The New York Giants have made some terrific moves this offseason and had arguably the best draft of any team in the NFL. The preseason kicks off this week, and it’ll be a great chance to see what the rookies and newcomers can do. Looking ahead to the regular season, who will be the starters for the Giants?
Quarterback
Starting things off with the obvious, the quarterback position is fully in the hands of 12-year, Super Bowl-winning veteran Russell Wilson. Wilson was acquired in the offseason, along with Jameis Winston, to lead the QB room.
The Giants took Jaxson Dart in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. He’s set to be the franchise QB of the future, but for now, he’ll be on the bench. New York also retained Tommy DeVito, and finally has a competent QB room.
Running Back
The Giants took running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. in the fifth round of the 2024 Draft, expecting him to back up veteran Devin Singletary. After Singletary suffered an injury, Tracy took over as RB1, and that spot is still his.
New York also drafted Arizona State running back Cam Skattebo this year. He’s currently RB3, but has been wildly impressive in training camp before injuring his hamstring. Tracy leads this backfield, and he’s right for the job.
Wide Receivers
New York’s receiver room is sneaky good, and with Russell Wilson under center, they’ll show out. They’re led by second-year star Malik Nabers, followed by veteran Darius Slayton, Wan’Dale Robinson, and Jalin Hyatt.
This group has been balling out in training camp, and their confidence is at an all-time high. They’re going to turn a lot of heads this year.
Tight Ends
Similar to the receiver group, the Giants have a tight end room loaded with potential. Daniel Bellinger has been a steady presence, but Theo Johnson is the name to watch. He’s taken over as the starter in New York, and in his second year, he’s only going to get better.
New York also has 10-year vet Chris Manhertz on the roster, along with seventh-round rookie Thomas Fidone II.
Left Guard
Former Green Bay Packer Jon Runyan Jr. made his way to the Big Apple last season, and his consistency was refreshing. He was on the field for 95% of offensive snaps in his 13 starts. With Aaron Stinnie backing him up, Runyan is the lead man on the left side. Jake Kubas has also played both right and left guard, so he could be slotted in as well.
Left Tackle
There’s no question about who leads the left tackle position on the Giants. Andrew Thomas has been a bright spot on an otherwise lackluster offensive line. He signed a five-year extension in 2023 and is coming back from a Lisfranc surgery. James Hudson III and Stone Forsythe round out the position behind him.
Center
John Michael Schmitz was the Giants’ 2023 second-round Draft pick. He’s had his ups and downs, but he’s coming along nicely. He needs to take a leap in 2025, especially after the way Abdul Carter has been beating him at training camp. His 2024 backup, Austin Schlottmann will likely return as well.
Right Guard
New York finally moved their 2022 first-round pick, Evan Neal, from tackle to guard, where he’s not only better, but more comfortable. 35-year-old veteran Greg Van Roten and Jake Kubas will back him up. 2025 could be the year Neal finally puts it together.
Right Tackle
The Giants acquired Jermaine Eluemunor during the 2024 offseason, and he brings infectious energy to the team. He’s been a strong pass blocker, but struggles in the run game. With 2025 fifth-round pick Marcus Mbow behind him, these two might become a solid switch at right tackle.
Defensive End
Roy Robertson-Harris and Rakeem Nunez-Roches lead New York’s defensive ends. Nunez-Roches is a 10-year NFL veteran entering the final season of his three-year deal with the Giants. Elijah Garcia and Elijah Chatman have also been impressive in training camp.
Defensive Tackle
The starting defensive tackle is arguably the best in the league at his position, Dexter Lawrence. The 27-year-old has been a monster on the interior, excelling at run-stopping and QB pressure. He can bully guards and centers, and he’s now backed up by rookie Darius Alexander, who has a ton of upside.
Left Edge
Brian Burns was acquired in 2024 in a trade with the Carolina Panthers before signing a five-year $141 million contract with Big Blue. Last year was not only his first with the Giants, but also defensive coordinator Shane Bowen’s. Expect Burns to terrorize QBs this season as he gets more comfortable in this system.
Right Edge
The Giants have a two-headed monster on the right edge, with Kayvon Thibodeaux and Abdul Carter. Thibodeaux could be on a prove-it year with New York, so if he can stay healthy, he’ll show out. Abdul Carter is the generational rookie talent from Penn State. His college highlights are electric, and he’s been crushing it at training camp.
Inside Linebacker
The dynamic duo of Micah McFadden and Bobby Okereke fills out the linebacker room. These two complement each other perfectly, and it seems they’re constantly on the field. Okereke ranked sixth in pass rush grade last year per PFF, and McFadden ranked 10th.
Cornerback
The Giants’ five interceptions last season were among the worst in the NFL. The cornerback position needed a boost, and they brought in former New Orleans Saint, Paulson Adebo. He and Deonte Banks will lead the charge, backed up by Cor’Dale Flott, Tre Hawkins, and Korie Black.
Free Safety
Free safety was another struggling position for New York in 2024, so the team made a splash in signing Miami Dolphins standout Jevon Holland. Per PFF, Holland ranked 39th in both pass rush and run defense. He’s a much-needed upgrade, with K’Von Wallace backing him up.
Strong Safety
2024 second-round Draft pick Tyler Nubin was a pleasant surprise in his rookie season. He showed a ton of potential and was a bright spot in New York’s weak secondary. He leads the way along with Dane Belton, who was responsible for one of Big Blue’s measly five interceptions last year.
Kicker/Punter
Graham Gano and Jamie Gillan will return as New York’s kicker and punter, respectively. Gano has only played 18 games in the last two seasons, but when healthy, he’s a killer. Gillan is entering his fourth season with the Giants and just re-signed to a three-year deal.
Special Teams
Ihmir Smith-Marsette and Gunner Olszewski will be New York’s kick returner and punt returner, respectively. Both of these guys have proven they can take it to the house.
Olszewski missed all of 2024 due to injury, but he was fun to watch before that. Long snapper Casey Kreiter will also return for his sixth season with the Giants.
End Of My Giants Roster Rant
The 2025 offseason was a great one for the Giants. They had a strong draft and picked up big names through trades and free agency. This is a make or break year for head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen.
They’ve put together a solid roster, it all comes down to the team progressing. With a wildly difficult schedule, expectations are low, and the Giants need to fight to regain legitimacy.
