Every season, we see incredibly underrated players from every team show out during training camps. The NY Giants have even had some guys like this in recent seasons, including Darnay Holmes' domination in last year's camp.
This time around, coming off the heels of a very successful season, the Giants enter training camp with plenty of interesting players who could make some noise. These five players didn't see the field a ton last season. However, that could change with a big-time training camp performance this summer:
5. DB Nick McCloud
Last season, after Adoree' Jackson went down with injury, undrafted defensive back Nick McCloud was forced to step up. During his time on the field, McCloud was rather solid, especially as a tackler. While he lined up at corner for the majority of last season, it seems like McCloud could be getting shifted to safety.
This makes sense, as McCloud wasn't bad in coverage by any means. However, it certainly isn't his strong suit. McCloud is a much better run-stopper, an ability that is much better used at safety instead of corner. With Julian Love leaving for the Seahawks this offseason, the Giants could find their replacement in the form of McCloud.
Regardless of where McCloud plays, he's definitely someone to watch in training camp. With the number of question marks in the Giants' secondary, it seems anyone could step up and be a big contributor to the team.
While Dane Belton seems like the guy to start at safety alongside Xavier McKinney, it's worth noting that McCloud was getting first-team reps this spring. These two bring very different skill sets to the game. So it truly seems like whoever has the better training camp and preseason will be the one to start in the regular season.
4. WR Bryce Ford-Wheaton
Being the Giants top UDFA from this year's class, Bryce Ford-Wheaton has had his name brought up quite a bit. However, it's still worth mentioning that he could genuinely be a contributor for the Giants whether it be as a pass-catcher or on special teams.
Ford-Wheaton brings some rare physical traits to the table that makes it hard to not think he can be good. For example, Wheaton is 6-4, 221 pounds, and ran a 4.38 40-yard dash while showcasing a 41-inch vertical. To have this size while being that athletic is incredibly rare. While Ford-Wheaton has a lot to work on to be a complete receiver, we have hope that he can develop into a contributor.
At the very least. Ford-Wheaton could be an important player for the Giants on special teams. Whether it be as a returner or gunner, Ford-Wheaton's speed and athleticism could make him a special player for New York.
The Giants have a ton of receivers who could easily go over Ford-Wheaton on the depth chart. This could make it rather difficult for him to get consistent snaps in the regular season. However, if he wants to give himself the best chance possible to succeed, Ford-Wheaton must have a strong training camp.
3. WR Collin Johnson
Similar to Ford-Wheaton, Collin Johnson is another impressive physical specimen. However, he hasn't been healthy enough to show it. This is unfortunate because with how bad the Giants' receiving core was last season - it really seemed like Johnson could have been a huge game-changer for the Giants.
Johnson is 6-6, 222 pounds, and possesses a skill set that would have been very useful for the Giants last season. However, a torn achilles would cut his season short before it even began. Johnson tore up the preseason and it truly seemed like he was ready to contribute. Instead, Johnson has to restart toward the bottom of the depth chart.
The good thing, though, is that both Brian Daboll and Mike Kafka know what Johnson can do. He may start off low in the depth chart, but a strong training camp could quickly shoot him up into potentially a WR4/5.
Hopefully, Johnson can remain healthy. If so, the Giants could have an absolute monster on the outside. Having this sort of threat could be the game-changer New York needs offensively. You can't teach the height and size Johnson has, let alone the other skills he has for his size.
2. LB Darrian Beavers
With it being announced that linebacker Jarrad Davis will be out for the season, Darrian Beavers has the best chance he's ever had to steal a starting linebacker spot. Thankfully, he'll be playing alongside Bobby Okereke, which will help his development out a ton.
The skill set Beavers brings to the field makes him a near-perfect fit next to Okereke. We all know Okereke is an elite run-stopping linebacker. However, Beavers brings some great abilities as a coverage backer. This would fit incredibly well and bring some much-needed versatility to the Giants defense.
Beavers had a chance to receive a good amount of snaps last season. However, a torn ACL during the preseason ruined what could have been a fun rookie season. Prior to his injury, Beavers was showing off some skills at linebacker that the Giants had not seen in a long time. Hopefully, Beavers can keep this up heading into next season because the Giants could really use a coverage 'backer on their defense.
1. CB Cor'Dale Flott
Last season, we saw Cor'Dale Flott push his way into becoming a solid contributor on the Giants' defense as the season went on. He may not have started off too hot, but later in the year Flott continuously showed that he could be a great corner in this league.
Whether it be the way he shut down A.J Brown in the final game of the regular season or the massive pass breakup to help seal the Giants' Wild Card victory against the Vikings, Flott had no shortage of big moments down the stretch. These kinds of moments are what separates good players from great ones. To be a third-round pick that missed most of the season due to injury, just to come back and play at this level showed that Flott could be a special player.
If Flott can manage to stay healthy next season, there's no reason he can't be the Giants' CB3 behind Jackson and Deonte Banks. You can never have too much depth in the secondary. So, if the Giants can have Flott step up while still retaining Aaron Robinson and Darnay Holmes, New York could have a genuinely great secondary unit.
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