Here’s what to watch out for in the Giants’ preseason opener against the Lions on Thursday.
Market monopoly
There is a big hole at a key starting position on defense, perimeter cornerback opposite Deonte Banks.
The Giants didn’t address the issue in free agency or the draft, but third-round pick Jrue Phillips is expected to win the slot corner position.
Cordele Flotte has been with the first team at camp and his performance has been up and down.
Nick McCloud is versatile enough to move around the secondary and challenge Flott on the outside.
Tight end on a tightrope
It’s hard to overlook rookie Theo Johnson, who stands 6-foot-6 and weighs 264 pounds.
He missed playing time early in camp but impressed once he got in the game.
Can he handle the heavy workload as a starter in Year 1?
It will be interesting to see how Johnson and Daniel Bellinger are utilized in tandem.
safety first
When Tyler Nubin was selected in the second round of the draft, he was expected to start at safety alongside Jason Pinnock.
Nubin missed the first week of training camp due to a calf injury.
Third-year guard Dane Belton took his place and looked like a worthy member of the first-team defense, but Nubin still has some redemption to make up.
