Fact or Fiction: 2024 training camp superlatives

OT Andrew Thomas was the most impressive offensive player at training camp.

John Schmeelk: Fact – I don’t need to use a second hand to count the times Andrew Thomas was beaten in pass protection during nearly a month of training camp practices. He is steady as a pass blocker and provides a luxury that allows the Giants to just leave him on the blind side of the quarterback and not worry about it. They can use the tight ends and backs to help elsewhere while Thomas can neutralize the right edge of the defense. There’s no reason to think he won’t play at an All-Pro level in 2024.

Dan Salomone: Fact – It is easy to forget that he is only 25 years old. Thomas is part of a young Giants core that the front office hopes will only get better as they grow together.

Matt Citak: Fiction – Andrew Thomas has been stellar this summer, but honestly, that’s what we’ve come to expect. He’s one of the best tackles in the NFL, which is what we’ve seen since the start of training camp. That’s why the most impressive offensive player this summer has to be Malik Nabers. While expectations were high for the sixth overall draft pick, you wanted to see him in person first. Well, he’s already met those expectations and then some. Not only has he made numerous eye-opening grabs, but he’s also portrayed a great mindset and sense of professionalism with the media. Nabers’ performance will generate national buzz once the regular season kicks off.

DL Dexter Lawrence was the most impressive defensive player at training camp.

John Schmeelk: Fiction – Dexter is always dominant, but you don’t get to see him go “full Dexter” until he is facing opponents in games. You saw his power and athleticism provide all sorts of issues against a very good Lions interior offensive line in joint practices, but you are still trying to stay healthy and keep opponents off the ground in those situations. Brian Burns, on the other hand, has been able to show off his entire repertoire of moves.

Dan Salomone: Fact – “Half Dexter” is still better than most “full” offensive linemen. Now established as one of the best in the league, Lawrence has a chance to move into rarefied air in the coming seasons.

Matt Citak: Fiction – I’m going with fiction on this one for the same reason I did on the last one. Lawrence has once again shown that he is going to be a big problem for opposing offensive lines this season as he’s gotten into the backfield in just about every practice, including the joint sessions with the Lions and Jets. But as a back-to-back Pro Bowl selection, this has hardly been surprising. So, I’m going with Brian Burns. It’s been very interesting to see Burns beat offensive tackles with such a variety of pass rush moves. Similar to Dexter, the team’s new edge rusher has gotten into the backfield on such a consistent basis all summer. Offensive lines are going to struggle to stop the combination of Lawrence, Burns, and Thibodeaux this season.