Training camp for the New York Giants is right around the corner, and they are a handful of names whose performances will have a massive impact.
Coming off a 6-11 season, the Giants already have their backs against the wall as most analysts believe they are doomed to repeat a similar campaign in 2024.
Entering the third year under general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll, a few players will need to step it up a notch in order to improve on last year's disastrous season.
Here's a look at six players for the Giants who need to step up in 2024:
QB Daniel Jones
This one should go without saying, but we're going to say it anyway. This is a big year both for the current front office regime and its quarterback. While Schoen didn't draft Jones with the No. 6 pick in 2019, he did agree to a four-year, $160 million contract extension so he as just as much at stake as anyone involved.
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Jones was an efficient passer in 2022 during the first year under Daboll, but he regressed massively in 2023. A good portion of blame belongs on the offensive line, but Jones also did nothing to help quell any concerns that he can play under pressure. Coming off ACL surgery, Jones must return to form if the Giants are going to compete.
OT Evan Neal
So, you're saying there's a chance. Going into his third season, how long Neal's leash at right tackle will be is an intriguing storyline. Between injuries and overall poor performance, Neal has not made good on the investment the Giants made when they took him with the No. 7 overall pick in 2022.
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Neal had offseason surgery to repair an ankle injury that was initially misdiagnosed so he lost some valuable time during the spring. However, he has a chance to step up in Year 3 after showing close to nothing in the years prior as he's currently the starting right tackle.
WR Malik Nabers
It's a lot to put on a rookie's shoulders to need him to be a viable answer to the passing game questions. But the Giants have no other choice. After using the No. 6 pick on Nabers this April, the LSU product is walking into a prime target share and alpha role in the offense.
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The Giants haven't had this type of receiver leading the passing attack since the days of Odell Beckham Jr. so no pressure right? With an underrated wide receiver room that includes Darius Slayton, Wan'Dale Robinson and Jalin Hyatt, they all will be looking to the leader in the room to produce at a high level.
C John Michael Schmitz
While most eyes on the offensive line are likely going to be on Neal throughout training camp, the development of Schmitz will be one to watch as well. As an early second-round pick in 2023, JMS didn't produce at the level the Giants had expected when they took him out of Minnesota.
Getting Schmitz more involved as a mover would be ideal for the second-year center's development considering that's where he thrived in college. Neal's development will impact the ceiling of the offensive line, but Schmitz as the anchor can help raise the floor if he steps up.
DT Rakeem Nunez-Roches
Of course, the Giants need their studs on the defensive line to play well. If they don't get strong production from the Big 3 of Brian Burns, Dexter Lawrence and Kayvon Thibodeaux, then the defense is probably doomed anyway.
But if that trio produces, and the Giants get some added production from the three-technique, then it could go a long way for Shane Bowen's defense. There will be a rotation at the three-technique position, but Nunez-Roches seems to have the early advantage going into training camp.
CB Cor'Dale Flott
As it currently stands entering training camp, Flott is the starting boundary cornerback opposite Deonte Banks. Of course, the Giants need Banks to take a step forward during his second season, but Flott also will have a massive impact on Bowen's defense as the starter.
The Giants have lacked a strong cornerback tandem for some time now, and there is a lot riding on Flott as the starter. Schoen opted against making a major move for a boundary cornerback so Flott needs to step up in a big way.
