The New York Giants continued their preparations for the upcoming preseason with a practice session on Friday, despite less than ideal weather conditions. Head coach Brian Daboll addressed the media before practice, while wide receiver Jalin Hyatt, running back Devin Singletary, and rookie offensive lineman Marcus Mbow spoke to reporters afterward.
Jalin Hyatt discussed the impact of new quarterback Russell Wilson on team morale and his own performance. Reflecting on Wilson’s arrival in March and their developing connection during spring practices, Hyatt said, “It feels a lot different, especially since we have Russ, who’s been to the Super Bowl before, been to the playoffs, has a lot of success. He called me, at the time we signed him, and he just brings confidence to myself. So, for myself, I just have to make plays for him. When you do that, you get more.”
Hyatt further described Wilson’s leadership style: “[Wilson is] a true pro, a true leader. He always calls me, texts me, if he sees something that he liked or didn’t like, and he’s so good at communicating with our receivers, with our tight ends, with our running backs. I think you can just see it in that room; everybody’s confidence is higher. It’s going to be a fun year, like I said, in that receiver room for us. We have to make plays, and we have to execute when our name’s called.”
After recording eight receptions for 62 yards last season, Hyatt focused on improving his physicality in the offseason by increasing his weight from about 171-172 pounds up to 189-190 pounds. “For myself, I just felt like I need to get stronger, more physical,” said Hyatt. “It helped me with contested catches, helped me with blocking. Not only that, with press technique, especially going against bigger corners in the league. So that’s one of the biggest emphases for myself.”
Devin Singletary shared his perspective on changes within the running back group following offseason acquisitions and draft picks. The group now includes Singletary alongside Tyrone Tracy and Cam Skattebo. Coach Daboll noted earlier that all three are capable runners who can also pass block and run routes.
Singletary commented on the dynamic among teammates: “It’s fun,” Singletary said about the RB group. “This is one of the best rooms I’ve been a part of. Skatt, obviously, he brings the energy. He’s always upbeat. Trace, going into his second year. He’s kind of in between the laid back and bringing the energy then you got me; I’m laid back… It’s three guys; we can all do everything; we’re different in ways but we can all do everything.” He added insights about Tracy’s development after his first NFL season: “He got a year under his belt so he’s not like a deer in the headlights,” Singletary told reporters.
Rookie Marcus Mbow talked about adjusting to professional football after being selected by New York at No. 154 overall in this year’s draft—a pick general manager Joe Schoen described as unexpected due to Mbow’s availability at that point.
“It’s been smooth,” said Mbow regarding his transition into camp drills against established defensive linemen. “It’s really one of the main reasons I was looking forward to becoming a pro—just being able to go against better competition day in and day out.”
Mbow highlighted facing off against Abdul Carter—the team’s No. 3 overall draft pick—who has drawn attention during training camp for his quickness and pass-rushing skills: “He’s a great player; extremely fast; a lot of bend so it’s good to be able to go against him,” Mbow said.
The Giants continue their preparations ahead of next weekend’s preseason opener as players look to build chemistry across positions and improve individual performance.
