Some players have more to prove than others at this juncture of the NFL calendar. And that doesn't just apply to younger players and fringe-roster guys; even some established veterans must show their worth.
The Giants' upcoming preseason contest against the Miami Dolphins presents an opportunity. There are a bunch of spots up for grabs on New York's depth chart. What happens in South Beach could make a big difference in deciding head coach John Harbaugh's Week 1 lineup.
More specifically, the three names mentioned below can rewrite their stories with strong outings when the Giants travel to Miami for their upcoming glorified scrimmage.
3 Giants players who can benefit greatly with a solid preseason showing vs. Dolphins
3. RB Najee Harris
Harris has wasted no time complicating the Giants' running back plans. He was spotted taking live reps just days after signing a one-year "prove-it" contract and reportedly looked "pretty good" too. His physicality, size and experience may be enough to win Harbaugh over, especially if the momentum carries into the exhibition showdown in Miami.
Fair or not, Tyrone Tracy Jr. is seemingly in hot water after blowing a pass-protection assignment that ended with quarterback Jaxson Dart getting absolutely crushed. Cam Skattebo is still working his way back from a dislocated right ankle, a fractured fibula and a ruptured deltoid ligament. Their respective situations at least open the door for Harris to take on a surprisingly meaningful role despite being such a late addition.
2. OL Joshua Ezeudu
New York trading Daniel Faalele, a longtime Harbaugh favorite dating back to their overlap with the Baltimore Ravens, to the Jacksonville Jaguars was certainly interesting. Not only because of the aforementioned connection, but the move can be seen as a vote of confidence in Ezeudu.
The timing of Faalele's departure hardly feels like a coincidence. He was rerouted once sixth-round rookie J.C. Davis flashed at left tackle in the tune-up versus the Minnesota Vikings, allowing Ezeudu to shift to right guard.
Ezeudu was primarily a left guard coming out of college but has notable experience as a left tackle too. He's also lined up at each spot on the right side this summer, giving him potential swing-role upside. Positional flexibility and Faalele no longer being in the picture work in the 2022 third-round selection's favor, and faring well in Miami can only help.
It's worth highlighting that Ezeudu stepped in and took first-team reps once first-round rookie Francis "Sisi" Mauigoa left practice with a stinger.
1. WR Odell Beckham Jr.
Big Blue Nation would love to see Beckham make the 53-man roster. His return to the G-Men has been a great feel-good story, though is there any substance to it?
It's no secret that New York needs another wide receiver to emerge, especially while target dominator Malik Nabers is recovering from a torn ACL and meniscus. Third-round rookie Malachi Fields has put everyone on notice this summer, yet time will tell if he'll handle a significant workload from Day 1.
Veteran wideout JuJu Smith-Schuster was cut following a brief stint with the club. Despite joining the Giants in March, newcomer Darnell Mooney has popped up in trade talks. Calvin Austin III is expected to man the slot, and Darius Slayton is, well, Darius Slayton.
Put everything together, and Beckham has a legitimate chance to rise through the ranks with some plays when facing the Dolphins. While it didn't show up in the box score, the three-time Pro Bowler got open repeatedly in the Giants' 13-10 loss to the Vikings.
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