John Harbaugh isn’t here to make friends at Giants training camp. He’s bringing a much harsher regimen than Brian Daboll ever led. This shift marks a clear departure from the past. The schedule proves the point immediately. Giants practice four straight days to open camp, then rest one day, before practicing six straight days again. This grueling rhythm will separate the strong from the weak quickly.
The Pass Rush Looks Ready
One side of the ball should shine early in this new era. According to reports, the pass rush stands as the team’s biggest strength heading into 2026. Three skilled edge-rushers, specifically Brian Burns, Abdul Carter, and Kayvon Thibodeaux, were already on the Giants roster. They added Ohio State’s Arvell Reese to the group in April. Reese will play as an off-ball linebacker as a rookie, but he brings a new dynamic to the front. Expect new defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson to lead with this speed all season.
However, the interior of the defensive line remains a major worry. The same report lists defensive tackle as the team’s biggest weakness. The group lost a massive piece when the team traded Dexter Lawrence to the Bengals. During OTAs, Roy Robertson-Harris sustained a torn ACL, inflicting another massive blow. New additions like Shelby Harris, D.J. Reader, and Leki Fotu are solid, but the interior figures to be a liability. The pass rush can get pressure, but stopping the run up the middle looks hard.
Can Thomas Stay Healthy?
The offensive line faces its own battle for consistency. When Andrew Thomas is healthy, he ranks among the premier blindside protectors in the NFL. But health has been a chronic issue for the left tackle. PFF data indicates that Thomas has surpassed 900 snaps only a single time over the last five seasons. Playing 13 games in 2025, he shared fourth place among qualified tackles with a score of 90.3 PFF grade. He allowed just 13 total pressures in that span. The talent is there, but the durability question looms large over every practice.
Brian Burns remains the face of the defense while the team rebuilds. The Athletic notes that Burns is not only a top-tier pass rusher with an NFC-best 16.5 sacks last season. Within the Giants locker room, he commands significant respect as a veteran. Teammates showed up in force for his charity softball game this spring. His presence is not easily replaceable, especially with Dexter Lawrence out of town. Burns carries the weight of the defense on his shoulders.
Will the Grind Backfire?
The big question for Giants fans is whether this intensity helps or hurts. Harbaugh practices aren’t for the faint of heart. The schedule is designed to push the team into elite game shape. But it could also cause injuries before the season even starts. West Virginia isn’t going to be a vacation trip for these players. The team must survive the first two weeks without losing key pieces.
If the Giants can handle this new grind, they might surprise people. If they break down under the pressure, the season starts on a bad note. The roster has high-end talent at edge and left tackle. The interior defensive line needs to step up fast. Harbaugh has set the tone. Now the players must answer the call.
