Camp Summary Going Into The Last Quest Practice

[Ed Vette]

As the Giants go into the last day of practice before they head out to Detroit for Joint Sessions and the first pre-season game, I'd like to summarize my take and observations at this point.

Today, I'd like to see them solidify some of these camp battles where possible. Obviously, Schmitz is the starting Center. It's not quite clear yet who the starting Left Guard will be and how that impacts the Right Guard position. Most observations see Bredeson as the second-best Lineman on the team after Andrew Thomas. If Ezeudu can secure that LG spot, then I'd like to see him come out with the first team today and I'd like to see Bredeson at RG. I like the fact that Ezeudu can pull better than any LG the Giants have had since Richie Suebert. I like the pass protection Bredeson gives them and with this team looking to be a much more explosive Passing Offense, that becomes critical. The reason we are seeing all these deep completions and many for TDs is that the QBs have time to throw the deep ball.  Slayton, Waller, Hyatt, and Campbell have been killing the Defense.

That brings me to being happy on the one hand and dismayed on the other. Unless the Defensive Line and Edge pressure players are holding back on the 11-11s, it's concerning that the only real pressure is coming from all these Blitz Packages that Wink Martindale is throwing out there. It also seems by default that Ximinez is the third Pass Rusher and although he flashes in camp, it's a problem since Azeez Ojulari misses games every season and Ximinez shows ugatz in live action.

It could be why Wink is deploying the Blitz out there so much but, I believe he's also doing it because the Giants' Offensive Line struggled in picking it up last season, either by the QB not moving the TE or RB to pick it up or because of a breakdown. They also struggled in double-teaming and picking up Stunts. So, as much as I'd like to see the one-on-one matchups finish up, it should make them more battle ready for the regular season.
It looks like we will see both McFadden and Beavers rotate with the clear Mike-Backer Okereke inside but I think Mikah has the edge. He's come on strong after a poor rookie season.

The woes at Nickle Corner looks to be the winner by default but how do they keep Tre Hawkins off the field if he continues to show game? It doesn't make sense to move Adoree inside and have two rookies on the Corners. This position won't be settled until after the pre-season games. The front runners are Flott and Holmes. Bobby Skinner and Justin Penik mentioned moving up the bigger McCloud and that's an interesting option. I like the Jack of all Trades and he would be solid in Run Defense.

I think the passing game will open up the Run Game and although Barkley won't get as many touches, he could have some breakaways. This is the season for Jones to have the option of reading the Box and Calling Run or Pass.

Cager had a better day yesterday and the fact that Waller is primarily a Receiver and can't block for $#it, I think this becomes a delicate balance of WR and TE. Sweeney has shown ability and so has Myarick but lets call a spade a spade... at 6'5" and 261 the man is not a FB, he's a TE. If Waller gets injured, I'd see him replaced by Hodgins in the Red Zone. After Bellinger, it comes down to the best blockers and I don't think that's Cager.

Safety looks good with McKinney, Pinnock, McCloud and Belton. I'd like to see McKinney in the Box on Cover One.

The Kickoff and Punt Returns look to be Eric Grey. Gillan looks solid hitting the Corner and booming it 60 yards off his foot and Gano is money. The rest of Special teams hasn't been sorted out yet. I don't see the next David Tyree at this point. Besides, Kickoffs can now be "Fair Caught" and the ball gets placed on the 25 according to the new rule.

I have to say that I'm impressed with Daniel Jones and how much better his decision to release has been. He's been deadly accurate, short to long. There is a large void between him and Tyrod Taylor so I'd like to see much less Read Option Plays that expose Jones to injury and limit him to a wide-open A Gap when there's nobody open downfield. As Taylor's contract expires, they need a backup similar to Jones. I don't see Tommy DeVito as that guy.

At Receiver, it looks like Slayton, Hyatt, Campbell, Beasley, Hodgins and Shepard. They kept 7 on the final 53 last year and that one will get replaced by Wan'Dale Robinson when he comes back from PUP. That guy would be among Colin Johnson and David Sills from where I sit. Bryce Ford Wheaton is destined for the Practice Squad unless he suddenly breaks out.

Some concerns? How long does Evan Neal stay in concussion protocol? How did that even happen? Matt Peart had a strong day yesterday before and after Neal went out and that backup RT Position must be decided ASAP.  What's up with Leo Williams who was rested two days in a row and is this a chronic injury that gave Schoen pause in giving him an extension to free up Cap Space? Is his replacement in the 2024 Draft? How will Parris Campbell be affected by this Tendonitis as the season wears on? 

[Ed Vette]

To be clear, Bobby O. is the Mike Backer.

[Bob In PA]

Ed: Nicely done, and much appreciated.  Bob

[DaveBrown74]

More A+ content here. Thanks very much Ed.

[ralphpal1]

This is informative
Very well thought out
And lots of info
Great insight
Breaks down lots of players
And the reason why you think the way you do
Thanks

[Jaime]

Ed, good stuff!
Just think Shepard is too long in the tooth, with too many nicks on that frame of his. Shepard as this great Team mate/elder statesman rings hollow with me. I would like to go younger with more upside. Got a feeling a 7th WR could be had when Final Cuts happen.
Your thoughts?

[DaveBrown74]

Shep is actually younger than Davante Adams and only about 4 months older than Cooper Kupp.

Nevertheless, the injuries do add up, and it's true that 30 is getting up there for a wide receiver.

[JT39]

Thanks for the update! Awesome information!

[Ed Vette]

Ed, good stuff!
Just think Shepard is too long in the tooth, with too many nicks on that frame of his. Shepard as this great Team mate/elder statesman rings hollow with me. I would like to go younger with more upside. Got a feeling a 7th WR could be had when Final Cuts happen.
Your thoughts?

Jaime, Shep looked sharp yesterday and as I watched the quick cut route drills and agility drills, it was Beasley, Shep, Slay, Parris and Hyatt who cut on a dime. You could see the clear difference between them and players like Hodgins and the rest. Shep runs a full route tree, where as Beasley is more of a safety valve. I think that 7th Receiver if they keep one will be released when WDR comes off of PUP. There are five guys in my opinion are untouchables. They were consistently out there with the ones. Slay, Hyatt, Parris, Hodgins because of size and finding the sweet spot in zone coverage. Shep because of his experience and versatility I choose as the 6th. If they keep six they could go with Colin Johnson or Sills instead of Shep, or keep one as the 7th. They have been using the big and tall receivers in the Red Zone.

Keep in mind that Waller is in essence a big Receiver and not really a TE, and that may be why they only keep six. Then Shep and others are out. I think Beasley trumps Shep because he's been with the ones consistently.

[Ed Vette]

Next year Ben Bredeson is an UFA. His versatility alone warrants locking him in, but he may be the future RG on this team. Credit to @Pat_Traina for pointing that out on her LOG Podcast.

[Trench]

Jaime, Shep looked sharp yesterday and as I watched the quick cut route drills and agility drills, it was Beasley, Shep, Slay, Parris and Hyatt who cut on a dime. You could see the clear difference between them and players like Hodgins and the rest. Shep runs a full route tree, where as Beasley is more of a safety valve. I think that 7th Receiver if they keep one will be released when WDR comes off of PUP. There are five guys in my opinion are untouchables. They were consistently out there with the ones. Slay, Hyatt, Parris, Hodgins because of size and finding the sweet spot in zone coverage. Shep because of his experience and versatility I choose as the 6th. If they keep six they could go with Colin Johnson or Sills instead of Shep, or keep one as the 7th. They have been using the big and tall receivers in the Red Zone.

Keep in mind that Waller is in essence a big Receiver and not really a TE, and that may be why they only keep six. Then Shep and others are out. I think Beasley trumps Shep because he's been with the ones consistently.

Ed as far as your assessment on the WR making their cuts on routes, a question I have is WanDale also doing those drills?....I'm curious where he falls against the others from a naked eye

[Ed Vette]

Ed as far as your assessment on the WR making their cuts on routes, a question I have is WanDale also doing those drills?....I'm curious where he falls against the others from a naked eye

He's on PUP so he can't participate. He's off to the side working out on his own. I think they want to keep him on PUP because when he comes back, surely there will be injuries and he can replace the unnecessary. @Pat_Traina made a good comment about players who don't contribute on Special Teams and their value in making the team, especially in looking at their Cap Hit. A lot of those WRs don't play on STs. But to answer your question, WDR is very agile and runs clean routes. 

[kartanoman]

Excellent post and thank you for taking the time to articulate your observations as well as your thoughts which made for an enjoyable read.

You asked how long Evan Neal will be in concussion protocol. There is no explicit time frame since he, and all players entering such protocol, must complete a five-step process in order to be cleared to return to duty. What separates the NFL from other sports leagues is that the player must be cleared through independent Neurological Medical Professionals who are not tied to any football team.

The following is the NFL's Concussion Protocol (NOTE: a bit of a long and tedious read, but gives you an appreciation on the commitment the NFL is taking on this dangerous trauma to the head:

NFL Concussion Protocol - 5 Step Process For Players To Return

Peace!

[Jclayton92]

Next year Ben Bredeson is an UFA. His versatility alone warrants locking him in, but he may be the future RG on this team. Credit to @Pat_Traina for pointing that out on her LOG Podcast.

This is how teams win, they find diamonds in the rough at low cost positions were they don't have to pay a premium. In reality Glowinski should be playing on Bredersons contract and Brederson playing on his with what I've seen.

[DaveBrown74]

While I couldn't be higher on Schoen than I am, nobody is 100% perfect. I think it's fair to say Glowinski was one signing he'd like to have back. He wasn't exactly dirt-cheap.