3 positive takeaways from NY Giants OTAs and 2 areas of concern

Business has been booming for the NY Giants at OTAs, as we are getting a great look at how this team could play in 2023. While training camp is still a bit of time away, it's been fantastic to see several Giants playmakers play solid in recent weeks, especially the newcomers.

Early on this spring, the offense is looking sharp, with Daniel Jones and Co. turning heads. However, not everything has been perfect, and there's still plenty of room for improvement for the NFC East side. With that said, we've got three positive takeaways from the sessions, plus two concerns in this piece:

Positive: Darren Waller has been brilliant for the NY Giants

As you've probably read about quite a bit at OTAs, Darren Waller is playing as strong as advertised for the G-Men. When Waller was first acquired by the Giants for a third-round pick, people all over New York and New Jersey couldn't believe it. When healthy, Waller is one of the best tight ends in the game and his potential is through the roof.

Jones, Mike Kafka, Brian Daboll and others have been singing Waller's praises after practices and the hype is only going to keep on growing for him. The fact that the Giants only had to give up a Day 2 pick to land his services remains unreal. Waller is going to open up the playbook for Kafka and he'll also benefit the NY receivers as well.

It's still early and we don't know how good Waller can be for Big Blue during the 2023 season, but the early signs have been positive for him. Coach Dabes knows just how good he can be for this team and fans can't wait to see what he'll be able to get done once Week 1 and Sunday Night Football vs. the Dallas Cowboys arrives.

Positive: Daniel Jones is developing strong chemistry with his receivers

With so many new faces in East Rutherford, it's obviously great news for Jones, Kafka and Daboll - the passing game for the Giants will reach a new level next season. Despite all the new guys out on the field, Jones hasn't wasted any time in developing some strong chemistry with his new weapons at his disposal.

We already touched on Waller above, but Jones has been slinging the ball all over the field. Rookie wideout Jalin Hyatt is going to receive a ton of attention because of his outstanding wheels and the fact that NY was able to somehow land him in the third round. However, another guy to keep a close eye on is former Colts WR Parris Campbell.

Campell signed with the Giants on a one-year deal and he's hoping to make a big splash this fall and winter. Campbell is coming off his best year in the league, catching 63 balls for 623 yards and three touchdowns. He caught a TD pass from Jones on Wednesday, which is a good sign.

Isaiah Hodgins, Darius Slayton, Wan'Dale Robinson and other WRs will be ready to make plenty of plays this season, but we're excited about what Campbell will be able to get done working with Jones as well. Danny Dimes must be in heaven right now with so many guys looking strong hauling the ball in from him.

Concern: Saquon Barkley's future is up in the air

When will running back Saquon Barkley arrive in East Rutherford? We wish we had an answer for you, but we don't - no one does. While all the NY playmakers are at the training facility getting ready for the 2023 season, Barkley remains out of town working out on his own. Remember, these are voluntary OTAs and not mandatory.

However, with the mandatory minicamp scheduled to start later this month, Barkley is not expected to make his way back then either. Barkley is still eyeing a long-term deal from general manager Joe Schoen, but there's been nothing but bad news coming out of those talks. The latest reports suggest that the G-Men dropped their offer amount to Saquon following the NFL Draft.

With the way the RB market has been set, there's no question that Barkley has cost himself millions in trying to land such a high number. As things stand, Barkley would make $10.1 million if he ends up playing on the non-exclusive franchise tag. Barkley, Schoen and NY supporters want to see an extension get done. However, things aren't feeling likely at all at this point.

Positive: First-round pick Deonte Banks is impressing the veteran DBs

While he missed some time last week due to celebrating his college graduation (congrats young man!), first-round pick Deonte Banks is picking things up fast. Banks, the No. 24 overall pick in the NFL Draft, is getting thrown into the mix early on and he's relishing the chance to go up against some of NY's best players.

Fellow cornerback Adoree' Jackson has seen what Banks is capable of and he's already a big fan of the youngster's potential. Jackson is without question the leader of the CBs room and he's actually the top guy for the defensive backs as a whole. He'll be relying on Banks to play ahead of his years, but it looks like Jackson is confident in what Banks will be able to get done during his rookie campaign.

While speaking to the media on Wednesday, Jackson opened up about Banks' play and said that he's been impressed with how coachable the first-year DB has been. Yes, there's going to be plenty of highs and lows for Banks during his rookie season, but we all know how much potential he has. Banks working closely with defensive coordinator Wink Martindale is the perfect situation for him too.

Concern: The Giants OL remains a big question mark

First off, let's just say that we couldn't be more excited about John Michael Schmitz taking over as the new starting center for this team. However, what kind of season will the entire unit have in their efforts protecting Daniel Jones? One of the biggest concerns surrounding the team is the play for former first-round pick Evan Neal.

Neal has been working tirelessly to improve his game this offseason, which included getting in training with former All-Pro offensive tackle Willie Anderson. Everyone is hoping that Neal can take a major step forward in '23, as his rookie season was quite tough on him at times. Neal is manning the right tackle spot, while All-Pro left tackle Andrew Thomas will be ready for another huge year.

The main issue for the Giants on the offensive line is at guard. Ben Bredeson is the favorite to win the left guard job and he's betting put in serious work at OTAs. However, just how good can he be for the line moving forward?

Meanwhile at right guard, Mark Glowinski is back as the starter, but he also struggled in '22, allowing 34 pressures and five sacks. Until Week 1 arrives, both guard spots will be a bit of a concern for the NY faithful. We can only hope that both Glowinski and Bredeson can elevate their game, while Schmitz will also need to live up the massive expectations for Year 1. Plenty of pressure will be on Neal as well.

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