Here is the May update for the Giants after the draft and the conclusion of OTA’s this week:

The offseason retooling of this team is mostly complete. The biggest remaining item to address will be if RB Saquon Barkley will be signed to a long term contract. The team received good grades on the NFL draft last month so that bodes well for 2023 as several young players look to have important roles,

QBDaniel Jones worked on establishing on field rapport with his new receivers during OTA’s this week. This will be a work in progress that should pay big dividends at the beginning of the season. I believe Jones will continue to be used as part of the running game but I also expect his passing numbers to increase given the improved talent in the receiver room.

RB Saquon Barkley is in a difficult situation. The Giants have the contractual hammer here and can very well tag him this year and next year. It’s unfortunate as he is a key player and team leader but the running back market has gone south. RB Matt Breida is still the primary backup but the team drafted RB Eric Gray from Oklahoma who was extremely productive in college and profiles as a 3 down back. It will be nice to see what he can do. He is a clear upgrade to this group and potential Saquon insurance down the road.

The receiving corps received a injection of speed when the team traded up in Round 3 and picked WR Jalin Hyatt from Tennessee. He is super fast and twitchy. The knock on him was his offense in college did not require him to run the full route tree. He has some learning to do on that front but his physical tools are undeniable. WR Darius Slayton will be the X receiver and WR Isiah Hodgins will be on the other side. Hyatt, WR Parris Campbell and WR Jamison Crowder will get most of the looks in the slot. Once WR Sterling Shepard and WR Wan’Dale Robinson return from injury, this group should be significantly better than last year.

TE Darren Waller’s presence in the OTA’s this week was massive. He is quickly establishing a rapport with Daniel Jones. They moved him all over the field. He can run the entire route tree. He’s big and fast. In other words, he will be a problem for opposing defenses. I see him as a top 5 tight end in fantasy drafts. He just needs to stay healthy.

The offensive line continued to improve with the selection of C John Michael Schmitz from Minnesota in Round 2. Many had him ranked as the most pro ready center in the draft. Expect him to start Day 1 and lead the offensive line.

Stud DT Dexter Lawrence received a much deserved contract extension. Many pundits have ranked the G-Men interior defensive line group as one of the best in the league. The signing of free agent DT A’Shawn Robinson was a huge get as they look to improve on their run defense.

I’m looking forward to the return of young LB Darrian Beavers who missed last year with an ACL injury. He should play a key role this year.

The G-Men addressed a need when they drafted CB Deonte Banks from Maryland in Round 1. They traded up a spot to get him and he fits the DC Wink Martindale scheme perfectly.He’s fast, strong and extremely athletic. He can easily profile as a man corner. He’ll need coaching up on ball hawking skills but his numbers at the NFL combine were outstanding.

That’s it for now.More to come in June….

End.