The New York Giants resumed practice on Thursday after a scheduled day off, holding a nearly two-hour session in shells following two consecutive padded practices earlier in the week.
Head coach Brian Daboll addressed reporters before practice, with tight end Daniel Bellinger, cornerback Dru Phillips, and wide receiver Beaux Collins speaking to the media afterward. Former head coach Tom Coughlin, who led the Giants to two Super Bowl titles, was present for his second straight day observing the team.
Bellinger discussed the legacy of Giants tight ends and how current players aim to uphold that tradition. “There’s definitely a history,” Bellinger told reporters about tight ends in New York. “Shockey, Bavaro, even Kevin Boss, these guys that were here before us. They set the standard of what a tight end is. A lot of it is gritty, hand in the dirt, getting it out of the mud, gritty tight ends. And the new NFL, I guess, for tight ends is a little bit different nowadays. But at the same time, we have to bring that style to the New York Giants, to New York, and show them that we are a gritty tight end group, but we can also make plays, big plays, too, in the pass game.”
Entering his fourth year with the team at age 24, Bellinger noted improvements within his position group but acknowledged there is more work ahead. “We’re doing a lot better,” said Bellinger. “There’s a lot of things that we need to work on as a whole group. I think we’ve taken a lot of lengthy strides and taken big steps in both the pass game and run game. Russ and the offense is being tied in, so we’re getting some more opportunities and we’re taking advantage of them.”
Cornerback Dru Phillips has drawn positive reviews from coaches after his rookie season where he played 14 games with six starts and recorded 71 tackles along with other defensive contributions. Head coach Brian Daboll praised Phillips’ progress: “He’s made a big jump from year one to year two, just the overall communication in that area in particular,” his head coach said. “I think he’s got a lot of confidence right now. He’s a good football player. He’s got a lot of physical traits that help him play that spot that he plays. It’s the nickel position and you’re part defensive back and at times part linebacker. He’s tough but I would say his communication and his process of how he does things and he’s taken a good step and we need him to. He’s a good football player for us and I think the addition of (safety Jevon) Holland back there along with (safety Tyler) Nubin, and the communication with those three guys who – you have to communicate a lot in those three positions, but he’s done a nice job with that, improving that area of his game.”
Phillips credited veteran additions for their influence on younger players like himself: “These past two weeks, (we) got more comfortable especially bringing in Von and Adebo. They already know half the checks that are going to happen pre snap so you kind of just play along and it’s flowing a lot better right now…” Phillips said. “It’s helped out a lot. You bring in a veteran presence in both of them and they’re really impressive in the classroom as well as out here. For guys like me and Nub that are going into year two, we need those types of guys still around us and to help guide us.”
Beaux Collins has continued strong performances from spring into training camp according to Daboll: “Young professional,” Daboll said about Collins. “That’s the first thing. Handles his business the right way. I’m talking about outside the building too all the things that you’re trying to teach young players to do take care of your body eat right do all those things And then he’s smart he’s picked up our system really well and he’s shown toughness and I talked about this after the draft – we kind of placed a high premium on bringing guys that have some toughness to them and I’d say he fits right in with those young guys that we picked.
“He’s got good size he’s got speed he’s got ability to change direction for bigger man he’s going have – special teams will be important too for him He’ll have some opportunities there We’ve thrown him in with variety groups first team second team third team we’ve played him at different spots He’s progressing He’s interesting guy coach because size speed intelligence toughness too I’m excited see him continue grow but he’s done well for himself here.”
Collins described his willingness to contribute physically beyond receiving duties: “I’d just say my love for game,” Collins said on why he enjoys being part run game “I grew up playing running back linebacker so had physical background just start off kind got away from it once switched receiver little bit but love go there hit little bit It keeps me toes keeps eyes up things like love do it”
Wide receiver Malik Nabers returned fully participating after leaving Tuesday’s practice briefly due to an apparent minor injury while blocking on running play Daboll assured media regarding Nabers’ status: “He’ll practice,” Daboll said Thursday morning “We’ll put him plan think best but he’ll be out there”
Nabers later caught long pass from Russell Wilson during Thursday’s session Wide receivers Wan’Dale Robinson Jalin Hyatt also practiced following recent minor injuries Defensive lineman D.J Davidson offensive lineman Greg Van Roten missed practice; Van Roten was absent due birth second child
