7 thoughts ahead of Giants' 2024 season, including an improved offensive line and 'special' Brian Burns

EAST RUTHERFORD – This is a unique situation for the Giants. Normally, entering the third year of a regime, you expect playoffs. That’s not the case here, though. New York is still rebuilding, likely two years away from legitimate contention.

That’s fine, only they’re led by Brian Daboll, a man many around the league believe is coaching for his job. Again: It’s an odd mix.

Development is likely the goal for the Giants this year – show signs you’re headed in the right direction. That, likely, will be enough for all to get another year from John Mara.

Here are a few additional thoughts on the Giants heading into the 2024 regular season...

The offensive line is legitimately improved

I touched base with a handful of Jets sources after the joint practice between the two teams. Was curious if some of my observations on the Giants aligned with theirs. The No. 1 takeaway from all: Big Blue's offensive line is solid.

GM Joe Schoen had a decision to make with Saquon Barkley. Any extension to him would eat up valuable financial assets needed to round the team out elsewhere. He didn’t believe they were in a position to pay a running back, although, I’m not sure any Schoen team will invest in a running back. But by letting Barkley walk the Giants were able to pursue players like Jon Runyan Jr., Greg Van Roten, and Jermaine Eluemunor. Those two, combined with Andrew Thomas and John Michael Schmitz, have given the Giants a level of competence they haven’t had up front in years.

Again: I’m not sure anyone thinks this group will be one of the best in the NFL, but the investment is paying dividends.

A Saquon Barkley replacement

The Giants wasted little time replacing Barkley, who left for the Eagles in free agency. They signed Devin Singletary. He’ll be a main component of the offense, but don’t sleep on rookie Tyrone Tracy. He repped with the starters throughout the summer and displayed impressive burst and receiving ability.

Malik Nabers is so good

This is undeniable. Usually, there’s some acclimation period for rookie wideouts. There has not been from Nabers. The moment he stepped foot in the Giants building he became their most explosive offensive player, and he’s displayed that numerous times throughout training camp. It would be one thing if he just tormented their secondary, but he did the same to the Lions.

It will be fascinating to watch Nabers throughout this year. The Giants will force-feed him the ball. That’s obvious. They realize they need it in his hands.

Someone else stand up

Defenses will eventually make shutting down Nabers their first, second, and third priority. I think he’s still good enough to make plays when this happens, but other guys will have to step up, too. Wan’Dale Robinson had a really good summer. He’s Daniel Jones’ safety blanket. The Giants would like someone outside to assert himself as the No. 2, though.

Jalin Hyatt, last year’s third-round pick, ran with the first unit the majority of the time. He’s a very, very good field stretcher. You’d just like to see more from him as a route runner. He’s better than he was his rookie year, but not as polished as veteran Darius Slayton. The Giants will likely rotate the two throughout the summer.

Brian Burns was worth the investment

One Jets player who practiced against the Giants put it this way: “No. 0 is special.” That’s a strong word for one player to give to another, but that’s exactly how you should describe Burns. He’s looked dominant this summer. Normally when you have a player of his skill level you see an offensive game plan to take him away. It’s hard to imagine opponents doing that, though, because the Giants also have Dexter Lawrence and Kayvon Thibodeaux. Those three should give teams fits this year. But ...

The secondary could be a problem

I worry that players will be open before the rush can get home. That spot opposite Deonte Banks is an issue. Cor’Dale Flott was bad before he got hurt. Nick McCloud was worse. You also wonder if Banks is a legitimate No. 1 cornerback, or just the Giants’ No. 1 corner because they don’t have anyone better.

The front will be able to get home against young quarterbacks, but the more experienced/better ones will simply release the ball before they have the chance.

What do you have, Daniel Jones?

I’ve never seen a player catch more strays than Jones. He’s not deserving of it, either. It’s not like he’s a bad guy, gets in trouble off the field, or does anything to make him so polarizing. Yet it seems other players can’t wait to have fun at his expense. Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner was the latest.

You hope that lights a fire under Jones and gets him back to play like the player the Giants awarded with that $160 million extension. That … didn’t really happen in training camp. Sources I touched base with criticized Jones' field vision and processing speed. Things essentially go downhill if his first read isn’t there and he’s forced to go through his progressions. That’s not a great sign.

The Giants can get out of Jones’ contract at the end of this season.