CB Deonte Banks is the returning Giant you're most interested to see on defense in the preseason.
John Schmeelk: Fact – I will once again go with the flow here. Banks is one of the recent draft picks who needs to continue to improve for the Giants to get where they want to go. While most people tend to get most excited about rookies, it is the natural progression and improvement from the young veterans, usually on rookie contracts, already on the roster that help make teams better. Banks is one of those guys, along with Cor'Dale Flott, that can help solidify this defense on the back end. He has all the physical talent in the world.
Dan Salomone: Fiction – We could see a lot of linebacker Darius Muasau, who played 435 snaps on defense and 248 on special teams as a rookie sixth-round draft pick last year. He has made the leap going into Year 2.
"I see improvement in communication," Daboll said. "I think he's a very instinctive player. He earned playing time, too. I mean, there's always some times that young guys play, but he's earned playing time because of his performance. And he's another guy, kind of put him and Dru Phillips in a category, who has taken a good step from year one to year two. Now we talked about Malik [Nabers], but Malik was pretty successful year one. Where they've kind of, they've grown into their roles, communication, production out on the field, not making a lot of mistakes. If they do, they come back and they fix it. So, Darius is right in the mix here. I think he's a good football player for us. And he'll have every opportunity to compete and to play. He'll play."
Matt Citak: Fact – We know Paulson Adebo will start on the outside, but who starts on the other side between Banks and Cor'Dale Flott is still to be determined. Banks has had an up-and-down first two seasons in the NFL while matching up against opposing teams' top receivers each week. With Adebo now in the fold, the young corner will no longer have to shadow the No. 1 receiver, which should alleviate some of the pressure off him. Banks still has all of the physical tools of a successful NFL cornerback; he just needs to play more consistently week in and week out.
WR Montrell Washington will score the most touchdowns for the Giants this preseason.
John Schmeelk: Fiction – While it would only make sense that Montrell Washington carries the torch from Corey Washington and other wide receivers who have excelled in the preseason, there are simply too many receivers for Giants quarterbacks to throw the ball to. At running back, however, with the injuries to Cam Skattebo and Eric Gray, I think Dante Miller will get the most carries this preseason and will find the end zone more than any other Giants player.
Dan Salomone: Fact – If you've been following along this summer, it has been the Dart-to-Washington show when it hasn't been the Wilson-to-Nabers show. Look for that connection on Saturday in Buffalo.
Matt Citak: Fiction – Washington is among the players I'm most excited to see play in the preseason, as the competition for the final few receiver spots on the depth chart should be a good one. How about Dante Miller as the Giants' preseason touchdown leader? Across two games last preseason, his first in the NFL, Miller recorded 108 rushing yards on 26 attempts. I'm not sure how much Tyrone Tracy, Cam Skattebo and Devin Singletary are going to play in the preseason, which should lead to plenty of opportunities for Miller. There is a reason why his nickname is "Turbo," as his breakaway speed is one of a kind. I think we may see him take a few big runs to the house this preseason.