It may have only been a two-day affair, but we learned quite a bit from NY Giants minicamp this week. The usual suspects put on a show, with the list of course including Daniel Jones. However, there were some under-the-radar guys who impressed the coaches and fans quite a bit too.
Yes, it's still the offseason and we won't know too much about the Giants until training camp and the preseason gets here, but there are still plenty of reasons to be excited about this squad. These three guys in particular played strong over the past two days, which has surely raised their stock at this point:
3. Wide receiver Parris Campbell
Throughout OTAs and minicamp, wide receiver Parris Campbell has really been fun to watch. The key thing for him is that he's been able to develop strong chemistry with Daniel Jones. On Tuesday, reporter Dan Duggan said that Campbell caught four straight passes during a drive. That alone is exciting to see.
The Giants were able to land Campbell on a cheap one-year deal, and his potential to be an impact player for the offense and Mike Kafka can't be questioned. He's coming off the best season of his career as well. Campbell knew in his heart that he wanted to suit up for Big Blue and his dream came true not long ago. Last year, he hauled in 63 receptions for 623 yards and three touchdowns.
There's a loaded wide receivers room for the Giants (which is definitely a first for this team in a while), as Schoen made bringing in more pass-catchers this offseason a priority. Campbell is a player that fans are going to want to keep an eye on once camp rolls around.
Not only that, but several analysts think he has the potential to be a breakout player for the G-Men in 2023. Schoen will look like a genius if that ends up happening. Campbell has a lot of people believing in his game and his long list of fans is only going to grow later this summer.
2. Safety Bobby McCain
When the Giants signed Bobby McCain, who played for the Commanders the past two seasons, no one knew how good this defensive back could be for the defense. Another player brought in on an affordable contract, McCain has looked sharp this spring and he's going to look to push for significant playing time once the campaign arrives.
Could he end up starting too once the Giants host the Dallas Cowboys for Week 1? McCain ran with the starting unit this week at camp and his session on Tuesday was one to remember. The DB not only intercepted Jones, but he also picked off Tyrod Taylor and took it back to the house for six. He also had a pass deflection. Not bad for a day's work, right? You better believe it.
Xavier McKinney has a starting spot locked up for this team in '23, but there's surely going to be plenty of competition for the other job. Even if McCain doesn't win the staring nod, he has proven that he has what it takes to really help out Martindale when his number is called. McCain may not be a big name for the Giants defense, but we love the fact that he's making a splash right now.
1. Offensive lineman Ben Bredeson
Pretty much every single starting job on the offensive line is locked up right now. You've got Andrew Thomas as left tackle, Evan Neal at right tackle, Mark Glowinski at right guard and rookie John Michael Schmitz at center. So, what about left guard? Ben Bredeson not only has made a great claim for the job, but he's also showing his versatility.
On Wednesday, Bredeson was with the starters at left guard, but he saw plenty of action with the No. 1 unit at center as well at minicamp. Make no mistake about it, JMS will be the starting center for this team once Week 1 arrives, as the second-round pick was far and away the best center prospect for his class.
With Bredeson, though, it would be a major surprise is he doesn't win the LG job. However, it's going to be great for Daboll to know that he can step in at other positions too if he's needed. Bredeson is a blue-collar guy who has a 'bring your lunch pail to work' mentality.
He's not a superstar by any means either, but he has proven to be a quality hoss for the offense when he's been out on the field. Bredeson, a 6-5, 315-pounder, appeared in 11 games last season and posted eight starts. He's going to definitely be an impact lineman for this team in '23.