With the NY Giants preseason opener against the Patriots right around the corner, several of the guys getting ready to suit up know there’s some pressure for them to start delivering.
NY Giants head coach Brian Daboll made it known that the starters will be playing some amount of time during their preseason opener. While it is unlikely that they play more than one quarter, we could see flashes of potential from some of the younger, more unknown playmakers.
Regardless of how long the starters play, the team as a whole has some players further down in the depth chart who could make some big plays during the preseason opener. And these players could really use a strong showing. Here’s four in particular who really are in need of a big preseason game.
4. RB Gary Brightwell
After not playing much during his rookie year following his sixth-round selection in the 2021 NFL Draft, it seems as if this might be a make or break season for the second-year running back. A player selected so low, who hasn’t shown much, will likely not get many other chances in the league.
Entering the preseason, Gary Brightwell was listed as the RB3 on the depth chart, meaning he is likely to see carries once Saquon Barkley is done playing.
If Brightwell is able to start out the preseason hot, it could secure his spot on the roster to start the regular season, beating out Antonio Williams and others. While he may not see many snaps in the regular season, his potential to move his way up the depth chart depending on his play could be exciting.
This will be Brightwell’s best chance to impress the new coaching staff. If he can perform well, he could potentially move up on the depth chart in the future.
3. LB Micah McFadden
With Tae Crowder playing very poorly last season, it seemed like his time with the NY Giants could be shortened after the NY Giants selected two linebackers in the 2022 NFL Draft in the form of Darrian Beavers and Micah McFadden.
While we believe Beavers could provide value through his ability in coverage, McFadden is a much better fit in Wink Martindale’s system as a blitzer, which is arguably his best strength.
As things currently stand, McFadden is the third MLB on the depth chart behind Blake Martinez and Carter Coughlin. Meaning that once the first-team defense exits the game, there is a very good chance that McFadden gets extended snap counts.
If he is able to perform well the rest of the summer, then there is a very good chance that McFadden moves up in the depth chart and could potentially replace Crowder next to Martinez.
McFadden provides a ton of value in Martindale’s system as a great blitzer. If he can succeed in this role during the preseason, then he could push for significant playing time once Week 1 rolls around.
2. WR Darius Slayton
Following a pretty bad 2021 season, it seems as if Darius Slayton’s time with the NY Giants could be nearing a close. However, things could quickly change if he is able to turn up his level of play in the preseason.
Slayton had a very good rookie season, catching 48 passes for 740 yards and 8 TDs. You’d think that after that campaign, Slayton would only improve and become a staple of the NY Giants offense. This was not the case, at all.
What would becomes Slayton’s downfall was his hands. After only dropping two passes during his rookie season, Slayton would drop six in the next two while also seeing a decline in yards and TDs. The lowest point was reached for Slayton after the NY Giants drafted Wan’Dale Robinson in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft – making it seem like Slayton simply had no place on the roster.
Things could change for Slayton. However, the only chance of that happening is with some strong preseason performances. As things currently stand, Slayton is listed as the second outside receiver. The trade and release rumors won’t be stopping soon… unless Slayton silences that talk with strong play.
1. TE Daniel Bellinger
Following his fourth-round selection in the 2022 NFL Draft, many NY Giants fans were excited for what Daniel Bellinger could bring to the team after the G-Men saw some much turnover at the position from last season.
After being named the starting TE to start the preseason, many NY Giants fans, rightfully, were very excited that the team was as high on Bellinger as they were. While I doubt a “poor” performance would have Bellinger benched, it would be great to see his career start off with a bang against New England.
Bellinger is seen as a block-first TE with a ton of upside as a receiver. If he is able to come out of the gates hot as a pass catcher early, it would be huge for the NY Giants offense, as the team has been without a consistent TE for a very long time.
With rather weak competition behind him, it is likely that Bellinger will remain the TE1 of the team for the entire season regardless of how he plays. However, if he is able to perform well in the preseason, then it is very likely he will undoubtedly secure his spot as a starter for the year. Let’s see how the youngster does vs. New England.