Training camp for the New York Giants intensified on Monday with the first padded practice of the summer, shifting focus to the run game and giving players an opportunity to showcase their skills in a more physical setting.
Head coach Brian Daboll addressed reporters before practice, while outside linebacker Brian Burns, offensive tackle Jermaine Eluemunor, and cornerback Paulson Adebo spoke after. Much of the attention centered on rookie running back Cam Skattebo, who was selected by the Giants with the No. 104 pick in this year’s draft following a standout college career at Arizona State and Sacramento State.
“He was a physical player, first and foremost,” Daboll said about Skattebo’s performance in college. “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 (outside linebacker) 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 today. He’s a low level, gets his pads down, runs hard. Looking forward to watching him run today.”
Skattebo returned from sitting out most of spring practices and has been active since training camp began. His performances have caught teammates’ attention early on.
“He showed he got a little dog…” Burns told reporters. “He runs tough, he runs behind his pads. I got to get back and watch the film. I didn’t really get a head-to-head with him yet, but from what I hear, alright, we’ll see (laughs)…
“I like that he got that edge to him and I feel like he’s (going to) be about what he says, so I like that about him.”
Another storyline from camp involves Evan Neal’s move from right tackle to right guard—a change watched closely by both coaches and teammates as Neal adapts during padded practices.
“He’s a big man,” Jermaine Eluemunor told the media. “It’s funny, getting out the huddle and just going like this, ‘Oh yeah,’ just looking up (laughs). It’s interesting, having a guard bigger than the tackle, but Ev’s a humongous human being and those double teams are going to be terrible for defensive tackles. I say that because he’s a powerful man, so I’m excited. Him and (guard Greg Van Roten) GV are two great guards. Evan’s really committed to being a great guard and you can see it in his determination and just his work ethic. He’s really bought in, which is really cool for me to see, especially being the one that plays next to the both of them so I’m excited for his progression.”
Eluemunor himself is familiar with position changes throughout his eight-year career but noted this offseason marks his first focusing solely on one spot—right tackle—which allows greater focus on technique development.
“It’s actually the first offseason of my career where I get to play one position,” Eluemunor said.
The defense also saw notable developments as rookie Abdul Carter continued making an impression during drills now allowed under full-contact conditions.
“He does what he got to do; he’s about his business,” Burns said about Carter’s approach as camp ramps up intensity compared with college football’s pace and complexity: “All it comes down to is really just making sure that he’s clean with the calls and adjustments because it is moving a little bit faster…but as far as raw athleticism…he got it.” Burns added: “He’s going to be put in positions to succeed…he’ll show you.”
Burns also praised Kayvon Thibodeaux’s increased intensity last season: “KT flipped the switch last year…playing harder…more physical….I expect big things from KT this year.”
In roster news Monday brought changes at wide receiver/special teams roles: Gunner Olszewski rejoined after playing ten games for New York during 2023 before spending last season on injured reserve; he had previously earned NFC Special Teams Player of Week honors for returning a punt 94 yards—the second-longest punt return in franchise history—in Week 17 of 2023.
Meanwhile Bryce Ford-Wheaton was placed on injured reserve following an Achilles injury suffered Sunday—his second major injury since tearing an ACL prior to his rookie campaign; Ford-Wheaton had led offensive players in special teams snaps last season after working back from injury.
“My heart aches for that man,” Daboll said before practice regarding Ford-Wheaton’s setback: “He’s done everything he could do to get back….That’s probably one of worst parts [of] this business—seeing these guys go down….We’ll certainly miss him….It’s just an unfortunate thing for Bryce….That was a tough one.”
