With the calendar flipped to July, Giants.com asks 21 important questions heading into the team's 2021 training camp at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center.
For 21 days, a member of the Giants.com crew will answer one question about the roster, coaching staff, schedule, and much more.
No. 9: Who is a sleeper player to watch on the roster?
Lance Medow: The Giants were very aggressive this offseason, adding several players through free agency and the draft at various positions. That's why it's very easy to overlook former Vikings edge rusher Ifeadi Odenigbo, who proved to be a nice complement to Danielle Hunter and Everson Griffin in Minnesota over the last two seasons.
The Giants need someone to assume a similar role opposite pass rusher Leonard Williams. They also lost Kyler Fackrell to the Chargers after he finished tied for second on the team with four sacks in 2020. Odenigbo had seven sacks in 2019 and although his total dipped to 3.5 last season, he also recorded 15 quarterback hits, three tackles for loss and a safety. He's capable of being a disruptive player. It's all about opportunity within the Giants' scheme.
Dan Salomone: For starters, they're getting a semifinalist for the Chuck Bednarik Award (which goes annually to the nation's top defensive player in college football) and the 2020 SEC leader in sacks and tackles for loss. The Giants' familiarity with the linebacker, however, went deeper than the numbers. Kevin Sherrer, who will be his position coach in the NFL, originally recruited Ojulari at the University of Georgia. Additionally, the Giants have a host of former college coaches on staff who also coached against Ojulari and "he's always a guy that stood out to them on the field as someone they had to account for," coach Joe Judge pointed out after the draft.
After trading back from No. 42 overall to No. 50, the Giants had a "bunch of guys" they liked in that range, but director of college scouting Chris Pettit said what set Ojulari apart was his pro-ready hands, instincts, and the "ability to make big plays in big spots." The Giants' top offseason priority was adding offensive playmakers for Daniel Jones, but pass rush help was not far below it.
John Schmeelk: You could look at this receiving corps like a basketball team – they have different players with complimentary skill sets. Toney is electric with the ball in his hands and can turn a 3-yard pass into a 50-yard gain because of his elusiveness, strength, speed, quickness and creativity.
Toney was not the most polished route runner in college, but there's no reason to think he cannot become more adept running the route tree with more reps in the NFL. He will probably open primarily in the slot with plays designed for him to take advantage of his freakish abilities. Expect a lot of screen passes, slants, end-arounds, shovel passes and jet sweeps to start the season. And don't forget about his return abilities, either.
Catch up on all the action with must-see photos from minicamp at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center.


WR Kadarius Toney (89)

QB Daniel Jones (8)

CB James Bradberry (24)

CB Logan Ryan (23), DL Leonard Williams (99)

QB Daniel Jones (8)

G Will Hernandez (71)

DL B.J. Hill (95), DL Dexter Lawrence (97)


G Shane Lemieux (66), OL Andrew Thomas (78)

TE Cole Hikutini (48)

LB Lorenzo Carter (59)

RB Corey Clement (30)

S Julian Love (20)

DE Niko Lalos (57)

WR Dante Pettis (13)

QB Daniel Jones (8)

S Julian Love (20)

TE Evan Engram (88)

WR Kadarius Toney (89)

LB Azeez Ojulari (51)

CB Quincy Williams (28)

New York Giants linebacker Elerson Smith (58)

S Julian Love (20)

QB Daniel Jones (8)

WR Kenny Golladay (19), WR Kelvin Benjamin (83)

TE Evan Engram (88)

S Julian Love (20)

WR Kenny Golladay (19)

RB Devontae Booker (28)

LB Cale Garrett (41)

LB Lorenzo Carter (59)

RB Gary Brightwell (37)

RB Elijhaa Penny (39)

WR Kenny Golladay (19)

WR Dante Pettis (13)

OT Matt Peart (74), G Will Hernandez (71), G Shane Lemieux (66), G Chad Slade (62)


WR Kenny Golladay (19)

OT Matt Peart (74), G Will Hernandez (71), G Shane Lemieux (66), G Chad Slade (62)

DE Ifeadi Odenigbo (44)


WR Alex Bachman (15)

OT Matt Peart (74), G Will Hernandez (71), G Shane Lemieux (66)

LB Cale Garrett (41)

WR John Ross (12)

WR C.J. Board (18)

DE Niko Lalos (57)

TE Evan Engram (88)

DE Niko Lalos (57)

DE Niko Lalos (57)

RB Elijhaa Penny (39)

LB Blake Martinez (54)

RB Gary Brightwell (37)

RB Elijhaa Penny (39)

LB TJ Brunson (35)

WR Austin Mack (81)

WR Kadarius Toney (89)

LB Azeez Ojulari (51)

DT David Moa (96)

LB TJ Brunson (35)

DL R.J. McIntosh (90)

LB Elerson Smith (58)

LB Azeez Ojulari (51)

LB TJ Brunson (35)

LB TJ Brunson (35)

LB Elerson Smith (58)

CB Isaac Yiadom (27)

CB Isaac Yiadom (27)

LB Reggie Ragland (55)

CB James Bradberry (24)

DB Joshua Kalu (39)

CB James Bradberry (24)

S Xavier McKinney (29)

CB Sam Beal (34)

S Jabrill Peppers (21)

DB Joshua Kalu (39)

CB Quincy Williams (28)

LB Reggie Ragland (55)

DB Madre Harper (45)

S Julian Love (20)

S Julian Love (20)

CB Jarren Williams (38)

CB Adoree' Jackson (22)

LB Reggie Ragland (55)

LB TJ Brunson (35)

LB Tae Crowder (48)

LB Reggie Ragland (55)

TE Cole Hikutini (48)

WR Darius Slayton (86)

LB TJ Brunson (35)

WR Derrick Dillon (6)

TE Cole Hikutini (48)

LB Azeez Ojulari (51)

WR John Ross (12)

Zach Fulton (73)

DE Ifeadi Odenigbo (44)

RB Ryquell Armstead (27)


G Jake Burton (70)

RB Sandro Platzgummer (34)

RB Sandro Platzgummer (34)

RB Ryquell Armstead (27)

RB Corey Clement (30)

RB Ryquell Armstead (27)

RB Corey Clement (30)

G Nick Gates (65)

RB Corey Clement (30)

RB Corey Clement (30)

FB Cullen Gillaspia (36)

RB Elijhaa Penny (39)

WR John Ross (12)


WR Kadarius Toney (89)


WR Kadarius Toney (89)


LB Reggie Ragland (55)


WR Sterling Shepard (3)



WR Kadarius Toney (89)


WR Kenny Golladay (19)


S Xavier McKinney (29)

LB Carter Coughlin (49)

Darnay Holmes (30)

CB Sam Beal (34), S Julian Love (20), S Xavier McKinney (29), CB Darnay Holmes (30)

S Xavier McKinney (29)

Darnay Holmes (30)

G Chad Slade (62)

CB Sam Beal (34), S Julian Love (20), S Xavier McKinney (29), CB Darnay Holmes (30)

DB Isaac Yiadom (27), CB James Bradberry (24)

DB Isaac Yiadom (27), CB James Bradberry (24)

OT Andrew Thomas (78)

LB Devante Downs (52)

LB Reggie Ragland (55)

WR David Sills V (84), CB Rodarius Williams (25)

WR David Sills V (84), CB Rodarius Williams (25)

WR Austin Mack (81)

WR Kenny Golladay (19)

WR Kenny Golladay (19)

WR Sterling Shepard (3)

WR David Sills V (84)

WR Kenny Golladay (19)

RB Elijhaa Penny (39)

WR Darius Slayton (86)

RB Elijhaa Penny (39)

WR Kenny Golladay (19)

RB Elijhaa Penny (39)

WR CJ Board (18)

WR Kenny Golladay (19)

WR Kenny Golladay (19)

S Jabrill Peppers (21)

WR Kenny Golladay (19)

DB Montre Hartage (36)

DB Madre Harper (45)

CB Adoree' Jackson (22)

DB Montre Hartage (36)

DB Joshua Kalu (39)

CB Jarren Williams (38)

CB Jarren Williams (38)

DB Issac Yiadom (27)

CB James Bradberry (24)

S Julian Love (20)

S Julian Love (20)

S Jabrill Peppers (21)

S Xavier McKinney (29)

S Julian Love (20)

S Jabrill Peppers (21)

S Xavier McKinney (29)

S Julian Love (20)

S Xavier McKinney (29)

DB Joshua Kalu (39)

S Xavier McKinney (29)


DB Joshua Kalu (39)

QB Daniel Jones (8)

QB Daniel Jones (8)

QB Daniel Jones (8)

QB Daniel Jones (8)

QB Daniel Jones (8)

QB Daniel Jones (8)

QB Daniel Jones (8)

QB Daniel Jones (8)


QB Daniel Jones (8)

QB Daniel Jones (8)

CB Darnay Holmes (30)

QB Daniel Jones (8)

New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) during minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday June 8, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey

CB James Bradberry (24)

CB Julian Love (20)

DB Jabrill Peppers (21)

WR Kenny Golladay (19)

DB Logan Ryan (23)

DB Adoree' Jackson (22)

CB Darnay Holmes (30)

DB Logan Ryan (23)

CB Adoree' Jackson (22)

CB Adoree' Jackson (22)

New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) during minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday June 8, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey

New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) during minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday June 8, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey

TE Nakie Griffin-Stewart (47), G Chad Slade (62)



CB Rodarius Williams (25)

P Riley Dixon (9)

CB Rodarius Williams (25)

OL Andrew Thomas (78)

CB Rodarius Williams (25)

OL Andrew Thomas (78)

P Riley Dixon (9), K Graham Gano (5)

CB Rodarius Williams (25)

P Riley Dixon (9), K Graham Gano (5)


P Riley Dixon (9), K Graham Gano (5)

RB Gary Brightwell (37)

TE Evan Engram (88)

P Riley Dixon (9), K Graham Gano (5)

RB Gary Brightwell (37)

RB Elijhaa Penny (39)

RB Elijhaa Penny (39)

TE Evan Engram (88)

RB Devontae Booker (28)

OL Jonotthan Harrison (64)

OL Jonotthan Harrison (64)

CB Logan Ryan (23)

WR C.J. Board (18)

OL Jonotthan Harrison (64)

DL R.J. McIntosh (90), Raymond Johnson III (91)

WR C.J. Board (18)

CB Logan Ryan (23)

RB Corey Clement (30)

TE Evan Engram (88)

RB Corey Clement (30)

Leonard Williams (99), DE B.J. Hill (95)

TE Evan Engram (88)

RB Corey Clement (30)


CB Darnay Holmes (30)

Leonard Williams (99), DE B.J. Hill (95)

CB Logan Ryan (23)

RB Corey Clement (30)

RB Corey Clement (30)

QB Mike Glennon (2), RB Corey Clement (30)

RB Corey Clement (30)

G Nick Gates (65)



TE Nakie Griffin-Stewart (47), G Chad Slade (62)

OT Matt Peart (74)
Lance Medow: Many would say the main storyline is the development and production of the offensive line and I would put that very high on the list but slightly behind the player they need to protect - Daniel Jones. He's entering Year 3 and the Giants added some weapons at wide receiver and tight end to provide him with even more firepower. Now, it's a matter of whether they can all put it together with Jones at the reins. The Giants had just 12 total passing touchdowns and averaged 17.5 points per game in 2020. Regardless of how good your defense is, it's very hard to remain competitive let alone win games with that level of offensive production.
Daniel Jones had a solid rookie campaign with 24 touchdowns against 12 interceptions in 12 starts. If he can duplicate his 2019 numbers and then some, I think the Giants offense will be in much better shape when it comes to its average points per game and will take some pressure off the defense. While an offense is dependent on many facets in addition to the quarterback, the signal caller's decision making can go a long way in determining the outlook of that unit. With Jones running the same scheme for the second straight year for the first time in his pro career, we'll also see whether that familiarity and comfort will prove to be a benefit that can help both him and the surrounding talent.
Dan Salomone: The front office was given the green light this offseason. They received the go-ahead to spend in free agency – which assistant general manager Kevin Abrams said was "probably uncommon this year" among NFL owners given the pandemic-related financial losses – and the aggressive approach carried over to the draft in the form of well-publicized trades.
"I think it did," general manager Dave Gettleman said after the Giants filled out their six-man draft class, which began with trading back to select dynamic wide receiver Kadarius Toney in the first round. "You know, we've had that mindset. And you know we just felt like, it's all about calculated risk. You go to Vegas, go to Atlantic City, and some people are aggressive and some people aren't. It's just sometimes it's instinct. Sometimes it's just looking at the board and seeing where it's going to take you. … We were aggressive in the roster-building season in both free agency and the draft."
Additionally, while every draft is about the future, the decision-makers had an even closer eye on next year. The reason was twofold. Not only is it shaping up to be a strong class, there were too many unknowns this year due to the pandemic-stricken evaluation process. Thus, they made it a priority to stockpile picks, gaining selections in the first, third, and fourth rounds in 2022.
"To be honest with you, it makes it fun knowing that we have all these opportunities to take players next year," director of college scouting Chris Pettit said. "So I'm looking forward to it. With a big class, it's going to be a lot of work for us. Our scouts are going to have to be as thorough as ever and start work earlier with such a big class and guys moving all around. We know that, and we are ready to take on the challenge. But now at least we have the picks to hit it out of the park next year again hopefully."
View photos of the New York Giants 2021 NFL Draft Class.

WR Kadarius Toney, Florida - Round 1, Pick 20

LB Azeez Ojulari, Georgia - Round 2, Pick 50

CB Aaron Robinson, UCF - Round 3, Pick 71

LB Elerson Smith, Northern Iowa - Round 4, Pick 116

RB Gary Brightwell, Arizona - Round 6, Pick 196

CB Rodarius Williams, Oklahoma State - Round 6, Pick 201

Kadarius Toney during the Gators' game against the South Carolina Gamecocks on Saturday, November 10, 2018 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla. / UAA Communications photo by Matt Stamey

during the Gators' game against the Missouri Tigers on Saturday, October 31, 2020 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla. / UAA Communications photo by Courtney Culbreath

during the Gators' game against the Ole Miss Rebels on Saturday, September 26, 2020 at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Miss. / UAA Communications photo by Courtney Culbreath

Kadarius Toney during the Gators' game against the Kentucky Wildcats on Saturday, November 28, 2020 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla. / UAA Communications photo by Hannah White

during the Gators' game against the South Carolina Gamecocks on Saturday, October 3, 2020 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla. / UAA Communications photo by Tim Casey

during the Gators' game against the Texas A&M Aggies on Saturday, October 10, 2020 at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas / UAA Communications photo by Courtney Culbreath

during the Gators' game against the Missouri Tigers on Saturday, October 31, 2020 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla. / UAA Communications photo by Courtney Culbreath

Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney, far right, runs past the Miami defense on a 66-yard run for a touchdown off a reception during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney (1) runs for a touchdown after a catch during the first half of the Southeastern Conference championship NCAA college football game against Alabama, Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney scores a touchdown against Vanderbilt in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

Wide receiver Kadarius Toney of Florida (1) catches a pass during the American team practice for the NCAA college football Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala, Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021. (AP Photo/Rusty Costanza)

Wide receiver Kadarius Toney of Florida (1) catches a pass during the American team practice for the NCAA college football Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala, Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021. (AP Photo/Rusty Costanza)

Wide receiver Kadarius Toney of Florida (1) during the American team practice for the NCAA college football Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala, Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021. (AP Photo/Rusty Costanza)

Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney (1) runs against Alabama during the first half of the Southeastern Conference championship NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney (1) runs for a touchdown after a catch during the first half of the Southeastern Conference championship NCAA college football game against Alabama, Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

American Team wide receiver Kadarius Toney of Florida (1) runs during the American Team practice for the NCAA Senior Bowl college football game in Mobile, Ala. Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)

Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney (1) runs a 16-yard touchdown against Missouri during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney runs after a reception during the second half of an NCAA college football game against LSU, Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney (1) sets up for a play during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Arkansas, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney (1) scores a touchdown during the second half of the team's NCAA college football game against LSU, Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney (1) runs after a reception before he being stopped by the Missouri defense during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney (1) catches a touchdown pass against Vanderbilt in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney (1) runs a route in front of Arkansas defensive back LaDarrius Bishop (24) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney (1) runs a route during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Arkansas, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney (1) runs a route during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Arkansas, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney (1) runs a route during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Arkansas, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney runs after a reception during the first half of an NCAA college football game against South Carolina, Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney (1) runs for yardage against Georgia during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney runs after a reception during the first half of an NCAA college football game against South Carolina, Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney (1) stretches for more yards as his is tackled by Texas A&M defensive back Keldrick Carper (14) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2020. in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft)

Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney (1) sets up for a play during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Miami Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney runs after a reception during the first half of an NCAA college football game against South Carolina, Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney (1) gets past South Carolina defensive back John Dixon (22) for a 57-yard touchdown run during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney (1) runs a route during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Miami Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney runs after a reception during the first half of an NCAA college football game against South Carolina, Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney, left, runs past Florida State linebacker Leonard Warner IIIduring the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney (1) runs a route during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Miami Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney (1) runs past Florida State defensive end Dennis Briggs Jr. (58) and linebacker Adonis Thomas, right, for a long gain during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney, left, tries to escape the grasp of Florida State defensive back Levonta Taylor, right, during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney (1) runs a route during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Miami Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney runs against Vanderbilt during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney, left, catches a pass as Missouri defensive back DeMarkus Acy (2) and safety Joshuah Bledsoe (18) defend during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019, in Columbia, Mo. Florida won 23-6. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney runs against Vanderbilt during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney (1) runs a route during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Miami Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney runs a pass pattern against Miami during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Florida running back Kadarius Toney (4) leaps toward the end zone against Michigan defensive back Lavert Hill (24) during the first half of the Peach Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 29, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)