Giants Training Camp Year 2: A Palpable Buzz in the Air

There was a buzz in the air at Giants training camp practice this past Friday in East Rutherford, New Jersey. As the Giants revamp and retool their roster for 2025, they've also given fans at training camp a lot to look forward to on both sides of the ball.

The defense runs through schemes and sequences under an overcast sky at training camp practice #8

This was my second year attending Giants Training Camp, and my excitement for this one might have trumped my first visit in 2024. As many who know me can attest, I am high on this team heading into 2025. When I walked into the practice complex, it felt like the stands and the standing room against the fence were a little more packed than usual. Kids were eager to get a glimpse of their favorite up-and-coming Giants, while season ticket holders and fans for 30+ years found solace in the fact that there may be a light at the end of the tunnel after years of mediocrity.

Although it was an overcast day, practice went on as usual and the guys put their skills on display in 1-on-1s, 7-on-7s, and 11-on-11s. I was there to see it all, and am excited to report on the themes and schemes I saw from live exposure to the 2025 New York Giants.

The defensive front could be scary

The early stages of practice began with individual position groups going through drills together. The OLBs and DL worked closest to our vantage point, so I got an up-close glimpse at some of the guys who will make the defense hum this year.

Lawrence II and rookie Darius Alexander talk technique before practice begins

I looked to my right and saw Dexter Lawrence II and the defensive line group warming up, working through agility drills with the bags. Lawrence is the undoubted leader of the defensive line group and led his crew through each drill. After an elbow injury cost him five games last year, while still earning a Pro Bowl selection, Lawrence is ready to get back out there and compete with a revamped defensive front. It's exciting to think about what he can do to pile on top of last year's success with the new faces in the building that should help spread the defensive workload.

I then looked to my left and saw a scary sight; Brian Burns and the OLBs were getting their individual drills underway. Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux are the leaders of the OLB group, and with 3rd overall pick Abdul Carter added to the mix, they should have every opportunity to shine and become one of the better positional groups on this team. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw Abdul Carter work through reps. He's a massive human that's quick as hell. He eerily gives me Lawrence Taylor vibes, and I think that's a fair comparison given the early expectations from him at the position. I had a chance to watch the defensive front go up against the offensive line in 1-on-1 drills, and man, there were plenty of 'oohs' and 'ahhs' when Carter attacked.

Here's Carter up against starting right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor, a fantastic player in his own right. Carter can cause havoc with speed and elusiveness and it should be so fun to see him go up against opposing offensive lines each week.

Other takeaways

The quarterback room is night and day compared to where this team was last year. They went from Daniel Jones and Drew Lock to Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston, and Jaxson Dart. The complete overhaul of this room and the actual leadership they bring to the team has not gone unnoticed. Malik Nabers was glowing the other day when talking about Wilson and his leadership with Kay Adams:

Evan Neal is getting a ton of reps at guard and is competing for a starting spot. So far, he has done a nice job of keeping himself balanced and playing the game to the best of his abilities. In 1-on-1 drills with the defense on Friday, he got more cheers than anyone else. The fans are behind him and want to see him succeed.

From the limited view I had of 11-on-11s, it looked like they had Theo Johnson splitting out wide a ton. I expect him to become a real force in the passing game this year. In his limited time before a season-ending injury last year, he turned it up with 18 receptions on 27 targets and 216 yards over his final five games. That's good for close to 4 receptions and 43 yards per game. If the Giants can get that, and then some, out of Johnson in the passing game to go along with his size and blocking ability, then man, did they find their tight end of the future.

Jevon Holland and Paulson Adebo are going to fit in nicely to Shane Bowen's defensive scheme this year. Holland can cover nicely and be brought up into the box to stop the run with Tyler Nubin. Adebo excels in press man and is the cornerback 1 the Giants have been trying to replace since Adoree Jackson fell off and James Bradberry left a few years ago. I expect big things from these two in 2025 to help anchor the secondary and act as leaders for the new guys in Nubin, Deonte Banks, Cor'Dale Flott, and Dru Phillips. It's really exciting to think that we'll get to see this secondary full of proven veterans and on the rise leaders in live action just over a month from now when the season kicks off.

Closing thoughts

The Giants have their work cut out for them after several seasons of regression following the miraculous 2022 season, where they made the playoffs and won a playoff game in Minnesota. It will be an uphill battle this year, but they have the talent to win games and make their mark on the league. I think that if everything goes well, they stay healthy and disciplined, and find ways to claw out games, then they have a shot at turning their recent misfortunes around. Just last year, they lost eight games by seven or less. That's the thing about football; the opportunities are there to win for any team, and every single moment of each game is important, especially for a team trying to find their identity.

I'm ready for football to start. The new-look Giants led by Russell Wilson and a nasty defensive front look ready to compete with the tops dogs in the NFL. Weeks 1-3 start with two away games at NFC East foes and a home opener on Sunday Night Football against the Kansas City Chiefs in week 3. Get the popcorn ready, it's going to be a wild ride.

I'll be back with my projection of the Giants' final 53 man roster in late August.