Harbaugh Says Giants Improved — Did Camp Prove It?

Deonte Banks may have fought his way back into the Giants’ starting cornerback picture, but that comeback creates a much harder decision in a secondary already dealing with injuries and depth churn. Greenbrier also boosted several rookies and receivers while exposing a real concern at center.

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The Big Question: Did Deonte Banks really play his way back into a starting job? The camp evidence has become difficult to ignore, but Greg Newsome II, Paulson Adebo and rookie Colton Hood make the Giants’ outside-corner competition anything but settled.

John Harbaugh says the Giants “improved tremendously” during their time at The Greenbrier, and Drew and Rob start by asking how much of that should actually be believed before the games count. One encouraging sign came when the first-team offense pushed Harbaugh for one more goal-line snap and Jaxson Dart finished the drive with a touchdown to Darius Slayton.

Dart’s Year 2 development remains one of the biggest questions surrounding this team. Calvin Austin III praised his swagger and composure, while Drew argues that Dart already looks capable of filling the leadership void the Giants have had for years. Whether that also means he is a true franchise quarterback remains unanswered.

The rookie class took up a major part of the conversation. Arvell Reese continues showing why the Giants used the No. 5 pick on him, Francis “Sisi” Mauigoa has held the starting right-guard work, Jack Kelly has strengthened his roster case and Colton Hood remains firmly involved in the cornerback competition. Malachi Fields produced one of the best debates of the episode because camp observers have come away with different evaluations of how close he really is to challenging for a major receiver role.

The Giants’ receiver numbers are becoming increasingly difficult. Malik Nabers is progressing toward his return, Darnell Mooney has drawn strong reviews, Jalin Hyatt has improved his standing and Odell Beckham Jr. has looked healthy. The problem is simple: there are more interesting receivers than available roster spots.

Then the conversation shifts heavily toward the defense. Harbaugh called Abdul Carter’s camp “really, really great,” Greg Newsome II appears to have avoided a serious injury, and Banks continues receiving legitimate first-team opportunities. Drew and Rob revisit their previous criticism of Banks and debate whether better coaching has helped revive a former first-round pick who appeared to be running out of chances.

How comfortable should Giants fans really be with the secondary? Dru Phillips is dealing with a knee injury, the Giants have cycled through additional defensive backs, and the depth behind the top group remains unsettled.

Center brings a different problem. John Michael Schmitz is dealing with a concussion, Lucas Patrick has a knee issue, Bryan Hudson has taken first-team snaps and Brenden Jaimes was signed for additional depth. The Giants leave Greenbrier with more optimism at several positions, but center may actually be less settled than it was when camp started.

The episode also runs through the biggest Greenbrier risers and fallers, Washington losing Laremy Tunsil after adding Stefon Diggs, the Giants returning to their construction-heavy New Jersey facility, and a remembrance of former Giants offensive line coach Fred Hoaglin.

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