The Giants have not made the playoffs since 2016. New York’s rebuild process has been far from smooth. Did the franchise finally make strides this offseason?
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Improvements: Offensive Line
The Giants did the majority of their offseason work in the draft. The offensive line has been an issue for years.
It looks like the left tackle is finally solved with Andrew Thomas. With the seventh pick, New York drafted Evan Neal. The Alabama product projects as a right tackle; he was brilliant in his sole season at RT. Daniel Jones should have good tackle play this season.
Furthermore, New York signed center Jon Feliciano from Buffalo. Joshua Ezeudu was drafted in the third round. He is turning heads in camp and could take left guard. Mark Glowinski comes off a solid season at right guard.
As strange as it sounds, the Giants should have a serviceable O-line.
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Stayed the Same: Offensive Weapons
Jones’ weapons will look a little different. Ricky Seals-Jones replaces Evan Engram at tight end. Matt Brieda comes into backup Saquon Barkley.
Kenny Golladay, Sterling Shepard, Darius Slayton, and Kadarius Toney are back. Toney’s situation is odd. He was shopped during the offseason and the Giants drafted Wan’Dale Robinson in the second round. Yet, Toney is expected to stay on the team.
New York has plenty of talent at RB and WR. With Brian Daboll taking over, the offense could take a leap. The Giants’ offense will have tons of juice with Toney, Robinson, and Barkley (if healthy).
Wan’Dale Robinson can also make people miss pic.twitter.com/uZKoQlQO6j
— Giants Daily (@NYGDaily) May 6, 2022
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Got Worse: Cornerback
James Bradberry was New York’s No. 1 corner for two seasons. He was released and joined the rival Eagles on a 1-year, $7.2 million contract. The Giants’ top corners are now Adoree’ Jackson, Darnay Holmes, Aaron Robinson, Rodarius Williams, and Cordale Flott.
Flott is a rookie and Holmes started four games in 2021. Williams comes off a torn ACL and Robinson was out last season with a core muscle injury. This group is full of unproven corners. Moreover, Jackson is not an ideal No. 1 cornerback.
New York does not have a CB with an elite ceiling like Bradberry.
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Grade: B
First and foremost, the hiring of Daboll seems like a great move thus far. The Giants are finally making progress on the offensive line. With better blocking, New York’s offense could look remarkably better. However, overlooking cornerback is a huge flaw, which brings the Giants’ grade down.
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Schedule:
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- Week 1: 9/11 at Titans, 4:25 PM, Fox
- Week 2: 9/18 vs Panthers, 1 PM, Fox
- Week 3: 9/26 vs Cowboys, 8:15 PM, ESPN/ABC
- Week 4: 10/2 vs Bears, 1 PM, Fox
- Week 5: 10/9 vs Packers (Tottenham), 9:30 AM, NFL Network
- Week 6: 10/16 vs Ravens, 1 PM, CBS
- Week 7: 10/23 at Jaguars, 1 PM, Fox
- Week 8: 10/30 at Seahawks, 4:25 PM, Fox
- Week 9: BYE
- Week 10: 11/13 vs Texans, 1 PM, CBS
- Week 11: 11/20 vs Lions, 1 PM, Fox
- Week 12: 11/24 at Cowboys (Thanksgiving), 4:30 PM, Fox
- Week 13: 12/4 vs Commanders, 1 PM, Fox
- Week 14: 12/11 vs Eagles, 1 PM, Fox
- Week 15: 12/17 or 12/18 at Commanders, TBD, TBD
- Week 16: 12/24 at Vikings, 1 PM, Fox
- Week 17: 1/1 vs Colts, 1 PM, CBS
- Week 18: 1/7 or 1/8 at Eagles, TBD, TBD
