Let’s focus on their two first-round picks. Edge rusher Abdul Carter, who was viewed by many evaluators as the best overall player in the draft class, has been doing a few things every day in practice that have caused coaches and teammates to ooh and ahh. As for quarterback Jaxson Dart, this was some cool perspective from our conversation over the summer: “I want to be the best in everything I do, especially this game,” Dart said. “My happiest self is when I’m out there competing and succeeding. Down deep, that’s what drives me. I want to be the best. … I just love this game.”

Russini: Giants not surprised, impressed by Dart’s preseason

The New York Giants now have the best defensive player in the NFC East with star Dexter Lawrence and it’s not even close. It could turn out to be a 1-2 punch on defense if Abdul Carter becomes the player the NFL believes he can be this season.

That is just the beginning of the fallout from the blockbuster trade rocking the league Thursday night and beyond when the Dallas Cowboys decided to trade Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers for a pair of first-round picks and defensive tackle Kenny Clark.

4. Cornerbacks. The collective ability of this CB room is undeniable. Adebo was building a Pro Bowl case before going down last season, recording three interceptions and 43 solo tackles in only seven games. He is the ball-hawk the Giants’ defense needs after the squad registered just five picks in 2024-25.

The hope is that Banks and Flott can each hold their own at the other outside corner position. The former has the talent but lacks discipline, while the latter is solid yet struggles to stay on the field. If they are adequate, this group will be in good shape.

WR Beaux Collins, New York Giants. To make a team as an undrafted prospect, a player must exhibit elite traits in practices and games. Collins might have a paltry stat line (one catch, though it went for 80 yards), but the 6-3, 206-pounder’s spectacular play throughout offseason workouts and training camp has suggested he could develop into a key contributor down the road. As a big-bodied pass catcher with natural playmaking ability, the ex-Clemson and Notre Dame standout possesses the size and strength to carve out a spot as a special teams player until he earns a role as a WR3/WR4.

Parson’s trade eases Giants’ schedule

Giants: The schedule. New York has the single-toughest schedule in the NFL by opponent over-unders. The only team on the Giants’ schedule that doesn’t have a legitimate chance to make the playoffs is the Saints. Not only do they play their NFC East brethren twice apiece, but they get the NFC North and AFC West, plus the 49ers and Patriots. Especially early in the year, it’s REALLY difficult stuff. They play at Washington and Dallas, then the Chiefs and Chargers, and after the Saints, they play the Eagles, Broncos, Eagles again, Niners, Bears, Packers, Lions and Pats before a Week 14 bye. Sheesh. Things don’t let up much after that. Washington, Minnesota, Vegas and Dallas to end the season.

10. New York Giants. The backup situation for the Giants may be one of the stronger ones in the league. The starter situation is where they lose some points and make it on this list. Wilson hasn’t consistently looked like the guy since the end of his days in Seattle. He’s 36, which is old but not ancient, so it’s not out of the realm of possibility that he finds some twilight magic. But is his situation with the Giants that much better, if at all, than what he had last year in Pittsburgh, where he was mediocre? It’s hard to see him rekindling anything close to his prime years.

“Ain’t AFC but I’ll take it,“ right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor wrote with a laughing emoji. And Russel Wilson shared “You know @MicahhParsons11 I went to Wisconsin @BadgerFootball…Anything you need in Wisco… Packing ur bags.. moving company… just let me know.”

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