OT Andrew Thomas was the most impressive offensive player in training camp.
John Schmeelk: Fact – I don’t have to count with my hands the number of times Andrew Thomas was beat in pass protection during the nearly month-long training camp. He’s a reliable pass blocker and offers the Giants the luxury of just letting him stand on the quarterback’s blind side and not worry. They can deploy the tight ends and backs to help elsewhere while Thomas can neutralize the right side of the defense. There’s no reason to believe he won’t play at an All-Pro level in 2024.
Dan Salomone: Fact – It’s easy to forget that he’s only 25 years old. Thomas is part of a young Giants core that the front office hopes will only get better as they come together.
Matt Citak: Fiction – Andrew Thomas has been outstanding this summer, but honestly, that’s what we expected. He’s one of the best tackles in the NFL, we’ve seen that since training camp began. That’s why Malik Nabers has to be the most impressive offensive player this summer. Although expectations were high for the sixth overall draft pick, people wanted to see him in person first. Well, he’s already lived up to those expectations and then some. Not only has he made numerous eye-opening catches, but he’s also shown a great attitude and sense of professionalism with the media. Nabers’ performance will turn heads nationwide once the regular season begins.
DL Dexter Lawrence was the most impressive defensive player in training camp.
John Schmeelk: Fiction – Dexter is always dominant, but you don’t see him play “full Dexter” until he faces opponents in games. You saw his strength and athleticism cause all kinds of problems in joint practices against a very good Lions offensive line, but you still try to stay healthy and keep opponents off the floor in those situations. Brian Burns, on the other hand, was able to show off his full repertoire of moves.
Dan Salomone: Fact – “Half-Dexter” is still better than most “full-fledged” offensive linemen. Lawrence is now one of the best in the league and has a chance to rise to lofty heights in the coming seasons.
Matt Citak: Fiction – I’m assuming fiction for the same reason as last time. Lawrence has once again shown he’s going to be a big problem for opposing offensive lines this season, as he’s gotten into the backfield in nearly every practice, including joint sessions with the Lions and Jets. But considering he was named to the Pro Bowl for the second year in a row, that was hardly surprising. So I’m betting on Brian Burns. It was very interesting to see Burns beat the offensive tackles with such a variety of pass rush moves. Much like Dexter, the team’s new edge rusher has been getting into the backfield so regularly all summer. The offensive line will have a tough time stopping the combination of Lawrence, Burns, and Thibodeaux this season.
