The New York Giants began their first padded practice of training camp, an important step as they prepare for the upcoming preseason. Head coach Brian Daboll addressed the significance of this phase before practice, focusing on how it allows for a more thorough evaluation of players, especially in the trenches.
“It’ll be good for the offensive and defensive linemen who now can bull rush and run games and do some things with double teams,” Daboll said. “You don’t really run the ball too much, I would say, in OTAs or even these first few days just because you don’t want to put anybody in a bad situation. Now the double teams and the scoop blocks and the down blocks and the power rushes, that’s when you start to be able to evaluate the offensive line a little bit more. Stay away from the quarterback as normal, not leaving our feet to go to the ground, but those are some of the techniques that we’ll evaluate once the pads come on.”
During drills, Russell Wilson connected with Tyrone Tracy Jr., resulting in what would have been a long touchdown if played live. This was one of several highlights during a session where both offense and defense worked under pressure situations.
Cornerback Art Green stood out with an impressive interception against Jameis Winston. Green managed an over-the-shoulder, one-handed catch while running 35 yards downfield. He switched hands mid-stride and advanced upfield along the left sideline.
Running back Cam Skattebo also drew attention during practice. Daboll noted his excitement about seeing Skattebo perform in pads: “That was definitely part of the evaluation,” Daboll said regarding Skattebo’s receiving skills. “He was a physical player, first and foremost. When you watch the tape, a hard guy to bring down when he has the ball in his hands. There’s all different shapes, sizes of running backs, different speed, different quickness, tall, short. Can they make yards when they get the ball in their hand? However that sorts itself out. Handing it to them, tossing it to them, throwing them a screen, and then how are his hands? Can you use him in the passing game? He’s got good hands, he’s got soft hands. I talked about it with Abdul [Carter] yesterday – this is another guy that you could evaluate on tape and see these instincts show up. He’s not just a line guy. He has good football instincts. I’m looking forward to seeing him in pads.”
Daboll added: “There’s not many times at least that I’ve seen him here just in a short time or even on tape, like ‘Why is he going where he’s going?’ He’s got good feel for the blocking assignments up front, but then he’s got good vision for the second level and at times the third level of when to press the ball, when to cut it back, when to keep it front side. He’s got a long way to go. (He’s a) rookie, but another young player that has been encouraging in the meetings and then out on the practice fields both in walkthrough and practice.”
Other notable plays included cornerback Dru Phillips breaking up a pass during early drills; outside linebacker Tomon Fox recording what would have been considered a sack; Malik Nabers making several catches from Wilson; Zach Pascal securing a tough catch from Jaxson Dart; Tracy producing several big runs; and Tommy DeVito connecting deep with rookie tight end Jermaine Terry II.
The Giants will continue open practices through early August leading up to their joint session with another team.
