Given the New York Giants won’t reconvene as a team until late July when the team reports to training camp, we have a few football-less weeks to fill. Hopefully, you can spend at least a couple of those outside under the summer sun, together with family and friends as you count down the days until the John Harbaugh era really kicks off.But if you’re looking to spark a conversation around the fire pit or grill, may we suggest ranking the Giants’ position groups? My beat partner, Dan Duggan, put together an updated depth chart out of the spring, so why not debate the strongest — and weakest — areas of the roster as another way to look forward to training camp.Here’s my own ranking of the groups, from strongest to weakest. Have fun in the comments. I’ll be at the beach:1. Outside linebackersThis was a no-brainer. The OLB unit is far and away the strongest position group on the Giants roster, in large part due to major investment over the last few seasons. Toward the end of last season, Abdul Carter started to show more consistently why he was the No. 3 pick, as he finished the year with 66 pressures, according to Pro Football Focus, the 12th-most in the league. Meanwhile, Brian Burns led the NFC in sacks with 16.5. The two were starters throughout the spring, with 2022 first-rounder Kayvon Thibodeaux rounding out the top trio.2. QuarterbacksQuarterback at No. 2? I know, I’m somewhat surprised myself, given the question marks around this position only last offseason. But this is an acknowledgement that the position, at least for this season, is in solid shape with Jaxson Dart looking primed to progress in his second year. And behind Dart is veteran Jameis Winston, who is always capable of giving his offense a spark. That gives the Giants two starting-caliber quarterbacks, along with Brandon Allen.3. Offensive lineAnother ranking that would be hard to believe just a few short years ago, but the offensive line is decidedly on solid footing. They have an All-Pro caliber left tackle in Andrew Thomas, a first-round right guard in Francis Mauigoa, a three-year starting center in John Michael Schmitz Jr. and some solid veterans in left guard Jon Runyan Jr. and right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor. Beyond what should be an above-average starting group, there’s also some good depth, including veteran guard Daniel Faalele, center Lucas Patrick, guard Aaron Stinnie and swing tackle Marcus Mbow.4. Tight endsThe Giants’ biggest free agency investment came at this position with the signing of Isaiah Likely (three years, $40 million). Pairing Likely with Theo Johnson will result in the Giants deploying plenty of 12 personnel packages. New York also has longtime veteran Chris Manhertz, who will play a role in the running game. Finally, there’s fullback Patrick Ricard, who has been spending time in the tight end meeting room, so we’ll count him as depth here. This looks like one of the most well-rounded groups on the roster this year.5. Inside linebackersThis position room has been completely reconfigured since last year. The highlight of the overhaul, of course, was the addition of first-round pick Arvell Reese. But the Giants also signed free agent Tremaine Edmunds to a three-year, $36 million deal. Those two will push Micah McFadden, who’s been a reliable starter, to a backup role. Anytime you add a first-rounder to a room, the status goes up, and Reese’s versatility should add intrigue to the defense as a whole.6. Running backsThe Giants brought back the same top three running backs as last year: Cam Skattebo, Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Devin Singletary, so there’s not a ton of change beyond Ricard’s role on the offense. The good news for Giants fans is Skattebo participated in the team’s final two minicamp practices, meaning he should be good to go for training camp.7. Wide receiversLet’s assume Malik Nabers and Darius Slayton are healthy, though we know that’s a big if on Nabers. But a healthy Nabers boosts this group tremendously, giving the team a legitimate No. 1 target. The real question is how this group looks beyond Nabers. Darnell Mooney, Calvin Austin III and third-round rookie Malachi Fields were the spring starters with Nabers and Slayton out. The Giants also signed a trio of veterans, including a Giants great of yesteryear, Odell Beckham Jr, but there are legitimate questions about how much he has left in the tank at 33 years old. Suffice it to say, the depth behind Nabers is questionable at best.Why was now the time for an OBJ reunion?Charlotte Carroll8. SafetiesJevon Holland and Tyler Nubin are the starters, making this an easy exercise with no change. Ar’Darius Washington and Jason Pinnock provide depth to the room, though Washington could potentially challenge for a starter role. It’s a solid group that could be ranked a few spots higher next with improved play from its two talented starters.9. CornerbacksThe No. 1 corner seems set with Paulson Adebo, but the No. 2 spot is TBD as competition will heat up at camp. There’s depth but no clear starter for now, as Greg Newsome II faced early competition already from a surprise contender: Deonte Banks. The 2023 first-rounder has had an up-and-down career in New York, so he’ll need to find some consistency to secure the job. Another name to watch is second-rounder Colton Hood. He played behind Newsome and Banks this spring, but he’ll have a chance to impress in camp.10. Defensive lineThe defensive line depth was already thin before the Dexter Lawrence trade and Roy Robertson-Harris’ Achilles tear. Now, it’s a remade room featuring DJ Reader, Darius Alexander, Shelby Harris, Leki Fotu, Josh Tupou, Sam Roberts and sixth-round pick Bobby Jamison-Travis. Given the injury situations, it’s a room that leaves plenty of questions and much to be seen when the pads come on.11. SpecialistsAs another completely altered group, the specialist group has the most uncertainty, largely due to the kicker question. The position has plagued the Giants the past few seasons, and the competition got off to a rough start this spring with the team releasing veteran Jason Sanders and Ben Sauls struggling mightily. On a more promising note, undrafted rookie Dominic Zvada closed out strong, going 13-of-13 on field goals in open practices. Long snapper Ben Mann is another undrafted rookie, so he needs to prove himself. While punter Jordan Stout is an All-Pro, the uncertainty at the other spots made this somewhat an easy choice for the final spot in our rankings.
Ranking the Giants’ positions: OLB unit leads way, but defense still has major holes
Which position groups should Giants fans be the most worried about?










