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2023 Training Camp

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10 players to watch at training camp

OJULARI-WALLER-McKINNEY-FORD

Believe it or not, we are weeks away from the start of training camp.

The Giants will be back on the practice field at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center on July 26 as they look to build on last year's success.

In Year 1 under head coach Brian Daboll, the Giants went 9-7-1, made their first trip to the playoffs since 2016 and won their first postseason game since Super Bowl XLVI. Now, with almost the entire coaching staff returning this season - along with several new players on both sides of the ball - the Giants are hoping to take their performance on the field to the next level in 2023.

Here are 10 players to watch with training camp around the corner:

TE Darren Waller

Waller was one of the Giants' biggest offseason additions, both literally and figuratively. The 6-foot-6, 245-pound tight end is likely to serve as one of Daniel Jones' top targets this year, as the 30-year-old adds a new dynamic to the offense. Waller had back-to-back seasons with 1,100+ receiving yards in 2019-20, combining for 2,341 yards and 12 touchdowns. Injuries have limited him over the past two seasons, but Waller is healthy and ready to roll as training camp inches closer. The new tight end provides Jones with a big, explosive playmaker, and the two have already begun building chemistry throughout spring practices.

TE Daniel Bellinger

Speaking of tight ends, Waller's presence has seemingly led to many overlooking Bellinger. The 22-year-old showed up to spring practices noticeably stronger, as his now viral photo has shown. Bellinger caught 30 passes for 268 yards and two touchdowns as a rookie while adding a 2-yard touchdown run. The 2022 fourth-round pick spent time with some of the top players at his position last week at Tight End University, where he was seen taking pointers from Kansas City's Travis Kelce. In addition, San Francisco's George Kittle recently praised the Giants' young tight end while naming him as a potential breakout player this season.

WR Parris Campbell

Campbell is another newcomer to the offense after signing with the Giants following four years in Indianapolis. His first three seasons were derailed by injuries, but Campbell played all 17 contests in 2022 and produced career numbers. The 6-foot-0, 208-pound receiver caught 63 passes for 623 yards and three touchdowns last season. He also registered the fastest speed of any ball carrier last year – he hit 22.11 miles per hour on an end around which gained 28 yards. Campbell brings a new level of speed to the offense (he ran a 4.31 in the 40 at the 2019 Combine).

WR Isaiah Hodgins

Hodgins joined the Giants during the middle of the 2022 campaign. Claimed off waivers during the bye week, the 6-foot-3, 201-pound receiver scored his first touchdown in Week 13 and never looked back. Hodgins finished with a touchdown catch in four of his final five regular season games (he sat out Week 18) before going off for 105 yards and a score on eight receptions in the postseason matchup in Minnesota. He will now compete for playing time in a suddenly crowded wide receiver room.

OT Evan Neal

Neal underwent some adversity during his rookie season, as the 22-year-old offensive tackle admitted back during OTAs. The second-year tackle spent some time this offseason training with former NFL offensive lineman Willie Anderson, which could help Neal make a big jump in his second season. With Andrew Thomas anchoring the left side of the line, Neal will be responsible for holding it down on the right side.

Take a look at rare photos of New York Giants training camps through the years.

OLB Azeez Ojulari

Ojulari was limited to just seven games last year, but made his presence felt whenever possible. The former Georgia bulldog finished second on the team with 5.5 sacks while picking up a team-leading three forced fumbles despite missing 10 games. This came one year after he set the official franchise rookie record with eight sacks in 2021. If Ojulari can find a way to stay on the field, he should provide a big boost to the pass rush. Having him on the edge every Sunday should also help clear the way for other members of the pass rush to get after the quarterback, including the next guy on the list.

OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux

Thibodeaux put together a solid rookie campaign. After missing the first two games due to a knee injury suffered during the preseason, last year's fifth overall pick finished third on the team with four sacks while adding two forced fumbles and 13 quarterback hits. The 22-year-old flashed his potential dominance during the Week 15 win over Washington. The former Oregon Duck finished with 12 tackles (nine solo), a sack, three tackles for loss, and a forced fumble (which he recovered and returned for a touchdown).

LB Jarrad Davis

Bobby Okereke was the Giants' biggest defensive addition during free agency. But who will start next to him? Davis is one of the candidates after joining the team late last season. His only start during the regular season came in the finale in Philadelphia, a game that saw him register a career-high 11 total tackles (six solo) to go with a half-sack. He also started both postseason games. The veteran will have to beat out several young linebackers, including Micah McFadden and Darrian Beavers, the latter of which was one of the stars of training camp before he suffered a season-ending knee injury. This should be one of the team's more intense position battles during camp.

S Xavier McKinney

McKinney was one of the breakout stars of 2021, collecting a team-leading five interceptions. A hand injury he suffered during the bye week of the 2022 season limited him to just nine games, but the 23-year-old is healthy and should be a key on defense. Defensive coordinator Wink Martindale has a history of bringing the best out of his safeties since his days with the Ravens. And McKinney has a much-improved cast around him.

CB Deonte Banks

A strong 2022 campaign at Maryland combined with a stellar performance at the NFL Combine led to Deonte Banks being selected with the 24th overall pick. Banks' athleticism score of 98 ranked No. 1 among corners at the 2023 Combine, according to Next Gen Stats. His combination of size, speed and strength are ideal for an NFL cornerback, which is why he has a clear route toward earning the starting spot opposite Adoree' Jackson. Daboll, Martindale and defensive backs coach Jerome Henderson each raved about the rookie throughout spring practices.

View photos of every move made by the Giants during the 2023 cycle.

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