As the Giants prep for 2025, Russell Wilson's veteran command contrasts with Evan Neal's make-or-break season. Can Wilson lead and Neal overcome the bust label?
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The pads aren't on yet, but the battle lines for the 2025 season are already being drawn. In a Giants offseason defined by a delicate dance between veteran stability and youthful promise, two narratives are taking center stage. On one hand, you have quarterback Russell Wilson, stepping in and commanding the huddle with the poise of a seasoned leader. On the other, you have former first-round pick Evan Neal, staring down a make-or-break season with a 'bust' label now attached to his name. It's a tale of two trajectories that could very well define Big Blue's immediate future.
Evan Neal was listed among nine NFL players on 'bust alert' for 2025 by CBS Sports.
By all accounts, Russell Wilson is checking every box. Insiders report he's demonstrated the leadership and consistency expected of a Super Bowl-winning quarterback, and the recently released OTA highlight reels back it up with crisp throws. But waiting in the wings is the future: rookie Jaxson Dart. While Wilson is the undisputed starter, the buzz around Dart is palpable, so much so that franchise icon Eli Manning gave the rookie a special shoutout on Instagram. For now, it's the perfect dynamic: a proven veteran leading the charge and an exciting apprentice learning the ropes.
While the quarterback room looks stable, the offensive line remains the team's biggest question mark. The pressure cranked up another notch this week as CBS Sports placed Evan Neal on 'bust alert' for the upcoming season. For the former first-round pick, it's officially put up or shut up time. The front office is clearly trying to help, re-signing massive blocking tight end Chris Manhertz to help pave the way in the run game. With Andrew Thomas's health always a critical factor, the success of the entire offense may depend on whether Neal can finally live up to his draft pedigree.
Last season, the Giants' defense struggled to generate turnovers and lock down opposing receivers. General Manager Joe Schoen made it his mission to change that. The secondary has received a complete facelift with the additions of cornerback Paulson Adebo and safety Jevon Holland, both signed to significant three-year deals. These aren't depth pieces; they are foundational players expected to transform the defense from a liability into a strength. The goal is clear: create a ball-hawking unit that can win games on its own.
Fans who saw the OTA highlight reel know what Malik Nabers brings to the table: explosive, acrobatic catches. While news of a lingering toe injury might cause some anxiety, Head Coach Brian Daboll has been clear he's not concerned about the star rookie's availability for training camp. For now, it seems to be a minor issue being managed with caution. The team needs its most dynamic offensive weapon at full strength, and all signs point to him being ready to roll when the real work begins.
As OTAs and minicamp wrap up, the Giants' identity for 2025 is taking shape. It's a team banking on Russell Wilson's veteran savvy to steer the ship, a revamped secondary to lock down opponents, and a wave of young talent led by Malik Nabers and Jaxson Dart to inject explosive energy. But the season may hinge on the unglamorous work in the trenches. Can Evan Neal silence the doubters? Can the line finally create lanes for the run game? The outside world may be projecting an uphill battle, but inside the building, the focus is on forging a new standard. All eyes now turn to training camp, where the real tests begin.
