4 positions battles to watch as New York Giants begin OTAs | Sporting News
The New York Giants are set to begin voluntary organized team activities (OTAs) on Monday, commencing Phase 3 of the offseason workout program.
This vital step in the offseason is the first time the entire team can be together on the field since the rookies arrived. It’s also the closest we’ll get to practices during training camp and the regular season.
With OTAs arriving, there will be plenty to dissect over the course of the next month, including some positional battles taking place.
Outside cornerback
This positional battle will be a vital one for the Giants. The secondary brings a lot of question marks and with rookie Andru Phillips likely taking over the nickel role , the battle for the boundary spot opposite Deonte Banks is wide open.
The competition likely comes down to Cor’Dale Flott and Nick McCloud while Tre Hawkins III also could be in the mix.
Backup running back
The Giants are heading into the season with Devin Singletary as the primary replacement for Saquon Barkley but the role behind him on the depth chart is wide open. This may not be as important of a position, but there should be a lively competition taking place.
The battle is likely to feature Eric Gray, Gary Brightwell and 2024 fifth-round pick Tyrone Tracy Jr., who is a favorite to be a sleeper in the Giants offense.
Right side of offensive line
It seems the Giants are giving Evan Neal one more chance to earn the starting right tackle role, but the front office also brought in Jermaine Eluemunor through free agency. The veteran has plenty of experience working all over the offensive line, and he could find himself in the battle for right guard as well.
With Mark Glowinski gone, the Giants added Aaron Stinnie in free agency so he will likely be competing for the right guard spot as well.
Linebacker
The Giants already know that Bobby Okereke and Micah McFadden will be the starting duo at linebacker in Shane Bowen’s defense, but the third spot on the depth chart is very much up for grabs. It should be a lively competition that will likely feature some heavy special teams snaps as well.
The Giants drafted Darius Muasau in the sixth round, and he’ll be competing with Matthew Adams and Isaiah Simmons for the depth role.
