The preseason allows players to audition for a 53-man roster by competing against opposing teams. These opportunities will determine their suitability for making a roster or where they will sit on the depth chart to start the NFL season.
The New York Giants have had a better preseason than anyone else, and there were plenty of players who contributed to that success. Some players who were not expected to break out this preseason were crucial to the team's success.
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Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen face many tough decisions before Tuesday's 4:00 p.m. roster cut deadline, when they will have to finalize the roster. They must consider the players who made an impact during the preseason when determining what the team will look like on Week 1. Let's look at three preseason standouts who have made a strong case to make the team:
3 underrated preseason standouts who might make noise in the regular season
1. Greg Dulcich - TE
The Giants had a significant positional battle at tight end this summer between Theo Johnson, Daniel Bellinger, and rookie Thomas Fidone II. Still, another player emerged as a candidate to make the 53-man roster who the team may be forced to keep come roster cuts.
Veteran Greg Dulcich quickly became a fan favorite this preseason after many thought he would be the odd man out. He turned some heads this preseason, and now he could be a critical piece in the Big Blue's pass-catching game this year. The 25-year-old played in all three preseason games and totaled seven receptions for 53 yards and three touchdowns.
While Dulcich won't be the team's starting tight end to start the year, he may have earned himself a roster spot should the team decide to trade away Bellinger.
2. Dante 'Turbo' Miller - RB
The Giants enter 2025 with a loaded backfield consisting of Tyrone Tracy Jr., Cam Skattebo, and Devin Singletary, but they may have just found their final running back for this year's roster, who could also play a role on special teams.
Dante 'Turbo' Miller certainly made some noise this training camp and preseason, proving exactly why he deserves to make the 53-man roster. Miller led the team in both rushing and receiving yards with 80 yards on the ground and 135 yards on 14 catches. While he won't see the field much this year, the 26-year-old's impressive preseason makes the case for him to make the team and contribute to the practice squad.
3. Makari Paige - SAF
When Big Blue trims down the roster, it will have to consider its secondary, specifically the safety position. We know veteran Jevón Holland, second-year Tyler Nubin, and Dane Belton will make the team, but that leaves the G-Men with at least one more roster spot for another safety, and they may have just the guy for the job.
Undrafted rookie Makari Paige, out of Michigan, stood out in preseason and could be in line for some more work in 2025. Paige had nine total tackles (six solo), one pass defended, and a second-half interception, which came against Adrian Martinez and the Jets. Paige will be a valuable depth piece to the Giants' secondary that should continue to get some reps in the regular season.