The Giants.com crew is presented with four statements and must decide whether they are Fact or Fiction.
Deonte Banks is the top breakout candidate on defense this year.
John Schmeelk: Fact – He showed all the traits everyone wanted to see as a young starting cornerback last year. I expect with a year of NFL experience under his belt, he will only get better. I am interested to see how Banks operates in more zone coverages, which Shane Bowen will employ. Banks did get his interceptions while playing zone last season, so there's a good chance his ball production will improve.
Dan Salomone: Fact – Now wearing No. 3, Banks should only continue to grow and make a name for himself. Longtime defensive backs coach Jerome Henderson knows what sets elite cornerbacks apart from the others. It isn't the physical attributes – which Banks has – but it's more about the demeanor.
"He really likes the challenge of, OK, I get the best guy on the games we did match and travel him," Henderson said. "He likes that challenge. He's got to still grow into studying and preparing and being ready to go and playing at a high level and understanding how the game changes and what's happening within the game. But he absolutely likes that challenge, and he'll get some more of it."
Lance Medow: Fact – I'll go with Deonte Banks, but Dane Belton is a sneaky choice because if he earns a bigger role as a safety, he could make the most of his opportunities after showing some flashes in a small sample size. Banks is coming off a promising rookie campaign, and with more games under his belt and comfort on the NFL level, his trajectory should head upwards in 2024, despite having to learn a new scheme.
Matt Citak: Fiction – Banks would be in my top three, but my No. 1 breakout candidate on the defensive side of the ball this year is Brian Burns. Is it unfair to pick a two-time Pro Bowler as a breakout candidate? Maybe. But I believe Burns could take the next step and become one of the top pass rushers in the NFL this upcoming season, especially with Kayvon Thibodeaux and Dexter Lawrence joining him in the pass rush. While he has totaled 46 sacks through his first five seasons, Burns has reached double-digit sacks in a season only once. I think he will clear that number this season, with Thibodeaux not far behind him.
Wan'Dale Robinson is the top breakout candidate on offense this year.
John Schmeelk: Fiction – I think Wan'Dale Robinson will have a good year, but I also think the Giants will add a wide receiver in the draft, which might take away some of his targets. I also think Jalin Hyatt will be a bigger part of the offense, not to mention Darius Slayton's consistent production. I know there won't be any official statistics to prove it, but I am going to go with John Michael Schmitz. He not only had to deal with the challenges of being a rookie center in the NFL last year, but he also had an early-season injury take him off the field. Until the end of the season, he also never had the same guards playing on either side of him. After an offseason getting stronger, I expect him to show that he is a good starter in the NFL.
Dan Salomone: Fact – He seems to get better the more he touches the ball in a game. Now healthy, he should be able to extrapolate that to an entire season.
Lance Medow: Fact – Wan'Dale Robinson suffered a torn ACL during his rookie campaign in 2022 and didn't start to show flashes of his old self until the second half of 2023. With another offseason ahead and more time removed from a significant knee injury, Robinson could become a consistent weapon for the Giants in his third year in the league, an expected breakout campaign for most players at that position. Robinson's ability to rack up yardage after the catch is an appealing element of his game and a dangerous facet that can be utilized as an extension of the run game.
Matt Citak: Fact – We have yet to see a full season of Robinson healthy. Despite missing the first two games of the 2023 campaign, Robinson still led the team with 60 receptions last year. He really seemed to get going in the second half of the season, with at least five receptions and 75 total yards of offense in three of the last five games. The third-year wideout could be looking at a big step in his development in 2024.
"You know who's really a sleeper? Wan'Dale Robinson from New York," Cowboys All-Pro receiver CeeDee Lamb said on a podcast a few months ago. "He's so fast. He's so nice. His routes are crazy."
View photos of the New York Giants' 2023 rookie class in action.
C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
RB Eric Gray (20)
New York Giants cornerback Tre Hawkins III (37)
NT Jordan Riley (95)
S Gervarrius Owens (39)
New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (15) during a week 11 NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, November 19, 2023 in Landover, Maryland. (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
CB Deonte Banks (25)
CB Tre Hawkins III (37)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
QB Tommy DeVito (15)
CB Deonte Banks (25)
QB Tommy DeVito (15)
CB Deonte Banks (25)
CB Deonte Banks (25)
RB Eric Gray (20)
CB Tre Hawkins III (37)
S Gervarrius Owens (39)
CB Deonte Banks (25)
S Gervarrius Owens (39)
S Gervarrius Owens (39)
S Gervarrius Owens (39)
S Gervarrius Owens (39)
CB Deonte Banks (25)
S Gervarrius Owens (39)
CB Tre Hawkins III (37)
CB Deonte Banks (25), OLB Jihad Ward (55)
CB Tre Hawkins III (37), S Gervarrius Owens (39)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61), G Ben Bredeson (68)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) and Tommy DeVito celebrate after a catch during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 19, 2023 in Landover, Maryland. (Mikey Owens/NFL)
CB Deonte Banks (25)
RB Eric Gray (20), WR Wan'Dale Robinson (17)
QB Tommy DeVito (15)
QB Tommy DeVito (15)
C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61)
DT Jordon Riley (95), S Dane Belton (24)
CB Deonte Banks (25)
RB Eric Gray (20)
RB Eric Gray (20)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
DT Jordon Riley (95)
CB Tre Hawkins III (37)
DT Jordon Riley (95)
CB Tre Hawkins III (37)
DT Jordon Riley (95)
CB Deonte Banks (25)
CB Tre Hawkins III (37)
RB Eric Gray (20)
CB Deonte Banks (25)
C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61)
CB Deonte Banks (25)
C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61)
QB Tommy DeVito (15)
CB Tre Hawkins III (37)
RB Eric Gray (20)
S Gervarrius Owens (39), CB Darnay Holmes (30)
S Gervarrius Owens (39)
QB Tommy DeVito (15)
C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61)
CB Tre Hawkins III (37)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
QB Tommy DeVito (15)
CB Tre Hawkins III (37)
QB Tommy DeVito (15)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13), Sauce Gardner
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
S Gervarrius Owens (39)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
CB Deonte Banks (25)
CB Deonte Banks (25)
RB Eric Gray (20)
CB Tre Hawkins III (37)
RB Eric Gray (20)
CB Tre Hawkins III (37)
RB Eric Gray (20)
RB Eric Gray (20)
CB Tre Hawkins III (37)
RB Eric Gray (20)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
CB Tre Hawkins III (37)
CB Deonte Banks (25)
RB Eric Gray (20)
CB Deonte Banks (25)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
CB Tre Hawkins III (37)
QB Tommy DeVito (15)
QB Tommy DeVito (15)
RB Eric Gray (20)
CB Deonte Banks (25)
CB Deonte Banks (25)
DT Jordon Riley (95)
C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
DT Jordon Riley (95)
RB Eric Gray (20)
DT Jordon Riley (95)
New York Giants defensive tackle Jordon Riley (95) during a week 6 NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, October 15, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
S Gervarrius Owens (39)
DT Jordon Riley (95)
New York Giants running back Eric Gray (20) during a week 6 NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, October 15, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
DT Jordon Riley (95) during training camp practice on July 30, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants cornerback Tre Hawkins III (37) during a week 6 NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, October 15, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) and center John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61) during an week 2 NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, Arizona (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants running back Eric Gray (20) during a week 6 NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, October 15, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (15) during a week 9 NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, November 5, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada, (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants wide receiver Jalin Hyatt (13) during a week 2 NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, Arizona (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants center John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61) during an week 2 NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, Arizona (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (15) during a week 11 NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, November 19, 2023 in Landover, Maryland. (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
CB Tre Hawkins III (37)
New York Giants center John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61) during a week 9 NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, November 5, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada, (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants center John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61) during an week 2 NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, Arizona (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants cornerback Deonte Banks (25) during a week 11 NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, November 19, 2023 in Landover, Maryland. (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
QB Tommy DeVito (15)
DT Jordon Riley (95)
New York Giants cornerback Deonte Banks (25) during a week 8 NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, October 29, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants running back Eric Gray (20) during a week 5 NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, October 8, 2023 in Miami, Florida (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (15) during a week 11 NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, November 19, 2023 in Landover, Maryland. (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (15) and Saquon Barkley (26) during a week 8 NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, October 29, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) celebrates a touchdown catch with New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (15) during a week 11 NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, November 19, 2023 in Landover, Maryland. (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants running back Eric Gray (20) during a week 5 NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, October 8, 2023 in Miami, Florida (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
QB Tommy DeVito (15)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (15) during a week 10 NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, November 12, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (15) during a week 10 NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, November 12, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants center John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61) during a week 11 NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, November 19, 2023 in Landover, Maryland. (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants running back Eric Gray (20) during a week 4 NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks Monday October 2, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants center John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61) during a week 8 NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, October 29, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (15) during a week 10 NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, November 12, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants running back Eric Gray (20) during a week 4 NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks Monday October 2, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
CB Deonte Banks (25)
New York Giants running back Eric Gray (20) during a week 4 NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks Monday October 2, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants cornerback Deonte Banks (25) during a week 7 NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, October 22, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants cornerback Deonte Banks (25) intercepts a pass during a week 7 NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, October 22, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants wide receiver Jalin Hyatt (13) during a week 7 NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, October 22, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants cornerback Tre Hawkins III (37) during a week 10 NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, November 12, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants center John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61) during a week 10 NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, November 12, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants cornerback Tre Hawkins III (37) during a week 10 NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, November 12, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
CB Deonte Banks (25)
New York Giants center John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61) before a week 8 NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, October 29, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants cornerback Tre Hawkins III (37) during an week 1 NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, September 10, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants center John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61) during an week 1 NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, September 10, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants safety Gervarrius Owens (39) during a week 7 NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, October 22, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants center John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61) during an week 1 NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, September 10, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants cornerback Tre Hawkins III (37) during a week 3 NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Thursday, September 21, 2023 in Santa Clara, California (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants safety Gervarrius Owens (39) during a week 7 NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, October 22, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants center John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61) during a week 3 NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Thursday, September 21, 2023 in Santa Clara, California (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants defensive tackle Jordon Riley (95) during an week 1 NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, September 10, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (15) during a week 10 NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, November 12, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants wide receiver Jalin Hyatt (13) during a week 7 NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, October 22, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants center John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61) during an week 1 NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, September 10, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants wide receiver Jalin Hyatt (13) during a week 7 NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, October 22, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
QB Tommy DeVito (15)
New York Giants wide receiver Jalin Hyatt (13) during a week 7 NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, October 22, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
QB Tommy DeVito (15)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
QB Tommy DeVito (15)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
CB Deonte Banks (25)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
NT Jordan Riley (95)
C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61)
NT Jordan Riley (95)
C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13), QB Tommy DeVito (15)
WR Jalin Hyatt (84)
C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61), QB Tommy DeVito (15)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
CB Tre Hawkins III (37)
C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61)
RB Eric Gray (20)
CB Tre Hawkins III (37)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
QB Tommy DeVito (15)
RB Eric Gray (20)
QB Tommy DeVito (15)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
RB Eric Gray (20)
C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
RB Eric Gray (20)
CB Deonte Banks (25)
C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61)
CB Tre Hawkins III (37)
QB Tommy DeVito (15)
C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61)
CB Deonte Banks (25)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
CB Deonte Banks (25)
CB Deonte Banks (25)
QB Tommy DeVito (15)
CB Tre Hawkins III (37)
CB Tre Hawkins III (37)
CB Deonte Banks (25)
QB Tommy DeVito (15)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
CB Deonte Banks (25)
QB Tommy DeVito (15)
New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (15) during a week 14 NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers, Monday, December 11, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (15) during a week 14 NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers, Monday, December 11, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (15) during a week 14 NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers, Monday, December 11, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants wide receiver Jalin Hyatt (13) during a week 14 NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers, Monday, December 11, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants center John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61) during a week 14 NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers, Monday, December 11, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants defensive tackle Jordon Riley (95) during a week 16 NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Monday, December 25, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants wide receiver Jalin Hyatt (13) during a week 14 NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers, Monday, December 11, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants defensive tackle Jordon Riley (95) during a week 16 NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Monday, December 25, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants center John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61) during a week 16 NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Monday, December 25, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (15) during a week 14 NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers, Monday, December 11, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants defensive tackle Jordon Riley (95) during a week 16 NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Monday, December 25, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (15) during a week 16 NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Monday, December 25, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (15) during a week 14 NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers, Monday, December 11, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (15) during a week 16 NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Monday, December 25, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants cornerback Deonte Banks (25) during a week 16 NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Monday, December 25, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
CB Tre Hawkins III (37)
New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (15) during a week 16 NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Monday, December 25, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants cornerback Tre Hawkins III (37) during a week 17 NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, December 31, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (15) during a week 16 NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Monday, December 25, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants running back Eric Gray (20) during a week 15 NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, December 17, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants center John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61) during a week 17 NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, December 31, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
RB Eric Gray (20)
RB Eric Gray (20)
New York Giants cornerback Deonte Banks (25) during a week 15 NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, December 17, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (15) during a week 15 NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, December 17, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (15) during a week 15 NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, December 17, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
RB Eric Gray (20)
RB Eric Gray (20)
QB Tommy DeVito (15)
QB Tommy DeVito (15), C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61)
CB Tre Hawkins III (37)
New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (15) a week 14 NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers, Monday, December 11, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants center John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61) before a week 14 NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers, Monday, December 11, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
RB Eric Gray (20)
CB Tre Hawkins III (37)
New York Giants center John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61) during a week 17 NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, December 31, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants wide receiver Jalin Hyatt (13) during a week 17 NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, December 31, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants wide receiver Jalin Hyatt (13) during a week 17 NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, December 31, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
CB Tre Hawkins III (37)
S Gervarrius Owens (39)
New York Giants center John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61) during a week 17 NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, December 31, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants wide receiver Jalin Hyatt (13) during a week 17 NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, December 31, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
WR Sterling Shepard (3), QB Tommy DeVito (15)
CB Tre Hawkins III (37)
CB Deonte Banks (25)
TE Daniel Bellinger (82), C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61), P Jamie Gillan (6), K Randy Bullock (46)
CB Deonte Banks (25)
Dane Belton has the most to gain this year with a jump on the defensive side of the ball.
John Schmeelk: Fiction – Belton is a good choice here, and I can't argue against it. If he plays well, there's a good chance he is a starter Week 1. But I am going to go with Cor'Dale Flott because cornerback is the more essential position, and there could be an opportunity to start at either outside or nickel cornerback this season. Flott played outside more as a rookie but moved inside last year. The Giants need him to find a spot where he can play well and be comfortable throughout the season. He will have a chance to show what he can do in Shane Bowen's new system this spring in OTAs.
Dan Salomone: Fact – Belton just seems to make a play every time he is on the field, starting with a fumble recovery on the opening kickoff of his NFL debut.
Lance Medow: Fact – This is exactly why I referenced Dane Belton's name in my response to the first statement. In two starts last season, the 2022 fourth-round pick had eight tackles (two for loss), two interceptions, a quarterback hit and fumble recovery. Belton played at least 74 percent of the defensive snaps in each of the final two regular season games in place of the injured Jason Pinnock. The only other game in 2023 where he logged more than 70 percent of the snaps was Week 5 in Miami. I'd be very curious to see Dane's production as a regular contributor on defense.
Matt Citak: Fact – Belton was on the field for 39 percent of the team's defensive snaps as a rookie in 2022 and just 26 percent of the defensive snaps last season. Despite the limited playing time, the young safety recorded two interceptions each year along with a total of three fumble recoveries. With Xavier McKinney now in Green Bay, Belton has a prime opportunity to earn more playing time.
Jalin Hyatt has the most to gain this year with a jump on the offensive side of the ball.
John Schmeelk: Fiction – I think whether he has a huge jump or not, Jalin Hyatt is going to be a big part of the passing game. I am not so sure about Eric Gray. With no other proven running back on the roster other than Devin Singletary, Gray could have a chance to earn a large share of backfield work once the season starts. He is a good receiver and elusive with the ball in his hands.
Dan Salomone: Fact – The Giants have a lot to gain with him, too. They know they need more explosive plays in the passing game, and that is exactly Hyatt's calling card.
Lance Medow: Fact – We're going with the full fact sweep this week. If Darren Waller decides to hang up the cleats, Daniel Bellinger is a strong contender here, as is Eric Gray. But with Devin Singletary now in the mix in the backfield, it's hard to tell where exactly Gray fits into the equation. That's why Jalin Hyatt is the most sensible choice. He played 51 percent of the offensive snaps in 2023 but had only five or more targets in a contest three times in 17 games. When you take that latter stat into consideration, he could easily increase his production if given additional at-bats.
Matt Citak: Fiction – I'm going with Evan Neal, who missed the final eight games of last season with a foot injury. The Giants went out and signed veteran Jermaine Eluemunor this offseason, who has experience at both guard and tackle. If Neal can solidify himself as the team's right tackle, not only would that help his own career, but it would also benefit the whole line as Eluemunor could then start at one of the guard spots.
"We're still getting Evan back healthy," general manager Joe Schoen said at the NFL Annual Meeting last month. "He is rehabbing his foot, and he has been in the building last two months getting healthy. We'll see when he gets back how he is. I know it's a big year three for him, so looking forward to it."
NFL Media analyst Daniel Jeremiah released his updated ranking of the top 50 prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft.
No. 50 Max Melton, CB, Rutgers
No. 49 Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona
No. 48 Maason Smith, DT, LSU
No. 47 Roman Wilson, WR, Michigan
No. 46 Marshawn Kneeland, Edge, Western Michigan
No. 45 Malachi Corley, WR, Western Kentucky
No. 44 Junior Colson, LB, Michigan
No. 43 Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State
No. 42 Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon
No. 41 Payton Wilson, LB, N.C. State
No. 40 Ricky Pearsall, WR, Florida
No. 39 Darius Robinson, Edge, Missouri
No. 38 Braden Fiske, DT, Florida State
No. 37 Zach Frazier, IOL, West Virginia
No. 36 Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
No. 35 Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas
No. 34 Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia
No. 33 Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington
No. 32 Jer'Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois
No. 31 Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
No. 30 Jackson Powers-Johnson, IOL, Oregon
No. 29 Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
No. 28 Ennis Rakestraw Jr., CB, Missouri
No. 27 Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas
No. 26 Edgerrin Cooper, LB, Texas A&M
No. 25 Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa
No. 24 Graham Barton, IOL, Duke
No. 23 Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma
No. 22 Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
No. 21 Chop Robinson, Edge, Penn State
No. 20 J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
No. 19 Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas
No. 18 JC Latham, OT, Alabama
No. 17 Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
No. 16 Laiatu Latu, Edge, UCLA
No. 15 Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State
No. 14 Jared Verse, Edge, Florida State
No. 13 Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
No. 12 Dallas Turner, Edge, Alabama
No. 11 Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington
No. 10 Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
No. 9 Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
No. 8 Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
No. 7 Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
No. 6 Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
No. 5 Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
No. 4 Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
No. 3 Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
No. 2 Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
No. 1 Caleb Williams, QB, USC
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