The New York Giants are a week into their 2025 training camp, with six practices completed, including two in pads. Observers report that both the offense and defense have shown flashes of success, but neither side has dominated. Players have competed in team and one-on-one drills without full tackling.
According to John Schmeelk, “There has been a base level where it looks like everyone can hold their own. I think it’s a good thing that there are no flashing red lights going off right now that could indicate a long-term problem. We’ll learn more as we see joint practices against the Jets and the preseason games, but early returns are positive.”
Schmeelk highlighted the performance of the offensive line, which has faced some of the team’s strongest position groups—defensive linemen and edge rushers—even while missing Andrew Thomas. The group includes Brian Burns, Abdul Carter, Kayvon Thibodeaux, Chauncey Golston, Roy Robertson-Harris, Darius Alexander and Dexter Lawrence. Schmeelk noted that “Evan Neal has flashed some real potential at guard with his strength,” while John Michael Schmitz and Jermaine Eluemunor have also held up well against talented pass rushers. Backups on the offensive line have played effectively enough to create difficult decisions about roster spots.
“We aren’t going to know anything until we see the starting unit in a real game against a team with live pass rushers using their full repertoire of moves and games (something Dan Quinn will use plenty of in Week 1), but the early returns have been positive,” Schmeelk said.
Dan Salomone focused on the defense’s approach entering camp: “The Giants’ defense hasn’t done anything yet – and they are practicing with that edge.” He referenced defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence’s comments: “They want to talk about our D-line and all this, but we haven’t done anything yet,” Lawrence said. “We have to come out here every day and improve and get better and challenge each other and just work and be critical and be coachable.”
Brian Burns described his role in setting standards for accountability: “If I’m going to run the ball, you better run to the ball,” Burns said. “So, I can’t sit here and preach ‘run to the ball’ and get on people’s cases if I’m not doing it… It’s holding each other accountable… all the leaders of the defense got to set the standard and be held to it. So, I can’t say nothing unless I’m doing it.”
Matt Citak reported on quarterback Russell Wilson’s performance since joining New York: “Despite the nearly complete overhaul [of] quarterback room… Russell Wilson is QB1.” Citak observed Wilson’s strong arm during camp sessions: “It seems like at least once a day, Wilson connects with a pass-catcher 30+ yards down the field.” Citak listed several receivers who have caught deep passes from Wilson during practice.
Citak also noted Wilson’s leadership off-field: “Every single person that has been asked about Wilson… has raved about the veteran’s leadership… His leadership off the field seems to rival that of Eli Manning.”
The Giants will continue preparations for joint practices against local rivals before preseason games begin.
