Giants' Projected Winners of Key Position Battles

The New York Giants are entering perhaps their most pivotal season in recent memory. New head coach Brain Daboll is tasked with turning around a franchise that hasn't had a winning season in half a decade.

Along the way, New York must evaluate fourth-year quarterback Daniel Jones and star running back Saquon Barkley—who finally appears healthy but is entering the final year of his rookie deal.

Jones' development under Daboll and Barkley's return have been two big storylines during Giants camp. However, they're far from the only action worth following. Several key position battles have been taking place in camp, as the Giants look to field their first competitive roster in some time.

Here, you'll find a look at some of the biggest battles of Giants camp, what they could mean for the regular season, and predictions based on factors like past production, player potential, roster depth, and any relevant recent buzz.

Shane Lemieux vs. Joshua Ezeudu vs. Max Garcia

The Giants used a first-round pick on offensive tackle Evan Neal back in April, which should solidify one spot on the offensive line. They filled another hole by signing underrated lineman Mark Glowinski to fill the right tackle spot.

An improved line would be great for the offense and for Jones' continued development. With Jon Feliciano at center and 2020 first-round pick Andrew Thomas at left tackle, New York's new-look line is nearly complete.

There remains a big question at left guard, however.

Shane Lemieux was expected to be the starter last season, but he suffered a partially torn patellar tendon in camp, saw the field in Week 1 and then landed on injured reserve in order to undergo surgery.

This offseason, New York signed Max Garcia and used a third-round pick on North Carolina product Joshua Ezeudu.

While Lemieux appeared on pace to be the Week 1 starter, that plan has been complicated again by injury. The 2020 fifth-round pick suffered a toe injury that could linger. According to ESPN's Jordan Raanan, Lemieux's status for Week 1 is now "in doubt."

This should open the door for Ezeudu. However, he isn't healthy either.

"Working through some things physically," Daboll said of the rookie, per Chris Pflum of SBNation.

This leaves Garcia—who started 11 games for the Arizona Cardinals and allowed four sacks last season, according to Pro Football Focus—as the remaining healthy option. Don't expect New York to rush Lemieux or Ezeudu back before they're ready. Garcia will get the Week 1 start.

Projected Winner: Garcia

Daniel Bellinger vs. Jordan Akins vs. Ricky Seals-Jones

The Giants have a lot to sort through at the wide receiver position, though the competition between Kenny Golladay, Kadarius Toney, Wan'Dale Robinson and Co. is more about defining roles than identifying starters.

Things are different at tight end, where New York parted with both Evan Engram and Kyle Rudolph in the offseason. The Giants signed Jordan Akin and Ricky Seals-Jones while using a fourth-round pick on San Diego State's Daniel Bellinger.

Akins and Seals-Jones are both experienced veterans, but neither has been a prolific pass-catcher. Neither has produced a 500-yard receiving season.

The Giants could desperately use a high-level pass-catching tight end as a security blanket for Jones. Bellinger has a prime opportunity to become that outlet option.

Bellinger only caught 31 passes last season, but based on his camp performances, that wasn't 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."

Akins will have a chance to push Bellinger—Seals-Jones has been sidelined for much of camp—but Bellinger has a clear path to being the Week 1 starter.

Predicted Winner: Bellinger

Tae Crowder vs. Carter Coughlin vs. Micah McFadden vs. Darrian Beavers

On defense, the Giants have a big question to answer at the linebacker spot. Blake Martinez is likely to man the middle once fully recovered from last year's torn ACL. Rookie first-round pick Kayvon Thibodeaux is likely to spend plenty of time rushing from the linebacker spot as well.

However, there's a legitimate battle for the third linebacker spot. Tae Crowder returns after starting all 17 games last season. However, his results in 2021 were mixed. He logged 130 tackles but missed eight tackles and allowed an opposing passer rating of 103.0 in coverage.

This offseason, the Giants used fifth- and sixth-round picks on Micah McFadden and Darrian Beavers, respectively. Third-year pro Carter Caughlin is also in the mix.

The expectation here is that Crowder remains the starting linebacker despite his struggles in coverage, at least to start the season. That could change if said struggles continue in 2022.

Ideally, Crowder will take a significant step under new defensive coordinator Wink Martindale. If he doesn't, expect one of the rookies to get an opportunity sooner rather than later. While much of the attention will be placed on New York's offense, the defense ranked just 21st overall last season in yards allowed and will need to rebound for the Giants to be competitive.

For now, expect New York to lean on experience at linebacker.

Predicted Winner: Crowder

*Advanced statistics from Pro Football Reference unless otherwise noted.