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One of the best and most comprehensive features we offer every year is our Footballguys Preseason Updates. Every week this month, Bob Henry, Jason Wood, Clayton Gray, and their team of Footballguys Staffers cover every player that matters from every NFL team. It's 32-plus pages of some of the most comprehensive coverage you'll find. It's probably worth the Footballguys Premium Subscription by itself.
Updates from Week 4
If you're in a hurry, check out Joe Bryant's Preseason Insights: What You Need To Know This Week.
Preseason Updates: Quarterbacks
Whether Daniel Jones is ready to deliver a healthy, productive season remains unknown. The data points from this summer have been inconclusive, at best. Nevertheless, his position as the team’s leader is unquestioned, as Drew Lock hasn’t done enough due to an oblique injury to hint at challenging for the job, at least at the start of the season. The only mystery is whether last year’s hometown hero, Tommy Devito, will make the 53-man roster. The Athletic’s Dan Duggan notes, “Six teams started at least three different quarterbacks last season, including the Giants. It’s unlikely [GM] Schoen will risk trying to pass DeVito through waivers to the practice squad in case the Giants land in that group again.”Whether Daniel Jones is ready to deliver a healthy, productive season remains unknown. The data points from this summer have been inconclusive, at best. Nevertheless, his position as the team’s leader is unquestioned, as Drew Lock hasn’t done enough due to an oblique injury to hint at challenging for the job, at least at the start of the season. The only mystery is whether last year’s hometown hero, Tommy Devito, will make the 53-man roster. The Athletic’s Dan Duggan notes, “Six teams started at least three different quarterbacks last season, including the Giants. It’s unlikely [GM] Schoen will risk trying to pass DeVito through waivers to the practice squad in case the Giants land in that group again.”
Preseason Updates: Running Backs
Devin Singletary has always been a back who delivers big box scores when given a heavy workload, but most of the time, his coaches have opted to treat him like a committee option. That may change this year based on the kernels of usage we’ve seen from the first-team offense in the preseason. Regardless of his snap share, his position atop the depth chart is not questioned. Backups Tyrone Tracy and Eric Gray flashed encouraging moments this summer, but neither is viewed as a full-time option should Singletary get hurt. Despite a strong August, Dante Miller looks to be on the outside looking in for a roster spot. Don’t be surprised if he gets called up from the practice squad later in the season.
Preseason Updates: Wide Receivers
Last week, the Giants starters played the entire first half, giving us one of the clearest windows into the regular season lineup we’ve seen this summer from any team. Malik Nabers was the primary target, Wan'Dale Robinson played the slot—and came off the field in two receiver sets, and Darius Slayton and Jalin Hyatt split time opposite Nabers. With all the starters sitting for this week’s preseason finale, there are no incremental insights. For now, we have to assume Slayton and Hyatt will rotate based on sub-packages, with both having the opportunity to earn a larger snap count based on their respective play in September. Most beat writers see the team keeping six receivers: Nabers, Robinson, Slayton, Hyatt, Isaiah McKenzie, and Myles Boykin. ESPN’s Jordan Raanan is the lone notable dissenter, believing Isaiah Hodgins will also make the team.
Preseason Updates: Tight Ends
There’s not much mystery in the tight end group, as rookie Theo Johnson will join veterans Daniel Bellinger and Chris Manhertz on the 53-man roster. You could also count newly signed veteran Jakob Johnson, although he’s more of a fullback with a tight end designation. What is unclear is how productive the position will be, and the answer lies entirely with how quickly Johnson can adapt to the rigors of the NFL. Tight end was a position with a steep learning curve; even top prospects rarely made a mark in their rookie years. But things have recently changed; look no further than Sam LaPorta in Detroit last year. Is Johnson up to the challenge? We’ll find out soon.
Preseason Updates: Defense
The defense is a work in progress. Elijah Chatman’s “Rudy-esque” rise from camp invitee to projected starter on passing downs is the stuff of legend, but anytime you’re relying on an undrafted rookie at a premier position, it’s a risk once you start facing regular-season offenses. Chatman will join starters Dexter Lawrence and Rakeem Nunez-Roches, with Jordan Riley and D.J. Davison rounding out the line. On the edge, Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux are set as the starters, with Azeez Ojulari and Boogie Basham as the principal backups. The only question is whether Benton Whitley will also make the group. On the inside, Bobby Okereke, Micah McFadden, and Isaiah Simmons are locks. The final spot or two is entirely up in the air. In the secondary, cornerbacks Deonte Banks, Nick McCloud, Dru Phillips, and Cor’Dale Flott are certainties. Jason Pinnock, Tyler Nubin, and Dane Belton are the sure options at safety.
Preseason Updates: Returners
Gunner Olszewski has been battling a groin injury recently, but if he makes the roster, he’ll return punts for New York. If his injury is significant, he might begin the season on IR, opening a roster spot for Isaiah McKenzie to make the team as a return specialist.
Updates from Week 3
If you're in a hurry, check out Joe Bryant's Preseason Insights: What You Need To Know This Week.
Preseason Updates: Quarterbacks
Most teams chose to sit or play their starters sparingly again this weekend, but the Giants played all their healthy starters for the entire first half against the Houston Texans. And chances are Giants fans wish they hadn’t because it was another frustrating moment in Daniel Jones’ underwhelming career. Jones’ first three drives ended with a three-and-out (punt), a pick-six interception, and another interception. To his credit, he settled down for the fourth and fifth drive and led the Giants to 10 points. On the night, he was 11-for-18 for 138 yards, zero touchdowns, and two interceptions. Jones understandably chose to look at the bright side in his post-game comments: “Obviously, the first quarter didn’t go how we wanted it. Bad decision and a bad throw. I’d like to have that back. But I think overall, we got some things going in the second quarter and executed, moved the ball. You want to finish with touchdowns, but I was happy with how we responded in that second quarter.” Drew Lock’s hip injury turned out to be minor enough that he’s “100% confident” he’ll be ready for Week 1.
Preseason Updates: Running Backs
Devin Singletary played the entire first half against the Texans. The good news is that he played 29 of 33 snaps and scored a touchdown. The bad news is that he only managed 20 rushing yards on 10 carries. With Tyrone Tracy missing the game (and out for a few weeks), it’s hard to trust that Singletary’s usage will be as heavy once the season gets underway, but it’s clear he will be a significant cog in the Giants' offense. Eric Gray looked good with the backups, running for 18 yards on three carries and, more importantly, catching five passes.
Preseason Updates: Wide Receivers
Malik Nabers hurt his ankle last Monday, but fortunately, it wasn’t serious. He played the entire first half against the Texans and looked every bit the alpha receiver, catching four of six targets for 54 yards. There’s little doubt Nabers is NFL-ready and should be funneled massive target volume this season. Wan’Dale Robinson only played in 3-receiver sets, leaving little hope he can be an impact player this year, barring injuries. Darius Slayton (3 for 59 yards) and Jalin Hyatt (zero catches on two targets)–listed as co-starters on the unofficial depth chart–rotated with the first-team offense and played 18 snaps each. However, Hyatt ran 13 routes while Slayton only ran eight, suggesting that their usage could be based on whether New York is in a run or pass formation.
Preseason Updates: Tight Ends
It looks increasingly like the team will use a three-man committee and rotate based on sub-package roles. Chris Manhertz played every 12-personnel snap with the starters but only ran two routes. Rookie Theo Johnson led the trio with 18 snaps and 11 routes, while Daniel Bellinger ran eight routes on 13 snaps. Lawrence Cager was having a solid camp and seemed likely to make the 53-man roster as the 3rd or 4th tight end, but a groin injury will sideline him for a while, making it far less likely he’ll make the cut. Depth is a concern at the position, which is why the Giants signed veteran Jakob Johnson and played him against the Texans just a day after he received the playbook. Johnson was generally viewed as a fullback in New England and Las Vegas but will get an opportunity to play more of an H-Back role if he makes the Giants roster.
Preseason Updates: Defense
No one expects the secondary to be a standout unit, but they looked like a problem against the Texans' first-team offense; Isaiah Simmons, Nick McCloud, and Deonte Banks made critical mistakes in coverage. On a brighter note, the defensive line—which is a team strength—lived up to the billing, including forcing a turnover on downs at the goal line. Rookie safety Tyler Nubin is shaking off a slow camp start and pushing Dane Belton for the starting job. Every NFL training camp has a Cinderella story that captivates beat writers, but most end with the player getting cut or, at best, landing on the practice squad. Rookie defensive tackle Elijah Chatman may buck that trend. He’s been a standout since rookie mini-camp and ran 45 yards to chase down a running back and stopped a touchdown against Houston.
Preseason Updates: Offensive Lines
This Giants' line has a new coach in Carmen Bricillo (Las Vegas). Bricillo brought in right guard Greg Van Roten and right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor from his former team, and both are on track to be starters. Free agent left guard Jon Runyan (Green Bay) has an injured shoulder and missed camp time. Former All-Pro left tackle Andrew Thomas has proven to be a superior player, but center John Michael Schmitz had an up-and-down rookie year. Aaron Stinnie and Evan Neal are the backups. This group ranks 29th overall but should rise in the rankings once the lineup settles.
Updates from Week 2
If you're in a hurry, check out Joe Bryant's Preseason Insights: What You Need To Know This Week.
Preseason Updates: Quarterbacks
Head coach Brian Daboll officially began his play-calling duties against the Lions, as detailed by The Athletic’s Dan Duggan. Daniel Jones didn’t play in the preseason opener, but Daboll expects him to suit up against the Texans. It will be Jones' first game action since tearing his ACL last November. Drew Lock started in Jones’ place and struggled, completing 4 of 10 passes for 17 yards and an interception before leaving the game with a hip injury. Fortunately, the hip contusion won’t require surgery, and Lock shouldn’t miss significant time. Tommy Devito, last year’s feel-good story, now has a clearer path to making the 53-man roster, at least early in the season.
Preseason Updates: Running Backs
Coach Daboll trusts Devin Singletary from their days together in Buffalo, which is valuable for a team looking to rise from the bottom of the league standings despite letting their offensive cornerstone—Saquon Barkley—leave via free agency. Fortunately, the backup running backs are also having strong summers, with both performing admirably against the Lions. Eric Gray was a highlight reel, rushing for 52 yards and two touchdowns while leading the team with four receptions for 46 yards. Rookie Tyrone Tracy didn’t fill up the box score (five carries for 26 yards) but ran decisively, forcing five missed tackles. Daboll was understandably pleased with the backups' performance: “I thought they were decisive,” Daboll said. “I thought there wasn’t a lot of stutter-stepping. I thought they were hitting the hole with good vision. They ran in space. Gray had a nice catch there from Tommy (DeVito). It wasn’t perfect, but most of the time, they were going forward. They ran hard. They got their pads down. They did a nice job for the first game.”
Preseason Updates: Wide Receivers
Having a genuine alpha receiver atop the depth chart impacts the offense beyond their own playmaking. Having to defend someone of Malik Nabers’ caliber will allow other players to thrive in situational football, particularly if Brian Daboll recaptures the magic as the team’s play-caller. You would be hard-pressed to find a Giants camp report that doesn’t mention how great Nabers looks, with The Athletic calling him “impossible to cover.” CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin also named Nabers the most impressive rookie at any training camp. That’s why Giants Nation collectively gasped when Nabers hurt his ankle in Sunday’s practice. Fortunately, early reports say it’s a minor ankle sprain that shouldn’t keep him out of action for long. Nabers and Wan’Dale Robinson were listed as starters on the first unofficial depth chart. The other outside spot co-listed Jalin Hyatt and Darius Slayton, indicating an ongoing position battle. The Athletic’s Dan Duggan listed Slayton as a camp faller because Hyatt was out-snapping him in first-team drills, but then Slayton was given the night off along with other starters against the Lions, while Hyatt played 11 snaps.
Preseason Updates: Tight Ends
Darren Waller’s retirement understandably shines a light on the tight end group, but there’s nothing definitive yet regarding the pecking order. Daniel Bellinger was listed as the No. 1 on the depth chart, but rookie Theo Johnson is who fans hope will make a fast ascent, given his compelling pedigree and ability to be an offensive asset in ways neither Bellinger, Lawrence Cager, nor Chris Manhertz could.
Preseason Updates: Defense
The Lions didn’t play any key starters against the Giants, but it’s still encouraging that the Giants held the Lions to 250 yards of offense and just three points. Coach Daboll likes what he saw from Shane Bowen, his new defensive coordinator. "I thought Shane was really good. Just being the first time with him, very composed, got the play in quickly, good communicator with the signal callers. And I'd say the same thing with Ghoby, very organized. They did a nice job creating field position for the first time out there. But the procedure, I was pleased with the procedure of the coaching staff and of the players."
Preseason Updates: Returners
Gunner Olszewski, who ranks sixth all-time in yards per punt return, will handle that role. While the team’s first depth chart listed Olszewski as the top kickoff returner, that role may go to veteran Isaiah McKenzie or rookie Tyrone Tracy Jr., as Olszewski hasn’t returned kickoffs since 2021.
Updates from Week 1
If you're in a hurry, check out Joe Bryant's What You Need To Know From Every Team This Week.
Preseason Updates: Coaching
Head coach Brian Daboll has taken over play-calling and is running the team’s offensive meetings, a major change from his first two seasons at the helm, when offensive coordinator Mike Kafka handled those duties. "It's a different person running the offensive meetings. It's a different personality, different mindset," wide receiver Darius Slayton said. "I think he's definitely come out and made an emphasis on we need to make more plays down the field. We need to create more explosives -- not just downfield but also catch-and-run scenarios, too. It's something he's really emphasized and I think it's shown if you've watched practice. Even though we haven't hit them all, there has been an intention to try to get the ball down the field more."
Preseason Updates: Quarterbacks
Daniel Jones was already under pressure entering training camp after another disappointing season ended with a torn ACL. But those pressures increased after the Giants were featured in HBO Max’s Hard Knocks, and there were repeated discussions about targeting a rookie quarterback and how important it was for Jones to stay healthy and improve. To Jones’ credit, he’s fast recovered from the knee injury and has been a full participant since the start of training camp. Jones addressed Hard Knocks directly in a recent interview with Tyler Dunne of GoLongTD. “I’m very motivated by this and by being as good a player as I can be. Definitely didn’t enjoy watching that, and it was a tough situation in a lot of ways, but that’s the reality of the NFL. My job is to be on the field and play good football. So that’s something I’ve got to understand, and it is what it is at this point. It’s about playing the game and playing well now.”
Jones’ success is tied closely to the Giants’ ability to improve the offensive line; which has been among the league’s worst for much of Jones’ tenure. Evan Neal, who was supposed to be a key piece of the rebuild when the Giants selected him seventh overall two years ago, appears to be on the outs. Neal has been beset with injuries and poor performance, and the team has installed Jermaine Eluemunor at right tackle. They also signed Greg Van Roten to play guard, suggesting Eluemunor’s positional move isn’t temporary.
Preseason Updates: Running Backs
Saquon Barkley’s departure assures a total overhaul of the team’s offensive approach, and the team will likely utilize a running back committee. Devin Singletary is the new No. 1, signing a 3-year, $16.5 million contract with $9.5 million guaranteed. It’s unclear how the remaining spots in the rotation will play out, as Tyrone Tracy Jr., Eric Gray, and Dante Miller all have aspirations and the opportunity to impress in the coming weeks. Head coach Brian Daboll welcomes the competition. “There’s a lot of young players,” said Daboll, now the Giants’ head coach. “Obviously, Motor (Singletary) knows the system. He’s been with me for a while. And there’s a lot of competition in terms of who that next guy is going to be or the next guy or what role they can carve out for themselves. I know they’re hungry. They work really hard at trying to pick up everything, and I’m excited to see these young guys battle it out.” Long-time beat writer Ed Valentine noted that Gray didn’t get any first-team reps during the first week of practices, whereas Tracy and Miller did.
Preseason Updates: Wide Receivers
Rookie Malik Nabers will be counted on as an immediate offensive centerpiece, but the team still needs more from the incumbent receivers. Daboll is impressed with Jalin Hyatt’s improvement after an uninspiring rookie year. “We’ve talked about this from year one to year two; there’s so much you have to learn as a rookie. He’s put a lot of effort and a lot of energy into it and he’s done a nice job. He’s here early; he meets with (wide receivers coach Mike) Groh extra early. He’s created a routine from his rookie season and they’re continuing that now. He’s playing faster, knows what to do, and (we’ll) just keep on growing him,” said Daboll. Art Stapleton of NorthJersey.com projects the Giants to keep seven receivers on the 53-man roster. He sees Nabers, Hyatt, Darius Slayton, and Wan'Dale Robinson as roster locks and believes Bryce Ford-Wheaton, Gunner Olszewski, and Isaiah Hodgins will round out the group.
Preseason Updates: Tight Ends
Rookie Theo Johnson began camp on the PUP list but has been cleared and is already making an impression. It’s too early to draw conclusions about his role versus Daniel Bellinger, but it seems likely they’ll both play important roles now that Darren Waller has officially retired.
Preseason Updates: Defense
New defensive coordinator Shane Bowen has the daunting task of installing a new scheme to improve on last year’s 26th-ranked unit. The early returns are encouraging, per veteran linebacker Bobby Okereke. “We’re in a good spot,” Okereke said. “We’re growing every day. Obviously, we’re still installing. Guys are still getting a feel for each other, how we communicate, how we play. It’s still day six or seven of camp, so we still have a lot of growth. This joint practice (against the Detroit Lions) will be a good test for us, and we’ll just keep growing as we go.” During the first week of practice, the defense has had the upper hand, mainly because of the defensive line play. Brian Burns has been “unstoppable” per SNY’s Connor Hughes. and Dexter Lawrence are forces to be reckoned with and have set the tone for a front seven with talent and depth. Bowen has praised safety Dane Belton repeatedly in the first week-plus of camp and said the starting job is his to love. That starkly contrasts the team's excitement for rookie Tyler Nubin when they drafted him in April and were seen on Hard Knocks calling him the best safety in the class and a potential difference-maker. Belton’s strong start to camp and Nubin’s long-term value aren’t mutually exclusive, but Nubin missed five practices nursing an industry.
