park, Michigan (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
CB Adoree' Jackson (22) during training camp practice on August 4, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll jokes with WR Cole Beasley (9) during training camp practice on July 26, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
TE Darren Waller (12) works out during training camp practice on July 26, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during training camp practice on July 28, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) during a joint training camp practice with the Detroit Lions on August 8, 2023 in Allen Park, Michigan (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
TE Darren Waller (12) makes a catch during training camp practice on July 27, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
DL Leonard Williams (99) during training camp practice on July 27, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) during training camp practice on August 5, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
T Evan Neal (73) works out during training camp practice on July 27, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
RB Saquon Barkley (26) works out during training camp practice on July 27, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during training camp practice on August 5, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
RB Saquon Barkley (26) works out during training camp practice on July 27, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants tight end Darren Waller (12) during training camp practice on August 5, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during training camp practice on August 6, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during training camp practice on August 6, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
CB Deonte Banks (36) works out during training camp practice on July 27, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) during training camp practice on August 5, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
WR Darius Slayton (86) and TE Daniel Bellinger (82) celebrate during training camp practice on August 4, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
P Jamie Gillan (6) during training camp practice on August 4, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll and Phil Simms during training camp practice on August 15,2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) and cornerback Deonte Banks (36) dance during training camp practice on August 16,2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants wide receiver David Sills V (13) during training camp practice on August 16,2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants defensive tackle Brandin Bryant (69) during training camp practice on August 16,2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) during training camp practice on August 16,2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
DL Leonard Williams (99) high fives fans before training camp practice on July 26, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants linebacker Darrian Beavers (43) during training camp practice on August 16,2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
WR Jalin Hyatt (84) catches a touchdown pass during training camp practice on August 3, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants tight end Lawrence Cager (83) during training camp practice on August 16,2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
WR Jalin Hyatt (84) catches a touchdown pass during training camp practice on August 3, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) during training camp practice on August 3, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
DL Rakeem Nuñez-Roches (93) during training camp practice on August 3, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
QB Daniel Jones (8) during training camp practice on August 3, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
LB Bobby Okereke (58) during training camp practice on August 3, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) and Jihad Ward (55) hug during training camp practice on August 21, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
QB Daniel Jones (8)
QB Tyrod Taylor (2), QB Daniel Jones (8)
QB Tyrod Taylor (2), QB Daniel Jones (8)
QB Tyrod Taylor (2), S Xavier McKinney (29), DB Adoree' Jackson (22)
RB Eric Gray (20-O)
LB Bobby Okereke (58)
QB Daniel Jones (8), QB Tyrod Taylor (2)
TE Daniel Bellinger (82)
QB Daniel Jones (8),Offensive Coordinator Mike Kafka
OL Mark Glowinski (64), OL Evan Neal (73)
P Jamie Gillan (6)
S Xavier McKinney (29)
Brian Daboll Head Coach
TE Daniel Bellinger (82)
QB Daniel Jones (8)
WR Isaiah Hodgins (18)
QB Daniel Jones (8), LB Jihad Ward (55)
S Xavier McKinney (29)
DL Leonard Williams (99), OL Evan Neal (73)
RB Saquon Barkley (26)
DB Tre Hawkins III (37-)
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
RB Saquon Barkley (26), QB Daniel Jones (8)
DB Tre Hawkins III (37-), WR Darius Slayton (86)
RB Matt Breida (31)
WR Darius Slayton (86)
G Shane Lemieux (66)
DB Adoree' Jackson (22)
DL Rakeem Nunez-Roches Sr (93)
OL Evan Neal (73)
TE Darren Waller (12)
WR Isaiah Hodgins (18)
TE Darren Waller (12)
WR Parris Campbell (0)
OL Joshua Ezeudu (75)
WR Isaiah Hodgins (18)
WR Darius Slayton (86)
TE Darren Waller (12)
during training camp practice on August 23, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
QB Tyrod Taylor (2), QB Daniel Jones (8)
RB Saquon Barkley (26)
P Jamie Gillan (6)
C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61)
QB Tyrod Taylor (2)
TE Darren Waller (12)
RB Saquon Barkley (26)
WR Sterling Shepard (3)
WR Darius Slayton (86)
WR Darius Slayton (86)
WR Sterling Shepard (3)
WR Parris Campbell (0)
WR Isaiah Hodgins (18)
WR Sterling Shepard (3)
QB Daniel Jones (8)
QB Tyrod Taylor (2)
QB Daniel Jones (8)
QB Daniel Jones (8)
New York Giants cornerback Darnay Holmes (30) breaks up a pass during training camp practice on August 23, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (5) during training camp practice on August 23, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
QB Daniel Jones (8)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) during training camp practice on August 23, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) and Daniel Jones (8) during training camp practice on August 23, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants wide receiver Jalin Hyatt (84) and cornerback Adoree' Jackson (22) during training camp practice on August 23, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) during training camp practice on August 23, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants wide receiver Bryce Ford-Wheaton (6) during training camp practice on August 23, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants running back Eric Gray (20) during training camp practice on August 23, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants wide receiver Parris Campbell (0) during training camp practice on August 22, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) during training camp practice on August 22, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants wide receiver Jalin Hyatt (84) during training camp practice on August 22, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants wide receiver Jalin Hyatt (84) during training camp practice on August 22, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during training camp practice on August 22, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (5) during training camp practice on August 22, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants wide receiver Parris Campbell (0) during training camp practice on August 22, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins (18) and Saquon Barkley (26) celebrate a touchdown catch during training camp practice on August 23, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins (18) and Saquon Barkley (26) and Daniel Jones (8) celebrate a touchdown catch during training camp practice on August 23, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during training camp practice on August 21, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants wide receiver Jalin Hyatt (84) and cornerback Darren Evans (35) during training camp practice on August 23, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during training camp practice on August 23, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants wide receiver David Sills V (13) during training camp practice on August 23, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins (18) and cornerback Deonte Banks (36) during training camp practice on August 23, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney (29) during training camp practice on August 23, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants wide receiver David Sills V (13) during training camp practice on August 23, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during training camp practice on August 21, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during training camp practice on August 21, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) during training camp practice on August 21, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) during training camp practice on August 21, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) breaks up a pass during training camp practice on August 21, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) during training camp practice on August 21, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants wide receiver Parris Campbell (0) during training camp practice on August 21, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) stands in the huddle during training camp practice on August 21, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
Is Riley further along than Martindale thought he might be?
"I haven't sat and thought about it, but probably," he said.
If so, those veterans Martindale spoke of deserve an assist for their contributions to Riley's rapid ascent. Lawrence, Leonard Williams, Rakeem Nunez-Roches and A'Shawn Robinson have played a combined 27 NFL seasons. They have been mentors to Riley in everything from practice habits to hand placement up front to off-the-field advice.
"It helps a lot," Riley said. "I'm very fortunate to get those veterans to take their time out to teach me the game. They've been doing this a long time and for them to take me under their wing and give me the information they gave me, man, it's second to none."
Riley answered instantly when asked what lessons have been most valuable.
"Just technique," he said. "This game is about technique at the end of the day, talent and no talent, skill and no skills. As long as you have technique, it's gonna take you a long way. Those guys have been really critical with an eye on my technique. That's what's gonna keep me in the league."
"He's blessed," Williams said. "A lot of times a rookie doesn't come in with guys who are that selfless and willing to help out. Nobody in the room is scared of competition and scared to help out the next guy. I think for the most part, we all feel like we let each other down if we've made a mistake. And when we make a good play, they're the first ones to celebrate with you. Right now, I think we're building a great D-Line."
Riley has not been so impressive that he escapes traditional rookie duties, such as carrying the veterans' helmets and shoulder pads to the locker room after practice.
"We'll have the rookies get snacks for the D-line room during camp and have them pick up food when we travel," Williams said. "Just small stuff like that."
The veterans believe Riley has a high ceiling he is just beginning to reach.
"He's scratching it right now during fall camp and you see in the games he let it shine a little bit," Lawrence said. "We just got to keep his mindset right and keep on being consistent and growing. I think he's growing every day and he's willing to learn and look up to the guys that he has in front of him and that shows his humility. He's trending the right way. I've got to keep doing my job to help him grow, and he's got to do his job to help him grow."
"I see a lot of potential," Williams said. "I think he has a great coach, coach Dre, coaching him up in his first year. He has a great guy in Dexter Lawrence to model himself after. I think if he just keeps listening to those two guys, he can be a good player in this league."
Riley has found another mentor in second-year outside linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux, who played at Oregon before Riley.
"His upside is amazing and when you talk about his want for it and his love for the game, it's amazing," Thibodeaux said. "I can see a continuous growth and I feel like hopefully he'll start off faster than I did last year. But I think it will be one of those situations where he continuously grows throughout the season, and it shows to his game."
With all the plaudits he has received, it seems preposterous that 242 players were selected in the draft ahead of Riley. He doesn't know why that happened, but a clue might be his college odyssey, which included stops at North Carolina, Garden City Community College in Kansas, Nebraska and Oregon. The Giants first spotted him in Eugene. "You walk out to practice and there's this 6-5, 330-pound guy who piques your interest right there," general manager Joe Schoen said the day the Giants selected Riley in the draft.
The rest of the Giants' football hierarchy were soon enamored with Riley.
"(Assistant director of player personnel) Dennis Hickey and (director of player personnel) Tim McDonnell were driving forces in terms of the process of Jordon," said assistant general manager Brandon Brown. "I remember going back to my notes; Jordon's not on anybody's radar. It's October, Dennis Hickey goes out to Oregon and sees him and is like, 'B, listen, I'm just telling you this guy has traits that we want to play with knockback, we want to be big up front, want to control the line of scrimmage, he fits our brand of ball.' Tim tells me, 'B, we need to go see him play.' So, Tim and I went and saw him play against Cal. Tim's been the ultimate checks and balances for me, someone that I have blind trust in where he says, 'We need to go watch this guy, and we come apart from it, you can walk out to warmups, and he sticks out like a sore thumb.'
"There're some inconsistencies in his game, and you've got to do the full, call it, the full evidence and due diligence and the fact-finding process on Jordon. Him being a three-school transfer, us going the extra mile in terms of having Andre Patterson and Bryan Cox work him out privately. In the personnel department, we refer to Dre Patterson as Dr. Dre, right? He's a guy that puts his fingerprints on guys and tweaks up their techniques, and we see flashes, but you can't replicate Jordon's size. There's not just that many men walking on the world that have his size. So, it's on us to kind of bridge that gap with, can he take to the coaching? The development, getting his weight right, all those things that every time we put a benchmark in front of him, he's met it. The nice part is the teammates root for him. Leo (Williams) and Dex, they've taken him under their wings like a little brother. The production that you're seeing in the preseason, we're hoping that can be a catalyst for things to come in the future. But it's been really cool to see."
*The Giants Foundation will host a 5K race and kids run, presented by Quest, on Sunday, October 8th at 9:00 a.m. at MetLife Stadium. Net proceeds from the event will benefit The Giants Foundation. After the race, runners will enjoy a post-race festival with appearances by Giants Legends and a live DJ. Registration is now open at Giants.com/5K.
View photos of the New York Giants' 2023 roster as it currently stands.
NT Dexter Lawrence II (97), OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
CB Deonte Banks
RB Saquon Barkley
OLB Boogie Basham
LB Darrian Beavers
TE Daniel Bellinger
S Dane Belton
OL Ben Bredeson
RB Matt Breida
ILB Cam Brown
WR Parris Campbell
RB Jashaun Corbin
ILB Carter Coughlin
DL D.J. Davidson
QB Tommy DeVito
QB Jacob Eason
CB Cor'Dale Flott
P Jamie Gillan
G Mark Glowinski
RB Eric Gray
OL Sean Harlow
CB Tre Hawkins III
WR Isaiah Hodgins
CB Darnay Holmes
DL Timmy Horne
WR Jalin Hyatt
CB Adoree' Jackson
TE Tyree Jackson
LS Casey Kreiter
DL Dexter Lawrence
CB Nick McCloud
ILB Micah McFadden
OL Marcus McKethan
S Xavier McKinney
DL Rakeem Nunez-Roches
OLB Azeez Ojulari
ILB Bobby Okereke
WR Gunner Olszewski
S Gervarrius Owens
OL Justin Pugh
DL Jordon Riley
DL A'Shawn Robinson
OT Matt Peart
WR Wan'Dale Robinson
C John Michael Schmitz Jr.
WR Sterling Shepard
S/ILB Isaiah Simmons
WR Darius Slayton
QB Tyrod Taylor
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux
OT Andrew Thomas
TE Darren Waller
OLB Jihad Ward
OLB Benton Whitley
The Giants Foundation 5K & Kids Run
Register today and run with Giants Legends in The Giants Foundation 5K and Kids Run, Presented by Quest®
