Big Blue View
Former NFL scout Bucky Brooks chose two New York Giants defenders on his 2026 All-Breakout defense— edge defender Abdul Carter and defensive tackle Darius Alexander.
Giant fans, what are your expectations for Alexander and Carter this year?
Dart added to that optimism during his appearance at Fanatics Fest in Manhattan, where he raved about the Giants’ new culture under Harbaugh.
“His identity starts in the trenches,” Dart said. “That’s what he wants to build the team around — our physicality and our toughness. I think the biggest change has been the culture — how Harbs establishes camaraderie between the team, the coaching staff, the standard. It’s a different feeling. It’s a refreshing feeling. I think we’re all really excited.”
Darius Slayton, WR. Slayton is certainly coming off a year to forget after getting paid to stay here and be a steadying presence within the offense. His Achilles’ heel was prevalent again with far too many drops (six), including on deep throws that should be his calling card. Slayton is still here, though, and as the longest tenured player on the roster with Dexter Lawrence gone, there will be an opportunity for him to defy all those odds stacked against him yet again.
Of course, his absence this spring after undergoing surgery to repair a sports hernia leaves open the chance that others will pass him by on the depth chart. Veterans Odell Beckham Jr., Juju Smith-Schuster and Braxton Berrios were all signed to fight for spots, while rookie Malachi Fields showed enough flash to earn more reps in camp. Seemingly every time critics say to not expect production from Slayton, he delivers. I could see that again in 2026.
New York Giants: Kayvon Thibodeaux, OLB. The Giants listened to trade calls on Thibodeaux this offseason, but elected to keep the No. 5 pick from the 2022 draft when the offers were underwhelming. Thibodeaux was available because the Giants traded for Brian Burns in 2024 and drafted Abdul Carter in 2025. Thibodeaux is set to earn $14.75 million on his fifth-year option as a backup. Though he won’t start, Thibodeaux will have opportunities to rush the passer. If he produces an 11.5-sack season like he did in 2023, a monster payday awaits. If he struggles in a reduced role, he could be headed for a prove-it deal in free agency.
QB Jameis Winston, Edge Kayvon Thibodeaux. The Giants don’t have the best roster in the league, but they give us two well-known veterans. Winston will be our third quarterback, and while he’s...
