With training camp upon us, the Giants.com crew makes bold predictions for the summer:
John Schmeelk: I struggle with this question every season. I think it's because I don't know what to consider bold. I am loathe to try to predict surprises because if you can predict them, then they really aren't surprises, are they? You also don't want to be so bold you look like a lunatic predicting something that has the same chance of happening as anyone writing these answers does of dunking on a 10-foot rim without the help of a trampoline. This is why I struggle.
Okay. Here goes nothing. Leeeeeeeeeeeeeroy JENKINS!
At the end of the third preseason game, we won't know who any of the three starting wide receivers will be for the Giants on opening day. Here's my scenario.
In the slot, Parris Campbell has an excellent summer, but Sterling Shepard is activated for the final preseason game and lights it up, showing the same athleticism he did pre-injury. Then, Wan'Dale Robinson gets activated during Labor Day Weekend before final cuts, clouding the picture further. Outside, what if Collin Johnson has a huge summer? Who's starting? I don't know.
At the other outside spot, Darius Slayton performs like the same guy that he has been since getting drafted by the Giants. Jalin Hyatt, however, looks like a future star in practice, running past defenders as a constant deep threat down the field for Daniel Jones. In preseason games, he has three touchdowns of 30 or more yards. Could he start as a rookie? Could Campbell move outside if Shepard or Robinson are ready to be the starting slot? I don't know.
There's my scenario. Holy smokes…did I just see Lance dunk a basketball?
Dan Salomone: First-round pick Deonte Banks will lead the Giants in interceptions throughout training camp and preseason combined. Defensive coordinator Wink Martindale didn't break general manager Joe Schoen's back with a celebratory bear hug for no reason after the team drafted the cornerback out of Maryland. Much was made about the importance of having two quality cornerbacks in his system, but like Martindale said about the rookie, "I think it's important to have a cornerback like that in anybody's defense."
Martindale added, "He's very instinctive. What's Ted Lasso say? He lives life like a goldfish. He's got a short memory when things don't go right. He's tough minded, he's physical, he can tackle and on top of that, he can run. So, we're excited about it. He's getting into the groove. There're still some rookie mistakes, which you expect that, especially this early, but we're really excited. I was obviously really excited that we got him. It was like winning a scratch-off ticket."
Take a look at rare photos of New York Giants training camps through the years.
New York Giants offensive linemen Kareem McKenzie (67), Chris Snee (76), Shaun O'Hara (60), Rich Seubert (69), and David Diehl (66) break huddle during football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Monday, July 28, 2008. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor, left, shares a laugh linebacker Pepper Johnson during the team's training camp on July 31, 1993 at Fairleigh Dickinson University in New York. (AP Photo/Kevin Larkin)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) looks for a receiver during the second day of practice at the Giants training camp in Pleasantville, N.Y., July 28, 1987. (AP Photo/G. Paul Burnett)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning passes during practice at the Giants' training camp at the University at Albany in Albany, N.Y., Friday, July 30, 2004. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
All-pro linebacker Lawrence Taylor foreground, works out with his New York Giants teammates on Sunday, August 15, 1983 in Pleasantville, N.Y.
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning arrives at football training camp at the University at Albany in Albany, N.Y., Thursday, July 24, 2008. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
Tackle Roosevelt Grier, right, and line backer Harland Svare, left, of the New York Giants football team tune up their guitars following a "skull session" at Bear Mountain, New York, training camp on August 27, 1959. Rookie quarterback Lee Grosscup, watches. (AP Photo/Arthur Z. Brooks)
New York Giants defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka (97) practices with linebacker Antonio Pierce (58) at the Giants football training camp in Albany, N.Y. Saturday, July 28, 2007. With him are E.J. Underwood, left, and Antonio Pierce, right. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
New York Giants football players Corey Webster, left, Sam Madison and Will Demps, right, enjoy a laugh on the sidelines during a practice session at the Giants' training camp in Albany, N.Y. Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2006. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
New York Giants tight end Kevin Boss attempts to catch the football at Giants NFL training camp Sunday, July 29, 2007, in Albany, N.Y. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Allie Sherman, coach of football's New York Giants, poses at the team's training camp, Aug. 3, 1964 at Fairfield University, Fairfield, Connecticut. (AP Photo/John Lindsay)
New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress speaks with reporters after arriving at the Giants football training camp in Albany, N.Y. Friday, July 27, 2007. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
New York Giant Corey Webster tosses a ball during an evening practice session at the Giants training camp in Albany, N.Y. Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2005. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
New York Giants Hall of Fame defensive end Andy Robustelli (81) poses for a photo during training camp at Fairfield University at Fairfield, Ct., 1962. (AP Photo/NFL Photos)
New York Giants football linebacker Antonio Pierce smiles at Giants NFL training camp Sunday, July 29, 2007, in Albany, N.Y. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
First-round draft pick Hakeem Nicks arrives for the start of New York Giants NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., on Sunday, Aug. 2, 2009. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan works out at the Giants' training camp in Albany, N.Y. Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2005. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer arrives at football training camp at the University at Albany in Albany, N.Y., Thursday, July 24, 2008. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants center Dusty Zeigler (52) and linebacker Jesse Armstead (98) scuffle during training camp drills Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2000, in Albany, N.Y. Pete Monty, left, tries to break up the action. (AP Photo/Dave Oxford)
New York Giants tackle David Diehl, left, trades a high five with a young fan as her father holds her during autograph day following a team practice at the New York Giants NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Saturday, July 28, 2012. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants rookie running back Ron Dayne runs through drills during training camp, Saturday, July 22, 2000, in Albany, N.Y. Dayne, the 1999 Heisman Trophy winner was the Giants first round draft pick this year.(AP Photo/Dave Oxford)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs arrives to football training camp at the University at Albany in Albany, N.Y., on Thursday, July 24, 2008. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning runs wind sprints at Giants NFL training camp Sunday, July 29, 2007, in Albany, N.Y. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan takes a break during training camp drills, Sunday, July 23, 2000 in Albany, N.Y. (AP Photo/Dave Oxford)
The New York Giants' Super Bowl trophy is placed on display during a news conference in Albany, N.Y., on Wednesday, July 23, 2008, as the Giants prepare to begin their summer football training camp. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
New York Giants wide receiver David Tyree, left, tries to evade cornerback Corey Webster (23) during practice at the NFL football team's training camp in Albany, N.Y., Saturday, July 28, 2007. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
New York Giants cornerback Aaron Ross signs autographs for fans at Giants NFL training camp Sunday, July 29, 2007, in Albany, N.Y. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants linebacker Mark Herzlich (94) during NFL training camp practice on July 31, 2016 at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) looks for a receiver during the second day of practice at the Giants training camp in Pleasantville, N.Y., July 28, 1987. (AP Photo/G. Paul Burnett)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning throws during practice at the Giants football training camp, Saturday, July 28, 2007, in Albany, N.Y. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
New York Giants offensive linemen Rich Seubert, left, and Chris Snee perform a drill during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Monday, Aug. 3, 2009. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants quarterback Kerry Collins, right, signs autographs after training camp, Thursday, Aug. 17, 2000 in Albany, N.Y. The Giants ended their fifth year of camp at the University of Albany today, and have a new three year contract to return.(AP Photo/Dave Oxford)
New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor wears a smile as he comes out of the team's locker room to start practice at the Los Angeles Rams training camp at Anaheim, Calif. on Friday, Jan. 24, 1987. (AP Photo/Ray Stubblebine)
New York Giants players Keith Bulluck (53) and Osi Umenyiora (72) walk to practice during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., on Monday, Aug. 2, 2010. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs runs with the ball during the Giants' football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2006. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
New York Giants wide receiver Steve Smith arrives at football training camp at the University at Albany in Albany, N.Y., Thursday, July 24, 2008. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz is besieged by autograph-seeking fans after a practice at the NFL football team's training camp in Albany, N.Y., Friday, July 27, 2012. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
Kicker Joe Danelo of the New York Giants pushes the pedals of his exercise bike at the Giants training camp Saturday, Aug. 2, 1982 in Pleasantville, New York. (AP Photo/Paul Burnett)
New York Giants punter Jeff Feagles kicks the ball at the Giants' training camp in Albany, N.Y. Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2005. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
Giants head coach Tom Coughlin talks to players during practice at the Giants' training camp at the University at Albany in Albany, N.Y. Friday, July 30, 2004. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
Osi Umenyiora speaks with reporters as he arrives for the start of New York Giants NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., on Sunday, Aug. 2, 2009. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
New York Giants practicing during training camp on Sunday July 28, 2013 at the Quest Diagnostic Training Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants defensive back Carl "Spider" Lockhart (43) poses for a photo during training camp in Fairfield, Ct., 1974. (AP Photo/NFL Photos)
Ahmad Bradshaw arrives for the start of New York Giants NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., on Sunday, Aug. 2, 2009. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
Justin Tuck arrives for the start of New York Giants NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., on Sunday, Aug. 2, 2009. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
New York Giants tackle Roosevelt Grier, who has made several popular recordings, sings as his teammate Erich Barnes plays the piano at Bear Mountain Inn, Bear Mountain, New York on Dec. 26, 1962. The Giants have been traveling from Bear Mountain to nearby West Point for indoor drills in preparation for the National Football League title game with the Green Bay Packers at New York's Yankee Stadium on December 30. (AP Photo)
New York Giants quarterbacks Eli Manning (10) and Andre Woodson walk to the practice field during football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Monday, July 28, 2008. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants head coach Bill Parcells talks with reporters during the first day of NFL training at the team's training camp on the campus of Pace University in Pleasantville, N.Y., July 28, 1987. Parcells, who coached the Giants to the 1987 Super Bowl championship, started the team training out with emphasis on weightlifting, sprints and rookies. The entire team is due to arrives by Friday when squads will practice together. (AP Photo/Peter Morgan)
Fullback Alex Webster of the New York Football Giants poses at the team's training camp in Fairfield, Conn. Sept 3, 1963. (AP Photo/Harry Harris)
New York Giants guard Chris Snee, center, blocks players on all sides during the Giants' training camp in Albany, N.Y. Thursday, Aug. 4, 2005. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer is mobbed by fans seeking autographs after training camp, Thursday, Aug. 17, 2000, in Albany, N.Y. The Giants ended their fifth year of camp at the University at Albany today, and have a new contract to return for three more years. (AP Photo/Dave Oxford)
New York Giants defensive back Antrel Rolle (26) is shown at the New York Giants football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Friday, July 27, 2012. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants all-pro linebacker Lawrence Taylor goes through training camp exercises after reporting to the Giants camp in Pleasantville, N.Y. on Sunday, August 14, 1983. (AP Photo/David Handschuh)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) signs autographs for Holt and Kirstin Wooddell of Burgaw, North Carolina at the Giants training camp at Fairleigh Dickinson University, July 19, 1988. (AP Photo/Hal Brown)
The New York Giants practice during NFL football training camp Monday, Aug. 1, 2011 in East Rutherford, N.J. with the New York City skyline in the background. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants offensive coordinator Sean Payton, left, talks with quarterback Jason Garrett during training camp, Thursday, Aug. 3, 2000, in Albany, N.Y. Payton was named offensive coordinator by coach Jim Fassel during the off season and will be the Giants play caller this season. (AP Photo/Dave Oxford)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, right, passes as tight end Jeremy Shockey covers at the Giants' training camp in Albany, N.Y. Thursday, Aug. 4, 2005. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs talks with some fans during NFL football training camp Thursday, Aug. 4, 2011 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants offensive tackle Lomas Brown, left, works against Cedric Jones during training camp drills, Monday, July 24, 2000 in Albany, N.Y. Brown is a sixteen year veteran originally drafted by the Detroit Lions in 1985. (AP Photo/Dave Oxford)
New York Giants cornerback Jason Sehorn, left, gets instruction from head coach Jim Fassel during training camp drills, Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2000 in Albany, N.Y. (AP Photo/Dave Oxford)
New York Giants practicing during training camp on Sunday July 28, 2013 at the Quest Diagnostic Training Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants players finish drills during NFL football training camp Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
New York Giants practicing during training camp on Sunday July 28, 2013 at the Quest Diagnostic Training Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning looks past his huddle during NFL football training camp Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
New York Giants safety Antrel Rolle (26) and teammates during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., on Monday, Aug. 2, 2010. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants center Shaun O'Hara wears a bandage during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., on Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2010. The bandage is a mimic to one that Giants quarterback Eli Manning is wearing after suffering an injury in a pre-season game against the New York Jets. (AP Photo/Tom Canavan)
New York Giants fans watch practice during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Friday, Aug. 7, 2009. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants coach Bill Parcells, right, and place kicker Eric Schubert (3) stroll through a light drizzle delaying their workout at the Atlanta Falcons training camp at Suwanee, Ga., Aug. 8, 1986. (AP Photo/Charles Kelly)
New York Giants Eli Manning (10) and Mario Manningham (82) talk during NFL football training camp on Sunday August 7, 2011 at the Timex Performance Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) signs autographs for fans at the New York Giants football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Friday, July 27, 2012. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants defensive linemen Osi Umenyiora (72) and Chris Canty (99) walk to practice during NFL football training camp on Saturday August 7, 2010 at the University of Albany in Albany, NY (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz catches a pass during NFL football training camp Friday, Aug. 5, 2011 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants' Osi Umenyiora (72) talks with Justin Tuck (91) during NFL football training camp Monday, Aug. 1, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants Dave Tollefson (71) during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., on Monday, Aug. 2, 2010. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants linebacker Zak DeOssie walks to practice during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Friday, Aug. 7, 2009. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants fans during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., on Monday, Aug. 2, 2010. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants first-round draft pick, tight end Jeremy Shockey works out during his first practice at the Giants' summer training camp in Albany, N.Y., Tuesday, July 30, 2002. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
New York Giants defensive ends Justin Tuck (91) and Jason Pierre-Paul (90)perform a drill during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., on Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2010. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11), left, talks with Giants offensive coordinator Ron Erhardt during training camp at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, N.J., July 22, 1988. (AP Photo/Hal Brown)
New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce talks to reporters during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2009. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants quaterback Eli Manning (10) signs autographs at NFL football training camp on Thursday August 4, 2011 at the Timex Performance Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants Victor Cruz runs a play on the first day of NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Sunday, August 1, 2010 (AP Photo/Hans Pennink)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning walks the field after practice during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Friday, Aug. 14, 2009. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants players walk to practice during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Friday, Aug. 7, 2009. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants fullback Madison Hedgecock signs autographs during football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Monday, Aug. 3, 2009. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants offensive linemen Shaun O'Hara (60), David Diehl (66) and Kareem McKenzie during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., on Monday, Aug. 2, 2010. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
Offensive lineman David Diehl #66 of the New York Giants signs autographs following practice at training camp on Monday August 3, 2009 at the University of Albany in Albany, NY (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning signs autogrpahs after practice during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2009. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants fans watch practice at the University at Albany during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2009. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning passes during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Monday, Aug. 3, 2009. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks, right, reaches out to fans on his way to practice during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Friday, Aug. 7, 2009. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
Brandon Jacobs #27 of the New York Giants talks tobhis teammates after practice during football training camp on Monday August 3, 2009 at the University of Albany in Albany ,NY (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver David Tyree drinks some water during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Monday, Aug. 3, 2009. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
Kevin Dockery arrives at New York Giants NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., on Sunday, Aug. 2, 2009. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
Cornerback Corey Webster #23 of the New York Giants breaks up a pass during practice during football training camp on Monday August 3, 2009 at the University of Albany in Albany ,NY (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning signs autographs for fans at the New York Giants football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Friday, July 25, 2008. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
New York Giants center Shaun O'Hara gets ready to snap the ball during football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Friday, July 25, 2008. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
Ahmad Bradshaw & Michael Strahan New York Giants Training Camp 2019 at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ
Alumni Michael Strahan, Ahmad Bradshaw, David Diehl & David Tyree New York Giants Training Camp 2019 at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ
Ahmad Bradshaw & Michael Strahan New York Giants Training Camp 2019 at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ
DL Dexter Lawrence II (97) at New York Giants Training Camp 2019 at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ
QB Daniel Jones (8) at New York Giants Training Camp 2019 at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ
Quaterbacks Kyle Lauletta (17), Alex Tanney (3), Eli Manning (10), and Daniel Jones (8) at New York Giants Training Camp 2019 at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ
Defensive line drill at New York Giants Training Camp 2019 at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants Training Camp 2019 at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ
QB Daniel Jones (8) at New York Giants Training Camp 2019 at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ
QB Daniel Jones (8) at New York Giants Training Camp 2019 at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants participate in Training Camp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants participate in Training Camp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Azeez Ojulari (51)
Daniel Jones (8)
Daniel Jones (8)
New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen talks with former NFL coach Bill Cowher during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday August 16, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with Osi Umenyiora during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Thursday August 18, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Brian Daboll Head Coach
QB Daniel Jones (8)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll fist bumps quaterback Daniel Jones (8) during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Thursday July 28, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Head Coach Brian Daboll, Eli Manning,
New York Giants Daniel Jones (8) celebrates a touchdown pass with head coach Brian Daboll during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Saturday July 30, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
T Andrew Thomas (78), OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
New York Giants offensive lineman Andrew Thomas (78) signs autographs following training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Wednesday July 27, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
WR Darius Slayton (86) during training camp practice on July 31, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
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)
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)
K Graham Gano (9)
QB Daniel Jones (8)
WR Bryce Ford-Wheaton (6)
C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61)
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)
TE Lawrence Cager (83), QB Daniel Jones (8)
WR Wan'Dale Robinson (17)
Eli Manning, Brian Daboll Head Coach
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
WR Darius Slayton (86)
LB Bobby Okereke (58)
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)
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)
WR Darius Slayton (86)
C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61)
CB Deonte Banks (36), WR Jalin Hyatt (84)
Joe Schoen and Eli Manning watch training camp practice on July 31, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
QB Daniel Jones (8)
QB Daniel Jones (8)
LB Bobby Okereke (58)
Lance Medow: The best way to address this topic is to focus on individual players, specifically the ones you figure will see a lot of playing time this summer. I think this year's fifth-round pick, Oklahoma running back Eric Gray, will fully capitalize on his opportunities. Gray is going to be in the mix during both training camp practices and preseason games, and he'll likely see plenty of carries in the latter as well as chances to flash on special teams. Gray proved in college he can turn a short pass into an explosive play, either on the ground or through the air, and we should see several examples of that in the month leading up to the season. Last year, Gary Brightwell was on full display; this year, it's going to be Gray.
The other player to keep close tabs on, who I think will also carve out a role on the team, is Collin Johnson. Last August, he was in position to solidify a spot on the 53-man roster before suffering a torn Achilles late in camp. With so many wide receivers currently in the room, don't forget his experience in the league and familiarity with the system having been with the team last spring and summer. Johnson also offers the position size because, at 6-6, his frame is a bit different from the rest of the group. If Johnson stays healthy and picks up where he left off last training camp, he's going to give the coaching staff something to think about.
Matt Citak: Every year, we see a couple of players break out during training camp/preseason. There are several candidates on both sides of the ball who could earn that honor this season, but let's look at two of last year's Day 3 picks: tight end Daniel Bellinger and safety Dane Belton.
Everyone remembers the size of Bellinger's arms when he arrived at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center for the team's offseason program a few months back. It was clear that the second-year tight end had not skipped arm day during the offseason, and once the team takes the field at training camp and finally throws some pads on, Bellinger will get a real opportunity to showcase his increased strength. Of course, the Giants made a big splash at the tight end position with their acquisition of Darren Waller from the Raiders. That isn't going to stop Bellinger from putting on a show this summer, which could lead to a lot of two tight end sets once the regular season starts.
As for Belton, let's not forget that the young safety was well on his way to being one of last year's training camp standouts before suffering a clavicle injury. Once he got back on the field in Week 2, Belton went on to register two interceptions and two fumble recoveries throughout his rookie campaign, all while playing just 39 percent of the team's defensive snaps and 34 percent of special teams snaps. The 6-foot-1, 205-pound safety will have the opportunity to compete for the starting spot next to Xavier McKinney. Remember it was only two seasons ago, in his final year at Iowa, that Belton was tied for the second-most interceptions in the nation with five.
