logo
New York Giants wrap offseason workout program: Winners and losers from spring practices

New York Giants wrap offseason workout program: Winners and losers from spring practices

Yahooa day ago
The New York Giants have officially wrapped their offseason workout program, culminating with a three-day mandatory minicamp that came to a close on Thursday with exit interviews.
The team will now break for five weeks before returning to East Rutherford for training camp on July 22. But in the meantime, coaches will continue to evaluate their 90-man roster with cutdown day inching ever closer.
Advertisement
Here's a look at some winners and losers from the team's spring workouts.
Winners
QB Russell Wilson - There is no question Wilson will start in 2025 after taking the majority of first-team reps throughout the spring. He looked crisp and comfortable, drew praise from his coaches and teammates, and demonstrated much-needed leadership.
QB Jaxson Dart - There were some expected rookie hiccups throughout the spring, but it's easy to see why the Giants preferred Dart to other available quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL draft. He may not start in 2025 but if things get hairy, don't be surprised if Daboll turns to the rookie. He loves the kid.
Advertisement
WR Jalin Hyatt - Before suffering an undisclosed leg injury at minicamp, Hyatt was having a spring that renewed hope for his career. He returned to the team sporting an additional 15-20 pounds of muscle and had rededicated himself to the game of football. He developed an obvious rapport with Wilson, aided by private offseason workouts, and looked very much like the speedy deep threat everyone expected him to be.
WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette - With so many other receivers shining, it's easy to overlook Smith-Marsette. However, in addition to his special teams prowess and leadership, which drew praise from special teams coordinator Michael Ghobrial, he also had the opportunity to make some plays at wide receiver -- something he wants more of in 2025.
S Dane Belton - Ballhawking Belton was at it again all spring, totaling at least four interceptions, two of which were returned for touchdowns. He's on a path to solidify himself not only as safety No. 3, but as a player who warrants more time on the field alongside Jevon Holland and Tyler Nubin.
OL Evan Neal - Precious few gave Neal a chance when the team shifted him from right tackle to guard, and while it's unfair to say he's taken to the position like a fish to water, Neal has performed admirably. He's not likely to earn a starting job, but he's added to his versatility by playing both guard positions. He's also earned the respect of his coaches and teammates for his willingness to do whatever the team needs.
Advertisement
WR Beaux Collins and WR Dalen Cambre - Collins and Cambre (and other UDFA receivers) were having a solid spring before Hyatt was injured. After the third-year wideout went down, Collins and Cambre stepped up in a big way, earning first-team reps and making plays while on the field. There are precious few spots available at the position, but both will enter training camp on the radar of the coaching staff.
EDGE Abdul Carter - What even needs to be said? Carter is as advertised and maybe even better than expected. He's been completely dominant, especially against the second team, and never takes a play off. The more he settles into his new surroundings, the more game-wrecking he becomes.
CB Cor'Dale Flott - Daboll refuses to say Flott and Deonte Banks are in a competition, but it's evident they are. Flott has split first-team reps with Banks and has a chance to secure the starting job, although this really just seems like a reality check and motivational tactic to get the most out of Banks.
Losers
QB Tommy DeVito - There is nothing that DeVito has done wrong on the field. That's the unfortunate reality facing him right now. He's clearly buried on the depth chart behind Wilson, Jameis Winston, and Dart, and it's unlikely he'll be able to climb that ladder no matter what he does. He's in place as the statesman of the quarterback room -- he knows the offense inside and out, and that's about it.
Advertisement
LB Victor Dimukeje - Already facing an uphill battle along the edge, Dimukeje's spring was cut short before it even began. He suffered a torn pec in March and is out for up to six months (September). He'll likely start training camp on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.
S Anthony Johnson - With Belton lighting the world on fire, it effectively leaves only one safety spot open for the taking. Unfortunately for Johnson, he's missed time this spring due to a lingering shoulder injury.
RB Cam Skattebo - The rookie was immediately met with excitement from fans for his violent play style, but it wasn't on display this spring. Skattebo was largely sidelined by an undisclosed injury, although it does not seem to be serious in nature. Still, any rookie missing time is a negative considering the transition that needs to take place from college to the NFL.
DL Darius Alexander - See above.
Advertisement
K Graham Gano - The veteran kicker may be back and healthy, but the path to the starting job is anything but secure. The Giants have been relatively open about Jude McAtamney having a chance to compete, and that will continue throughout training camp.
Mixed
CB Deonte Banks - While Flott is considered a winner for earning a split of first-team reps, it would be unfair to call Banks a loser for the position he's in. Yes, he lost the CB1 job and his stranglehold on the CB2 job, but he arrived for spring workouts in great shape and with a renewed dedication to the team, the sport, and his position. He's come in humble and with a strong work ethic, earning the praise of coaches for his effort both on and off the field.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Giants wrap offseason program: Winners/losers from spring practices
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

T.J. Watt landing spots: Eagles, Lions top options if Steelers trade All-Pro
T.J. Watt landing spots: Eagles, Lions top options if Steelers trade All-Pro

USA Today

time29 minutes ago

  • USA Today

T.J. Watt landing spots: Eagles, Lions top options if Steelers trade All-Pro

T.J. Watt has spent all eight of his NFL seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers since being selected in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Could that change during the 2025 NFL offseason? Watt and the Steelers are in the process of negotiating a potential long-term extension. The 30-year-old is entering the final year of a four-year, $112.01 million contract he signed in 2021, but is due a raise after Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett reset the NFL's edge rusher market with a four-year, $160 million deal earlier this offseason. Thus far, Watt and the Steelers have not been able to bridge the gap. The veteran skipped Pittsburgh's mandatory minicamp amid the negotiations, leading many to wonder whether the two parties would eventually be able to reach a deal. T.J. WATT: What we know about All-Pro's contract dispute, trade rumors The Steelers remain focused on keeping Watt and signing him to an extension and would prefer not to trade him. As such, it stands to reason they will eventually agree to a new contract that keeps the 2021 NFL Defensive Player of the Year in Pittsburgh long-term. Nonetheless, teams will continue to inquire about Watt's availability. It is still possible, although unlikely, that the two sides could reach an impasse and part ways. Who would be Watt's top suitors if that happens? Plenty of contenders would be interested in his services, while the Steelers would likely prefer to send him to the NFC if their relationship deteriorates. JALEN RAMSEY TRADE: Dolphins deal star CB to Steelers in blockbuster move Philadelphia Eagles Could Watt stay in Pennsylvania even if he and the Steelers can't reach an agreement? Howie Roseman has never been afraid to make aggressive trades, has $30.8 million in cap space available and could use another playmaker on the edge. The Eagles lost several edge rushers during the offseason, as Josh Sweat signed with the Arizona Cardinals in free agency, Bryce Huff was traded to the San Francisco 49ers and Brandon Graham retired. Philadelphia still has some young talent at the position in Nolan Smith Jr. and Jalyx Hunt, but adding a proven veteran like Watt would help keep its Super Bowl window open. Detroit Lions Aidan Hutchinson is one of the best young pass rushers in the NFL, but the Lions don't have a proven No. 2 option across from him. Watt would more than fill that need and could pair with Hutchinson to become one of the NFL's most dynamic pass-rushing duos. Detroit is one of just three NFL teams with more than $40 million in cap space for the upcoming season, making it relatively easy for Brad Holmes to fit Watt into the team's financial plan. NFL ROOKIES TO WATCH: Ashton Jeanty headlines most explosive players in 2025 Green Bay Packers The Packers spent a first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft on Lukas Van Ness, hoping he could develop into a quality starter across from Rashan Gary. That plan hasn't yet come to fruition. Watt would be a quality partner for Gary and would allow Van Ness to remain in a top backup role while he continues to develop. Green Bay has $35.5 million in available cap space – the fifth-most in the NFL – so the Packers could easily afford to swing a deal for the All-Pro. Tampa Bay Buccaneers The Buccaneers signed Haason Reddick to a one-year deal during the 2025 NFL offseason but that won't preclude them from pursuing a talent like Watt. Calijah Kancey led Tampa Bay with 7.5 sacks last season, but the Buccaneers could use a legitimate double-digit sack threat on the outside. Watt would qualify, and the Buccaneers – who have won three consecutive NFC South titles – have a respectable $26.6 million in cap space for the upcoming season. Los Angeles Rams The Rams have plenty of young talent on the defensive line, including reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year Jared Verse. Los Angeles could choose to roll with what it has at the position, but there's little doubt Watt and Verse would make a fierce pass-rushing duo, much like the one Von Miller and Aaron Donald formed during the Rams' Super Bowl 56 win. Les Snead has never been afraid to trade draft picks for proven players, and Matthew Stafford is entering his age-37 season. That should put Watt firmly on Los Angeles' radar.

Which second- and third-year players must improve the most for the Ravens in 2025?
Which second- and third-year players must improve the most for the Ravens in 2025?

USA Today

time29 minutes ago

  • USA Today

Which second- and third-year players must improve the most for the Ravens in 2025?

With training camp fast approaching, we're looking at which second and third-year players must improve the most for Baltimore in 2025. Ravens rookies will report to the Under Armour Performance Center for training camp in 15 short days, signaling the start of an intriguing regular season for Baltimore. John Harbaugh's team has few holes on both sides of the football, but several key positions will see competition, and a breakout campaign from an under-the-radar player could help ignite a run to the Super Bowl in Santa Clara. Expectations are high, and Zach Orr's defense has added elite talent at all three levels. The Ravens have had a loaded roster with few holes, and few available opportunities for rookies or younger players to assume immediate starting jobs. With training camp fast approaching, we're looking at which second and third-year players must improve the most for Baltimore in 2025. RB Rasheen Ali Ali, a 2024 fifth-round pick out of Marshall, didn't see much playing time in his rookie season, recording 10 carries for 31 yards across six regular-season appearances. OLB Adisa Isaac Kyle Van Noy and Odafe Oweh are the unquestioned starters, but the Ravens are hoping 2024 third-round pick Adisa Isaac can take the next step. Isaac saw action in four games and played 32 defensive snaps, as his NFL debut was delayed by a hamstring issue, which sidelined him for the Ravens' first two games. DB Sanoussi Kane Kane is a thumper who also stood out on defense in the preseason last summer. According to Pro Football Focus, he did not allow a single reception on 30 coverage snaps, produced a coverage grade of 73.4, and recorded a forced incompletion and a tackle for loss. OL Andrew Vorhees Ronnie Stanley is elite when healthy, Tyler Linderbaum is a Pro Bowler, Daniel Faalele was a Pro Bowl alternate, and Roger Rosengarten has established himself as one of the best young right tackles in the NFL. That leaves third-year left guard Andrew Vorhees, who'll need to win the starting job and then elevate his game to help Baltimore continue its streak as the NFL's top rushing team. WR DeVontez Walker Baltimore has a solid trio of Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, and DeAndre Hopkins at the wide receiver spot. Still, injuries happen, and the Ravens would prefer to have Walker elevate his role over Tylan Wallace or the rookie LaJohntay Wester. Head coach John Harbaugh recently commented on the former UNC player. "Every day, all he does is show up and go 100 miles an hour," coach John Harbaugh said at the conclusion of minicamp, via the team's official site. "He's got a chance to be really good." Walker ran a 4.36-second 40-yard dash at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine, and he'll look to be Lamar Jackson's big-play weapon. RB Keaton Mitchell Ravens RB Keaton Mitchell says he feels better than he did three years ago. As a rookie, Mitchell led all running backs with at least a dozen attempts in yards per carry (8.4 avg), and he has set personal records in all of his speed tracking analytics this offseason. DB T.J. Tampa Tampa only played seven games in his 2024 rookie campaign season. Hampered by an ankle injury that plagued him since Oct. 24, the former Iowa State star couldn't contribute in his first year, but he offers height, length, speed, and physicality.

NFC West backup QB rankings: Jimmy Garoppolo is No. 1 again
NFC West backup QB rankings: Jimmy Garoppolo is No. 1 again

USA Today

time34 minutes ago

  • USA Today

NFC West backup QB rankings: Jimmy Garoppolo is No. 1 again

See how the four backup QBs in the NFC West stack up against each other entering the 2025 season. It is the time of the offseason, as we have done for years here on Cards Wire, where we go through each position and rank players and position groups in the NFC West. We continue by looking at the backup quarterbacks for the Arizona Cardinals, Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks. This year, only the Rams have the same backup. The Cardinals signed Jacoby Brissett, the 49ers added Mac Jones and the Seahawks brought back Drew Lock after he spent a year with the Giants. How do they stack up against one another this year? 1. Jimmy Garoppolo, Los Angeles Rams Garoppolo only appeared in one game last season for the Rams, in Week 18 when they rested their starters, having clinched the division. But he is the one backup quarterback who has been a high-level starter in his career. He was 38-17 as a starter for the 49ers and led them to the Super Bowl. 2. Jacoby Brissett, Arizona Cardinals He enters his 10th NFL season and has started 53 games, although he is only 19-34 in those games. He is one of the most respected backups in the league. Something very important for someone coming in as a replacement — he hold the NFL's lowest all-time interception percentage at 1.4%. He takes care of the football. 3. Mac Jones, San Francisco 49ers Jones, the former top-15 pick, went from being a promising rookie to, at best, a league-average quarterback. He is now 20-29 as a starter but 10-22 since his rookie year, and he has nearly as many interceptions (31) as touchdown passes (32) in the last three seasons. He will turn the ball over. 4. Drew Lock, Seattle Seahawks Lock is back! He was traded to the Seahawks from Denver, spent 2023 there, signed with the Giants and now is back as the Seahawks' backup quarterback behind Sam Darnold. Lock hasn't even had one good NFL season. He has a good part of his rookie season when he went 4-1 as a starter and threw seven touchdowns and three picks, but he is a turnover-prone player. He led the NFL with 15 interceptions in 2020, despite only playing in 13 games. He is 10-18 as a starter and has a 3.5% interception percentage in his career, more than double that of Brissett. Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store