With the first practice set for Wednesday, the Giants.com crew members discuss what they will be looking for at training camp.
John Schmeelk: I have missed only a handful of training camp practices since I started working for the Giants in 2007, all due to travel issues back and forth from Albany when the Giants practiced up there before – and then for the birth of my daughter in 2017. That has amounted to hundreds of practices, so I think I have a pretty good feel for what you can see during training camp and what you can't. Here's a top 10 checklist.
- Take everything with a grain of salt. You can learn things about a team in camp, but don't come to any overarching conclusions from a team practicing against itself. Joint practices are good to gauge talent compared to the rest of the league, especially with how they perform up front during padded practices.
- Does the rookie class look like they can contribute right away or does it look like they will take some time? Don't get into the minutiae here because of No. 1. But you should be able to see if the players still need more ripening or if they can compete with the big boys by the end of camp.
- Preseason games look like real games, but they aren't. Teams run the most vanilla concepts. Be careful getting too excited if someone dominates a preseason game, especially if the player is getting those snaps against third stringers who are unlikely to be on a roster this season. Likewise, don't expect to learn much about the scheme in these games.
- Focus on individual development from players. It is much easier to see whether an individual player is doing well than predicting how the team might play based off training camp performance. If you are coming to a practice, pick a player to watch on each play. If you try to see everything, you will see nothing.
- One-on-one pass rush drills between the offensive and defensive lines are fun, but remember it is a huge advantage for the defense. Don't lose your mind if an offensive lineman struggles a bit, especially against the elite pass rushers. If a defensive lineman can't win in these drills, however, it is a red flag.
- It's the opposite for WR-DB reps. This drill is an advantage for the offense, so don't lose your mind if a cornerback struggles a bit. If a wide receiver doesn't flash in these drills, however, it could be a red flag.
- Don't pay attention to quarterback stats at practice. I beg you. Please do not waste your time. They are meaningless.
- You won't have a clue about the team's run blocking, run defense, running back, linebacker or safety play until we get into games. It is very hard to see how those groups are playing in practice situations except for the occasional nine-on-seven drills, or some splash plays here and there. Watch those groups in the preseason games.
- Look for the frequency that the team throws downfield in practice. It may portend how aggressive they will be in the regular season. Understand, however, that certain practices focus on certain situations, which may dictate shorter passes. The team is trying to accomplish different goals and work on different things depending on the practice.
- The most important thing any team can do in training camp is stay healthy. Super Bowls are never won in camp, but seasons can be lost if the wrong players get hurt.
Get ready for the 2025 season with photos from Media Day at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center.
WR Malik Nabers (1) and OLB Brian Burns (0)
QB Russell Wilson (3)
WR Malik Nabers (1)
WR Malik Nabers (1)
CB Paulson Adebo (21)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
WR Darius Slayton (18) and WR Wan'Dale Robinson (17)
ILB Bobby Okereke (58)
CB Paulson Adebo (21)
ILB Darius Muasau (53), CB Dru Phillips (22) and S Tyler Nubin (27)
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
TE Theo Johnson (84)
DL Dexter Lawrence II (97)
TE Chris Manhertz (85)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
DL Rakeem Nuñez-Roches (93)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
WR Malik Nabers (1)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
WR Zach Pascal (83)
CB Paulson Adebo (21)
CB Paulson Adebo (21)
CB Paulson Adebo (21)
CB Paulson Adebo (21)
CB Paulson Adebo (21)
WR Malik Nabers (1)
DT Darius Alexander (91)
DL Rakeem Nuñez-Roches (93)
DL Rakeem Nuñez-Roches (93)
CB Korie Black (25)
RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (29)
RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (29)
CB Paulson Adebo (21)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (29)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
CB Paulson Adebo (21)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
CB Paulson Adebo (21)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
QB Jameis Winston (19)
DT Roy Robertson-Harris (95)
WR Lil'Jordan Humphrey (81)
QB Russell Wilson (3)
WR Lil'Jordan Humphrey (81)
WR Wan'Dale Robinson (17)
WR Zach Pascal (83)
T Jermaine Eluemunor (72)
G Greg Van Roten (74)
WR Zach Pascal (83)
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
CB Dru Phillips (22)
DL Dexter Lawrence II (97)
T James Hudson III (55)
CB Dru Phillips (22)
CB Dru Phillips (22)
DL Chauncey Golston (57)
S Jevón Holland (8)
S Jevón Holland (8)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
S Jevón Holland (8)
DL Rakeem Nuñez-Roches (93)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
OL Marcus Mbow (71)
TE Theo Johnson (84)
CB Deonte Banks (2)
WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette (87)
QB Russell Wilson (3)
QB Russell Wilson (3) and CB Art Green (35)
DT Elijah Chatman (94)
CB Art Green (35)
QB Russell Wilson (3)
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
DT Elijah Chatman (94)
QB Russell Wilson (3)
S Dane Belton (24)
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
S Dane Belton (24)
S Dane Belton (24)
T Andrew Thomas (78)
ILB Ty Summers (47)
ILB Ty Summers (47)
OLB Tomon Fox (45)
WR Malik Nabers (1)
ILB Bobby Okereke (58)
ILB Bobby Okereke (58)
ILB Darius Muasau (53)
ILB Bobby Okereke (58)
DT Jeremiah Ledbetter (96)
WR Lil'Jordan Humphrey (81)
DL Chauncey Golston (57)
CB Tre Hawkins III (37)
CB Korie Black (25)
WR Malik Nabers (1)
T Evan Neal (73)
RB Devin Singletary (26)
ILB Bobby Okereke (58)
RB Devin Singletary (26)
RB Devin Singletary (26)
T Evan Neal (73)
S Dane Belton (24)
LS Casey Kreiter (59)
TE Greg Dulcich (89)
C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
T Andrew Thomas (78)
T Andrew Thomas (78)
T Andrew Thomas (78)
TE Daniel Bellinger (82)
QB Jameis Winston (19)
CB Cor'Dale Flott (28)
TE Daniel Bellinger (82)
ILB Dyontae Johnson (54)
ILB Micah McFadden (41)
S Jevón Holland (8)
S Jevón Holland (8)
S Jevón Holland (8)
QB Tommy DeVito (15)
OLB Tomon Fox (45)
CB Deonte Banks (2)
TE Theo Johnson (84)
WR Darius Slayton (18)
QB Jameis Winston (19)
WR Darius Slayton (18)
CB Cor'Dale Flott (28)
WR Darius Slayton (18)
G Aaron Stinnie (64)
DT Kyler Baugh (99)
WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette (87)
WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette (87)
WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette (87)
DT Kyler Baugh (99)
WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette (87)
TE Thomas Fidone II (86)
QB Russell Wilson (3)
DL Dexter Lawrence II (97)
QB Tommy DeVito (15)
S Tyler Nubin (27)
S Tyler Nubin (27)
QB Russell Wilson (3)
QB Russell Wilson (3)
QB Russell Wilson (3)
S Tyler Nubin (27)
S Tyler Nubin (27)
WR Bryce Ford-Wheaton (88)
WR Bryce Ford-Wheaton (88)
C Jimmy Morrissey (67)
S Tyler Nubin (27)
WR Bryce Ford-Wheaton (88)
G Jon Runyan Jr. (76)
QB Russell Wilson (3)
QB Russell Wilson (3)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
DL Elijah Garcia (90)
QB Russell Wilson (3)
ILB Micah McFadden (41)
ILB Micah McFadden (41)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
TE Chris Manhertz (85)
K Graham Gano (9)
ILB Micah McFadden (41)
S Tyler Nubin (27)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
CB Paulson Adebo (21)
CB Paulson Adebo (21)
RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (29)
DL Rakeem Nuñez-Roches (93)
RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (29)
WR Malik Nabers (1)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
WR Malik Nabers (1)
WR Malik Nabers (1)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
WR Malik Nabers (1)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
WR Malik Nabers (1)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
CB Cor'Dale Flott (28)
S Jevón Holland (8)
CB Cor'Dale Flott (28)
CB Dru Phillips (22)
CB Cor'Dale Flott (28)
CB Dru Phillips (22)
CB Dru Phillips (22)
WR Wan'Dale Robinson (17)
WR Wan'Dale Robinson (17)
TE Theo Johnson (84)
TE Theo Johnson (84)
S Tyler Nubin (27)
TE Theo Johnson (84)
TE Theo Johnson (84)
CB Deonte Banks (2)
S Tyler Nubin (27)
CB Deonte Banks (2)
CB Deonte Banks (2)
S Tyler Nubin (27)
CB Deonte Banks (2)
CB Deonte Banks (2)
CB Deonte Banks (2)
CB Deonte Banks (2)
CB Deonte Banks (2)
S Tyler Nubin (27)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
S Tyler Nubin (27)
S Tyler Nubin (27)
ILB Bobby Okereke (58)
WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette (87)
DT Darius Alexander (91)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
CB Paulson Adebo (21)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
CB Korie Black (25)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
WR Malik Nabers (1) and OLB Brian Burns (0)
RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (29)
DL Rakeem Nuñez-Roches (93)
RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (29)
WR Malik Nabers (1)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
S Jevón Holland (8)
WR Malik Nabers (1)
WR Malik Nabers (1)
DL Dexter Lawrence II (97)
QB Jameis Winston (19)
CB Dru Phillips (22)
QB Russell Wilson (3)
WR Darius Slayton (18) and WR Wan'Dale Robinson (17)
QB Russell Wilson (3)
QB Russell Wilson (3)
WR Darius Slayton (18)
S Tyler Nubin (27)
T Andrew Thomas (78)
C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61)
ILB Bobby Okereke (58)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
G Jon Runyan Jr. (76)
S Dane Belton (24)
S Jevón Holland (8)
DL Dexter Lawrence II (97)
WR Malik Nabers (1)
TE Theo Johnson (84)
QB Russell Wilson (3)
Dan Salomone: Don't let Schmeelk fool you. Quarterback practice stats are the greatest predictor of success or failure for the season.
Joking aside, the most important position in all of sports is what I will be watching. We don't need to rehash the offseason moves (if you need a refresher, though, here’s our transaction tacker). Everyone knows who is here by now, and training camp is where the rubber meets the road. Once practice begins on Wednesday, there are just 46 days until the national anthem is being sung before the Giants take on the Commanders, the first of back-to-back divisional games to kick off what combined 2024 percentages say is the toughest schedule in the league.
Not that there was before, but there is no time to waste. The season gets very real on Wednesday, something that 10-time Pro Bowler Russell Wilson knows all about.
"He is able to have a calmness about him with urgency," offensive pass game coordinator/quarterbacks coach Shea Tierney said on an episode of “The Drive” now streaming. "Even though it's new to him, you wouldn't think it's new just by watching him out there. In the huddle, at the line of scrimmage, on the sideline with the guys, he's fit right in from that standpoint of being a veteran. I think that helps when your quarterback can handle those things and do that stuff for the rest of the offense."
If Wilson represents the Giants' present, Jaxson Dart is a major part of their future. The 25th overall draft pick has now gone through orientation, rookie minicamp, OTAs, and regular minicamp in his development process. You don't hit quarterbacks in practice, but the intensity will ratchet up when the pads come on in a few days. It will grow from there for him as we approach the preseason slate, which begins 17 days after the first practice of camp.
"I just trust them," Dart said at minicamp about the Giants' plan for him. "They've had this blueprint and they've done it with different quarterbacks and you've seen them succeed at the highest level, so I trust them. For me, I'm just trying to be the most coachable player that I can. I want to play well on the offense. I want to be able to manage it and operate it at the highest level. I know that they definitely do have a plan. I'm just trying to take it day by day and I'm not looking for results immediately. I'm a process driven person, so I'm just taking it day by day, rep by rep."
And we'll all be taking notes from the sideline at each hot and humid practice in East Rutherford.
Take a look at rare photos of New York Giants training camps through the years.
New York Giants offensive linemen Kareem McKenzie (67), Chris Snee (76), Shaun O'Hara (60), Rich Seubert (69), and David Diehl (66) break huddle during football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Monday, July 28, 2008. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor, left, shares a laugh linebacker Pepper Johnson during the team's training camp on July 31, 1993 at Fairleigh Dickinson University in New York. (AP Photo/Kevin Larkin)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) looks for a receiver during the second day of practice at the Giants training camp in Pleasantville, N.Y., July 28, 1987. (AP Photo/G. Paul Burnett)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning passes during practice at the Giants' training camp at the University at Albany in Albany, N.Y., Friday, July 30, 2004. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
All-pro linebacker Lawrence Taylor foreground, works out with his New York Giants teammates on Sunday, August 15, 1983 in Pleasantville, N.Y.
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning arrives at football training camp at the University at Albany in Albany, N.Y., Thursday, July 24, 2008. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
Tackle Roosevelt Grier, right, and line backer Harland Svare, left, of the New York Giants football team tune up their guitars following a "skull session" at Bear Mountain, New York, training camp on August 27, 1959. Rookie quarterback Lee Grosscup, watches. (AP Photo/Arthur Z. Brooks)
New York Giants defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka (97) practices with linebacker Antonio Pierce (58) at the Giants football training camp in Albany, N.Y. Saturday, July 28, 2007. With him are E.J. Underwood, left, and Antonio Pierce, right. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
New York Giants football players Corey Webster, left, Sam Madison and Will Demps, right, enjoy a laugh on the sidelines during a practice session at the Giants' training camp in Albany, N.Y. Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2006. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
New York Giants tight end Kevin Boss attempts to catch the football at Giants NFL training camp Sunday, July 29, 2007, in Albany, N.Y. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Allie Sherman, coach of football's New York Giants, poses at the team's training camp, Aug. 3, 1964 at Fairfield University, Fairfield, Connecticut. (AP Photo/John Lindsay)
New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress speaks with reporters after arriving at the Giants football training camp in Albany, N.Y. Friday, July 27, 2007. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
New York Giant Corey Webster tosses a ball during an evening practice session at the Giants training camp in Albany, N.Y. Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2005. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
New York Giants Hall of Fame defensive end Andy Robustelli (81) poses for a photo during training camp at Fairfield University at Fairfield, Ct., 1962. (AP Photo/NFL Photos)
New York Giants football linebacker Antonio Pierce smiles at Giants NFL training camp Sunday, July 29, 2007, in Albany, N.Y. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
First-round draft pick Hakeem Nicks arrives for the start of New York Giants NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., on Sunday, Aug. 2, 2009. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan works out at the Giants' training camp in Albany, N.Y. Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2005. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer arrives at football training camp at the University at Albany in Albany, N.Y., Thursday, July 24, 2008. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants center Dusty Zeigler (52) and linebacker Jesse Armstead (98) scuffle during training camp drills Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2000, in Albany, N.Y. Pete Monty, left, tries to break up the action. (AP Photo/Dave Oxford)
New York Giants tackle David Diehl, left, trades a high five with a young fan as her father holds her during autograph day following a team practice at the New York Giants NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Saturday, July 28, 2012. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants rookie running back Ron Dayne runs through drills during training camp, Saturday, July 22, 2000, in Albany, N.Y. Dayne, the 1999 Heisman Trophy winner was the Giants first round draft pick this year.(AP Photo/Dave Oxford)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs arrives to football training camp at the University at Albany in Albany, N.Y., on Thursday, July 24, 2008. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning runs wind sprints at Giants NFL training camp Sunday, July 29, 2007, in Albany, N.Y. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan takes a break during training camp drills, Sunday, July 23, 2000 in Albany, N.Y. (AP Photo/Dave Oxford)
The New York Giants' Super Bowl trophy is placed on display during a news conference in Albany, N.Y., on Wednesday, July 23, 2008, as the Giants prepare to begin their summer football training camp. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
New York Giants wide receiver David Tyree, left, tries to evade cornerback Corey Webster (23) during practice at the NFL football team's training camp in Albany, N.Y., Saturday, July 28, 2007. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
New York Giants cornerback Aaron Ross signs autographs for fans at Giants NFL training camp Sunday, July 29, 2007, in Albany, N.Y. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants linebacker Mark Herzlich (94) during NFL training camp practice on July 31, 2016 at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) looks for a receiver during the second day of practice at the Giants training camp in Pleasantville, N.Y., July 28, 1987. (AP Photo/G. Paul Burnett)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning throws during practice at the Giants football training camp, Saturday, July 28, 2007, in Albany, N.Y. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
New York Giants offensive linemen Rich Seubert, left, and Chris Snee perform a drill during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Monday, Aug. 3, 2009. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants quarterback Kerry Collins, right, signs autographs after training camp, Thursday, Aug. 17, 2000 in Albany, N.Y. The Giants ended their fifth year of camp at the University of Albany today, and have a new three year contract to return.(AP Photo/Dave Oxford)
New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor wears a smile as he comes out of the team's locker room to start practice at the Los Angeles Rams training camp at Anaheim, Calif. on Friday, Jan. 24, 1987. (AP Photo/Ray Stubblebine)
New York Giants players Keith Bulluck (53) and Osi Umenyiora (72) walk to practice during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., on Monday, Aug. 2, 2010. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs runs with the ball during the Giants' football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2006. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
New York Giants wide receiver Steve Smith arrives at football training camp at the University at Albany in Albany, N.Y., Thursday, July 24, 2008. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz is besieged by autograph-seeking fans after a practice at the NFL football team's training camp in Albany, N.Y., Friday, July 27, 2012. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
Kicker Joe Danelo of the New York Giants pushes the pedals of his exercise bike at the Giants training camp Saturday, Aug. 2, 1982 in Pleasantville, New York. (AP Photo/Paul Burnett)
New York Giants punter Jeff Feagles kicks the ball at the Giants' training camp in Albany, N.Y. Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2005. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
Giants head coach Tom Coughlin talks to players during practice at the Giants' training camp at the University at Albany in Albany, N.Y. Friday, July 30, 2004. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
Osi Umenyiora speaks with reporters as he arrives for the start of New York Giants NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., on Sunday, Aug. 2, 2009. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
New York Giants practicing during training camp on Sunday July 28, 2013 at the Quest Diagnostic Training Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants defensive back Carl "Spider" Lockhart (43) poses for a photo during training camp in Fairfield, Ct., 1974. (AP Photo/NFL Photos)
Ahmad Bradshaw arrives for the start of New York Giants NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., on Sunday, Aug. 2, 2009. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
Justin Tuck arrives for the start of New York Giants NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., on Sunday, Aug. 2, 2009. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
New York Giants tackle Roosevelt Grier, who has made several popular recordings, sings as his teammate Erich Barnes plays the piano at Bear Mountain Inn, Bear Mountain, New York on Dec. 26, 1962. The Giants have been traveling from Bear Mountain to nearby West Point for indoor drills in preparation for the National Football League title game with the Green Bay Packers at New York's Yankee Stadium on December 30. (AP Photo)
New York Giants quarterbacks Eli Manning (10) and Andre Woodson walk to the practice field during football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Monday, July 28, 2008. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants head coach Bill Parcells talks with reporters during the first day of NFL training at the team's training camp on the campus of Pace University in Pleasantville, N.Y., July 28, 1987. Parcells, who coached the Giants to the 1987 Super Bowl championship, started the team training out with emphasis on weightlifting, sprints and rookies. The entire team is due to arrives by Friday when squads will practice together. (AP Photo/Peter Morgan)
Fullback Alex Webster of the New York Football Giants poses at the team's training camp in Fairfield, Conn. Sept 3, 1963. (AP Photo/Harry Harris)
New York Giants guard Chris Snee, center, blocks players on all sides during the Giants' training camp in Albany, N.Y. Thursday, Aug. 4, 2005. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer is mobbed by fans seeking autographs after training camp, Thursday, Aug. 17, 2000, in Albany, N.Y. The Giants ended their fifth year of camp at the University at Albany today, and have a new contract to return for three more years. (AP Photo/Dave Oxford)
New York Giants defensive back Antrel Rolle (26) is shown at the New York Giants football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Friday, July 27, 2012. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants all-pro linebacker Lawrence Taylor goes through training camp exercises after reporting to the Giants camp in Pleasantville, N.Y. on Sunday, August 14, 1983. (AP Photo/David Handschuh)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) signs autographs for Holt and Kirstin Wooddell of Burgaw, North Carolina at the Giants training camp at Fairleigh Dickinson University, July 19, 1988. (AP Photo/Hal Brown)
The New York Giants practice during NFL football training camp Monday, Aug. 1, 2011 in East Rutherford, N.J. with the New York City skyline in the background. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants offensive coordinator Sean Payton, left, talks with quarterback Jason Garrett during training camp, Thursday, Aug. 3, 2000, in Albany, N.Y. Payton was named offensive coordinator by coach Jim Fassel during the off season and will be the Giants play caller this season. (AP Photo/Dave Oxford)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, right, passes as tight end Jeremy Shockey covers at the Giants' training camp in Albany, N.Y. Thursday, Aug. 4, 2005. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs talks with some fans during NFL football training camp Thursday, Aug. 4, 2011 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants offensive tackle Lomas Brown, left, works against Cedric Jones during training camp drills, Monday, July 24, 2000 in Albany, N.Y. Brown is a sixteen year veteran originally drafted by the Detroit Lions in 1985. (AP Photo/Dave Oxford)
New York Giants cornerback Jason Sehorn, left, gets instruction from head coach Jim Fassel during training camp drills, Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2000 in Albany, N.Y. (AP Photo/Dave Oxford)
New York Giants practicing during training camp on Sunday July 28, 2013 at the Quest Diagnostic Training Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants players finish drills during NFL football training camp Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
New York Giants practicing during training camp on Sunday July 28, 2013 at the Quest Diagnostic Training Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning looks past his huddle during NFL football training camp Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
New York Giants safety Antrel Rolle (26) and teammates during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., on Monday, Aug. 2, 2010. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants center Shaun O'Hara wears a bandage during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., on Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2010. The bandage is a mimic to one that Giants quarterback Eli Manning is wearing after suffering an injury in a pre-season game against the New York Jets. (AP Photo/Tom Canavan)
New York Giants fans watch practice during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Friday, Aug. 7, 2009. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants coach Bill Parcells, right, and place kicker Eric Schubert (3) stroll through a light drizzle delaying their workout at the Atlanta Falcons training camp at Suwanee, Ga., Aug. 8, 1986. (AP Photo/Charles Kelly)
New York Giants Eli Manning (10) and Mario Manningham (82) talk during NFL football training camp on Sunday August 7, 2011 at the Timex Performance Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) signs autographs for fans at the New York Giants football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Friday, July 27, 2012. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants defensive linemen Osi Umenyiora (72) and Chris Canty (99) walk to practice during NFL football training camp on Saturday August 7, 2010 at the University of Albany in Albany, NY (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz catches a pass during NFL football training camp Friday, Aug. 5, 2011 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants' Osi Umenyiora (72) talks with Justin Tuck (91) during NFL football training camp Monday, Aug. 1, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants Dave Tollefson (71) during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., on Monday, Aug. 2, 2010. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants linebacker Zak DeOssie walks to practice during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Friday, Aug. 7, 2009. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants fans during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., on Monday, Aug. 2, 2010. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants first-round draft pick, tight end Jeremy Shockey works out during his first practice at the Giants' summer training camp in Albany, N.Y., Tuesday, July 30, 2002. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
New York Giants defensive ends Justin Tuck (91) and Jason Pierre-Paul (90)perform a drill during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., on Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2010. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11), left, talks with Giants offensive coordinator Ron Erhardt during training camp at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, N.J., July 22, 1988. (AP Photo/Hal Brown)
New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce talks to reporters during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2009. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants quaterback Eli Manning (10) signs autographs at NFL football training camp on Thursday August 4, 2011 at the Timex Performance Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants Victor Cruz runs a play on the first day of NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Sunday, August 1, 2010 (AP Photo/Hans Pennink)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning walks the field after practice during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Friday, Aug. 14, 2009. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants players walk to practice during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Friday, Aug. 7, 2009. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants fullback Madison Hedgecock signs autographs during football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Monday, Aug. 3, 2009. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants offensive linemen Shaun O'Hara (60), David Diehl (66) and Kareem McKenzie during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., on Monday, Aug. 2, 2010. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
Offensive lineman David Diehl #66 of the New York Giants signs autographs following practice at training camp on Monday August 3, 2009 at the University of Albany in Albany, NY (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning signs autogrpahs after practice during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2009. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants fans watch practice at the University at Albany during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2009. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning passes during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Monday, Aug. 3, 2009. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks, right, reaches out to fans on his way to practice during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Friday, Aug. 7, 2009. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
Brandon Jacobs #27 of the New York Giants talks tobhis teammates after practice during football training camp on Monday August 3, 2009 at the University of Albany in Albany ,NY (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver David Tyree drinks some water during NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Monday, Aug. 3, 2009. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
Kevin Dockery arrives at New York Giants NFL football training camp in Albany, N.Y., on Sunday, Aug. 2, 2009. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
Cornerback Corey Webster #23 of the New York Giants breaks up a pass during practice during football training camp on Monday August 3, 2009 at the University of Albany in Albany ,NY (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning signs autographs for fans at the New York Giants football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Friday, July 25, 2008. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
New York Giants center Shaun O'Hara gets ready to snap the ball during football training camp in Albany, N.Y., Friday, July 25, 2008. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
Ahmad Bradshaw & Michael Strahan New York Giants Training Camp 2019 at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ
Alumni Michael Strahan, Ahmad Bradshaw, David Diehl & David Tyree New York Giants Training Camp 2019 at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ
Ahmad Bradshaw & Michael Strahan New York Giants Training Camp 2019 at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ
DL Dexter Lawrence II (97) at New York Giants Training Camp 2019 at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ
Defensive line drill at New York Giants Training Camp 2019 at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants Training Camp 2019 at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants participate in Training Camp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants participate in Training Camp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ
Dexter Lawrence (97)
New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen talks with former NFL coach Bill Cowher during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday August 16, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with Osi Umenyiora during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Thursday August 18, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Brian Daboll Head Coach
Head Coach Brian Daboll, Eli Manning,
New York Giants Daniel Jones (8) celebrates a touchdown pass with head coach Brian Daboll during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Saturday July 30, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
T Andrew Thomas (78), OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
New York Giants offensive lineman Andrew Thomas (78) signs autographs following training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Wednesday July 27, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
WR Darius Slayton (86) during training camp practice on July 31, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with Dan Campbell during a joint training camp practice with the Detroit Lions on August 8, 2023 in Allen Park, Michigan (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants safety Dane Belton (24)) strips the balll during a joint training camp practice with the Detroit Lions on August 9, 2023 in Allen Park, Michigan (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
K Graham Gano (9)
QB Daniel Jones (8)
WR Bryce Ford-Wheaton (6)
C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61)
New York Giants safety Dane Belton (24)) strips the balll during a joint training camp practice with the Detroit Lions on August 9, 2023 in Allen Park, Michigan (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
TE Lawrence Cager (83), QB Daniel Jones (8)
WR Wan'Dale Robinson (17)
Eli Manning, Brian Daboll Head Coach
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
WR Darius Slayton (86)
LB Bobby Okereke (58)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during a joint training camp practice with the Detroit Lions on August 8, 2023 in Allen Park, Michigan (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
WR Darius Slayton (86)
C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61)
CB Deonte Banks (36), WR Jalin Hyatt (84)
Joe Schoen and Eli Manning watch training camp practice on July 31, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
LB Bobby Okereke (58)
ILB Bobby Okereke (58)
WR Wan'Dale Robinson (17)
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (5), QB Jared Goff (16)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
WR Malik Nabers (9)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
WR Malik Nabers (9)
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
DL Dexter Lawrence II (97)
WR Malik Nabers (9)
S Tyler Nubin (31)
WR Malik Nabers (9), Jets WR Garrett Wilson (5), WR Wan'Dale Robinson (17)
ILB Bobby Okereke (58)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
Matt Citak: The offseason workout program is great in the sense that it gives us at least some taste of football with the season still a few months away. But at the end of the day, there's not a whole lot we can gain from those spring practices, especially when it comes to the guys up front. There is no contact allowed, so offensive linemen cannot engage with oncoming pass rushers like they do in games. That is why any time we talk about sacks in the spring, we preface it with the "no contact allowed" disclaimer. Well, all of that changes once training camp comes along and the pads come on.
It will be a couple of days after the start of training camp before we get the first full padded practice. But once that time comes, buckle up. The offensive and defensive linemen have been champing at the bit for contact at practice, as it represents the start of the real reps between the guys up front. This season especially, those matchups between the linemen have extra appeal. The Giants, on paper, could have one of the top defensive fronts in the NFL with Dexter Lawrence in the middle, surrounded by Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and Abdul Carter. Speaking of Carter, we have yet to see the No. 3 overall pick fully unleashed at practice. We saw glimpses of Carter's athleticism in the spring, when the rookie linebacker would be in the backfield in the blink of an eye. But again, there was no contact then. Carter's ability to bend the edge could prove to be a lethal move, and one that wreaks havoc on opposing offenses all season. But it will mean more seeing him get to the quarterback once contact is permitted.
You'll hear coaches say every year that "iron sharpens iron" when it comes to training camp reps. What better way for the Giants' offensive line to get prepared for the season than going up against a potentially elite front at practice each day? There certainly is a lot to keep an eye on at training camp, as Schmeelk touched on during his Ted Talk, but the matchups up front should be near the top of that list.
See who led the Giants in sacks each season since it became an official statistic in 1982.
1982 Lawrence Taylor - 7.5 sacks
1983 (tied) Lawrence Taylor/George Martin - 9 sacks
1983 (tied) Lawrence Taylor/George Martin - 9 sacks
1984 Lawrence Taylor - 11.5 sacks
1985 Leonard Marshall - 15.5 sacks
1986 Lawrence Taylor - 20.5 sacks
1987 Lawrence Taylor - 12 sacks
1988 Lawrence Taylor - 15.5 sacks
1989 Lawrence Taylor - 15 sacks
1990 Lawrence Taylor - 10.5 sacks
1991 Leonard Marshall - 11 sacks
1992 Lawrence Taylor - 5 sacks
1993 Keith Hamilton - 11.5 sacks
1994 (tied) Erik Howard/Keith Hamilton - 6.5 sacks
1995 Michael Strahan - 7.5 sacks
1996 (tied) Chad Bratzke/Michael Strahan - 5 sacks
1996 (tied) Chad Bratzke/Michael Strahan - 5 sacks
1997 Michael Strahan - 14 sacks
1998 Michael Strahan - 15 sacks
1999 Jessie Armstead - 9 sacks
2000 Keith Hamilton - 10 sacks
2001 Michael Strahan - 22.5 sacks
2002 Michael Strahan - 11 sacks
2003 Michael Strahan - 18.5 sacks
2004 Osi Umenyiora - 7 sacks
2005 Osi Umenyiora - 14.5 sacks
2006 Osi Umenyiora - 6 sacks
2007 Osi Umenyiora - 13 sacks
2008 Justin Tuck - 12 sacks
2009 Osi Umenyiora - 7 sacks
2010 (tied) Justin Tuck/Osi Umenyiora - 11.5 sacks
2011 Jason Pierre-Paul - 16.5 sacks
2012 Jason Pierre-Paul - 6.5 sacks
2013 Justin Tuck - 11 sacks
2014 Jason Pierre-Paul - 12.5 sacks
2015 Robert Ayers Jr. - 9.5 sacks
2016 Olivier Vernon - 8.5 sacks
2017 Jason Pierre-Paul - 8.5 sacks
2018 Olivier Vernon - 7 sacks
2019 Markus Golden - 10 sacks
2020 Leonard Williams- 11.5 sacks
2021 Azeez Ojulari - 8 sacks
2022 Dexter Lawrence - 7.5 sacks
2023 Kayvon Thibodeaux - 11.5 sacks
2024 Dexter Lawrence - 9 sacks
