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.
2) RB – Devontae Booker
Saquon Barkley won’t be back on the field this weekend, and it remains to be seen if the star running back will return in time for the start of training camp.
Barkley’s absence clears the way for Booker, signed on the first day of free agency, to take the bulk of first-team snaps during these practices. An extended audition with the first-team offense could cement Booker as Barkley’s top backup, while giving him a jump-start on working with Jones and the platform to showcase his versatility as a playmaker in coordinator Jason Garrett’s scheme.
Similar to wide receiver, the NY Giants have spent the past several weeks collecting running back depth; claiming Ryquell Armstead off waivers from the Jacksonville Jaguars, and signing Corey Clement following a strong tryout performance during the team’s rookie minicamp. Booker seems entrenched as the No. 2 running back on the depth chart, but stringing together strong practices during OTAs will only solidify his role — and separate him from the competition for snaps.
3) Darnay Holmes
The NY Giants’ secondary got more crowded, and talented, after the addition of outside cornerback Adoree’ Jackson and a pair of cornerbacks chosen in the NFL Draft.
This might be the most improved position group on the roster from 2020 to now.
Holmes is one player who really came on strong as a rookie, finishing the season as one of the NY Giants’ most consistent defenders.
Last season, Holmes produced 31 total tackles and held opposing quarterbacks to a 91.2 passer rating when targeting him.
Holmes could face competition for the slot job from the likes of Xavier McKinney and rookies Aaron Robinson and Rodarius Williams. Stringing together impressive practices will only help Holmes separate himself.
Matt Lombardo is FanSided’s National NFL Insider and writes Between The Hash Marks each Wednesday. Email Matt: Matt.Lombardo@FanSided.com, Follow Matt on Twitter: @MattLombardoNFL