Giants 2024 training camp opens with a spark as Russell Wilson hits Malik Nabers for a TD. See how the 3-way QB battle with Winston & Dart is shaping up.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The wait is finally over. Football is back in East Rutherford, and if Day 1 of Giants training camp is any indication, we're in for an electrifying season. The air was buzzing with optimism, but the biggest jolt came from a play that's already gone viral: a perfectly thrown deep ball from Russell Wilson finding rookie phenom Malik Nabers in the end zone for a touchdown. It was a glimpse of the explosive potential this new-look offense possesses and the perfect kickoff to the most compelling storyline of the summer: the three-way battle for the starting quarterback job.
One day, one highlight-reel touchdown, and a million reasons for Giants fans to be excited about the Malik Nabers and Russell Wilson connection.
All eyes were on the quarterbacks, and none of them disappointed. While Russell Wilson created the day's biggest splash with his TD to Nabers, he wasn't the only one turning heads. Veteran Jameis Winston took his reps, but it was rookie Jaxson Dart who continued to impress. The Ole Miss product, a first-round pick, displayed the poise and arm talent that had scouts buzzing, showing a strong command of the offense for a player in his first official practice. The coaching staff has made it clear this is a genuine competition, and Wednesday's session proved that Wilson's experience, Winston's arm, and Dart's potential will make this a battle to watch every single day.
It wasn't just the quarterbacks making noise. The 2025 draft class came to play. Malik Nabers was, without a doubt, the star of the show. His touchdown catch wasn't just a routine play; it was a demonstration of the elite speed and hands that made him a top pick. On the other side of the ball, fellow first-rounder Abdul Carter, the edge rusher from Penn State, was a blur in pass-rushing drills, showcasing the athleticism that has him pegged as a future cornerstone. Other rookies, like running back Cam Skattebo and defensive tackle Darius Alexander, also got integrated into team drills, marking the official start of their NFL journeys.
Don't think the offense had all the fun. Edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux looked primed for a breakout year, consistently disrupting plays and looking dominant in one-on-one drills. The defense also got a depth boost with the signing of safety K’Von Wallace. The move creates a fun subplot in the locker room, as it reunites Wallace with defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II. The two were teammates on a dominant Clemson defense, and bringing that chemistry to the Giants' secondary adds another layer of veteran leadership. The team also made several expected roster moves, placing running back Eric Gray on an injury list to start camp, but thankfully avoided any major new injuries on the first day.
It's only Day 1, but the energy is different. The Giants kicked off camp not with caution, but with a statement. The pieces are in place, from veteran leadership under center to explosive young talent on both sides of the ball. As the pads come on and the intensity ramps up, the key questions will begin to find answers. Who will emerge as QB1? Can the rookies maintain this momentum? For now, the Giants stand tied for first in the NFC East, and after a day like today, fans have every right to believe this is the start of something special.
