While roster-building is a year-round process, the Giants have now passed two major checkpoints in the draft and free agency. Next on the horizon is rookie minicamp, which is set to take place Friday and Saturday at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center, followed by 10 organized team practice activities (OTAs) starting on May 20.
That is when free-agent additions, draft picks, and undrafted rookies will come together with the returning players for the first time on the field. As we move closer to that marker, the Giants.com crew was asked to look back on the offseason so far and summarize the moves in one word:
John Schmeelk: Playmakers. When you take a look at the offseason as a whole, I could use a word like "stabilizing." The Giants tried to acquire players on the offensive line and in the secondary that might not be stars but should be able to step in, plug holes, and guarantee a higher floor at those spots. The best example is on the offensive line, where the Giants threw numbers at the position and added four free agents with starting experience.
But I'm not going to do that. Instead, I am going to look at the two splash acquisitions. One word comes to mind when I think of those moves: "Playmakers." First, the Giants used a high second-round pick, which could have been used to add a good player at a position of need, to add Brian Burns.
You win football games by impacting the opposing quarterback, and Burns does that. Even though the sack numbers every year might not show it, Burns has elite talent as a pass rusher. He can bend the edge and win one-on-one on any given snap. He is the consummate playmaker on the defensive line and can make key plays in the game's most important situations.
The other playmaker they added is their sixth overall pick, Malik Nabers. Nabers is someone opposing defenses will have to account for in their planning. You score points in the NFL by making explosive plays, and Nabers is an explosive play waiting to happen. He can win deep or take a short pass and run it for a touchdown from anywhere on the field. He can even work out of the backfield. He has star potential.
Safety Tyler Nubin, the Giants' second-round pick, is a playmaker in his own right. With nine interceptions in his final two college seasons and 12 in his final three, Nubin showed he has the ability to take away the football. Those plays can turn losses into wins. Much like Burns, he will impact the opposing quarterback, except from the defensive backfield.
The Giants' Day 3 picks, tight end Theo Johnson and running back Tyrone Tracy Jr., also have the physical ability to make special plays. Both are raw and don't have a huge history of production in college, but their athletic profiles indicate potential future playmakers.
Every NFL team needs playmakers. You need a certain level of natural talent to do that on a regular basis. Both Burns and Nabers have that special ability and Giants fans should be excited to see them show it off at MetLife Stadium in 2024.
View photos from the college careers of all six members of the New York Giants 2024 Draft Class.
Round 1, No. 6 - Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
Round 2, No. 47 (from SEA) - Tyler Nubin, S, Minnesota
Round 3, No. 70 - Dru Phillips, CB, Kentucky
Round 4, No. 107 - Theo Johnson, TE, Penn State
Round 5, No. 166 (from SF through CAR) - Tyrone Tracy Jr., RB, Purdue
Round 6, No. 183 - Darius Muasau, LB, UCLA
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) celebrates his first of two touchdown receptions in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Arkansas in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023. LSU won 34-31. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) celebrates after a play during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Southern in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. LSU won 65-17. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) grabs a reception that he finished with a touchdown against Georgia State cornerback Bryquice Brown (5) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) scores a touchdown on a pass reception against Texas A&M defensive back Demani Richardson (26) in the second half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023. LSU won 42-30. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) carries between Texas A&M defensive back Jacoby Mathews (2), defensive back Deuce Harmon (11) and defensive back Demani Richardson (26) in the second half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023. LSU won 42-30. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) in action during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Southern in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. LSU won 65-17. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) crosses the goal line for a touchdown on a pass reception in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Texas A&M in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) gets past Purdue safety Cam Allen after a reception during the first half of the Citrus Bowl NCAA football game Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) runs the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Southern in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) celebrates his touchdown reception in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) runs the ball past Southern cornerback Glen Brown (22) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Sep. 10, 2022. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) runs past Purdue cornerback Bryce Hampton, left, and safety Sanoussi Kane (21) on his way to a 75-yard touchdown on a pass play during the second half of the Citrus Bowl NCAA college football game Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) carries on a pass reception in the first half of an NCAA college football game against New Mexico in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) pulls in a reception to score in front of Kansas State defensive backs Reggie Stubblefield (1) and TJ Smith (7) during the second half of the Texas Bowl NCAA college football game Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
LSU wide receivers Brian Thomas Jr. (11) and Malik Nabers (8) celebrate after a touchdown by Thomas against Grambling State during an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) runs after a catch against Mississippi during the first half of an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, in Oxford, Miss. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) carries for a touchdown past Auburn safety Donovan Kaufman (5) in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) reacts after a first down reception in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Auburn in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023. LSU won 48-18. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) scores a touchdown during an NCAA college football game against Grambling State in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) looks for room past Mississippi cornerback Zamari Walton (6) and linebacker Suntarine Perkins during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) carries on a pass reception in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Auburn in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023. LSU won 48-18. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) reacts after a first down reception in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Auburn in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers catches a pass and scores a touchdown against Alabama during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) scores a touchdown against Alabama during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) pulls in a touchdown reception in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Army in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023. LSU won 62-0. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers jogs off the field after his touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Alabama, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Minnesota defensive backs Tyler Nubin (27) and Coney Durr (16) greet each other during warmups prior to an NCAA college football game against Illinois, Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)
Minnesota defensive back Tyler Nubin (27) celebrates after intercepting a Nebraska pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Minnesota defensive back Tyler Nubin (27) in action during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Illinois, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Minnesota defensive back Tyler Nubin (27) in action during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Illinois, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Minnesota defensive back Tyler Nubin (27) celebrates a stop against Nebraska on third down during the second half of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Minnesota defensive back Tyler Nubin (27) stands on the field during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Nebraska, Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Minnesota defensive back Tyler Nubin (27), top right, breaks up a pass as he upends Iowa wide receiver Diante Vines (0) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Matthew Putney)
Minnesota defensive back Tyler Nubin (27) celebrates with fans after their 12-10 win over Iowa in a NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Matthew Putney)
Minnesota defensive back Tyler Nubin (27) defends against Louisiana-Lafayette during the second half of an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023 in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
Minnesota tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford (88) and defensive back Tyler Nubin (27) slap hands during warms up before an NCAA college football game against Iowa, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Matthew Putney)
Minnesota defensive back Tyler Nubin (27) defends against Louisiana-Lafayette during the second half of an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023 in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
Nebraska's Trey Palmer, left, drops a pass as Minnesota's Tyler Nubin defends late in the fourth quarter during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, in Lincoln, Neb. Nebraska turned the ball over on downs. (AP Photo/Rebecca S. Gratz)
Minnesota defensive backs Jordan Howden (23) and Tyler Nubin (27) celebrate during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Colorado, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)
Minnesota defensive back Tyler Nubin, left, intercepts a pass intended for Rutgers wide receiver Sean Ryan (5), middle, during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Nebraska's Trey Palmer, left, drops a pass against Minnesota's Tyler Nubin to turn over possession on downs to Minnesota with 1:12 remaining in the fourth quarter during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, in Lincoln, Neb. Minnesota defeated Nebraska 20-13. (AP Photo/Rebecca S. Gratz)
Minnesota defensive back Tyler Nubin, right, intercepts a pass intended for Purdue wide receiver TJ Sheffield (8) during the first half an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)
Minnesota defensive back Tyler Nubin falls back in coverage against Maryland during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Oct. 30, 2020, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Minnesota defensive back Tyler Nubin (27) on the field during pregame warmups prior to an NCAA college football game against Illinois, Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021, in Minneapolis. Illinois won 14-6. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)
Minnesota defensive back Tyler Nubin, right, intercepts a pass intended for Miami-Ohio wide receiver Austin Robinson during the second half of an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, in Minneapolis. Minnesota won 31-26. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)
Minnesota defensive back Tyler Nubin (27) runs back an interception in the first half during an NCAA college football game against Indiana in Bloomington, Ind., Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Minnesota defensive back Tyler Nubin celebrates a stop against Michigan in the first quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020, in Minneapolis. Michigan won 49-24. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
Minnesota defensive back Tyler Nubin (27) on the field during pregame warmups prior to an NCAA college football game against Illinois, Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021, in Minneapolis. Illinois won 14-6. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)
Kentucky defensive back Andru Phillips plays against Miami Ohio during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, in Lexington, Ky. (AP Photo/John Amis)
Kentucky defensive back Dru Phillips runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Kentucky defensive back Dru Phillips runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Kentucky defensive back Dru Phillips runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Kentucky defensive back Dru Phillips runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Kentucky defensive back Dru Phillips runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Kentucky defensive back Dru Phillips runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Kentucky defensive back Andru Phillips (23) tackles Florida running back Trevor Etienne (7) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. (AP Photo/Michelle Haas Hutchins)
Kentucky defensive back Andru Phillips gestures to an official during the second half of the team's NCAA college football game against Georgia, Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/Hakim Wright Sr.)
Kentucky defensive back Andru Phillips (23) and defensive back Zion Childress (11) celebrate a defensive play during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Florida in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. (AP Photo/Michelle Haas Hutchins)
Kentucky defensive back Andru Phillips (23) tackles Florida running back Trevor Etienne (7) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. (AP Photo/Michelle Haas Hutchins)
American defensive back Andru Phillips of Kentucky (0) runs through drills during practice for the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game, Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/ Butch Dill)
Kentucky defensive back Andru Phillips (23) tackles Akron wide receiver Jasaiah Gathings (14) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Michelle Haas Hutchins)
Kentucky defensive back Andru Phillips (23) celebrates after a fumble recovery during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Akron in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Michelle Haas Hutchins)
Kentucky defensive back Andru Phillips (23) tackles Akron wide receiver Jasaiah Gathings (14) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Michelle Haas Hutchins)
Kentucky defensive back Andru Phillips (23) plays against Vanderbilt in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Kentucky defensive back Andru Phillips (23) congratulates teammates on the sidelines during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Akron in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Michelle Haas Hutchins)
Kentucky defensive back Andru Phillips (23) looks to the sideline during an NCAA college football game against Ball State in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023. (AP Photo/Michelle Haas Hutchins)
Kentucky defensive back Andru Phillips (23) reaches for the tackle as Akron wide receiver Bobby Golden (4) fumbles the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Michelle Haas Hutchins)
Tennessee wide receiver Squirrel White (10) cannot hold onto a pass as he is defended by Kentucky defensive back Andru Phillips (23) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Kentucky defensive back Andru Phillips (23) breaks up a reception attempt by Vanderbilt wide receiver Will Sheppard (14) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022. (AP Photo/Michael Clubb)
Kentucky defensive back Andru Phillips (23) runs after the play during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Ball State in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023. (AP Photo/Michelle Haas Hutchins)
Penn State tight end Theo Johnson (84) during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Maryland, Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Penn State tight end Theo Johnson (84) in action during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Maryland, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Penn State tight end Theo Johnson against Maryland during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)
Penn State tight end Theo Johnson (84) runs into the end zone for a touchdown against Mississippi cornerback Zamari Walton (6) during the first half of the Peach Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Penn State tight end Theo Johnson (84) celebrates his touchdown with offensive lineman Olumuyiwa Fashanu (74) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Maryland, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
National tight end Theo Johnson of Penn State (84) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/ Butch Dill)
Penn State tight end Theo Johnson plays against Ohio State during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Penn State tight end Theo Johnson (84) scores a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Maryland, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Penn State tight end Theo Johnson (84) eludes Massachusetts safety Tyler Rudolph (2) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Penn State tight end Theo Johnson plays against Ohio State during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Penn State tight end Theo Johnson (84) scores a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Massachusetts, Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Penn State tight end Theo Johnson (84) runs during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Massachusetts, Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Penn State tight end Theo Johnson (84) carries the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Delaware, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Penn State tight end Theo Johnson (84) runs the ball during the first half in the Rose Bowl NCAA college football game against Utah Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Penn State tight end Theo Johnson (84) reacts to a play during the first half in the Rose Bowl NCAA college football game against Utah Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Penn State tight end Theo Johnson (84) scores a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Michigan State, Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Penn State tight end Theo Johnson (84) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Michigan State, Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Penn State tight end Theo Johnson (84) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Michigan State, Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Penn State tight end Theo Johnson (84) scores a first half touchdown in front of Minnesota defensive back Jordan Howden (23) during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Penn State tight end Theo Johnson (84) slips out of a tackle by Indiana defensive back Tiawan Mullen (3) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, in Bloomington, Ind. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)
*Penn State tight end Theo Johnson (84) breaks away from Maryland defensive back Beau Brade (25) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Penn State tight end Theo Johnson (84) runs a route against Maryland during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Penn State tight end Theo Johnson (84) celebrates a first down catch during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game in State College, Pa., on Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Purdue wide receiver Tyrone Tracy Jr. in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)
Purdue running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (3) cuts away from Minnesota defensive back Darius Green (12) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in West Lafayette, Ind., Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Purdue running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (3) runs against Wisconsin during the second half of an NCAA college football game in West Lafayette, Ind., Friday, Sept. 22, 2023. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Purdue running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (3) runs against Indiana during the second half of an NCAA college football game in West Lafayette, Ind., Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023. Purdue defeated Indiana 35-31. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Purdue running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (3) in action during an NCAA college football game between Purdue and Syracuse in West Lafayette, Ind., Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023. Syracuse won 35-20. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Purdue's Tyrone Tracy Jr. (3) carries the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football against Virginia Tech, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, in Blacksburg, Va. (AP Photo/Robert Simmons)
Purdue running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (3) scores a touchdown agasint Syracuse during the second half of an NCAA college football game in West Lafayette, Ind., Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Purdue running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (3) runs against Illinois during the second half of an NCAA college football game in West Lafayette, Ind., Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Purdue running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (3) cuts around sWisconsin safety Preston Zachman (14) on his way to a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game in West Lafayette, Ind., Friday, Sept. 22, 2023. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Purdue running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (3) during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, in West Lafayette, Ind. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)
Purdue running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (3) reacts after stopping the Fresno State offense during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, in West Lafayette, Ind. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)
Purdue running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (3) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during an NCAA football game against Fresno State on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, in West Lafayette, Ind. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)
Purdue running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (3) looks for a route out of the backfield during an NCAA football game against Fresno State on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, in West Lafayette, Ind. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)
Purdue wide receiver Tyrone Tracy (3) celebrates after running for a 20-yard gain during the first half of the Big Ten championship NCAA college football game against Michigan, Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Purdue wide receiver Tyrone Tracy Jr. in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)
Purdue running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (3) runs the ball into the end zone to score during an NCAA football game against Fresno State on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, in West Lafayette, Ind. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)
Purdue wide receiver Tyrone Tracy (3) celebrates after running for a 20-yard gain during the first half of the Big Ten championship NCAA college football game against Michigan, Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Purdue wide receiver Tyrone Tracy (3) runs with the ball as Michigan defensive back DJ Turner (5) and linebacker Junior Colson (25) defend during the first half of the Big Ten championship NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Purdue wide receiver Tyrone Tracy (3) during an NCAA football game on Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022, in West Lafayette, Ind. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)
Purdue wide receiver Tyrone Tracy (3) cuts between Northwestern defensive back Rod Heard II (24) and defensive back Devin Turner (23) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in West Lafayette, Ind., Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Purdue wide receiver Tyrone Tracy (3) during an NCAA football game on Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022, in West Lafayette, Ind. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)
Purdue wide receiver Tyrone Tracy Jr. in action against Minnesota during the first half an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, in Minneapolis. Purdue won 20-10. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)
Purdue wide receiver Tyrone Tracy Jr. in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)
South Alabama quarterback Carter Bradley (2) is threatened by UCLA linebacker Darius Muasau (53) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Pasadena, Calif., Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
UCLA linebacker Darius Muasau (53) and defensive lineman Jay Toia (93) tackle Coastal Carolina quarterback Grayson McCall (10) during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
Southern California running back Raleek Brown, left, is tackled by UCLA linebacker Darius Muasau during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
UCLA linebacker Darius Muasau (53) in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
UCLA linebackers Darius Muasau (53) and Oluwafemi Oladejo (2) and defensive lineman Gabriel Murphy (11) celebrate after a stop of Arizona State during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
UCLA defensive lineman Laiatu Latu (15) and linebacker Darius Muasau (53) celebrate after a sack during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Southern California in Los Angeles, Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
West's Solomon Byrd, center, of USC, and Darius Muasau, of UCLA, react after a play during the first half of the East West Shrine Bowl NCAA college football game in Frisco, Texas, Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
UCLA linebacker Darius Muasau (53) tackles Washington State quarterback Cameron Ward (1) for a sack during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
North Carolina Central wide receiver Joaquin Davis, left, is tackled by UCLA linebacker Darius Muasau during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
UCLA linebacker Darius Muasau (53) celebrates with linebacker JonJon Vaughns (21) after a stop during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Stanford in Pasadena, Calif., Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
South Alabama quarterback Carter Bradley (2) is threatened by UCLA linebacker Darius Muasau (53) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Pasadena, Calif., Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Pittsburgh tight end Karter Johnson (8) is tackled by UCLA linebacker Darius Muasau (53) during the first half of the Sun Bowl NCAA college football game, Friday, Dec. 30, 2022 in El Paso, Texas. (AP Photo/Andres Leighton)
UCLA linebacker Darius Muasau runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
UCLA linebacker Darius Muasau runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
UCLA linebacker Darius Muasau runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine, Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
UCLA linebacker Darius Muasau runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
UCLA linebacker Darius Muasau runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
UCLA linebacker Darius Muasau runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
UCLA linebacker Darius Muasau runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
UCLA linebacker Darius Muasau runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Dan Salomone: Calculated. In the NFL, additions often come at the expense of subtractions. The Giants added two-time Pro Bowler Brian Burns, potentially multiple starters on the offensive line, a dynamic playmaker in Malik Nabers with the sixth overall draft choice, and two pieces of the secondary with top-70 picks. They also subtracted, among others, Saquon Barkley and Xavier McKinney in free agency.
General managers have the difficult task of balancing short-term needs and long-term plans because you can't get to the latter without the former. Now, having gone through three cycles of the draft and free agency, Schoen likes the state of the roster in terms of doing both. The Giants have key players under contract for more than one year, a list that includes Burns, Dexter Lawrence, Kayvon Thibodeaux, Bobby Okereke, and Deonte Banks on the defense alone.
"You've got a young core group of players that will be able to be together," Schoen said. "Again, I know people want instant gratification, but it takes time to build this, and then over time, you have guys that are able to create continuity because they play together year over year. It was something we experienced in Buffalo. By the time we left, some of those guys had been playing together for four years in the same exact scheme, same defense, and playing together. I think that's important from communication and just being on the same page when you're playing as one and everybody knowing their job."
Schoen added, "We still have work to do, and I just think it's year three and we are just going to continue to build the roster and the team. I think where we are with some of the contract status … you can keep a core group together over a two- to three-year window, and you have another offseason and another draft, and then you look up and there's some really good pieces on the table."
The Giants entered Phase 2 of the offseason workout program at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center.
DL Dexter Lawrence II (97)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
WR Wan'Dale Robinson (17)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
CB Deonte Banks (3)
OLB Azeez Ojulari (51)
Brian Daboll Head Coach
CB Nick McCloud (44)
CB Cor'Dale Flott (28)
RB Devin Singletary (26)
DB Jalen Mills (21)
TE Daniel Bellinger (82)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
WR Isaiah Hodgins (18)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
CB Cor'Dale Flott (28)
DL Dexter Lawrence II (97)
WR Gunner Olszewski (80)
WR Miles Boykin (81)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
OLB Boogie Basham (55)
OLB Tomon Fox (45)
TE Lawrence Cager (83)
TE Chris Manhertz (85)
CB Nick McCloud (44)
Brian Daboll Head Coach
DL Rakeem Nuñez-Roches (93)
TE Jack Stoll (89)
TE Daniel Bellinger (82)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
WR Bryce Ford-Wheaton (6)
TE Tyree Jackson (84)
OLB Jeremiah Martin (53)
WR Isaiah Hodgins (18)
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
TE Lawrence Cager (83)
OLB Boogie Basham (55)
CB Nick McCloud (44)
Brian Daboll Head Coach
WR Isaiah Hodgins (18)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
TE Lawrence Cager (83)
OLB Tomon Fox (45)
CB Cor'Dale Flott (28)
DL Rakeem Nuñez-Roches (93)
WR Miles Boykin (81)
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
RB Devin Singletary (26)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
QB Daniel Jones (8)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
RB Eric Gray (20)
QB Drew Lock (2), QB Tommy DeVito (15)
ILB Bobby Okereke (58)
RB Jashaun Corbin (35)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
QB Daniel Jones (8)
RB Jashaun Corbin (35)
QB Tommy DeVito (15)
RB Dante Miller (25)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
QB Tommy DeVito (15)
WR Isaiah Hodgins (18)
RB Devin Singletary (26)
RB Eric Gray (20)
RB Dante Miller (25)
WR Isaiah Hodgins (18)
RB Devin Singletary (26)
CB Deonte Banks (3)
RB Dante Miller (25)
DB Kaleb Hayes (38)
RB Dante Miller (25)
QB Tommy DeVito (15)
RB Devin Singletary (26)
DB Jalen Mills (21)
S Dane Belton (24)
LB Matthew Adams (49)
CB Cor'Dale Flott (28)
S Jason Pinnock (27)
S Jason Pinnock (27)
ILB Carter Coughlin (52)
S Gervarrius Owens (39)
LB Matthew Adams (49)
S Gervarrius Owens (39)
RB Devin Singletary (26)
LB Matthew Adams (49)
ILB Carter Coughlin (52)
TE Chris Manhertz (85)
ILB Darrian Beavers (43)
CB Darnay Holmes (30)
TE Tyree Jackson (84)
TE Chris Manhertz (85)
CB Stantley Thomas-Oliver III (36)
OLB Boogie Basham (55), S/ILB Isaiah Simmons (19)
CB Cor'Dale Flott (28)
CB Tre Hawkins III (37)
TE Lawrence Cager (83)
CB Darnay Holmes (30)
RB Dante Miller (25)
TE Lawrence Cager (83)
RB Devin Singletary (26)
WR Isaiah Hodgins (18)
TE Lawrence Cager (83)
CB Cor'Dale Flott (28)
QB Drew Lock (2)
RB Devin Singletary (26)
TE Tyree Jackson (84)
OLB Boogie Basham (55), S/ILB Isaiah Simmons (19)
WR Dennis Houston (88)
Brian Daboll Head Coach
S Dane Belton (24)
Michael Treier Safeties Coach
RB Devin Singletary (26)
RB Dante Miller (25)
RB Eric Gray (20)
TE Lawrence Cager (83)
TE Chris Manhertz (85)
RB Jashaun Corbin (35)
OLB Jeremiah Martin (53)
OLB Azeez Ojulari (51)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
OLB Tomon Fox (49)
ILB Bobby Okereke (58)
Joel Thomas Running Backs Coach
OLB Jeremiah Martin (53)
QB Drew Lock (2)
Joel Thomas Running Backs Coach
Deonte Banks
Kayvon Thibodeaux
Dexter Lawrence II
Timmy Horne
Jordon Riley
Kayvon Thibodeaux
Aaron Stinnie
Dane Belton
Micah McFadden
Brian Burns
Jashaun Corbin
Brian Burns
Isaiah Hodgins
Bobby Okereke
Kayvon Thibodeaux
Bobby Okereke
Casey Keiter
Jamie Gillan
Brian Burns
Devin Singletary
Kayvon Thibodeaux
Kayvon Thibodeaux
Jalen Mills
Devin Singletary
Wan'Dale Robinson
Graham Gano
Jalen Mills
Aaron Stinnie
Andrew Thomas
Andrew Thomas
Joshua Ezeudu
Isaiah Hodgins
Eric Gray
Drew Lock
Aaron Stinnie
Isaiah Simmons
Nick McCloud
Andrew Thomas
Gervarrius Owens
Jason Pinnock
Aaron Stinnie
Devin Singletary
John Michael Schmitz Jr.
Brian Burns
Cor'Dale Flott
Andrew Thomas
Evan Neal
Kayvon Thibodeaux
Andrew Thomas
Eric Gray
Darnay Holmes
Daniel Bellinger
Matt Citak: Durability. I wouldn't be going out on a limb by saying the Giants' 2023 campaign was derailed by injuries. The rash of them led to constant changes in the starting lineup on both sides of the ball, which prevented the Giants from finding a true sense of stability. Due to all of this, it became clear early on during free agency that Joe Schoen was targeting a certain type of player this offseason, one that exemplifies the team's motto "smart, tough, dependable." That is why the word I'm using to describe the team's offseason moves is "durability."
The Giants prioritized players that have proven their ability to stay on the field. The team's big acquisition this offseason was the trade for outside linebacker Brian Burns, who comes to the Giants having never missed more than one game in a season since entering the NFL in 2019. Jon Runyan Jr., who hasn't missed a single game in his four-year NFL career, was brought in to help solidify the offensive line, as was Jermaine Eluemunor, who has played all 17 games in back-to-back seasons. Running back Devin Singletary, meanwhile, has missed only one game over the last four years. See a common theme? The same idea carries over to the draft class. Malik Nabers didn't miss a game over his last two seasons at LSU, while Tyler Nubin recently revealed he played six games on a torn meniscus last year, waiting until after the season was over to get surgery. Dru Phillips and Tyrone Tracy Jr. each missed only one game total over the last two years, Theo Johnson missed just two games total over the last three seasons, and Darius Muasau didn't miss any time due to injury over his five collegiate seasons.
While you never know what might happen during the course of an NFL season, the Giants' offseason moves clearly show they are hoping to avoid a repeat of last year in terms of the number of games missed due to injury.
"I'd say the college scouts, Joe, and his staff, have done a really good job of identifying these traits that we covet," head coach Brian Daboll said after Day 2 of the draft. "Toughness being probably near the top. And all three of the players that we've acquired so far, really fit that mold in terms of, I'd say mentally tough and physically tough. I think that's important."
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