Giants' West Virginia camp shows defense emerging, offense still installing

The New York Giants completed their first training camp under John Harbaugh at The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, running 12 days with 10 practices and producing early clarity on which units and players are ready and which remain works in progress.

The most visible thread across camp was Harbaugh's answer to the Giants' defensive collapse last season. The defense allowed 5.3 yards per carry, the worst in the NFL, according to ESPN's reporting. To address this, Harbaugh added linebackers Tremaine Edmunds and Arvell Reese, both 6-foot-4, signaling a commitment to length and physicality in the middle. Arvell Reese, the No. 5 overall draft pick, "looked every bit the No. 5 pick in West Virginia," per ESPN. Both linebackers "got their hands on passes all throughout the training camp" and "made it hard to complete passes over their heads in the middle of the field," according to the reporting. Edmunds said "Hopefully more interceptions than tipped balls, but we're going to get our hands on them." General manager Joe Schoen noted that the linebackers' physicality will be vital to stopping the run.

The secondary showed depth and competition. Paulson Adebo and Greg Newsome II started as first-team cornerbacks, though Adebo "had a rough camp." Deonte Banks was good and "probably the team's best cover corner in West Virginia," earning first-team opportunities. Harbaugh rotates the defensive backs more than any other position. Slot corner Dru Phillips is sidelined for at least a few practices with a knee sprain. Harbaugh said "It's competitive, guys are competing. I've told you before, I really feel good about our corner depth. I think we've got some guys there. So, we're just going to let those guys keep competing and it brings out the best in everybody. I thought all the corners played well today." Defensive back Ar'Darius Washington "looks natural in this defense" and "is going to have a role as either a slot cornerback or safety. Maybe both," according to ESPN. Safety Jevon Holland "looks primed for a bounce back. He was around the ball a lot this summer."

Nose tackle DJ Reader "looked really good as a run stuffer in the middle of the defense." Defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson oversees a defense that is being built for run-stopping first.

The offense, by contrast, is visibly in installation mode. The Giants merged offensive input from Harbaugh (from Baltimore), Matt Nagy (from Kansas City and Andy Reid), and Brian Callahan, layering Greg Roman's intricate run concepts with modern West Coast terminology. Quarterback Jaxson Dart is learning to play under center more than ever and alter his footwork as part of the new scheme. Dart said the experience "made us better on the field" and "allowed us to make stronger connections off the field." He also noted the offensive installation included "a big install each and every day" with continued learning and reps on plays.

Tight end Isaiah Likely "was Dart's favorite target with Nabers not participating in team drills" and "had a strong camp." Likely "should fit nicely as the team's No. 2 receiver," and "If Nabers isn't healthy, Likely will be a favorite of Dart," per ESPN. Wide receiver Malik Nabers is expected to return soon, which the staff believes will help the offense. Odell Beckham Jr. improved throughout camp and got some first-team reps, competing for one of the final wide receiver spots. Braxton Berrios had a strong camp as a receiver and brings value as a returner. Dalen Cambre made a lot of plays in West Virginia and showed last year he can be an asset on special teams.

Special teams and kicking saw a direct competition. Rookie kicker Dominic Zvada made 34 of 38 attempts at camp, while kicker Ben Sauls hit 29 of 36 attempts. Zvada "appears to be Harbaugh's kind of kicker with his length and kicking stroke" and is "in the driver's seat to be the Giants' kicker this season," according to ESPN. Zvada still has to perform in preseason games "later this month" before securing the role.

The Giants attended team hangouts, dinners, golf at The Greenbrier, and saw a trip to "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" during the West Virginia camp, signaling Harbaugh's emphasis on cohesion off the field as well as on it.