The COVID-19 pandemic has “turned the world upside down” as NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said in a letter to the fans on Monday.
That means that team will be sticking to what they know. There will be fewer chances for undrafted free agents and long-shots to make NFL rosters this summer as there are no preseason games and camp rosters will be reduced to a maximum of 80 players by August 16. The Giants will keep 90, opting for a split-squad model so they can get a long look at everyone.
That aside, there is still pressure on many veterans this summer to fend off rookies and such to keep their jobs and their careers going. Here are six players that need to have solid training camps for the Giants in August.
Nate Solder, left tackle
The heat is on the 10-year veteran to show that he can rebound from a dismal season in which he led the league in allowing QB pressures. With Andrew Thomas, Matt Peart and veteran Cam Fleming in camp this year, Solder will have to display that he can handle the speed rush and seal the edge for the running game. If not, he could end up at right tackle or even the bench.
Ryan Connelly, linebacker
The Wisconsin kid showed a ton of promise last year before tearing up his knee. Now, Connelly comes back to a crowded field of linebackers littered with proven vets and intriguing rookies. The Giants signed Blake Martinez in free agency, leaving Connelly to try to win is job back from the very capable David Mayo, who filled in admirably last year after Connelly’s injury. There is also the addition of rookies T.J. Brunson and Tae Crowder.
Alex Tanney, quarterback
Tanney has been Daniel Jones’ caddy for awhile now, but his position is in deep trouble. The Giants will likely keep three quarterbacks — Jones, veteran Colt McCoy and Cooper Rush, who was the backup in Dallas under Jason Garret last year. Tanney will have to outplay McCoy and/or Rush which in order to stay in blue.
Wayne Gallman, running back
With Saquon Barkley healthy and Dion Lewis coming in as a free agent, there isn’t much left for the rest of the running back room to do. Gallman hasn’t been able to gain any consistency and was basically a forgotten man last year. Jonathan Hilliman and rookie Javon Leake will challenge him this summer and he will need to show the new coaching staff that he’s worth keeping.
Spencer Pulley, center
It’s no secret the Giants want a new face at center. Pulley appears to simply be a placeholder. The Giants’ ideal situation would be to have fifth-round pick Shane Lemieux come in and win the job in camp. Another scenario is for the versatile Nick Gates to slide into the center role. Then, there is the possibility the Giants bring back Jon Halapio, who is rehabbing from an Achilles injury. Translation: none of these ideal scenarios include Pulley.
Grant Haley, defensive back
The Giants are loading up on defensive backs and even though DeAndre Baker is on the commissioner’s exempt list for the foreseeable future, the team does have a lot of options. Free Agent James Bradberry will play one corner and Sam Beal is likely to be other starter. The slot is wide open and Haley is the incumbent, for now. He’ll have to fend off Corey Ballentine, rookie Darnay Holmes and possibly Jabrill Peppers, should the team decide to move him from the safety spot.
