The New York Giants are kicking off their preseason on Saturday in a matchup with the Buffalo Bills. The team has undergone massive changes in the offseason, and the roster finally looks promising. A multitude of clips have been released from training camp, showcasing the excitement throughout the locker room.
The preseason is a great time for players to get their feet wet and shake off some of that offseason rust. The Giants have plenty of rookies and newcomers hitting the field this weekend. Some starters might even take snaps. So, what should fans watch for in Big Blue’s preseason opener?
First and foremost, the Giants’ rookie class brought a ton of hype with it. Abdul Carter and Jaxson Dart were taken in the first round, followed by Darius Alexander and Cam Skattebo in the third and fourth, respectively.
Carter might see limited snaps, as he’s expected in the starting lineup for the regular season. His training camp clips are extremely promising, but what he does against opposing players will be essential viewing.
Jaxson Dart is currently listed as QB3 on the roster and could see action in the second half. He won’t be out there with the starting offense, but seeing the potential franchise QB of the future for the first time will be fun.
Skattebo is still nursing a hamstring injury, and it’s unclear how much he plays, if at all. New York’s remaining rookies, Marcus Mbow (offensive lineman), Thomas Fidone II (tight end), and Korie Black (cornerback) could all see the field. Each of them is a depth piece right now, and they are fighting for their respective second-string position.
One of the weakest areas for the Giants in 2024 was their secondary. After losing safety Xavier McKinney, they struggled heavily, only tallying five interceptions on the year.
To varying degrees, fans can expect to see new faces across the board. Paulson Adebo (cornerback) and Jevon Holland (safety) both made their way to New York in the offseason and are expected to upgrade their positions. Tyler Nubin had a strong rookie season as well and will look to continue his trajectory.
Players like Cor’Dale Flott, Korie Black, and Deonte Banks will be important to watch in the preseason. The secondary had injury troubles last season, and if that happens again, these guys might be called upon under the bright lights.
The Giants’ offensive line has been a touchy subject for many years now. It’s gone from solid to downright horrendous, and the rollercoaster is nauseating. The front lines looked strong to kick off 2024, but injuries quickly deteriorated that.
Offensive line depth is of the utmost importance, and the preseason gives fans a perfect look at that. With rookie left tackle Marcus Mbow almost guaranteed a roster spot, James Hudson III and Joshua Ezeudu will be proving themselves.
The line needs to mesh well together, and finding the right individual pieces could be the key. Guard Evan Neal is finally moving to the right side, leaving the left open for competition as well.
Andrew Thomas is the lead at the position, but he dealt with injuries last year, and having solid backups behind him is essential. The line needs to hold up this year, or the season could fall apart quickly.
Head coach Brian Daboll has left the possibility open for starters to hit the field. The Giants were abysmal last season. They appeared unprepared, outmatched, and lost all season.
Getting the starters out there early in the preseason might not be the worst idea. They could only play a drive or two, but getting back into things now could be beneficial later. Russell Wilson will be taking over as QB1 this season. He’s been building chemistry with the receivers, and Sunday might be a first glimpse at it.
Other notable Giants starters include Tyrone Tracy Jr, Darius Slayton, and Wan’Dale Robinson. These offensive pieces have shown their potential, but were hindered by subpar quarterback and offensive line play. With a new era starting in New York, it’s time to see what they’re cooking up.
The preseason is often seen as meaningless and inconsequential, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. It gives fans an early look at the state of their team and sets expectations for the future. The current regime seems to be hanging by a thread and needs to start this year on the right foot.
New York’s 2025 rookie class has massive implications for the fanbase and the front office. Jaxson Dart might not start a single game in the regular season, so this is his chance to show what he can do. Abdul Carter has sky-high expectations. Now is the time for him and the whole class to get their bearings together.
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