5 NY Giants to Watch in Preseason Opener against Detroit Lions

The New York Giants will face the Detroit Lions in their preseason opener, providing opportunities for rookies and other players to shine.

The joint practices held by the New York Giants and Detroit Lions this week aimed to provide a controlled setting for both teams to improve their performance against each other, rather than relying solely on preseason games. While the preseason game itself is not considered meaningless, it is expected that rookies and players on the roster bubble will receive the majority of playing time and opportunities to showcase their skills.

In the upcoming preseason game against the Lions at Ford Field, it is unlikely that the Giants' starters, including Daniel Jones, Andrew Thomas, Saquon Barkley, Darren Waller, and Dexter Lawrence, will see much playing time. This opens up opportunities for other players to shine and make an impact.

One player to keep an eye on is Hyatt, who has been generating buzz with his speed, agility, and vertical presence. He has been building chemistry with both Jones and Tyrod Taylor, and with Taylor expected to start, there is a chance for Hyatt to make big plays down the field.

Schmitz has made significant strides towards claiming the starting job, particularly with his performance during the joint practices against the Lions. Going up against Lawrence in practice every day has prepared him well for the competition. It is anticipated that Schmitz will have a cameo appearance in the preseason game before giving way to either Lemieux or Anderson. This will give him the opportunity to make calls in a road environment and experience playing in an NFL stadium.

Peart, who was once considered a potential starter at left tackle over Thomas, has had his fair share of ups and downs. However, his performance with the first team against the Lions has shown promise. He is likely to secure the swing tackle job and will have a chance to prove himself further in this game.

Johnson, an undrafted rookie from Toledo, has caught the attention of defensive coordinator Wink Martindale. With the lack of depth at the inside linebacker position, Johnson will have the opportunity to earn more playing time. While McFadden and Beavers will also be in the mix, Johnson is expected to log the most snaps on defense in this game.

Gray is an intriguing player with an exciting skill set that has caught the Giants' attention. He is elusive and moves well in open space, making him a strong candidate for the returner's job. With Brightwell injured, Gray, Corbin, and Robinson are likely to see playing time. Gray's receiving abilities may also be utilized early in the passing game to alleviate pressure on the second-string offensive line.

For Gray, playing in an NFL game has been a lifelong dream. He is eager to soak in the experience and is grateful for the opportunity. Just as he felt a sense of awe when playing in college, he expects a similar feeling on Friday night when he takes the field for an NFL team.

Overall, the joint practices have provided an opportunity for players to showcase their skills and compete against each other in a controlled setting. The upcoming preseason game against the Lions will allow rookies and players on the roster bubble to make their case for a spot on the team. It will be an exciting and memorable experience for these players as they pursue their dreams of playing in the NFL.