New York Giants: 3 players to keep an eye on during training camp

New York Giants, Andrew Thomas
New York Giants, Andrew Thomas | Credit: Joe McManus Designs

The New York Giants are gearing up for training camp to start early next week. Rookies will report on Tuesday, with quarterbacks and injured players on July 23 and the rest of the team on July 28.

This is an excellent opportunity for rookies to get accustomed to the NFL style and see their first reps on the practice field. However, with the COVID-19 pandemic affecting sports worldwide, there will undoubtedly be some complications as things progress toward the regular season. The preseason has already been cut two games to limit exposure, and there will be other ratifications implemented as well.

Nonetheless, business, as usual, is the mantra the NFL is taking. The Giants need all the time they can get to iron out their roster after drafting new starters on offense and defense.

Here’s a look at three New York Giants players we should keep an eye on:

1.) Nick Gates

The Giants are still attempting to cement their offensive line to provide Daniel Jones with more time in the pocket and Saquon Barkley with more running lanes. Drafting Andrew Thomas was a positive step forward toward continuity. Positions like center and right tackle are ones that need to be completed for.

Gates, who is a former undrafted free agent out of Nebraska, played well when filling in at right tackle and right guard in 2019. Ultimately, his performance has earned him the right to compete at center and right tackle. He is a mean, gritty player who general manager Dave Gettleman has confidence in.

The second-year lineman has been working diligently in Nevada with Raiders quarterback Derek Carr under center. The reps he is gaining will be essential for training camp. His size at 6-foot-5 and 307 pounds is a bit big for the center position, but it can’t be any worse than with the Giants have been utilizing there in recent years.

He is a priority player to keep an eye on during training camp.