By Michael Stewart/@golferbad
Introduction: The New York Giants training camp is now nearly at the halfway point and thus far some unexpected players are getting noticed with their performance thus far. These are players who are either rookies or 2nd year players looking to either earn a spot on the roster or secure a starting position before opening day. If so, this could make it difficult for Head Coach Joe Judge to finalize the 53-man roster. Let’s take a look at the Top 5 players who are having outstanding training camps.
- Darney Holmes (CB): The Giants coaching staff have all been pleasantly surprised on how well Holmes (4th round/2020) has grasped the playbook and his competitive spirit has not been unnoticed. Holmes has shown the ability to handle the outside CB spot as well as in the slot at this point and he is getting rewarded with more snaps with the 1st unit on defense.
- Matt Peart (OT): Peart (3rd round/2020) has been dominating in both the run and pass blocking drills by displaying proper technique and also a little nastiness after the play. The Giants drafted Peart with the hope that he will develop in 2020 and then take over the right tackle position in 2021. However; it appears Peart has other ideas and seems to be speeding up the process so far with his performance.
- Binjimin Victor (WR): Victor (UDFA signing/2020) has been a constant steady so far in training camp and has displayed surprise speed on deep routes and is hard to contain in the red zone drills. At this point into training camp, it appears that Victor has a slight edge over Austin Mack, Derrick Dillon and David Sills for possibly the last roster spot at wide receiver. We’re still at the halfway point in training camp and anything can happen from now until opening day. However; at this point it’s Victor’s spot to lose as the other three wide receivers will need to step it up.
- Javon Leake (RB): Leake (UDFA signing/2020) has shown surprising quickness on the field and has not disappointed the Giants coaching staff with his overall versatility as a running back and also on special teams. Leake was a multi-threat out Maryland as he handled not only the running back duties, but also kickoff and punt returns. Leakes ability to provide big play opportunity especially on special teams could be the deciding factor on whether or not he makes the 53 man roster.
- Cory Ballentine (CB): Ballentine (6th round/2019) is making the best of his second training camp as a Giant with a strong start as he has been extremely active in the secondary; while showcasing his athletic ability with several plays breaking up passing attempts; especially in the red zone drills. Ballentine looks more comfortable on the outside and at this point, it appears that he is definitely in the running to see ample snaps at the CB2 position moving forward.
Final Thoughts: We are still roughly at the halfway point of training camp and a lot could happen as players will be more involved in live action scrimmages over the next few weeks. As we get closer to the end of training camp I will revisit these players and other candidates to see if this list has changed and perhaps a few new faces will emerge and provide us with a glimpse of what the Giants final 53 man roster could look like.