10) What are the defensive competitions to watch at training camp?
John Schmeelk: I don't think there can be any debate that the biggest competition on defense is at the second outside cornerback spot. We know Paulson Adebo will be starting on one side of the field, but reps with the ones at the other spot were split between Deonte Banks and Cor'Dale Flott throughout the spring. Both players are on their rookie contracts and have starter experience. Flott has settled in as an outside cornerback and had a strong spring, while Banks is trying to finally put it all together in his third year. There should also be a battle for the fourth outside cornerback between guys like Tre Hawkins, Art Green and the rookies on the roster.
The other starting spot that might change or rotate will be the interior defensive linemen next to Dexter Lawrence. I think it is going to be Roy Robertson-Harris, but I don't think it is etched in stone. In five-man fronts, the other player could be Rakeem Nunez-Roches if they decide to go big or Chauncey Gholston, who can slide out to the 5-technique if they want more speed on the field. Who starts at those spots is not that important since there will be a heavy rotation on the defensive line. I do think the competition for who will make the back-end of the defensive line on the initial 53-man roster will be a good competition.
The rest of the competitions will be for backup spots. Do the Giants keep six linebackers, and if so what's the order of depth behind the two starters between Darius Muasau, Dyontae Johnson, Chris Board, and Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles? Who is the fourth safety behind Jevon Holland, Tyler Nubin, and Dane Belton? Young veterans Raheem Layne and Anthony Johnson Jr. will battle for that spot.