7 NY Giants to watch closely during training camp

NY Giants training camp will be more competitive than ever, with a more talented roster, the battles for jobs near the bottom of the depth chart could be intense

The NY Giants enter 2021 as one of four middle-of-the-pack NFC East non-contenders.

Yes, that math is correct.

The NFC East has not one franchise that is sending a chill down the spines of Buccaneers, Rams, or Packers fans.

The Giants‘ offseason haul has expectations high for their fanbase, though. With Dak Prescott returning for the Dallas Cowboys, the two most historically successful franchises in the NFC East are playing the roles of favorites as the offseason transitions to the preseason.

And while Big Blue figured things out as the 2020 season progressed and followed it up with a strong offseason, there are still G-Men in danger of slippage if things don’t break their way.

And it’s not a star-exclusive or end of the depth chart issue either.

These 7 NY Giants should be monitored closely in training camp because if they don’t reach their potential, any NFC dark horse discourse will die down quickly:

NY Giants player #1 to monitor during training camp: Saquon Barkley, RB

Most lists I write about the NY Giants will circle back around to 2018 No. 2 pick Saquon Barkley, because it cannot be stated enough how much he effects their ability to contend in their current form.

Daniel Jones proved to be a decent to good QB in 2020, but a healthy Barkley can take him to the next level (as both a decoy and receiving threat) and ultimately start to strike fear again in opponents.

His ACL tear recovery will be important to monitor, as his removal from the PUP list will determine whether or not Jones will be doing heavy lifting in the passing game until his return.