With summer approaching, it’s time for Brian Daboll and the New York Giants to start preparing for potential position battles throughout training camp. Per usual with a roster in flux, there’s a lot more questions than answers as it pertains to the Giants’ depth chart. While they’ve brought some players in who will be unquestioned starters, there’s a litany of players just looking for their chance.
After a rousing first season and disappointing Year 2 from Daboll and Co., the way things could work out for the Giants in Year 3 of their coach’s tenure is anyone’s guess. It’ll come down to getting the most out of their roster, which the staff has proven to be more than solid at over time.
As it stands at the moment, few are guaranteed starting spots, while many will have to earn their way into the lineup for New York. With that said, here are five position battles Daboll and the Giants should already be thinking about at the moment:
5. Jalin Hyatt vs. Darius Slayton
The Giants decided on drafting Malik Nabers in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, and he’ll immediately step in and become their WR1 in his rookie season. While that’s all well and good, it does mean someone’s target share is going to take a huge hit. Wan’Dale Robinson’s spot is likely safe, due to him playing more of the slot receiver role, but it’ll be a battle between veteran Darius Slayton and second-year receiver Jalin Hyatt for the outside receiver role.
Slayton has led the Giants in receiving four of the last five seasons, and he may be one of the more underrated pass-catchers in the NFL. However, his success may be more of a reflection of the Giants lack of talent in their receiving corps than anything, at least over the last couple of years.
Meanwhile, Hyatt flashed over his rookie season, but he was never truly able to get going, as the Giants offensive line couldn’t hold up long enough to allow him to get open downfield. Whether it was his quarterback missing him or simply looking to stay closer to the line of scrimmage, there were certainly a lot of missed opportunities for Hyatt in Year 1.
Hyatt’s speed is well documented, and Slayton’s inconsistencies have left the door open in 2024. Not to mention, the latter is going through a contract dispute. After drafting Hyatt in the third round last season, the former Tennessee star could be slated to take over Slayton’s previous role entering this season’s campaign.
4. Nick McCloud vs. Cor’Dale Flott
Arguably the most questionable group of players entering the 2024 campaign for the Giants is their secondary. Deonte Banks will lead the group as their top cornerback, but the depth chart behind him is where the difference will be made. Nick McCloud played well last season when given opportunities at the end of the campaign, but Cor’Dale Flott has also flashed during limited playing time.
When Flott was drafted, it was evident the Giants hoped to develop him into a key piece of their secondary. McCloud on the other hand has elevated himself from a special teams player to someone the team can rely on defensively with his aggressive play and spunk on the field.
To be honest, neither will have the full confidence of fans entering 2024, and opposing quarterbacks will likely be looking to throw at whoever wins the job opposite Banks in training camp. Still, the opportunity is there to surprise some people, and elevate the Giants defense with their play.
Whether it’s McClod or Flott or even some outside help, the Giants will be relying on their CB2 to keep opposing wide receivers in check. They’ll likely have a short leash, but it should be a close battle in camp regardless.
3. Eric Gray vs. Tyrone Tracy Jr.
Devin Singletary will be the workhorse for the Giants at running back, with Saquon Barkley in Philadelphia with the Eagles, but the role of RB2 behind him is an open competition. Eric Gray flashed at times during his rookie season when he wasn’t returning punts. However, the Giants drafted Tyrone Tracy Jr. out of Purdue by way of Iowa during the 2024 NFL Draft, and fans have been excited over his potential.
During his time in college, Tracy also played wide receiver - in fact, he only started playing running back towards the end of his collegiate career. Due to his versatility, he’s been compared to players like Deebo Samuel, which is lofty, but who knows with Daboll calling the shots. There will be opportunities for both running backs to get on the field, and Gray will be expected to take a step forward. Will it be enough to keep Tracy at bay? That remains to be seen.
Regardless, the Giants will likely need both backs at times throughout the season, as replacing someone like Barkley won’t be easy. Throughout the summer, it’ll be interesting to see who separates themselves from the rest of the pack.
2. Dru Phillips vs. Darnay Holmes
One of the tougher decisions the Giants will have following the 2024 NFL Draft is who their slot cornerback will be, and the battle will be between third-rounder Dru Phillips and veteran CB Darnay Holmes.
The former Kentucky defensive back didn’t intercept any balls in college, but Phillips did show the Giants enough to bring him to New York with a premium selection. Scouts have raved over his acumen and athletic abilities, but whether that translates to shutting down NFL wide receivers remains to be seen for the third-round pick.
As for Holmes, he’s one of the only holdovers from the previous regime, and some expected him to be gone after last season. However, it’s evident Joe Schoen values his efforts, as they brought the former UCLA star back to the team over the offseason.
While Phillips will likely be given every opportunity to win the gig, Holmes will look to make it difficult on the rookie. He won’t go gently into a backup/special teams role, recognizing the opportunity placed ahead of him. Either way, the Giants need their young players to step up in the secondary. Phillips is likely earmarked for the position moving forward, but whether he wins the battle outright from the onset of his career remains unknown.
1. Daniel Jones vs. Drew Lock
The Giants have been steadfast in their support of Daniel Jones throughout the offseason, but they did bring in former second-round pick Drew Lock, who most recently played for the Seattle Seahawks. Is there a battle brewing?
Over his time in the NFL, Lock has flashed at times, whether it be with the Seahawks or the Denver Broncos, where he was originally drafted. In limited time last season, Lock did some great things for Seattle, including an epic comeback victory against the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night Football.
Jones had an incredible 2022 campaign, but the shine wore off following inking a bloated contract, with him reverting back to some bad habits when he was on the field in 2023. Not to mention, Jones missed a ton of time with injuries last season, and there’s no guarantee he’ll ever be the same player from 2022 again due to his torn ACL.
Lock possesses some interesting, moldable traits that Daboll could work with in 2024. He has a rocket for an arm, he’s athletic and plays well within the right system. After seeing what Daboll was able to do with Tommy DeVito last season, a quarterback like Lock could reach his full potential in New York.
The Giants won’t break their public support of Jones until Lock wins the job, and it’s going to take a gigantic effort from the quarterback for it to happen. Regardless, with the situation at hand, the former Missouri star could steal the gig from Jones over the summer.