Here is the Giants update for July one day into training camp:

QB Daniel Jones is the unquestioned leader of the offense and is armed with a new long-term contract. This is the best supporting cast he has had in his young career so expectations will be high. I think the biggest difference this year will be the throws downfield. He will still run occasionally but it won’t be as big a part of the game plan as it was last year. He also needs to be smart and stay healthy. QB Tyrod Taylor is a serviceable backup but is not a long-term answer if Jones goes down. Another great bit of news was the signing of stud OT Andrew Thomas to a long-term contract today.

RB Saquon Barkley is at training camp! After 9 months of negotiations, he agreed to a one-year deal that can be a bit more lucrative than the franchise tender. This bodes well for Saquon and the team as he will get valuable training camp reps with his teammates. It also further solidifies him as a team leader and player. For further insurance, Big Blue signed RB James Robinson. He adds veteran depth to the backfield and still is only 24 years old. Rounding out this group are RB Matt Breida and rookie RB Eric Gray. This is as good of a running back quartet that the G-Men have had in a long time.

OK, there isn’t a true #1 receiver in this group. But there are guys with different skill sets if utilized properly can be very effective. Leading the way are WR Darius Slayton and WR Isiah Hodgins. Slay is a deep threat and Hodgins profiles as more of a big bodied possession receiver. Exciting rookie WR Jalin Hyatt should make a splash with his speed and will be worked into the offense slowly. Also in the mix is veteran slot WR Jamison Crowder. I’m excited to see what speedy WR Parris Campbell can do out of the slot. Lastly, the Giants have WR Sterling Shepard, WR Wan’Dale Robinson and WR Collin Johnson rehabbing from injuries looking to make an impact this season. Lots of solid depth and competition here.

The tight end position is set. TE Darren Waller is the unquestioned #1 receiver on this team and has the stats to prove. His biggest challenge is staying healthy this year. When healthy, he is a matchup nightmare and will be lined up all over the field. He has established a good early connection with Jones as well. TE Daniel Bellinger will be used a lot in 2 tight end sets and is a solid receiver with soft hands.

Year 2 of the Wink Martindale defense should be even better. The depth on the defensive line is much improved. I expect big things from EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux this year. They added a valuable 3 down player in LB Bobby Okereke who could be another Aaron Pierce. And lastly, they drafted CB Deonte Banks in the first round. He has immense physical tools and I can’t wait to see him in action. Even as a rookie, he will get a lot of snaps.

PK Graham Gano is an outstanding kicker and I expect him to have another fine season.

That’s it for now.

More to come in August with preseason game news….

End.