Lotsa Slots, a Surprise on the O-Line, and More from Giants Training Camp Day 4
When the New York Giants began training camp, finding a healthy slot receiver was almost as challenging as finding a needle in a haystack.
Sterling Shepard and Wan'Dale Robinson began the summer on the PUP list. Jamison Crowder started on the reserve/non-football injury list with a calf issue. And Cole Beasley, a late addition to the roster just before the start of camp, took a shot to his quad and had to miss FRiday's practice.
After a day off, the Giants now have an abundance of pure slot receivers. Shepard was activated off the PUP list, and Crowder off NFI. Beasley returned to the lineup, and now there is suddenly a deeper candidate pool for the position consisting of about nine players.
That's just fine with head coach Brian Daboll, who, when asked about it, shrugged and said, "Good competition."
Daboll was also asked what he'd be watching to sort through the abundance of slot receivers on the team, and his response was predictable.
"Whoever does the best," he said. "That’s what competition is; that’s what training camp is. Try to bring as many good players as you can in and let them compete it out. The better the competition. Competition is good for everybody."
In the past, Daboll has spoken about having receivers that can create separation and make plays. And those plays aren't necessarily limited to the passing game.
Already there have been instances where receivers have lined up in the backfield to run jet sweeps and end-around with success. And there are also slot receivers such as Shepard and rookie Jalin Hyatt, who can also play some snaps outside.
Shepard believes versatility will help him in his quest to earn a roster spot. "It’s great having that experience being outside and knowing that I can win outside (and) I’m not just banked as a slot receiver," he said following his first practice since being activated off the PUP list.
"When you’ve got guys like (Jamison) Crowder and (Cole) Beasley who’ve done it for many years at a high level, you want to be able to have that versatility. It’s the easiest way on the field, and you know those guys work magic in there, so you want to have those guys in there. The more playmakers you can have on the field – I mean, we’ve got a lot of guys that could go, so I enjoy that out there."
But creating separation has been a challenge for the Giants receivers of late. Last season, according to NextGen Stats, Richie James, who is no longer on the team, was the only Giants receiver to average over three yards of separation.
But with the team adding Parris Campbell, who averaged 3.5 yards of separation to the mix, there is hope that the extra speed will make things easier for the slot receivers and those who will also see snaps on the outside.
"I think every player on our team knows that they are all competing. Our philosophy is to bring them in and let them compete it out. Whoever we think is the best one, at the end of the day, that’s the guys who are going to play," said Daboll.
"They all have to earn it. They all understand that. They have to work hard, do the right thing, and be where they are supposed to be. Then, ultimately make the plays, whatever position it is, that comes your way."
Injury Report
Receiver Cole Beasley (quad) and defensive back Gervarrius Owens were back at practice. Beasley had missed Friday's session after being kicked in the quad the day before, Owens, who collided with teammate Tre Hawkins III on the first day of practice, benefitted from the extra days of rest.
Defensive lineman Rakeem Nunez-Roches (protocol) also returned to practice, making progress, but it would probably be at least another day.
Tight end Ryan Jones (knee) and outside linebacker Jihad Ward (undisclosed) sat out Sunday's practice. Head coach Brian Daboll said that Ward's issue wasn't one that should keep him out for the long term.
IOL J.C. Hassenauer had his day cut short with what looked to be an arm injury.
Lineup Notes
John Michael Schmitz worked with the starters at center. Another new face on the first-team offensive line? Tyre Phillips, who took snaps at left guard.
Ben Bredeson took a few snaps at right guard (possible rep cutback day for incumbent Mark Glowinski?)
On defense, Darrian Beavers took most of the snaps alongside Bobby Okereke. Cor'Dale Flott took his turn working in the slot, and Jason Pinnock lined up next to Xavier McKinney at safety.
Quote to Note
"Yeah, I asked him for some tips." -- head coach Brian Daboll when asked about second-year tackle Evan Neal's weight loss.
Observations
• Rookie receiver Jalin Hyatt, who got out of the gate slowly to start camp, had another strong showing. He made a highlight catch on a deep ball from Tyrod Taylor on a picture-perfect play.
He also had another nice reception against Rodarius Williams that went for a touchdown (Daniel Jones threw the pass).
• Rookie defensive back Tre Hawkins III continues to impress with his sticky coverage and always being in the right position to, at the very least, get a hand into the mix to knock a ball away. Hawkins broke up a pass to Sterling Shepard and stuck closely to Jalin Hyatt, forcing the rookie to go toward the sideline. Hawkins is off to a very good start to camp.
• Tyre Phillips, believed to have the inside track as the swing tackle, took some snaps at left guard with the first-team offense for what we think is the first time he's done so this summer. Phillips has versatility in his corner, but it was a surprise to see him get a look at that spot considering the open competition at tackle where Phillips had lined up at left tackle Friday night in relief of Andrew Thomas.
• Great to see the Giants don't appear to have any plans to back off on having Daniel Jones run with it when the opportunity is there. While the Giants probably don't want Jones rushing for over 100 attempts as he did last year (120), it's clear they're not shelving what has turned into a very valuable asset for them: Jones's legs.
• Speaking of Jones, he's been sharp thus far in practice. He's playing much faster and doing less thinking than he did at this time last year. There's no question that his favorite target seems to be Darren Waller. The two connected again several times in this practice, mostly with success.
• Jason Pinnock, getting some first-team reps at safety, put a bow on practice by making a gorgeous one-haded interception on a pass Daniel Jones intended for Darren Waller. Technically the play was a sack, but since there was no live tackling, the play continued, and Pinnock made the highlight-reel grab.
• The defense has managed to get a good amount of "pressure" on the quarterback in this practice, but until the pads go on and the offensive linemen can fully get their hands on the defenders, it's probably best to reserve judgment.
• Sterling Shepard, in his first practice back after passing his physical, beat Gemon Green for a touchdown. Shepard has looked good moving around; hopefully, he can stay healthy this year.
• Nice concentration by Darius Slayton to come down with a deep pass thrown by Jones. Slayton had safety Xavier McKinney and cornerback Deonte Banks bracketing him, yet he still managed to come up with the reception.
• Banks continued to struggle in team and one-on-one drills. It's too soon to sound any alarms, but we'll be watching to see how he does once the pads go on and live contact is allowed.
• Tight end Lawrence Cager, who is thought to have the edge n the TE3 competition, finished with four catches, including a pretty 1-handed grab on a deep pass.
What’s Next
The Giants will practice again on Monday, the final day of the five-day acclimation period. On Tuesday, an evening practice, they'll put the pads on for the first time this summer.
The team is off on Wednesday and then returns for another three-day stretch on Thursday which will again include two straight days of morning practices on Thursday and Friday and then a Saturday night practice before a day off on Sunday.
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