The NY Giants will cross one more mile marker closer to the 2021 NFL season, as OTAs begin this week.
This spring, competition will be fierce at several positions across the roster, thanks to high-priced and high-impact offseason additions. With the arrivals of players such as wide receiver Kenny Golladay, cornerback Adoree’ Jackson, and first-round rookie Kadarius Smith, come higher expectations for the Giants this upcoming season.
However, as practices get underway, there are several players who just might need strong performances to secure starting jobs — or even roster spots.
Here’s a look at three players with the most to gain — or lose — during NY Giants OTAs, and ahead of mandatory minicamp later this spring:
1) WR – Sterling Shepard
The NY Giants invested significant resources in the wide receiver position this offseason; upwards of $45 million guaranteed in top free agent Kenny Golladay, the No. 20 overall pick in the NFL Draft in Kadarius Toney, and even added former first-round pick John Ross.
A crowded — and move talented — wide receiver room should elevate quarterback Daniel Jones’ development, but in order to plant his flag as the NY Giants’ starting slot receiver, Shepard might need to separate himself from the pack by a wide margin.
Toney’s versatility will get him on the field; in the slot, outside, perhaps even in the backfield, and the NY Giants are optimistic that they can harness Ross’ first-round pedigree. All that adds up to this being a pivotal spring and summer for Shepard if he hopes to guarantee he remains one of the NY Giants’ starting receivers.