The New York Giants released their unofficial depth chart ahead of their Week 1 showdown against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football.
While some things are to be expected — like Jaxson Dart being QB1 while Brian Burns and Abdul Carter are listed as the starting outside linebackers — there are also a few things we need to note.
Deonte Banks takes advantage of his clean slate
Most observers left Banks’ career — or at least his career with the Giants — for dead after the 2025 season. He had been completely unseated by Cor’Dale Flott and it was
widely assumed that Banks would just be a kick-off returner while Greg Newsome II and Paulson Adebo started at corner.
Instead, Banks has knocked off Adebo and will be starting next to Newsome.
He has clawed his way up the depth chart with a renewed attitude and determination. He consistently played well when he got the opportunity and was sticky in coverage in preseason games. There was doubt among some in the media whether the Giants would commit to playing Banks against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 1, but John Harbaugh’s staff seems to be confident in Banks after his work this summer.
Chauncey Golston jumps Darius Alexander
We’ll likely see an active rotation on the defensive line, but Golston is listed as the starting defensive end in base defense.
We’ll likely see quite a bit of 2-4-5 nickel looks with just two down linemen, and it’s interesting that Darius Alexander is listed as the primary backup to both Golston and Shelby Harris. That suggests that we’ll be seeing plenty of him as the Giants shift alignments and subpackages.
The Giants also list Kayvon Thibodeaux as the backup to both Brian Burns and Abdul Carter. The Giants will get all three of their edges on the field plenty, both to keep them all fresh and to overwhelm opponents with waves of rushers.
Dealer’s choice at running back
It isn’t a surprise that Cam Skattebo is the Giants’ starting running back. However, it’s definitely interesting that Tyrone Tracy, Najee Harris, and Devin Singletary are all listed as the second string running back.
That could be the Giants’ way of saying that while Skattebo will take the first snap, their running game will be varied. We could see them tailor their running back usage to their opponents and not favor any runner in particular.
No slot receiver
Calvin Austin III was set to be the Giants’ primary slot receiver when he was lost for the season with a torn ACL. We immediately began to ask who would replace him as the Giants’ primary slot receiver. The answer? Nobody, apparently.
At least not on the unofficial depth chart.
In reality, we’ll likely see a combination of TE Isaiah Likely, WR Malik Nabers, WR Odell Beckham Jr., WR Darnell Mooney, and RB Tyrone Tracy will all line up or motion into the slot. We’ll also likely see far more 21 (two back), 12 (two tight end), and 13 (three tight end) personnel sets than we have in recent years. The Ravens frequently used non-receiver options as pass catchers, and we could see that with the Giants this year.
It’s also somewhat jarring to see a modern NFL depth chart with just four wide receivers on it. We’ll likely see one of the Giants’ three return specialists elevated off the practice squad each week.
Full unofficial depth chart
