This is a great week for NFL fans, all 32 teams return to camp and begin practicing for the 2016 season. Over the last few weeks, several of the writers from Inscriber Digital Magazine have done previews on all the teams. I decided to look at the team from New York but plays in New Jersey.
Last season, the New York Giants came off a 6-10 record and ended up missing the playoffs. They have not been in the playoffs since they won the Super Bowl in 2011 against the New England Patriots. Here are the five players I feel Giants fans should watch out for in training camp and for the 2016 season:
Sterling Sheppard (WR)
He is 5′ 10″, but he has the speed. Right now according to the depth chart, he is currently the 2nd string WR behind Odell Beckham Jr. Since it is not known if Victor Cruz will have a healthy year, Sheppard needs to have a phenomenal training camp and prove that if Cruz does suffer some injury that they can plug him in.
Eli Apple (CB)
The Giants used their first round pick on Eli Apple during this year NFL Draft. He adds versatility and speed to the CB position on the Giants. Also being that the Giants used their first round pick on Apple, expect that he will be asked to be a contributor. He is 6 foot 1 and that will benefit him. Many of the wide receivers in the NFL are between 5 foot 10 and 6 foot 1. The Giants have not had a decent CB for the last few season due to injuries and age, so there is hope that Eli Apple can become dominate.
Jason Pierre-Paul (DB)
JPP is one of the last guys from the defense days of Justin Tuck and Michael Strahan. Around last summer, he blew up part of his hand, and it was expected that he would not return to 100%. He started making strides last season when he came back and had eight sacks by the end. It will be interesting to see if he continues to make strides.
Victor Cruz ( WR)
This one is probably the most interesting one going into training camp. He has not suited up for a game since October of 2014 due to injuries. Since he was brought in as an undrafted rookie into camp in 2010, he has only played one full season which was 2012. As a Giants fan, it would be nice to see Victor Cruz and Odell Beckhem Jr on the field at the same time. If he can stay healthy this season, the Giants can have one of best WR duos in the NFL.
Janoris Jenkins (CB)
The Giants signed Jenkins during the off-season for a five-year deal. With the amount of money that the Giants signed him, expect him to become basically the leader of the Cornerbacks that has DRC and Eli Apple you are going to need to have Jenkins play well.
Overall, if the guys who I mentioned as being on the watch for can stay healthy and produce on the field, this Giants can be a dangerous team. A few weeks ago, I did a preview of keys to the Giants having a successful season, and I mentioned how they have an easy schedule. I mentioned how the Giants are in the running to have 10-11 wins this season if everyone stays healthy. Everyone needs to contribute, but the players I mentioned above are the ones who need to do a lot this season.