Big Blue Huddle

Notable difference from last offseason: Last year, the Giants didn't do a single 11-on-11 period in the practices open to the media; it was all 7-on-7.

Today's practice featured a 7-on-7 period early and then extensive 11-on-11 work. Linemen aren't wearing pads, but at least they're getting reps in a game-like setting this spring.

https://x.com/dduggan21/status/1793699979967566076?s=46&t=1vcQIN8GqF5J2oLdxEVEJQ

My #NyGiants takeaways from first OTA practice:
- Daniel Jones looked smooth moving around on his surgically repaired knee. 
- Pump the brakes on any QB controversy. Heard DJ looked has been the sharper QB so far this offseason and Drew Lock's inaccuracy today reinforced it. DJ was QB1 in 7-on-7. Lock QB1 in 11-on-11 (no reps for DJ).
- LT Andrew Thomas took no team reps. Seems like that was the case in earlier OTAs, too.  Load management? RT Evan Neal is with the rehab group.
- It's hard to believe that Josh Ezeudu is in line to be the swing OT again after struggling last year. I'd like to let him develop at OG -- compete to start or be the swing OG. But Jermaine Eluemunor was starting at RG and OT Matt Nelson was with the rehab group. Ezeudu next up.
- Why is Jon Runyan at RG instead of LG? First, it could be a day-to-day switch. But my broader understanding is that #Giants look at pairing up LT-LG and RT-RG. They are weaker on the right side, so put the better RG there.
- The DL depth is lacking on paper. I've been saying that since the draft. It was more startling today when Rakeem Nunez-Roches and Jordan Phillips were not here (voluntary).  Big opportunity for Jordon Riley.
- No sign of Daniel Bellinger, either. Big spring for him with Darren Waller not here/likely to retire.
- Eric Gray got some RB1 snaps in up-tempo 11-on-11.


https://x.com/rydunleavy/status/1793689860491948437?s=46&t=1vcQIN8GqF5J2oLdxEVEJQ

Dan Duggan
@DDuggan21
Disclaimer about OTAs being voluntary and some players could have been in the facility rehabbing. Here are the players I didn't spot today: WR Darius Slayton, WR Isaiah McKenzie, TE Darren Waller, TE Daniel Bellinger, DL Jordan Phillips, DL Rakeem Nunez-Roches, DL Timmy Horne.

These players were on the side: OL Evan Neal, OL Matt Nelson, LB Isaiah Simmons, OLB Benton Whitley, CB Aaron Robinson.

LT Andrew Thomas didn't take any reps in team periods.

https://x.com/mikegarafolo/status/1793676555786616931?s=46&t=1vcQIN8GqF5J2oLdxEVEJQ

https://x.com/patricia_traina/status/1793679576700219775?s=46&t=1vcQIN8GqF5J2oLdxEVEJQ

https://x.com/Connor_J_Hughes/status/1793672262261850537

https://x.com/rydunleavy/status/1793672898449965283

https://x.com/rydunleavy/status/1793672561362190353


Connor Hughes
@Connor_J_Hughes
#Giants just wrapped up their first media-open OTA.

The highlight: Long touchdown to Malik Nabers.

Drew Lock hit him on the deep shot. He got behind both Pinnick & Flott. Just a glimpse into what #NYG hope Nabers can bring.

Of note: There was pressure on the play. Lock might have been sacked, but it's a padless OTA, so give him the TD.

Of extra note: That was really the only highlight for Lock. He did not perform well in team drills. I had him 10 of 20 with several misfires.

https://x.com/DDuggan21/status/1793672571000438798

https://x.com/PLeonardNYDN/status/1793672885787074651

https://x.com/Connor_J_Hughes/status/1793673233507733897

Quote from: jgrangers2 on Today at 11:56:38 AMDidn't realize Banks was rated so low last year by PFF. Thought he played better than that. Interested to see how the entire defense comes along. Think we could probably use another DL body similar to bringing in Robinson on the cheap last year.

I am torn.  On the one hand, a veteran 3 tech would be nice.  On the other, since I don't expect the Giants to be competing for a SB, this gives the younger players some experience and a chance to develop.

NEW YORK GIANTS
Additions:
Round 2, Pick 47: S Tyler Nubin
Round 3, Pick 70: CB Andru Phillips

Though the Giants made only two secondary selections, they targeted players who fit their scheme for a potential year-one impact. Nubin is a solid safety, one the Giants needed after losing Xavier McKinney in free agency. Nubin can play both free and strong safety, though he is best as a strong safety in robber coverage roles over the middle.

Phillips to the Giants was one of my favorite prospect-team fits of any selection in the draft. His press-man coverage style fits perfectly with New York's 2023 first-round pick, Deonte Banks. Now they can get even more aggressive to play Cover 1, Cover 0 or 2-Man.



https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-most-improved-secondaries-2024-nfl-draft-eagles-ravens

https://x.com/Connor_J_Hughes/status/1793643508727009468

https://x.com/Patricia_Traina/status/1793646247682937107

https://x.com/DDuggan21/status/1793646528910770287

https://x.com/art_stapleton/status/1793648013010776173