Giants training camp primer
With the Giants reporting to training camp Thursday, here’s a primer of the biggest issues:
Biggest comeback As a rookie last season, Darian Thompson played in only two games, so what exactly is he coming back from? Well, he vaulted into a starting spot at free safety because of his smarts, range and ability to bark instructions to players much older and more experienced than he was, but foot surgery curtailed his 2016 season. Thompson needs to show he is healthy and can pick up where he left off to reclaim his place as the perfect complement to strong safety Landon Collins. Biggest position battle The starter at right defensive tackle will be determined this summer. There is no incumbent, with Johnathan Hankins signed away by the Colts. The Giants used a second-round pick on rookie Dalvin Tomlinson, and he is the heir apparent to claim Hankins’ spot. Will he be ready by the opener? He will have to show he is more ready than Jay Bromley, entering his fourth season and needing to make a quantum step forward. Newly signed veteran Corbin Bryant (26 starts for the Bills the past two years) or Robert Thomas could also be factors. Most fascinating newcomer
Brandon Marshall has been one of the NFL’s most prolific receivers for more than a decade, putting up Hall of Fame-type numbers. He is a much-traveled (the Giants are his fifth team) veteran who, at 33, arrives with a modest contract and a pronounced goal of winning a Super Bowl. How much does he have left in the tank? How will he accept playing second fiddle to Odell Beckham Jr.? What happens to his psyche if his production is down? Marshall says it is now all about winning. No player in NFL history has more receptions without a single playoff appearance. Coach’s toughest challenge
The numbers don’t lie and they are incriminating to Ben McAdoo, the erstwhile offensive coordinator who last season took over as head coach. McAdoo’s offense was lousy in 2016 and he must tilt the points upward and the turnovers downward. McAdoo must put on display a far more diversified attack that is less predictable and more potent. Oh, and along the way, McAdoo has to find a way to keep Beckham’s emotions channeled in the right directions. Most intriguing rookie It is not always the first-round pick but in this case, it is. Tight end Evan Engram is a top-tier athlete, but it takes more than height, speed and good hands to thrive as a rookie in this league — although those attributes are a good start. Engram has to improve his blocking in order to be functional and learn the offense so that he is not a liability on the field. The talent is there to make Engram an immediate matchup problem for opposing defenses. Most notable absence
A year ago, Victor Cruz was listed here as the Giants player in need of the biggest comeback. Cruz succeeded insofar as staying healthy and on the field, but he is gone. The Giants cut him after seven seasons, including three (2011-13) that were dynamic and often brilliant, a salsa-dancing good time for the classy, undrafted guy from Paterson, N.J. Cruz resurfaced with the Bears and his presence will be missed around the Giants.