Giants Leave West Virginia with Bark: 5 Takeaways From a Camp That Was All Football

Twelve days. Ten practices. And just like that, the Giants packed up and left West Virginia with a lot more than a tan. John Harbaugh's first summer with the team was all about football — and it showed. The Greenbrier served as the backdrop, but the real story was the work happening between the white lines.

Quarterback Jaxson Dart put it perfectly: "Football is the main thing." After watching 10 practices unfold, the Giants believe they're leaving the mountains better than they arrived. The offense still has a ways to go, and the defense flashed more than anyone expected. But the real progress? It's all in the details.

Jaxson Dart & Co. Are Learning a New Offense

Before you panic about the pedestrian offense, take a breath. The Giants are installing something big — a system that blends Harbaugh's Ravens concepts, Matt Nagy's Chiefs-style creativity, Greg Roman's intricate run game, and Brian Callahan's modern West Coast flavor. That's a whole lot of information to process, and Dart is learning to play under center more than ever, reworking his footwork on the fly.

"You're getting a big install each and every day," Dart said. "So, you just continue to learn, continue to get reps at things and have a lot of really valuable communication."

The offensive line looks solid, and Malik Nabers is expected back soon. The pieces are there. It just needs time to cook.

Long Linebackers Are a Real Problem

Harbaugh wants size in the middle, and he got it. Tremaine Edmunds and Arvell Reese — both 6-foot-4 — have been absolute headaches for quarterbacks all camp. They're tipping passes, clogging throwing lanes, and bringing physicality to the run game. Edmunds is the unit's signal-caller. Reese looks every bit the No. 5 pick.

"Hopefully more interceptions than tipped balls, but we're going to get our hands on them," Edmunds said.

This is a massive upgrade for a defense that allowed a league-worst 5.3 yards per carry last season. Physicality in the middle? Check.

OBJ Is Fighting for His Spot

Odell Beckham Jr. still has juice. He got better as camp went on and flashed with some first-team reps. But nothing is guaranteed. Braxton Berrios had a strong camp and brings return value. Dalen Cambre made plays all over the field and showed last year he can be a special teams asset. Right now, it looks like three guys fighting for one final wide receiver spot. OBJ's name alone won't save him — he's going to have to earn it.

The Cornerback Carousel Is Spinning

Harbaugh rotates his defensive backs more than any other position. Paulson Adebo and Greg Newsome II opened camp with the first team, but Deonte Banks was arguably the Giants' best cover corner in West Virginia. He earned first-team opportunities. Then Dru Phillips went down with a knee sprain, which means the shuffle is only going to continue.

"Oh, absolutely," Harbaugh said. "It's competitive, guys are competing. I've told you before, I really feel good about our corner depth. I think we've got some guys there."

Expect more movement. Opportunity is knocking.

A Rookie Is Leading the Kicking Battle

Dominic Zvada made 34 of 38 kicks at camp. Ben Sauls hit 29 of 36. Both were solid, but Zvada's length and stroke seem to fit what Harbaugh wants. Now it's about doing it in the preseason — and there are some big games coming later this month. Keep an eye on this one.

Standouts Worth Your Attention

DJ Reader looked like a roadblock in the middle of the defense. Isaiah Likely was Dart's favorite target with Nabers out of team drills and should carve out a serious role as the No. 2 receiver. Arvell Reese is going to be on the field a lot — his physicality and athleticism are exactly what new defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson wants. Jevon Holland is primed for a bounce-back season. And Ar'Darius Washington just looks natural in this defense, whether he's at slot corner or safety.

The bottom line: This camp didn't answer every question. But it set a tone. The Giants are long, competitive, and hungry. That's a pretty good place to start.