Here is the Giants update for June:

QB Daniel Jones was spotted recently working out privately with RB Saquon Barkley. This bodes well for Saquon’s contract status I believe. Jones has taken further steps to cement himself as the unquestioned leader of the offense if not the entire team. I believe this will translate nicely to his on-field performance in 2023. There has been much talk of increasing the chunk yardage plays this year and we finally have personnel that can make that happen. Jones is also a very underrated deep ball thrower that possesses a strong arm. I’m excited to see what the revamped aerial attack will bring in 2023.

HC Brian Daboll and OC Mike Kafka are very innovative and should help bring the passing game up to typical NFL standards. DJ spent much time in the minicamp working with his new teammates, particularly TE Darren Waller and WR Parris Campbell. Another big plus for DJ was the drafting of C John Michael Schmitz in the second round. He will start on Day 1. I am also hoping for a big improvement from RT Evan Neal in his second season. He has to put his considerable physical tools to work.

RB Saquon Barkley still hasn’t signed his franchise tag but not all hope is lost. He has until July 17 and I’m hoping he gets a long-term deal before then. Unfortunately, he will have to deal with the collapse of the running back market and will be paid accordingly. I’m excited to see what 4^th round pick RB Eric Gray has to offer. He put up excellent numbers his senior year at Oklahoma.

This will be a dynamic passing offense, at least compared to last year lol. The wide receiver room has a ton of talent with diverse skill sets. The 2 mainstays from last year are WR Darius Slayton and WR Isiah Hodgins. Slayton is a vertical threat while Hodgins is a bigger bodied guy who can run the underneath routes. Speedy WR Parris Campbell will be in the slot and provide a downfield presence as well. WR Wan’dale Robinson, WR Sterling Shepard and WR Collin Johnson are all returning from injuries so their impact will be TBD. I would be happy if one of them would be able to contribute significantly this season. Last but not least is WR Jamison Crowder who is another shifty slot option. The thing to note with this group is that there is no clear #1 so I expect these guys to have multiple responsibilities based on the opponent and game plan.

The tight end room is very solid. The addition of TE Darren Waller via a trade is huge and has provided Jones with a legitimate #1 target who can be lined up all over the field. TE Daniel Bellinger has bulked up nicely in preparation for in-line duties this year.

The defense will be even better this year as efforts were made to shore up the run defense. The defensive line is a strength. If LB Azeez Ojulari can stay healthy, he will make a devasting pass rush combination with LB Kayvon Thibodeaux. I expect Kayvon to have a big sophomore campaign. The linebacker corps is improved with the addition of 3 down LB Bobby Okereke. Rookie 1^st round pick CB Deonte Banks will be a contributor early and make his presence felt.

PK Graham Gano is a fixture.

That’s it for now.

More to come in July with training camp news….

End.