Pre-Season Superlatives
Exactly what it sounds like. Here we go- football starts tomorrow!
Player to watch in the preseason: Darius Alexander. We might be looking at an all NASCAR package on passing downs this season unless one of these DTs steps up. There are reasons for optimism with the run stuffers (proven vets), but Alexander needs to take a huge leap this season and bring the interior rush. With him, goes the pass rush (at least on early downs).
Most underrated player on Offense for 2026: Theo Johnson. I can't believe how much the fans have soured on this guy. I understand Likely is the prize FA and will get more snaps at TE, but he's a completely different player at the position. There will be plenty of opportunity for Theo to make plays (and sure- he'll have his drops). And when this guy does make plays- my god are they special.
Most underrated player on Defense for 2026: Jevon Holland. I've been a Holland fan since he came out of Oregon, and was thrilled when we signed him last year. Admittedly, his season wasn't great. But the potential is there, and I fully expect the coaching to put him in the position to show the talent he absolutely has. He'll be the clear leader of the secondary.
Most underrated draft pick: Colton Hood. This guy was someone I always had my eye on in the 2nd round, but was just convinced the Giants were going DT with that pick (they might have if McDonald was avail). For the scheme we are trying to run, he is a perfect fit. Corner is a tough learning curve, but I'm not at all worried about Hood stepping in at CB2 and holding it down. There will be struggles, but once this guy takes that spot- it'll be his for the future. Maybe never a shut-down #1 corner, but going to be a perfect #2.
Draft pick I got completely wrong: Malachi Fields. It's early to say that he's gonna be great or anything, but reports out of camp for this guy have been glowing. I thought we gave up too much to acquire him, and didn't expect much aside for a role player with a big wingspan. Yet he looks likely to be starting at receiver, this year and has been beating corners with separation. If he turns out to be a gem, this draft looks crazy good.
Rookie of the year, for the Giants: Arvell Reese. No question. I didn't know much about Arvell THE HUMAN before we drafted him.... this maniac shows up for work, says very little, retains everything, and then brings the absolute hammer down on opposing players. Don't they call him "The Cyborg" or something?
Most improved unit on the Giants in 2026: Linebackers. No question. To go from Okereke and McFadden to Edmunds and Reese (with McFadden as depth).... holy smokes. Talk about flipping a unit in one offseason. I predict linebacker play being a strength for the first time since... The Antonio Pierce/Kawika Mitchell era? Jon Beason was good but who the hell played next to him?
Most regressive unit of 2026: QBs. Hate to say it (since it's the same room, for the most part)... and I'm not trying to root against Dart; but because of the idea that we are installing a new offense that is really THREE offenses, combined into one.... expect Dart to struggle the first half fo the season. Daboll's system was tailor-made for Dart to succeed with easy reads and concepts like he had at Ole Miss. The Giants are going to run the ball 30 times a game for the first month while he continues to learn it and they figure out what works. I think he's the guy- but expect a "sophmore slump" while he takes his lumps. Jameis is Jameis, but it would be hard to beat catching a damn touchdown pass and stiff arming a defender for YAC.
Biggest breakout on Offense: Calvin Austin. Dude was a steal at 3 mil, since he's proven he is an ascending slot player with good return abilities. I bet he plays his way into a long term deal with the team to be the future slot.
Biggest breakout on Defense: Com'on- We all know it's Abdul Carter.
Players to watch/target in college, for the 2027 NFL Draft (1st round): Cam Coleman and Charlie Becker. I'm a texas fan (since I live in Austin) and plan to keep a close eye on Cam Coleman, but hopefully we won't be picking in the top half of the 1st round (where he'll likely go). So Charlie Becker might be a more realisitic target. Huge WRs with wing spans and freaky athleticism. Fully expect that we go into 2027 without Slayton (who may surprise this season, but certainly not at THAT contract) or Mooney or Odell. Nabers will be getting ready to get paid. Having another (cheap) top flight WR will be crucial for our (coming!) superbowl window.
Go Giants.