Fact or Fiction: Players to watch at training camp

The competition for TE1 should be the most interesting offensive training camp battle.

John Schmeelk: Fact – There are still some questions on the offensive line with where Evan Neal lines up and who the primary back-ups at certain spots are, but they aren’t the same fundamental questions we have at the tight end position. We think Daniel Bellinger is the starter, but what roles will he be featured most prominently in? Does Lawrence Cager steal away some of his passing down snaps? Can Theo Johnson get ready quickly and contribute as a rookie? Who will be the blocking TE? How much are the snaps split between multiple people? It’s definitely “interesting”.

Matt Citak: Fiction – If we’re talking just among the starters, then I agree with John that the competition among the tight ends will be the most interesting to watch. But I’m actually more intrigued by the battle for the final wide receiver spots after Malik Nabers, Wan’Dale Robinson, Darius Slayton and Jalin Hyatt. Isaiah Hodgins, Allen Robinson, Miles Boykin, Gunner Olszewski, Isaiah McKenzie, Bryce Ford-Wheaton, Dennis Houston, Ayir Asante, and John Jiles will compete for two, maybe three spots on the roster. That’s a talented group of receivers battling it out to be the Giants’ WR5, WR6 and possibly WR7, and it may come down to which players can also contribute on special teams.

The competition for CB2 should be the most interesting defensive training camp battle.

John Schmeelk: Fiction – This will be an interesting battle but I do think Cor’dale Flott is sitting in the driver’s seat given how he has played in his first two seasons. The slot cornerback battle is far more interesting given the number of guys that could win that spot. It’s truly wide open. The safety competition next to Jason Pinnock is also more interesting given Tyler Nubin is a rookie and Dane Belton has had some moments when given the chance. Could one of those guys be a nickel in certain situations? The battle for the 3-technique spot next to Dexter Lawrence is also wide open, and bears watching.

Matt Citak: Fiction – I can’t wait to see the competition among the safeties to see which guys will earn their spots in the starting lineup, but I’m more interested to see who will join Dexter Lawrence on the starting defensive line. Can Boogie Basham, who has primarily lined up on the edge in his first three seasons, find a new role on the interior? Can one of the younger players such as Ryder Anderson, Jordon Riley or D.J. Davidson take a step in their development and earn that spot next to Dex? What about veteran Jordan Phillips, who registered 9.5 sacks in 2019, the last time he stayed healthy for a full season? This competition should be one of the more interesting ones to watch during training camp.