Big Blue Bubble Watch: 5 Giants Who Must Shine Against the Jets

Big Blue’s Preseason Bubble Watch: 5 Giants Who Must Shine Against the Jets

The countdown is on. With just two preseason games left and the New York Giants heading into a Saturday night showdown against their cross-town rivals, the New York Jets, at MetLife Stadium, the urgency couldn’t be higher. Add in a mere handful of practices before the dreaded NFL cutdown day on August 26, and it’s clear: if you’re on the bubble, there’s no time for mistakes. Every rep matters, every drop is magnified, and every play could decide your fate on Big Blue’s 53-man roster.

Some players seized the spotlight last week against the Buffalo Bills, carving out opportunities to stick around. Others, however, stumbled, and now the margin for error has shrunk to nearly nothing. Let’s break down five Giants who are teetering on the roster bubble and what they need to do against the Jets to prove they belong.

1. Jake Kubas – Offensive Line

It wasn’t a great week for offensive lineman Jake Kubas. Against Buffalo, he finished as the team’s lowest-graded offensive player by a significant margin. In an environment where every block, every assignment counts, Kubas failed to leave any positive impressions on the coaching staff.

The reality is brutal: even if the Giants opt to carry ten offensive linemen into Week 1, Kubas is now staring down stiff competition. Joshua Ezeudu, Aaron Stinnie, and Evan Neal are all ahead of him, not just in experience but in performance. Ezeudu and Stinnie were actually the two highest-graded offensive players in Week 1 of the preseason, making Kubas’ uphill climb even steeper. His Saturday night performance against the Jets might be his last real chance to flip the narrative.

Key takeaway: Kubas must clean up his technique, avoid mental errors, and show coaches he can hold his own against a live NFL defense. Otherwise, it’s tough to see him making the final roster.

2. Dante Miller – Running Back

If Kubas struggled, running back Dante Miller did the exact opposite. Miller was the Giants’ official offensive player of the game against Buffalo and made it clear why he deserves serious consideration for a roster spot. His impact was felt as a screen-game magician, a reliable outlet, and a security blanket in tight situations. Miller consistently picked up crucial first downs in third-and-long and managed to showcase vision and patience despite not lighting up the stat sheet with big runs.

With Cam Skattebo still nursing an injury, Miller has a real shot to make the 53-man roster. Another strong performance against the Jets could cement his role and put real pressure on the Giants to carry him. He’s not just fighting for a spot; he’s staking a claim.

Exciting element: Miller’s style as a versatile, multi-purpose back makes him a potentially sneaky weapon in the Giants’ passing game. If he can replicate his Week 1 magic, Saturday night could be his coming-out party.

3. Montrell Washington – Wide Receiver

Wide receiver Montrell Washington has all the talent in the world, but the numbers game isn’t in his favor. The Giants appear locked in on their top four receivers, and Ihmir Smith-Marsette seems like a no-brainer for return duties. That leaves potentially a single roster spot for a handful of hungry players, and Washington is in the thick of the battle.

Last week, he flashed some serious upside against the Bills, but two drops tarnished what could have been a perfect showcase. If he wants to make the squad, Washington must clean up these mistakes and contribute on special teams—a place where bubble players can earn their keep. He’s competing with the likes of Gunner Olszewski, Beaux Collins, and Dalen Cambre, all of whom are ready to make their mark.

Pointer: For bubble receivers, special teams performance is often the differentiator. Washington’s versatility could swing the roster debate if he can execute consistently.

4. Daniel Bellinger – Tight End

Tight end Daniel Bellinger’s preseason journey has been a rollercoaster. From a potential starter to fighting for a roster spot, Bellinger now faces a precarious situation. Theo Johnson is expected to start, Chris Manhertz is the team’s go-to blocking tight end, and Greg Dulcich has the trust and chemistry with quarterback Russell Wilson. That leaves Bellinger with limited opportunities to shine.

Against the Bills, Bellinger stood out—but not for the right reasons. A missed block became the talking point, highlighting that he hasn’t done enough to secure his position. If he wants to survive the cutdown, Bellinger must add more to his game, whether it’s in the passing attack, blocking, or special teams contributions. The Giants value his potential, but potential alone won’t carry him into Week 1.

Exciting element: Tight ends with dual-threat ability can tilt a roster decision. Bellinger has the skill set to be that player—he just has to prove it.

5. Nic Jones – Cornerback

Finally, rookie cornerback Nic Jones is another bubble candidate facing immense pressure. Originally, the Giants may have earmarked this spot for Korie Black, but injuries have sidelined him, and Black’s preseason performance hasn’t been convincing. That opens the door for Jones, but he’ll need a much stronger showing than last week, when he surrendered six receptions on six targets for 82 yards and a touchdown.

The top four cornerback spots are likely secured, and Tre Hawkins appears to be on track for CB5. That leaves one remaining cornerback position, which Jones is competing for against Dee Williams, TJ Moore, Art Green, and the injured Black. The clock is ticking, and Saturday night’s game could be the defining moment for Jones’ 2025 campaign.

Pointer: For corners, avoiding big plays and demonstrating lockdown potential can make or break bubble chances. Jones must show both in-game awareness and technical sharpness to survive.

Bubble Reality in the Giants’ Camp

Across the board, the message is clear: there’s no room for complacency. The next 10 days are critical, not just for the players on the fringe but for the coaching staff tasked with cutting the roster to 53. Preseason stats don’t always tell the full story, but every drop, missed block, and blown assignment is magnified in a week like this. Players need to perform under pressure, seize opportunities, and leave coaches with no doubts about their value.

The Jets matchup provides a perfect testing ground. It’s a rivalry game with plenty of eyes watching, offering bubble players the chance to turn heads in a high-stakes environment. For some, it’s a final audition. For others, it’s a chance to cement their place in the NFL. And for fans, it’s a front-row seat to the drama and intrigue of roster decisions—where every snap, catch, and tackle could tip the scales.

Exciting element: Preseason bubble battles often produce breakout stars. Don’t be surprised if one of these five players seizes the moment and becomes a key contributor for Big Blue in 2025.

Final Thoughts:

• Jake Kubas: Must rebound quickly or risk falling behind.

• Dante Miller: On the rise; a repeat performance could lock his spot.

• Montrell Washington: Needs consistency and special teams impact.

• Daniel Bellinger: Must show versatility beyond potential.

• Nic Jones: Cornerback competition is fierce; improvement is mandatory.

The clock is ticking, the lights are bright, and the stakes are sky-high. For these Giants, the next game isn’t just another preseason contest—it’s a career-defining opportunity.