Recap of Giants camp (July 27): Russell Wilson commands the offense, rookie Abdul Carter shines, and Darius Slayton makes a viral catch in the WR2 battle.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The energy was palpable in East Rutherford on Sunday as the New York Giants hit the field for another crucial day of training camp. All eyes were on the offense, and veteran quarterback Russell Wilson didn't disappoint, taking first-team reps and demonstrating a firm command that has fans buzzing. But the vets weren't the only ones making noise, as a rookie linebacker and a jaw-dropping catch stole some of the spotlight.
Pass rush is a science.
Russell Wilson looked every bit the seasoned leader the Giants hoped for, confidently running the first-team offense and setting the tone. Head Coach Brian Daboll praised his leadership before practice, and Wilson delivered on the field. The biggest surprise, however, may have been rookie linebacker Abdul Carter. The linebacker was a force in pass-rush drills, showcasing a technical approach that belies his experience. His post-practice comment that 'pass rush is a science' perfectly encapsulates the cerebral, aggressive style he put on display, turning heads and making a strong case for a roster spot.
While Malik Nabers is the undisputed WR1, the battle for the next spot on the depth chart is heating up. Darius Slayton made his case in the most spectacular way possible, snagging a one-handed pass that immediately went viral across social media. The play electrified the crowd and his teammates, serving as a reminder of his big-play ability. As Daboll continues to stress competition, plays like Slayton's are exactly what's needed to separate from the pack and solidify a role opposite the star rookie.
On the other side of the ball, it was business as usual for Dexter Lawrence II. The All-Pro defensive tackle was a disruptive force all day, collapsing pockets and reminding everyone why he's the anchor of this defense, coming off a 9.0 sack season. His dominance, however, highlights the team's biggest concern: the offensive line. Star left tackle Andrew Thomas remains on the PUP list, recovering from Lisfranc surgery. While the team is wisely being cautious with the goal of having him ready for Week 1, his absence creates a stark contrast and a major question mark for an offense that ranked 28th in passing last year.
The front office continues to tinker with the roster's back end, signing safety K'Von Wallace and waiving Anthony Johnson Jr. These moves, along with placing Victor Dimukeje on the NFI list, are about shoring up depth and finding contributors on special teams. It's a clear effort to improve on the margins, something the Giants desperately need after finishing last season with a -8 turnover differential. Every small improvement will be critical to turning around last year's disappointing offensive production and finding more ways to win.
It's only July, but the storylines are already taking shape. Wilson's veteran presence is tangible, young players like Carter are making their mark, and key position battles are in full swing. The biggest cloud remains the health of Andrew Thomas, whose return is paramount to the offense's success. As the pads come on and the intensity ramps up this week, we'll get an even clearer picture of what this 2025 Giants team is truly made of.
