Training camp is coming into view for the New York Giants, and players are jockeying for spots on a crowded roster. We've already covered the top position battles to watch this summer, but there are a few players who could surprise fans by rising up the depth chart before the season starts.
Rookie linebacker Jack Kelly might be the most underrated player of the group. The sixth-round pick out of BYU might not be getting much buzz this offseason, but he has a chance to compete for New York's third inside linebacker spot.
John Harbaugh may not have expected to have a position battle on his hands at linebacker, but he's getting one anyway.
Giants rookie LB Jack Kelly could force an unexpected position battle in training camp
Micah McFadden is the current favorite to win New York's third linebacker spot. He was a starter for the G-Men in 2024 but missed almost all of the 2025 season with a lower leg injury. After the offseason additions of Tremaine Edmunds and Arvell Reese, McFadden represents a solid third option.
But Kelly has been gaining steam since the day the G-Men drafted him. Soon after the draft, Dane Brugler named him the Giants' Day 3 pick most likely to surprise fans in his first season. Draft analyst Josh Edwards then dubbed the linebacker New York's most interesting selection.
He continued his momentum into minicamp, earning positive reviews from team insider Jordan Raanan.
Kelly may still be a long shot to overtake McFadden on the depth chart, but he has the skill set to make an early impact for Big Blue. He's athletic for his size and can be used in a variety of ways. Despite lining up as an off-ball linebacker most of the time at BYU, he produced nine sacks in his final season.
The linebacker struggles in coverage at times, but he has the tools to help fix the Giants' run defense.
Even if he doesn't beat McFadden out in training camp, Kelly will be an early contributor on special teams for the G-Men. His size and athleticism make him a versatile piece there and could help him win over his coaching staff quickly.
Many sixth-round picks don't even end up making their team's final roster. Kelly is already far beyond that point. If his upward momentum doesn't come to an end in training camp, he might earn more snaps than expected as a rookie.
Add us as a preferred source on Google