Buying or Selling Giants' Top Offseason Performances

Training camp hasn't officially started for the New York Giants just yet, as veterans will report on Tuesday. However, excitement for the 2022 season is rapidly growing, and New York will open its preseason schedule in less than three weeks.

The Giants have plenty of questions to answer between now and August 11, when they'll take on the New England Patriots. Can Daniel Jones finally establish himself as a franchise quarterback? How will the crowded receiver room shake out? Which rookies will have the biggest impact?

While it's impossible to know all the answers now, we have gleaned a little insight through organized team activities (OTAs) and minicamp. Here, we'll dive into some of the biggest buzz and top performances of New York's offseason so far.

We'll examine the top performers, what they'll bring to the proverbial table in camp and whether we believe their strong showings are truly indicative of good things to come.

Giants fans would love to see star-running back Saquon Barkley return to the Pro Bowl form he showcased during his first two seasons. The Penn State product tore multiple ligaments in his right knee in 2020, missing most of that season, and battle a variety of ailments in 2021.

The good news is that Barkley finally appears healthy and has been one of New York's top performers this offseason.

"Barkley looked like the Giants’ best and most important non-quarterback for much of OTAs, though take that with a grain of salt considering it’s been non-contact," Zack Rosenblatt of NJ.com wrote. "But he remains probably the most fascinating figure on the team heading into the season."

We'll have to wait and see how Barkley performs once the pads come on, but a bounce-back season feels likely. The 25-year-old is more than a full year removed from his devastating knee injury and poised to put last year's struggles (only 3.7 yards per carry) behind him.

As Rosenblatt pointed out, coach Brian Daboll also seems primed to use Barkley in a variety of roles, including receiver. If Barkley is frequently used as a pass-catcher instead of a runner, it should reduce contact and limit his exposure to injury.

Expect Barkley to once again be the centerpiece of the New York offense.

Verdict: Buy

Barkley is, of course, arguably New York's highest-profile player. Second-year wideout Travis Toivonen has been much more of a surprise.

Originally signed by the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 2021, Toivonen spent part of last season on the Giants' practice squad. He has spent much of the offseason near the top of the depth chart.

"He was getting reps with both the first and second-team offenses with so many receivers out and took advantage of those opportunities," Rosenblatt wrote. "He has good size (6-4) and feels like the most likely candidate to become a classic training camp fan favorite."

The problem for Toivonen is this: The Giants have a lot of receivers to sort through in the coming weeks. New York heads into camp with Kenny Golladay, Kadarius Toney, Sterling Shepard and rookie Wan'Dale Robinson headlining its receiver room. As Rosenblatt pointed out, Toivonen's opportunities have come with Golladay, Shepard and Toney out or limited.

The reality is that Toivonen will be competing in training camp with the likes of Richie James, C.J. Board and Darius Slayton just to make the active roster.

Toivonen may indeed be a fan favorite during camp and the preseason, and he'll provide much-needed depth through August. However, he faces long odds to make the final 53.

Verdict: Sell

Another surprise standout has been rookie fourth-round pick Daniel Bellinger. The San Diego State product wasn't heavily utilized as a receiver in the Aztecs offense, but that may not have been due to a lack of talent.

"The rookie fourth-round pick got plenty of opportunities with the first team this spring and caught the ball well," ESPN's Jordan Raanan wrote. "It seems likely, given his hands and the way he was moving at OTAs and minicamp, he was underutilized at San Diego State."

While Bellinger only caught 31 passes last season, he did average 11.5 yards per catch and find the end zone twice. His measurables at the scouting combine were promising.

Bellinger clocked a 4.63-second 40-yard dash and a 34-inch vertical at 6'5" and 253 pounds. If he continues to impress in training camp, he could be in for a big rookie campaign.

The Giants simply don't have a high-end veteran tight end on their roster. Ricky Seals-Jones and Jordan Akins are serviceable, but they're not going to have opposing defensive coordinator poring over game film.

Bellinger has all the physical tools needed to become a star in Daboll's offense. Don't be surprised if he's atop the depth chart when New York opens the season against the Tennessee Titans.

Verdict: Buy