5 Giants questions entering 2022 minicamp

There’s a long way to go before Brian Daboll will have any idea what kind of team he’s really coaching. It’s too early in the process. Everything is still so new.

“People are learning our language, our playbooks, how we want to do things here in terms of the building,” the new Giants head coach said last week. “So there's been a lot of teaching going on, which it needs to be.”

That’s been the emphasis throughout the spring, and that will continue this week when the Giants hold their first mandatory, full-team minicamp under their new regime. It won’t be very intense. What Daboll wants most from his players is for them to learn.

And in the process, he might just learn some things about them.

Here are a few things to watch and learn from when Giants minicamp kicks off:

Who will be participating?

It’s too early to be alarmed about anyone, but it’s been notable this spring that key players like LT Andrew Thomas (ankle), WR Kadarius Toney (knee) and DE Kayvon Thibodeaux (undisclosed), the Giants’ top draft pick, have all been sidelined with various injuries. There have been others, too, like CB Aaron Robinson. And, of course, WR Sterling Shepard and LB Blake Martinez are still working their way back from injuries from last year.

It seems doubtful that most of them will participate this week. There’s no reason to rush anyone back to the field three months before the season starts. The hope, and maybe even the expectation, is that most of them will be ready when training camp opens on July 26.

The good news is their absences create opportunities and extra reps for others. The bad news is when a new coach is installing a new system, it helps to have his most important players on the field.

What exactly is the Brian Daboll/Mike Kafka offense?

No, they won’t be unveiling the entire playbook and showcasing their scheme in front of the media. Their drills likely will be focused on the passing game and, perhaps, specific game situations. But the more we watch what they practice, the more there are hints about what they plan to do.

So far, it’s clear this isn’t the old, stagnant, conservative Jason Garrett offense. They vary formations a lot and have no fear of an empty backfield and four or more receivers. They also don’t seem to be afraid of using QB Daniel Jones’ legs and moving him outside of the pocket – a good indication that he’s fully recovered from the mysterious neck injury that sidelined him at the end of last season.

Most notably so far, though, has been this: They seem very creative in the ways they use Saquon Barkley, as a weapon and not just a running back. He’s been lining up everywhere and getting a lot of looks as a receiver.

How big an impact can rookie WR Wan’Dale Robinson have?

It will be impossible to know for sure until the season starts, but the Giants drafted this 5' 8" receiver in the second round for a reason. They view him as a perfect fit in the Daboll offense and they think/hope he can be as impactful as Cole Beasley was the last few years for the Buffalo Bills.

So far, Robinson has gotten a lot of attention in the offense during the spring. Of course the Giants have also been a little short-handed at receiver with Toney on the sidelines. They are so similar that it’s possible their roles will overlap. Just how the Giants will balance that won’t be clear until the summer.

But for now, Robinson is getting a good look and so far he hasn’t disappointed. His (lack of) height hasn’t appeared to be much of an issue and he’s looked as slippery and quick as advertised.

Who will replace Evan Engram as the top tight end?

It can be dangerous to read anything into June depth charts, but they do at least give an idea of what the coaching staff is thinking. And so far it seems clear that rookie Daniel Bellinger is going to get a real chance to win that job.

He’s gotten a lot of opportunities this spring with the first team -- and not because of injuries, either. Ricky Seals-Jones and Jordan Akins have been healthy, but Bellinger is still getting plenty of chances. If that continues throughout minicamp week it could be an indication that Bellinger will enter camp as the presumed starter.

Of course, even then there is still a long way to go.

Who will replace James Bradberry at cornerback?

The favorite seems to be Aaron Robinson as the starter opposite Adoree’ Jackson, though he was nursing an undisclosed injury last week, which would presumably open up a battle between Darnay Holmes and rookie Cordale Flott for the nickel corner job.

Don’t be surprised, though, if defensive coordinator Wink Martindale opens up the competition. Holmes could have a shot to start on the outside. Flott probably needs to add some muscle first, but the coaches like him enough to see what he can do. Jarren Williams, Michael Jacquet and maybe even Rodarius Williams will also have opportunities.

The experimentation could go on all summer, but this camp will be the first indication of where the competition will begin.