The New York Giants are now through two weeks of training camp and heading into the preseason, which begins Thursday against the New England Patriots.
Risers
Jeremiah Hall and Andre Miller — I’m lumping the two undrafted free agent rookies together because the padded practices and fan fest scrimmage make it seem like they’ve caught the attention of the coaching staff and could be competing for the same roster spot.
Both Hall, who I spoke 1-on-1 with recently, and Miller have been getting first-team reps in recent days. It is notable that these first team representatives usually line up as a full back. You’d think Hall, who played fullback for two years at Oklahoma, would have an edge in that role over Miller, a converted wide receiver. However, Miller caught a 1-yard touchdown pass from Daniel Jones while coming out of the backfield during Fan Festa.
Both players are worth watching.
Darian Beavers — The Giants selected Beavers in Round 6 after selecting Micah McFadden in Round 5. However, Beavers continues to appear on the back burner. Tellingly, he did this against both the run and the pass.
Joshua Ezeudhu – The third-round pick out of North Carolina is unlikely to get a starting job unless there is a major injury along the offensive line. However, his importance to the Giants appears to be growing. Ezeudu worked both tackle spots, left guard, and maybe even got some reps at right guard, though I don’t recall seeing any. If not, he probably will after Marcus McKethan’s injury.
With Matt Gono out of the team due to a career-threatening neck injury, right now Ezeudu is the main hit. In fact, he is perhaps the first offensive lineman to come off the bench in case of injury.
Kenny Golladay — The highly paid wide receiver had an excellent week of practice. He was spectacular Wednesday, making plays that made the organization want to sign him a year ago. Perhaps the offseason work he did with Daniel Jones and the fact that Golladay was able to practice every day in training camp is starting to pay off.
Collin Johnson — Don’t overlook this third-year receiver in the battle for roster spots at this position. He made a lot of plays this past week, including a long pass from Tyrod Taylor on Friday night. He has size, the ability to get down the field and make plays, and experience on special teams.
Fallers
Darius Slayton – Every time I bring up the idea that the fourth-year wide receiver might be in danger of going undrafted, some of you want to come after me. However, the reality is that it’s time to start believing your eyes. Slayton worked almost entirely with the third team during Fan Festa on Friday, and he really didn’t make any plays that would cause the coaching staff to move him up the depth chart.
He has speed. He has had success in the past. My position at the start of training camp was that Slayton needed to stand out in camp, he needed to force Brian Daboll and Co. to detain him. So far this has not happened. Johnson, CJ Board, Richie James and even David Sills were better. There is still time and opportunity for Slayton, but he needs to do better.
Offensive line depth — Gono was forced off the team and McKettan’s injury reduced options for a group that already had serious question marks.
Quincy Roche — I still feel like Roche makes the team, but both Ellerson Smith and Oshane Ximenez have made a lot more plays thus far. There is a feeling that Roche should feature in the pre-season games.
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