The Giants.com crew members discuss the biggest question for the team heading into training camp, which begins in three weeks.
John Schmeelk: I thought about doing something basic for this one like "who will be the Giants' second starting outside cornerback" or "will someone play well enough in training camp and preseason to unseat one of the starters on the offensive line" – but I decided against it. While those questions are certainly important and I'm interested in seeing how they are resolved, neither is the biggest question I still have about this team. The same goes for questions about how they will deploy the running backs and edge rushers. Those potential answers might impact wins and losses, but they are not big enough for me.
My thoughts still go back to the quarterback position, but not in the way some fans might be thinking about it. Russell Wilson is the team's starting quarterback. The team needs the stability that he brings to the position in terms of leadership, organizing the offense, and getting the team into the right plays. The confidence the team has in him was palpable throughout the spring. Physically, his arm and deep ball are still more than good enough to succeed in the NFL.
I need to see if Wilson, coupled with the Giants' scheme and offensive line, can get his sack rate down a bit. Last year, Wilson had an 8.9% sack rate, which was fifth-highest in the league, only better than Jalen Hurts and three young quarterbacks (Will Levis, Caleb Williams and Drake Maye). He was virtually tied with two playoff quarterbacks: Jayden Daniels and C.J. Stroud. He was less than a percent worse than two other quarterbacks that had good seasons: Geno Smith and Sam Darnold. Over the past five seasons, Wilson's 8.7% sack rate is tied for eight-highest.
If the Giants can get Wilson's sack rate down to the 7% range, which would put him towards the middle of the league in the neighborhood of Justin Herbert, Joe Burrow, and Dak Prescott, the offense will have a real chance to be excellent. The reason this is still a big question for me is we haven't seen it yet with pads. Without contact in spring practices, you can't see anything regarding the offensive line, pass rush, or how the quarterback will handle it.
There did seem to be a concerted effort with the offense to get the ball out quickly. If the deep pass down the field was not there, Wilson was quickly getting to his checkdown early. Brian Daboll and Mike Kafka know that sacks can short-circuit drives, and they will do everything in their power to help Wilson bring down his sack rate.
Getting consistent play from a healthy offensive line will also go a long way towards achieving that goal. We haven't seen the starting unit out there together yet, and there's no way to know when Andrew Thomas will be healthy enough to join his teammates on the field. We may be waiting in the summer before we can see that group together and get a feel for how well they play as a unit. If they can match what they showed in the first six games last year, the team will have a chance to solve their sack problem.
The Giants need more consistent and efficient quarterback play if they want to have a successful season. That's why it is my biggest question.
See all of the action from Giants Minicamp at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center.
WR Darius Slayton (18),WR Malik Nabers (1),OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) WR Dalen Cambre (5),WR Wan'Dale Robinson (17),WR Montrell Washington (80),WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette (87),K Graham Gano (9) WR Da'Quan Felton (9),WR Lil'Jordan Humphrey (81),WR Juice Wells Jr. (2),WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
S Dane Belton (24)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
DL Dexter Lawrence II (97)
RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (29)
DL Chauncey Golston (57)
WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette (87)
S Makari Paige (38)
ILB Dyontae Johnson (54), LB Chris Board (49) and ILB Ty Summers (47)
DL Rakeem Nuñez-Roches (93)
OL Jaison Williams (68),OL Marcus Mbow (71),G Jon Runyan Jr. (76),G Austin Schlottmann (65),C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61), C Bryan Hudson (60), G Aaron Stinnie (64),G Greg Van Roten (74) T James Hudson III (55),T Stone Forsythe (70)T Evan Neal (73),C Jimmy Morrissey (67), T Jermaine Eluemunor (72)
RB Eric Gray (20)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
TE Daniel Bellinger (82)
WR Dalen Cambre (5)
QB Russell Wilson (3)
WR Malik Nabers (1) and QB Russell Wilson (3)
WR Dalen Cambre (5)
WR Malik Nabers (1)
S Jevón Holland (8) and CB Paulson Adebo (21)
OLB Abdul Carter (51), OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) WR and OLB Brian Burns (0)
CB Art Green (35)
S Jevón Holland (8)
RB Rushawn Baker (36)
C Jimmy Morrissey (67)
WR Dalen Cambre (5), CB Art Green (35)
T James Hudson III (55), TE Theo Johnson (84)
QB Russell Wilson (3)
T James Hudson III (55), TE Theo Johnson (84)
WR Beaux Collins (8)
WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette (87)
QB Russell Wilson (3)
T James Hudson III (55), TE Theo Johnson (84)
QB Tommy DeVito (15) and QB Jaxson Dart (6)
QB Russell Wilson (3),RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (29)
TE Daniel Bellinger (82)
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OLB Abdul Carter (51)
DL Chauncey Golston (57)
WR Dalen Cambre (5), CB TJ Moore (30)
WR Wan'Dale Robinson (17)
TE Daniel Bellinger (82)
WR Lil'Jordan Humphrey (81)
WR Bryce Ford-Wheaton (88)
C Jimmy Morrissey (67)
T Evan Neal (73)
C Jimmy Morrissey (67)
S Jevón Holland (8)
DL Chauncey Golston (57)
ILB Darius Muasau (53)
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
S Jevón Holland (8)
S Jevón Holland (8)
WR Wan'Dale Robinson (17)
DL Chauncey Golston (57)
WR Darius Slayton (18)
CB Paulson Adebo (21)
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
S Jevón Holland (8) and CB Paulson Adebo (21)
OLB Tomon Fox (45)
OLB Tomon Fox (45)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
WR Wan'Dale Robinson (17)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
S Jevón Holland (8) and S Tyler Nubin (27)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
WR Wan'Dale Robinson (17)
WR Darius Slayton (18)
WR Malik Nabers (1)
WR Wan'Dale Robinson (17)
WR Montrell Washington (80)
WR Dalen Cambre (5)
WR Juice Wells Jr. (2)
WR Dalen Cambre (5)
WR Malik Nabers (1)
S Jevón Holland (8)
QB Jaxson Dart (6), WR Malik Nabers (1)
RB Dante Miller (25)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
K Graham Gano (9)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
QB Russell Wilson (3)
OLB Abdul Carter (51), Brian Daboll
OLB Brian Burns (0),OLB Abdul Carter (51)
TE Jermaine Terry II (48)
WR Montrell Washington (80)
WR Wan'Dale Robinson (17)
) K Jude McAtamney (99)
P Jamie Gillan (6)
T Jermaine Eluemunor (72)
QB Russell Wilson (3),WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (29)
ILB Dyontae Johnson (54)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (29)
RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (29)
OLB Tomon Fox (45)
DL Chauncey Golston (57)
S Tyler Nubin (27)
Brian Daboll
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
QB Jameis Winston (19),RB Dante Miller (25)
WR Juice Wells Jr. (2)
RB Devin Singletary (26)
QB Jameis Winston (19)
WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette (87)
WR Bryce Ford-Wheaton (88)
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
CB Korie Black (25)
WR Dalen Cambre (5), QB Jaxson Dart (6)
OLB Brian Burns (0),T Jermaine Eluemunor (72)
OLB Trace Ford (46)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
Quaterbacks huddle, QB Russell Wilson (3),QB Jameis Winston (19)
S Tyler Nubin (27)
Roy Robertson-Harris (95)
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
Quaterbacks huddle, QB Russell Wilson (3),QB Jameis Winston (19)
WR Dalen Cambre (5), QB Jaxson Dart (6)
OLB Coach Charlie Bullen
ILB Dyontae Johnson (54), LB Chris Board (49) and ILB Ty Summers (47)
S Dane Belton (24)
S Makari Paige (38)
OLB Trace Ford (46)
RB Eric Gray (20)
DL Dexter Lawrence II (97)
DL Dexter Lawrence II (97)
S Dane Belton (24)
OLB Tomon Fox (45)
OLB Trace Ford (46)
WR Darius Slayton (18),WR Malik Nabers (1),OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) WR Dalen Cambre (5),WR Wan'Dale Robinson (17),WR Montrell Washington (80),WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette (87),K Graham Gano (9) WR Da'Quan Felton (9),WR Lil'Jordan Humphrey (81),WR Juice Wells Jr. (2),WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette (87)
RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (29)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (29)
Dan Salomone: Aside from Malik Nabers, who broke the franchise's single-season reception record in Year 1, the caveat "for a rookie" was naturally applied when talking about how well the members of the 2024 draft class performed. The same could be said for the year before them. So, my biggest question is when does the promising young nucleus take the next step – and how big is it?
The potential has always been there, but with the additions of veterans at key positions, they could make a sizable leap. The best example of that is in the secondary, where players like Tyler Nubin, Dru Phillips, Deonte Banks, and Cor'Dale Flott can grow together and learn from newcomers Paulson Adebo and Jevón Holland. On the other side of the ball, look at players like Jalin Hyatt and Theo Johnson. They're only going to benefit from having a 10-time Pro Bowler under center, where you imagine John Michael Schmitz will do the same thing.
How these players, who are entering their second, third or fourth seasons, perform will go a long way in determining the Giants' success in 2025 and beyond. People get caught up in instant production for draft picks, but they need to remember that Dexter Lawrence didn't make the Pro Bowl until his fourth year. Now he has made three in a row.
Take a look at rare photos of New York Giants training camps through the years.
New York Giants offensive linemen Kareem McKenzie (67), Chris Snee (76), Shaun O'Hara (60), Rich Seubert (69), and David Diehl (66) break huddle during football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Monday, July 28, 2008. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor, left, shares a laugh linebacker Pepper Johnson during the team's training camp on July 31, 1993 at Fairleigh Dickinson University in New York. (AP Photo/Kevin Larkin)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) looks for a receiver during the second day of practice at the Giants training camp in Pleasantville, N.Y., July 28, 1987. (AP Photo/G. Paul Burnett)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning passes during practice at the Giants' training camp at the University at Albany in Albany, N.Y., Friday, July 30, 2004. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
All-pro linebacker Lawrence Taylor foreground, works out with his New York Giants teammates on Sunday, August 15, 1983 in Pleasantville, N.Y.
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning arrives at football training camp at the University at Albany in Albany, N.Y., Thursday, July 24, 2008. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
Tackle Roosevelt Grier, right, and line backer Harland Svare, left, of the New York Giants football team tune up their guitars following a "skull session" at Bear Mountain, New York, training camp on August 27, 1959. Rookie quarterback Lee Grosscup, watches. (AP Photo/Arthur Z. Brooks)
New York Giants defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka (97) practices with linebacker Antonio Pierce (58) at the Giants football training camp in Albany, N.Y. Saturday, July 28, 2007. With him are E.J. Underwood, left, and Antonio Pierce, right. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
New York Giants football players Corey Webster, left, Sam Madison and Will Demps, right, enjoy a laugh on the sidelines during a practice session at the Giants' training camp in Albany, N.Y. Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2006. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
New York Giants tight end Kevin Boss attempts to catch the football at Giants NFL training camp Sunday, July 29, 2007, in Albany, N.Y. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Allie Sherman, coach of football's New York Giants, poses at the team's training camp, Aug. 3, 1964 at Fairfield University, Fairfield, Connecticut. (AP Photo/John Lindsay)
New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress speaks with reporters after arriving at the Giants football training camp in Albany, N.Y. Friday, July 27, 2007. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
New York Giant Corey Webster tosses a ball during an evening practice session at the Giants training camp in Albany, N.Y. Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2005. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
New York Giants Hall of Fame defensive end Andy Robustelli (81) poses for a photo during training camp at Fairfield University at Fairfield, Ct., 1962. (AP Photo/NFL Photos)
New York Giants football linebacker Antonio Pierce smiles at Giants NFL training camp Sunday, July 29, 2007, in Albany, N.Y. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
First-round draft pick Hakeem Nicks arrives for the start of New York Giants NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., on Sunday, Aug. 2, 2009. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan works out at the Giants' training camp in Albany, N.Y. Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2005. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer arrives at football training camp at the University at Albany in Albany, N.Y., Thursday, July 24, 2008. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants center Dusty Zeigler (52) and linebacker Jesse Armstead (98) scuffle during training camp drills Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2000, in Albany, N.Y. Pete Monty, left, tries to break up the action. (AP Photo/Dave Oxford)
New York Giants tackle David Diehl, left, trades a high five with a young fan as her father holds her during autograph day following a team practice at the New York Giants NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Saturday, July 28, 2012. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants rookie running back Ron Dayne runs through drills during training camp, Saturday, July 22, 2000, in Albany, N.Y. Dayne, the 1999 Heisman Trophy winner was the Giants first round draft pick this year.(AP Photo/Dave Oxford)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs arrives to football training camp at the University at Albany in Albany, N.Y., on Thursday, July 24, 2008. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning runs wind sprints at Giants NFL training camp Sunday, July 29, 2007, in Albany, N.Y. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan takes a break during training camp drills, Sunday, July 23, 2000 in Albany, N.Y. (AP Photo/Dave Oxford)
The New York Giants' Super Bowl trophy is placed on display during a news conference in Albany, N.Y., on Wednesday, July 23, 2008, as the Giants prepare to begin their summer football training camp. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
New York Giants wide receiver David Tyree, left, tries to evade cornerback Corey Webster (23) during practice at the NFL football team's training camp in Albany, N.Y., Saturday, July 28, 2007. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
New York Giants cornerback Aaron Ross signs autographs for fans at Giants NFL training camp Sunday, July 29, 2007, in Albany, N.Y. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants linebacker Mark Herzlich (94) during NFL training camp practice on July 31, 2016 at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) looks for a receiver during the second day of practice at the Giants training camp in Pleasantville, N.Y., July 28, 1987. (AP Photo/G. Paul Burnett)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning throws during practice at the Giants football training camp, Saturday, July 28, 2007, in Albany, N.Y. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
New York Giants offensive linemen Rich Seubert, left, and Chris Snee perform a drill during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Monday, Aug. 3, 2009. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants quarterback Kerry Collins, right, signs autographs after training camp, Thursday, Aug. 17, 2000 in Albany, N.Y. The Giants ended their fifth year of camp at the University of Albany today, and have a new three year contract to return.(AP Photo/Dave Oxford)
New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor wears a smile as he comes out of the team's locker room to start practice at the Los Angeles Rams training camp at Anaheim, Calif. on Friday, Jan. 24, 1987. (AP Photo/Ray Stubblebine)
New York Giants players Keith Bulluck (53) and Osi Umenyiora (72) walk to practice during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., on Monday, Aug. 2, 2010. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs runs with the ball during the Giants' football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2006. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
New York Giants wide receiver Steve Smith arrives at football training camp at the University at Albany in Albany, N.Y., Thursday, July 24, 2008. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz is besieged by autograph-seeking fans after a practice at the NFL football team's training camp in Albany, N.Y., Friday, July 27, 2012. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
Kicker Joe Danelo of the New York Giants pushes the pedals of his exercise bike at the Giants training camp Saturday, Aug. 2, 1982 in Pleasantville, New York. (AP Photo/Paul Burnett)
New York Giants punter Jeff Feagles kicks the ball at the Giants' training camp in Albany, N.Y. Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2005. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
Giants head coach Tom Coughlin talks to players during practice at the Giants' training camp at the University at Albany in Albany, N.Y. Friday, July 30, 2004. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
Osi Umenyiora speaks with reporters as he arrives for the start of New York Giants NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., on Sunday, Aug. 2, 2009. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
New York Giants practicing during training camp on Sunday July 28, 2013 at the Quest Diagnostic Training Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants defensive back Carl "Spider" Lockhart (43) poses for a photo during training camp in Fairfield, Ct., 1974. (AP Photo/NFL Photos)
Ahmad Bradshaw arrives for the start of New York Giants NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., on Sunday, Aug. 2, 2009. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
Justin Tuck arrives for the start of New York Giants NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., on Sunday, Aug. 2, 2009. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
New York Giants tackle Roosevelt Grier, who has made several popular recordings, sings as his teammate Erich Barnes plays the piano at Bear Mountain Inn, Bear Mountain, New York on Dec. 26, 1962. The Giants have been traveling from Bear Mountain to nearby West Point for indoor drills in preparation for the National Football League title game with the Green Bay Packers at New York's Yankee Stadium on December 30. (AP Photo)
New York Giants quarterbacks Eli Manning (10) and Andre Woodson walk to the practice field during football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Monday, July 28, 2008. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants head coach Bill Parcells talks with reporters during the first day of NFL training at the team's training camp on the campus of Pace University in Pleasantville, N.Y., July 28, 1987. Parcells, who coached the Giants to the 1987 Super Bowl championship, started the team training out with emphasis on weightlifting, sprints and rookies. The entire team is due to arrives by Friday when squads will practice together. (AP Photo/Peter Morgan)
Fullback Alex Webster of the New York Football Giants poses at the team's training camp in Fairfield, Conn. Sept 3, 1963. (AP Photo/Harry Harris)
New York Giants guard Chris Snee, center, blocks players on all sides during the Giants' training camp in Albany, N.Y. Thursday, Aug. 4, 2005. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer is mobbed by fans seeking autographs after training camp, Thursday, Aug. 17, 2000, in Albany, N.Y. The Giants ended their fifth year of camp at the University at Albany today, and have a new contract to return for three more years. (AP Photo/Dave Oxford)
New York Giants defensive back Antrel Rolle (26) is shown at the New York Giants football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Friday, July 27, 2012. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants all-pro linebacker Lawrence Taylor goes through training camp exercises after reporting to the Giants camp in Pleasantville, N.Y. on Sunday, August 14, 1983. (AP Photo/David Handschuh)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) signs autographs for Holt and Kirstin Wooddell of Burgaw, North Carolina at the Giants training camp at Fairleigh Dickinson University, July 19, 1988. (AP Photo/Hal Brown)
The New York Giants practice during NFL football training camp Monday, Aug. 1, 2011 in East Rutherford, N.J. with the New York City skyline in the background. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants offensive coordinator Sean Payton, left, talks with quarterback Jason Garrett during training camp, Thursday, Aug. 3, 2000, in Albany, N.Y. Payton was named offensive coordinator by coach Jim Fassel during the off season and will be the Giants play caller this season. (AP Photo/Dave Oxford)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, right, passes as tight end Jeremy Shockey covers at the Giants' training camp in Albany, N.Y. Thursday, Aug. 4, 2005. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs talks with some fans during NFL football training camp Thursday, Aug. 4, 2011 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants offensive tackle Lomas Brown, left, works against Cedric Jones during training camp drills, Monday, July 24, 2000 in Albany, N.Y. Brown is a sixteen year veteran originally drafted by the Detroit Lions in 1985. (AP Photo/Dave Oxford)
New York Giants cornerback Jason Sehorn, left, gets instruction from head coach Jim Fassel during training camp drills, Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2000 in Albany, N.Y. (AP Photo/Dave Oxford)
New York Giants practicing during training camp on Sunday July 28, 2013 at the Quest Diagnostic Training Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants players finish drills during NFL football training camp Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
New York Giants practicing during training camp on Sunday July 28, 2013 at the Quest Diagnostic Training Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning looks past his huddle during NFL football training camp Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
New York Giants safety Antrel Rolle (26) and teammates during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., on Monday, Aug. 2, 2010. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants center Shaun O'Hara wears a bandage during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., on Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2010. The bandage is a mimic to one that Giants quarterback Eli Manning is wearing after suffering an injury in a pre-season game against the New York Jets. (AP Photo/Tom Canavan)
New York Giants fans watch practice during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Friday, Aug. 7, 2009. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants coach Bill Parcells, right, and place kicker Eric Schubert (3) stroll through a light drizzle delaying their workout at the Atlanta Falcons training camp at Suwanee, Ga., Aug. 8, 1986. (AP Photo/Charles Kelly)
New York Giants Eli Manning (10) and Mario Manningham (82) talk during NFL football training camp on Sunday August 7, 2011 at the Timex Performance Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) signs autographs for fans at the New York Giants football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Friday, July 27, 2012. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants defensive linemen Osi Umenyiora (72) and Chris Canty (99) walk to practice during NFL football training camp on Saturday August 7, 2010 at the University of Albany in Albany, NY (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz catches a pass during NFL football training camp Friday, Aug. 5, 2011 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants' Osi Umenyiora (72) talks with Justin Tuck (91) during NFL football training camp Monday, Aug. 1, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants Dave Tollefson (71) during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., on Monday, Aug. 2, 2010. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants linebacker Zak DeOssie walks to practice during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Friday, Aug. 7, 2009. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants fans during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., on Monday, Aug. 2, 2010. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants first-round draft pick, tight end Jeremy Shockey works out during his first practice at the Giants' summer training camp in Albany, N.Y., Tuesday, July 30, 2002. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
New York Giants defensive ends Justin Tuck (91) and Jason Pierre-Paul (90)perform a drill during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., on Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2010. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11), left, talks with Giants offensive coordinator Ron Erhardt during training camp at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, N.J., July 22, 1988. (AP Photo/Hal Brown)
New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce talks to reporters during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2009. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants quaterback Eli Manning (10) signs autographs at NFL football training camp on Thursday August 4, 2011 at the Timex Performance Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants Victor Cruz runs a play on the first day of NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Sunday, August 1, 2010 (AP Photo/Hans Pennink)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning walks the field after practice during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Friday, Aug. 14, 2009. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants players walk to practice during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Friday, Aug. 7, 2009. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants fullback Madison Hedgecock signs autographs during football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Monday, Aug. 3, 2009. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants offensive linemen Shaun O'Hara (60), David Diehl (66) and Kareem McKenzie during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., on Monday, Aug. 2, 2010. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
Offensive lineman David Diehl #66 of the New York Giants signs autographs following practice at training camp on Monday August 3, 2009 at the University of Albany in Albany, NY (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning signs autogrpahs after practice during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2009. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants fans watch practice at the University at Albany during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2009. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning passes during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Monday, Aug. 3, 2009. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks, right, reaches out to fans on his way to practice during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Friday, Aug. 7, 2009. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
Brandon Jacobs #27 of the New York Giants talks tobhis teammates after practice during football training camp on Monday August 3, 2009 at the University of Albany in Albany ,NY (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver David Tyree drinks some water during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Monday, Aug. 3, 2009. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
Kevin Dockery arrives at New York Giants NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., on Sunday, Aug. 2, 2009. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
Cornerback Corey Webster #23 of the New York Giants breaks up a pass during practice during football training camp on Monday August 3, 2009 at the University of Albany in Albany ,NY (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning signs autographs for fans at the New York Giants football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Friday, July 25, 2008. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
New York Giants center Shaun O'Hara gets ready to snap the ball during football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Friday, July 25, 2008. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
Ahmad Bradshaw & Michael Strahan New York Giants Training Camp 2019 at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ
Alumni Michael Strahan, Ahmad Bradshaw, David Diehl & David Tyree New York Giants Training Camp 2019 at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ
Ahmad Bradshaw & Michael Strahan New York Giants Training Camp 2019 at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ
DL Dexter Lawrence II (97) at New York Giants Training Camp 2019 at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ
Defensive line drill at New York Giants Training Camp 2019 at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants Training Camp 2019 at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants participate in Training Camp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants participate in Training Camp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ
Dexter Lawrence (97)
New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen talks with former NFL coach Bill Cowher during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday August 16, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with Osi Umenyiora during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Thursday August 18, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Brian Daboll Head Coach
Head Coach Brian Daboll, Eli Manning,
New York Giants Daniel Jones (8) celebrates a touchdown pass with head coach Brian Daboll during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Saturday July 30, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
T Andrew Thomas (78), OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
New York Giants offensive lineman Andrew Thomas (78) signs autographs following training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Wednesday July 27, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
WR Darius Slayton (86) during training camp practice on July 31, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with Dan Campbell during a joint training camp practice with the Detroit Lions on August 8, 2023 in Allen Park, Michigan (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants safety Dane Belton (24)) strips the balll during a joint training camp practice with the Detroit Lions on August 9, 2023 in Allen Park, Michigan (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
K Graham Gano (9)
QB Daniel Jones (8)
WR Bryce Ford-Wheaton (6)
C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61)
New York Giants safety Dane Belton (24)) strips the balll during a joint training camp practice with the Detroit Lions on August 9, 2023 in Allen Park, Michigan (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
TE Lawrence Cager (83), QB Daniel Jones (8)
WR Wan'Dale Robinson (17)
Eli Manning, Brian Daboll Head Coach
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
WR Darius Slayton (86)
LB Bobby Okereke (58)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during a joint training camp practice with the Detroit Lions on August 8, 2023 in Allen Park, Michigan (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
WR Darius Slayton (86)
C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61)
CB Deonte Banks (36), WR Jalin Hyatt (84)
Joe Schoen and Eli Manning watch training camp practice on July 31, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
LB Bobby Okereke (58)
ILB Bobby Okereke (58)
WR Wan'Dale Robinson (17)
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (5), QB Jared Goff (16)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
WR Malik Nabers (9)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
WR Malik Nabers (9)
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
DL Dexter Lawrence II (97)
WR Malik Nabers (9)
S Tyler Nubin (31)
WR Malik Nabers (9), Jets WR Garrett Wilson (5), WR Wan'Dale Robinson (17)
ILB Bobby Okereke (58)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
Matt Citak: Schmeelk touched on this subject, but I'm going to go into a little more detail. The biggest question remaining for the Giants is one that we've been seemingly asking around this time every year for the past decade, and is one that will likely determine just how far this Giants team can go. The defense is now loaded with talent and could end up pushing to be a top 10 unit, especially with the havoc-makers the team has up front. Which leaves us with the offensive side of the ball, where the biggest question remaining is just how good this offensive line can be.
The Giants struggled in last year's season opener against the Vikings, a game in which the offensive line allowed five sacks and the running backs combined for just 45 yards on the ground. But over the next five games, a stretch that saw the starting offensive line play every snap together, the unit allowed a total of nine sacks, while helping the run game reach 112 or more rushing yards in four of five contests. It was in the Week 6 contest against the Bengals that Andrew Thomas suffered his season-ending foot injury, and without the former All-Pro at left tackle, the offensive line struggled for the remainder of the year. The line was decimated with injuries throughout the season, as Greg Van Roten was the only lineman to play every game. With the rotating door of linemen going in and out of the lineup, the unit was never able to really get going. The Giants ended up allowing 48 sacks on the season, which was tied for the 11th-most in the NFL, while the offense finished 23rd in rushing yards and 18 in rushing yards per attempt.
Over the offseason, the Giants re-signed Van Roten, which returns all five starters from Week 1 of last season. Other than that, all of the other moves were more about the depth up front. Veterans James Hudson and Stone Forsythe were both signed during free agency, while Aaron Stinnie was re-signed, and then Marcus Mbow was selected on Day 3 of the draft. These moves may not jump off the paper, but they do certainly shore up the depth on the O-line and provide the team with some insurance if/when guys get hurt. As for the starters, the Giants were relatively pleased with how the unit was performing prior to Thomas' injury. The group was starting to jell and look good together, and the Giants are banking on that carrying over to 2025 with the same five starters. The wild card of the group is Evan Neal, who made the transition from tackle to guard this offseason. We have yet to see what Neal can really do at guard, as spring practices don't tell you much about the trenches. But if Neal can provide the Giants with another solid option at guard, that could give the team some flexibility with the lineup. As we have come to learn over the years, you can never have enough good linemen.
Russell Wilson still has a very strong arm, and we saw throughout the spring that he's more than capable of pushing the ball downfield with accuracy. But in order to create more explosive plays down the field, the offensive line is going to have to give him some time in the pocket.
