Giants camp update (Aug 2025): A revamped O-line led by Evan Neal & John Michael Schmitz sparks hope. See how their dominance is fueling a new-look offense.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
As the Giants wrapped up Day 5 of training camp, a new and unfamiliar feeling is starting to bubble up in East Rutherford: confidence in the offensive line. In what might be the most significant development of the summer, the revamped unit is showing signs of life, led by a resurgent Evan Neal at guard and a commanding John Michael Schmitz at center. This newfound stability is creating a ripple effect, fueling intense competition at the skill positions and offering a glimmer of hope for a more dynamic offense in 2025.
Five practices, five interceptions. The Giants' secondary is making its presence felt, sending a clear message that starting roles are very much up for grabs.
For years, the offensive line has been the Giants' Achilles' heel, but that narrative might be changing. Evan Neal's move from tackle to guard is looking like a stroke of genius, as he's reportedly excelling with the change of scenery. Alongside him, second-year center John Michael Schmitz is performing well, anchoring the unit with authority. This improvement is crucial, not just for protecting quarterback Russell Wilson, but for opening up the run game. On the other side of the ball, the immovable Dexter Lawrence continues to be a one-man wrecking crew, consistently dominating drills and setting the tone for the entire defense.
With Eric Gray still on the PUP list, the door has swung wide open for the running back job, and two players are sprinting through it. The competition between rookie Cam Skattebo and Tyrone Tracy Jr. has become the talk of camp. Skattebo, in particular, is making a powerful case for the RB1 role with a series of impressive practices. This battle is one of the most compelling on the roster, as the team looks to establish a reliable ground attack to complement its passing game.
While Russell Wilson is firmly in control as the starting quarterback, the playmakers around him are fighting for position. The WR2 spot behind superstar Malik Nabers is a free-for-all, with several young receivers making their case. In recent practices, tight end Theo Johnson and receivers Jordan Blye and Dante Miller all found the end zone. However, the defense is fighting back. The secondary has been electric, with Bobby Javon Holland, Andrew Phillips, Nick Jones, Trey Hawkins, and Art Green all snagging interceptions, creating a competitive environment that will sharpen both sides of the ball.
The team continues to manage its roster and key injuries carefully. Left tackle Andrew Thomas (Lisfranc) and RB Eric Gray remain on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, with the team taking a cautious approach to ensure they're ready for the regular season. In recent moves, the Giants bolstered their secondary by signing safety K'Von Wallace while waiving Anthony Johnson Jr. and placing OLB Victor Dimukeje on the non-football injury list. These moves highlight the constant evaluation process as the front office fine-tunes the roster for the upcoming season.
With the first preseason game against the Buffalo Bills just over a week away on August 9th, the intensity will only ramp up. These practice performances are one thing, but seeing who can translate it under the lights will be the real test. The battles for RB1, WR2, and key spots on the offensive line are far from over, giving fans plenty to watch for as the Giants march toward Week 1.
