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Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
New York Giants wrap offseason workout program: Winners and losers from spring practices
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
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Dane Belton named New York Giants' biggest offseason surprise
The offseason was full of surprises for the New York Giants, and most of them were positive in nature. The biggest storylines were the early development and success of rookies Jaxson Dart and Abdul Carter, as well as the emergence of third-year wide receiver Jalin Hyatt, who packed on more than 20 pounds. Advertisement However, Jordan Raanan of ESPN believes there was one offseason surprise even bigger than those three: Dane Belton's seemingly relentless ability to generate turnovers. Earlier this offseason, it appeared as if he was about to become an afterthought following the signing of Jevon Holland. But think again. "He has been really good for us here early. Like he's had a really good spring," defensive coordinator Shane Bowen said. "[We're] finding ways to get him on the field, what he can do for us to help us." Belton was making plays seemingly every practice this spring. He had three interceptions in the five workouts open to the media. Even if he's not a starter it appears that the fourth-round pick in 2022 will have a role as the third safety. And why not? When he's on the field he has consistently created turnovers and made plays. Belton was dominant this spring, picking up where he left off in 2024. As Raanan notes, Belton hauled in three interceptions in the limited number of practices opened to reporters. It was noted that he had at least one additional interception during closed practices and returned a total of two for touchdowns. Because of his performance during the offseason workout program, those of us at Giants Wire named him one of the offseason's biggest winners. 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. Defensive coordinator Shane Bowen wants pirates this season and arrr, Belton appears to be one. This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Dane Belton named Giants' biggest offseason surprise
New York Times
a day ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Giants 53-man roster projection: Who's in, who's out as training camp nears?
The offseason program turns roster projections from theoretical to practical. The New York Giants held five practices open to reporters this spring, and those sessions provided the first glimpse of how the front office and coaching staff view the combination of returning and new players. Those practices also offered a baseline to gauge where players stand skill-wise, although it can be tough to get a full read on the pecking order with so many players not participating in the spring. So, consider this initial 53-man roster projection based partly on what I observed in the spring and partly on what I expect to play out once the action ramps up in the preseason. Here's my 53-man roster projection as the team gears up for training camp. Quarterbacks: 3 In: Russell Wilson, Jaxson Dart, Jameis Winston Out: Tommy DeVito The only current intrigue with the overhauled quarterback room is whether Dart or Winston enters the season as Wilson's backup. Then, the question becomes how long before Dart takes over as the starter. Barring injury, there's no path to a spot on the active roster for DeVito. It will be interesting to see if any team deems DeVito worthy of an active roster spot if the Giants cut him. There isn't even a real need for the Giants to use a practice squad spot on DeVito since they'll have three capable quarterbacks on their active roster. But they could try to stash the 26-year-old if they believe he provides value behind the scenes and as a backup option to Dart in the future. Advertisement Running backs: 3 In: Tyrone Tracy, Devin Singletary, Cam Skattebo Out: Eric Gray, Dante Miller, Rushawn Baker The Skattebo selection in the fourth round of this year's draft sealed Gray's fate. A 2023 fifth-round pick, Gray has only averaged 2.5 yards per carry in limited action while struggling with ball security and failing to take advantage of opportunities at returner. Miller could be a dark horse for a roster spot if the Giants keep four running backs. He hung around on the practice squad last season as an undrafted rookie before joining the active roster in Week 18 in a move that signaled that the organization valued him. The explosive Miller could force his way onto the roster if he stands out as a kick returner in the preseason. Wide receivers: 6 In: Malik Nabers, Darius Slayton, Wan'Dale Robinson, Jalin Hyatt, Ihmir Smith-Marsette, Bryce Ford-Wheaton Out: Lil'Jordan Humphrey, Zach Pascal, Dalen Cambre, Beaux Collins, Montrell Washington, Juice Wells, Da'Quan Felton, Jordan Bly There's likely only one roster spot open at receiver. Nabers, Slayton and Robinson are cemented at the top of the depth chart, Hyatt is still viewed as an asset with untapped potential after a promising spring and Smith-Marsette should be a lock after an impressive showing at returner last season. Undrafted free agents Cambre and Collins generated buzz in the spring with first-team reps on offense while Nabers and Hyatt were sidelined. The rookies' path to a roster spot would likely come by beating out Ford-Wheaton for a role on special teams. That makes Cambre a sleeper because special teams was the 6-foot, 192-pounder's calling card in college when he recorded just 10 career catches. But the 6-foot-3, 220-pound Ford-Wheaton has an ideal combination of size and speed for special teams, which should give him an edge. Tight ends: 4 In: Theo Johnson, Chris Manhertz, Daniel Bellinger, Thomas Fidone Out: Greg Dulcich, Jermaine Terry Bellinger is likely destined for a pay cut before the opener. The Giants will likely deem the fourth-year veteran's $3.4 million base salary, which he earned via the NFL's proven performance escalator, as excessive for a No. 3 tight end. General manager Joe Schoen hasn't been shy about squeezing players in similar spots in the past. But Bellinger still provides value as a well-rounded backup. Fidone is unlikely to have much of a role as a rookie, but his status as a seventh-round pick should allow him to sneak onto the roster. Advertisement Offensive linemen: 10 In: Andrew Thomas, Jon Runyan, John Michael Schmitz, Greg Van Roten, Jermaine Eluemunor, James Hudson, Jake Kubas, Marcus Mbow, Evan Neal, Aaron Stinnie Out: Josh Ezeudu, Stone Forsythe, Austin Schlottmann, Jimmy Morrissey, Bryan Hudson, Jaison Williams The Giants kept 10 offensive linemen on their initial 53-man roster last year, and it wouldn't be a surprise if they load up again. The Giants return the same five starters, believing they upgraded their depth by signing Hudson to a two-year, $12 million contract and selecting Mbow in the fifth round of the draft. Those seven players are locks. Kubas made the roster as an undrafted free agent last year and showed enough promise in three starts late in the season that they'll likely want to continue developing the rugged guard. Neal is a wild card, but this regime will likely try to salvage something from the 2022 first-round pick as he transitions to guard. The Giants could roll with eight or nine linemen, but with the importance of O-line depth emphasized annually, the expectation is they'll go heavy at the position. Stinnie has proven to be a capable NFL backup. He could easily be stashed on the practice squad, but rotating with Kubas at first-team right guard during the spring (while Van Roten sat out) indicates the team values the eighth-year veteran. Defensive linemen: 5 In: Dexter Lawrence, Rakeem Nunez-Roches, Roy Robertson-Harris, Darius Alexander, Elijah Chatman Out: Jeremiah Ledbetter, Elijah Garcia, D.J. Davidson, Jordon Riley, Cory Durden With Lawrence and Alexander not participating in team periods this spring, Nunez-Roches and Robertson-Harris were the top two interior defensive linemen. Chatman was most often the third defensive lineman, which put him ahead of Ledbetter, who received $500,000 guaranteed this offseason and who the team views as a key piece to upgrade the run defense. Advertisement The experienced Ledbetter could close the gap in training camp, but the Giants liked Chatman as an undrafted rookie last season. Chatman could have value in a limited role on passing downs, so it will be interesting to see if the Giants value pass rush or run defense more with their D-line depth. Outside linebackers: 4 In: Brian Burns, Abdul Carter, Kayvon Thibodeaux, Chauncey Golston Out: Victor Dimukeje, Tomon Fox, Trace Ford This is easily the best position on the roster, with top-end talent and quality depth. Golston is better than the top backup at any other position, and he's fourth on the depth chart at outside linebacker. Golston seemed to have a valuable role as an interior pass rusher when he signed a three-year, $18 million contract in free agency. But Carter is slotted into that spot after the Giants selected him with the No. 3 pick in the draft. It will be interesting to see how the reps are distributed among this group, but finding snaps for four quality outside linebackers is a good problem to have. Inside linebackers: 5 In: Bobby Okereke, Micah McFadden, Chris Board, Darius Muasau, Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles Out: Ty Summers, Dyontae Johnson This position tends to command more roster spots because inside linebacker is often the defensive home of core special teamers such as Board, Flannigan-Fowles and Summers. Summers, who played the fourth-most special-teams snaps on the team last season, could be a veteran stash on the practice squad. Johnson, who flashed in limited opportunities last season, was surprisingly buried on the depth chart this spring despite Okereke and Flannigan-Fowles being sidelined. The special teams acumen of the vets could give them the edge over Johnson. Cornerbacks: 6 In: Paulson Adebo, Deonte Banks, Dru Phillips, Cor'Dale Flott, Tre Hawkins, Korie Black Out: O'Donnell Fortune, Art Green, Dee Williams, Nic Jones, T.J. Moore Advertisement A surprising battle for the No. 2 corner job between Banks and Flott developed during the spring. Banks is the more talented player, so the Giants have to be hoping he responds to this wake-up call in his third season. That would allow Flott to serve as the top backup corner on the perimeter and in the slot. There's still hope that the physically gifted Hawkins will realize his potential, so he should be in line for a roster spot. Like Fidone, Black should have the inside track to a roster spot as a seventh-round pick. Safeties: 4 In: Jevon Holland, Tyler Nubin, Dane Belton, Raheem Layne Out: Anthony Johnson, Makari Paige Belton's strong spring has forced defensive coordinator Shane Bowen to consider a bigger role for the fourth-year safety. But the spring practice structure highlighted Belton's ball-hawking skills, while concealing the spotty tackling and poor angles in run defense that have limited his playing time in his first three seasons. Johnson was the favorite for the No. 4 safety job, but he missed the entire spring with a shoulder injury while Layne performed well in an expanded role. Veteran K'Von Wallace tried out for the team at minicamp. It wouldn't be a surprise if the Giants added a safety before the opener to upgrade their depth. Specialists: 3 In: K Graham Gano, P Jamie Gillan, LS Casey Kreiter Out: K Jude McAtamney There have been no indications that McAtamney has a real chance to unseat Gano. It's more likely that the Giants will keep the Irish kicker on the practice squad for another year as an international exemption.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Archie Manning 'excited' Jaxson Dart landed with New York Giants
Some of the New York Giants' greatest successes in their century-long history have come with an Ole Miss alum under center. In the 1950s, there was Charlie Conerly, who led the Giants to the 1956 NFL Championship. His No. 42 was retired by Big Blue after a stellar 14-year career. Advertisement Next came Eli Manning, who would break almost every relevant franchise passing record and win two Super Bowls, in which he was named MVP in both. Eli's No. 10 is also retired by the Giants. Manning's father, Archie, is perhaps the most celebrated of all of the Rebels' quarterbacks. He is the patriarch of the Manning quarterback dynasty and founder of the Manning Passing Academy. The latest Ole Miss product is Giants' first-round pick Jaxson Dart, who is an MPA alumnus. Both Archie and Eli are big backers of Dart, who is projected to be the Giants' franchise quarterback of the future. Dart will start the season as a backup to starter Russell Wilson, but many experts are predicting that he will see the field sooner rather than later. The Giants have mapped out a development program for Dart and appear to be intent on following it, but his learning curve seems to be flatter than they initially anticipated. This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Archie Manning 'excited' Jaxson Dart landed with Giants
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Giants Must Cut Russell Wilson Now, Says Brutally Harsh Insider
Giants Must Cut Russell Wilson Now, Says Brutally Harsh Insider originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Quarterback Russell Wilson is new to the New York Giants, but his status as an NFL veteran justifies him being at the top of the depth chart ahead of rookie Jaxson Dart, backup Jameis Winston and local folk hero Tommy DeVito. Advertisement Logical. Right? Nope, not to three-time Super Bowl champion and current NFL analyst Mark Schlereth, who knows Wilson from his rough time with the Denver Broncos and who is now expressing the belief that Giants head coach Brian Daboll should make a major change in that pecking order. How major? "The Giants should cut Russell Wilson and start Jaxson Dart," Schlereth said during a recent appearance on the FS1 "Breakfast Ball" program (h/t And yes, Schlereth seems serious here. His logic is Broncos-related. Denver moved on from Wilson after two rough years and then drafted QB Bo Nix as the 12th overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. Advertisement Nix guided the Broncos to a playoff berth as a rookie and now seems on the verge of stardom. "You start your rookie and you go with the growing pains and you understand that you're not going to the playoffs right now," Schlereth opined. "I think it's just time to rip off the Band-Aid and say, 'Jaxson Dart, you're our guy.'" With all due respect to "Stink'' - who paid his dues in the league and now in the media - we can't see how it's time now to "rip off the Band-Aid.''' Wilson's one-year salary here is a paltry $11 million ... and if you cut him, you eat a dead-money punishment of $10 million. So cutting him is a brutally harsh take and is absurd. Advertisement Starting Dart? Coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen might want to, or might need to, get there eventually. But now? They have virtually no idea what Dart is. What's really at the core of this? Schlereth's media platform is based in Denver. He won two of his three Super Bowls as a Bronco. His vision of Wilson is therefore shrouded in orange ... which should have nothing to do with whether Russell Wilson should be on the field or on the roster or in the New York unemployment line. Related: NFL Insider Says Giants' Daboll Should Be 'Furious At Being Set Up To Fail' This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 28, 2025, where it first appeared.
