New York Giants rookies DeAndre Baker and Dexter Lawrence are both excited for their first NFL game action on Thursday.
The New York Giants open up their preseason schedule against the New York Jets on Thursday. Being that it’s the initial exhibition match, don’t expect to see much of the starters. This night is for the rookies and backups to showcase their talents and prove what they can bring to the table.
Big Blue fans (Jets fans as well) will have their eyes on rookie quarterback Daniel Jones. However, the other two Giants first-rounders should catch viewers’ attention as well. Cornerback DeAndre Baker and defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence are both primed to start this year. Not to mention, they’re both looking forward to their dreams of playing in an NFL game come true on Thursday.
“It’s going to be big,” Baker said, per Paul Schwartz of the New York Post. “The first [NFL] game of my life. I’ve been dreaming about this day for a long time. It’s finally come true.”
Baker will still compete with guys such as Sam Beal along with rookies Julian Love and Corey Ballentine. It seems like the Giants favor Baker for that starting weakside corner spot opposite of Janoris Jenkins, however.
Lawrence, on the other hand, will work alongside veterans B.J. Hill and Dalvin Tomlinson. He’s a big body to have on the defensive line but is also athletic enough to get to the quarterback.
“Since I was young. I never thought about college,” Lawrence said. “College was just something I had to do just to get to this level. Now I’m here, so it’s just all about making the most of it. It’s what you’ve dreamed of all your life. Just to have this opportunity to go out there and prove myself. The first impression is the best impression kind of deal. No stress, it’s just go out there and play football. It’s what I’ve been doing all my life.”
The Giants and Jets kick off at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday at MetLife Stadium.
