byDan Salomone&Matt Citak
The Giants.com crew is presented with four statements and must decide whether they are Fact or Fiction.
WR Malik Nabers would be the Giants' top candidate to participate in flag football at the Olympics.
Dan Salomone: FictionTo help me answer this question, I enlisted Tara Belinsky, the Giants' community and youth football manager. No one would know better than the Community Relations department because they are out there helping grow the game that is now part of the Olympics. Belinsky's first thought was a different wide receiver, Wan'Dale Robinson. The 5-foot-8, 185-pounder has the shiftiness required to excel at the sport. Ihmir Smith-Marsette, who has made a living avoiding would-be tacklers as a returner, would also be a strong option.
Matt Citak: FactThis one is a no-brainer. Nabers is not only the most electric player on the Giants, but he's one of the most electric players in all of football. His speed, quickness, and elusiveness, all qualities that make him tough to bring down, would translate well to flag football. We saw a bit of his flag football potential during last year's Pro Bowl Games, where he caught two touchdown passes to help the NFC defeat the AFC. If he decides to play, Nabers would easily be one of the best flag football players at the Olympics.
WR Malik Nabers vs. CB Paulson Adebo will be the matchup to watch in practices.
Dan Salomone: FictionI still need to get to the bottom of whatever went on at Penn State practices with Abdul Carter and Theo Johnson. The following conversation occurred during Carter's combine interview, which wascaptured in the Giants Life season premiere.
GM Joe Schoen: We have Theo on our team. What would he say about you?
Carter: He would say I'm competitive, but we got into it a lot just being on different sides of the ball. My last game, he just came up to me and said like he gave me his respect. He has my respect. I like Theo.
OLB Coach Charlie Bullen: Ok, so this
Carter: Wait until I see him again, though. We've got some unfinished business.
Matt Citak: FactWith no contact allowed, there is not much to gain from the performance of the offensive and defensive linemen during OTAs. Those battles pick up steam at training camp, but during these spring workouts, it's more about the pass-catchers and defensive backs. What better matchup is there than the one between the team's top receiver and top cornerback? Adebo is coming off a serious leg injury, so it will be good to see him back on the field looking like his old self. Trying to slow down Nabers will be quite the welcome back for the veteran corner.
The player with the most to gain in spring practices is TE Theo Johnson.
Dan Salomone: FactMy ears always perk up whenever a player, coach, or general manager brings up a name unprompted during an interview. That seemed to happen a lot with Theo Johnson this offseason, from Russell Wilson at his introductory press conference to Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll at the Annual League Meeting. The Giants need to push the ball downfield more, and the young tight end can take advantage of Wilson's accuracy down the seam. The 10-time Pro Bowl quarterback also noticed the fourth-round pick's blocking ability.
Matt Citak: FictionDespite missing the end of the season due to a foot injury, Johnson showed enough during his rookie campaign where he should be the favorite to be the team's top tight end in 2025. I'm not sure how much he really has to gain this spring other than showing he's back healthy and ready to go. The player that could really help himself the most during OTAs and minicamp is Jalin Hyatt. The third-year receiver caught only eight passes last season while playing just 33 percent of offensive snaps. Hyatt could push for more playing time in Year 3, but it starts with him showing the coaching staff something during spring practices. Russell Wilson's ability to throw the deep ball accurately should provide Hyatt with a boost.
The top breakout candidate for this season is CB Dru Phillips.
Dan Salomone: FactThe secondary was talented but inexperienced last season, something Joe Schoen rectified with the signings of cornerback Paulson Adebo and safety Jevn Holland. Phillips, like Tyler Nubin and Deonte Banks, will benefit from the veteran additions on top of having another year under their belt. They will also have some guys making mayhem in front of them, and Phillips has shown he's not afraid to create some of his own.
Matt Citak: FictionSimilar to my last answer, Phillips is coming off a rookie year where he finished as one of Pro Football Focus' top cornerbacks. I see the second-year corner having another strong season, but it would be a little tough for me to consider it a true breakout year. Instead, I'm going with his fellow sophomore classmate, Tyler Nubin. The safety out of Minnesota had a solid rookie year, finishing second on the team with 98 total tackles despite missing the final four games. But Nubin did not register a single interception following a collegiate career where he made a name for himself as a ballhawk. With Jevn Holland now in the fold, along with Adebo, the secondary should take a big step in 2025. Nubin should have the ability to play all over the field more than he did last season, which could lead to big things for the young safety.
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