The New York Giants are preparing for the 2025 preseason with several key storylines as discussed by members of the Giants.com team. The crew considered four statements about which players and developments are most interesting to watch during the upcoming games.
Quarterback Jaxson Dart, a rookie, is drawing attention. John Schmeelk said, “I love to be a contrarian on questions like this, but how can there be any other answer? If things go well, these are probably going to be the only truly competitive game snaps we’ll see from Jaxson Dart for a while. While I will caution everyone not to take too much out of preseason snaps for any player, I am certainly interested in seeing how he handles the mechanics of a NFL game, his decision-making, and just his overall demeanor as he leads an NFL offense for the first time. How quickly does he look comfortable getting the play called, taking snaps from under center, and going through his reads? Is he holding the ball too much? These are the things you can look at in the preseason instead of the raw results, which really don’t matter because of how vanilla NFL offenses and defenses are in the preseason.”
Dan Salomone offered a different view: “I will be the contrarian here, Schmeelk. Let’s not forget the Giants had the third overall pick and used it on Abdul Carter. He is the highest drafted defensive player by the franchise since Carl Banks in 1984. For as important as Dart is to the Giants down the road, Carter is critical in both the short and long term. You can’t get to the future without the present.” Matt Citak agreed that Dart’s performance would be significant but noted that due to veteran quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston being ahead on depth chart, preseason might be one of few opportunities to evaluate Dart in live action.
On offense among returning players, offensive lineman Evan Neal’s transition from tackle to guard was highlighted by both Schmeelk and Citak as something they’re eager to see tested against NFL competition rather than just practice scenarios. Dan Salomone pointed out interest in tight end Theo Johnson: “They’re brewing something in Tim Kelly’s tight ends room…both Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen (and Wilson…brought up Theo Johnson. He can stretch the field and take advantage of [Wilson’s] deep ball.” Wilson added praise: “I think Theo has been really showing up…He’s made some really big plays over…practices…”
For defense among returning players, cornerback Deonte Banks was mentioned by Schmeelk as needing continued improvement for team success: “Banks is one of those guys…that can help solidify this defense on back end…” Salomone cited linebacker Darius Muasau’s development into his second year: ‘”I see improvement in communication,” Daboll said. “I think he’s a very instinctive player…he’s another guy…who has taken a good step from year one to year two…”‘ Citak described ongoing competition between Banks and Cor’Dale Flott for starting roles opposite Paulson Adebo.
The final topic was whether wide receiver Montrell Washington would lead touchdowns scored during preseason games. Opinions varied; Schmeelk predicted running back Dante Miller could score more due to likely higher usage with injuries at running back depth positions; Salomone expected Washington’s connection with Dart could produce scores; Citak also favored Miller given his previous production when given opportunities last year.
Overall, anticipation surrounds how new additions—both rookies like Dart and Carter—and position changes such as Neal moving inside will translate once games begin.
