The New York Giants are well into their 2023 training camp and several players have shone while others have not. And while there’s still plenty of time left and things are subject to change, a story is beginning to take shape.
Here is a quick list of “risers” and “fallers” since camp began two weeks ago.
Riser: S Jason Pinnock
Jason Pinnock came to camp set for a position battle to replace Julian Love with several players, most notably free agent veteran Bobby McCain.
Pinnock has played so well that the issue appears settled. It’s his job to lose, now.
This one-handed INT from safety Jason Pinnock is CRAZY 😳
(via @Giants) pic.twitter.com/haPSTGyvJZ
— NFL (@NFL) July 30, 2023
Faller: S Bobby McCain
Let’s be clear: Bobby McCain hasn’t played poorly, it’s just that Pinnock has played better. So have several others.
McCloud was working with the second-team defense alongside Dane Belton with Bobby McCain shifting into the slot. McCloud has had a very strong camp. Very physical in 1-on-1's https://t.co/cjojAPYalp
— Dan Duggan (@DDuggan21) July 31, 2023
McCain has gotten some first team reps and has held his own, but is appears he’s going to be used in sub packages when the season starts.
Riser: WR Jalin Hyatt
Jalin Hyatt has turned heads with his play this summer. He’s faster than most had anticipated and has stellar route running ability as well as reliable hands.
The Giants had been looking for their next Odell Beckham Jr. and they just may have found him.
Jalin Hyatt has been very fun pic.twitter.com/Uzpzy8xBfv
— Justin Penik (@JustinPenik) August 1, 2023
Faller: WR Wan'Dale Robinson
Last year’s second round pick is a suffering through a case of “out of sight, out of mind” this summer as he wallows on the PUP list.
Wan’Dale Robinson was just coming into his own last year when he tore his ACL midseason and was lost for the year.
With the emergence of Hyatt, free agents Parris Campbell, Cole Beasley and Jamison Crowder and the return of Sterling Shepard, Robinson is missing valuable reps this summer and is slipping down the depth chart.
Riser: CB Tre Hawkins III
Tre Hawkins, a Day 3 pick out of Old Dominion, began camp as a possible bubble player that could possibly end up on the practice squad.
Forget that. Hawkins has played so well that he’s getting first team reps in drill these days, surpassing first rounder Deonte Banks and even veteran Adoree’ Jackson (who has been used in the slot at times).
Hawkins appears to be a find by the Giants’ scouting department, one that could rival that of the Seattle Seahawks’ Tariq Woolen last year.
Faller: DB Darnay Holmes
Again, Darnay Holmes hasn’t played that poorly. It’s just that the Giants have wheeled in a tom of competition this summer to challenge him.
True, Holmes gotten toasted several times in drills and the Giants are trying several other players in the slot, including safeties.
Holmes might have a hard time making the roster as the young corners are all stepping up and coordinator Wink Martindale continues to mix and match personnel.
