Less than one week into New York Giants training camp, things are already beginning to take shape. With cleats laced up and helmets on, we don't have to keep guessing who will see the field or who will make an impact. The players themselves are showing us.
One forgotten defender is already making a name for himself in training camp, coming up with multiple big plays in the first week. If he continues on this trajectory, he might force his way into a significant role in the Giant's defense.
Cornerback Nic Jones dominates Week 1 of Giants training camp
According to Sports Illustrated writer Patricia Traina, two underrated players have stood out so far in training camp: tight end Greg Dulcich and cornerback Nic Jones. Dulcich, despite his camp performance, is considered a long shot to make the Giants' roster. Jones, on the other hand, could be carving out some real playing time.
Per Traina, "Jones has two interceptions in the first three practices, and for a defense that last year struggled to come up with interceptions, if he can keep that going and deliver the goods on special teams, he could end up being more than just another camp body."
Jones has been overlooked for his entire career. He was picked in the back half of the seventh round in the 2023 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs. After barely making the Chiefs' roster, he played primarily on special teams for two years. Jones played just 67 total defensive snaps in his two seasons in Kansas City.
But the Giants saw something in him. Whether it was the flashes he showed in his limited snaps or the Giants just wanted some piece of the Chiefs' Super Bowl DNA, New York brought Jones in on a one-year, $960,000 deal.
With no guarantees in his contract, the Giants could cut Jones in training camp and not have to think twice about it. But Jones is making it a much tougher decision with his recent performance.
With the current state of the Giants' cornerback room, Jones may be able to work his way up the depth chart. Deonte Banks and Paulson Adebo are set to hold starting roles, but the competition is wide open behind them.
Jones is competing with Tre Hawkins, Art Green, and rookie Korie Black for a backup cornerback spot. Based on his training camp production, Jones might have the upper hand in that battle.