For the last time until training camp in late July, the NY Giants will be taking the field this week for mantatory minicamp. After that, it's summer break for the Big Blue playmakers, as these guys have most definitely earned some time off.
However, there's still a lot for the team to get done over the two-day minicamp session. Veteran playmakers will want to show out, while youngsters will also look to impress the coaching staff. Here's our look at four things for fans to keep an eye on, with countless eyes remaining on Saquon Barkley:
4. Will a Saquon Barkley miracle come over the next few days?
Unfortunately, as things stand, Barkley will not be on hand in East Rutherford for the mandatory minicamp. This was confirmed on Sunday when Barkley met with the media after his youth football camp in Jersey City. Barkley, who said he's looking for respect in his contract talks, added that he's unsure if a new deal will be signed by July 17.
"I think they're open to talking. I'm open to talking. I think at the end of the day, if you really break it down and look at it as a whole, there is no rush. There is still time on the table to get to July 17. July 17 is not tomorrow. It's not in a week. That is how I look at it. Maybe that is the naïve way to look at it, I could be completely wrong. But for me, that's how I look at it. I could be completely wrong. Hopefully. I trust in the Giants that we could get something done."Saquon Barkley via ESPN's Jordan Raanan
Despite these recent comments from Barkley, you just never know if by some miracle, he and general manager Joe Schoen are able to meet in the middle and come to terms on the extension the star running back is looking for.
This is going to be a talking point during minicamp and the rest of the summer for that matter. The Giants need Barkley back on the field ASAP. The last thing anyone wants to see is Barkley be a training camp holdout - or worse not be on the field for Week 1.
3. Look for Deonte Banks to turn heads going up against NY stars
During OTAs, head man Brian Daboll didn't waste much time in throwing first-round pick Deonte Banks right into the mix of things, giving him plenty of time running with the starters. This is going to continue during minicamp, with Banks figuring to go up against the top pass-catchers for the G-Men this week.
This will be a great early test for the youngster. Defensive coordinator Wink Martindale could not be happier with Banks in town, as he's a big fan of his potential. The former Maryland standout is the kind of defensive back who can flourish working under Martindale. Wink himself is excited to see what Banks can get done moving forward.
" I think it’s important to have a cornerback like that in anybody’s defense. He’s very instinctive. What’s Ted Lasso say? He lives life like a goldfish. He’s got a short memory when things don’t go right. He’s tough-minded, he’s physical, he can tackle and on top of that he can run. We're excited about it. He's getting into the groove. You know there's still some rookie mistakes, which you expect that, especially this early, but we're really excited and I was obviously really excited when we got him. It's like winning a scratch off ticket."Wink Martindale on Banks
There's always going to be extra pressure on a first-round pick to look sharp. Martindale knows there's going to be plenty of rookie mistakes early on, but what's so impressive about Banks is how open he is to being coached. We have a feeling he'll make a splash at minicamp.
2. The NY Giants offensive line should continue to gel
One of the biggest focuses leading up to Week 1 for this team will be how the offensive line shapes out. For now, we already know Andrew Thomas will start at left tackle, John Michael Schmitz will be the center, Mark Glowinski will get the nod at right guard and Evan Neal will man right tackle. So, what about left guard?
There's competition for LG, but Ben Bredeson is the heavy favorite to win the job. Bredeson is entering his fourth year in the league and his third with the Giants - he started off his career with the Baltimore Ravens in 2020.
Bredeson saw plenty of significant action for the Giants last season, appearing in 11 games and making eight starts. He was inconsistent at times in '22, but he had flashes of great play. It will be massive for him to improve this year. The offensive line as a whole needs to be better in protecting Daniel Jones and opening up holes for Barkley.
1. More Darren Waller highlights please
You've surely heard a lot about tight end Darren Waller in recent months. Well, we're hoping that continues this week in Jersey. The hype is real for Waller leading up to the new campaign, as he and Danny Dimes have wasted no time in building their chemistry. They looked strong together at OTAs.
Now, they'll have a great chance to get even more familiar with one another at minicamp. Waller gives this offense a completely different kind of package. Offensive coordinator Mike Kafka is a huge fan of Waller's game and it's easy to see why. He's going to be a big-time threat for the O, especially in the red zone.
Waller has had a rough couple of seasons, as he missed 17 games over the last two years with the Las Vegas Raiders. When healthy, however, no one can aruge that he's among the best tight ends in the NFL.
This will be crucial for the Giants, who gave up a third-round pick for Waller, moving forward. We think that will be the case. On top of that, Big Blue Nation's excitement for Waller's debut vs. the Cowboys in September will only go up if he hauls in some touchdowns from Jones during minicamp.
READ MORE: Saquon Barkley sends message with potential holdout on the way