EAST RUTHERFORD (N.J.) — The New York GiantsThe offensive team marched onto the field to play the first of the mandatory minicamp drills, 11-on-11. Flanking quarterback Daniel Jones were wide receivers C.J. Board And David Sills V. Richie James The slot was empty.
Running back Saquon Barkley Despite being in the backfield and the top three projected receivers — Kadarius Toney And Kenny Golladay (Unspecified injuries) Sterling Shepard (Achilles recovery); were wearing red non-contact uniforms. And receiver Darius SlaytonWorking with the second-team offense, he dropped another potential long touchdown as his spring struggles continued.
Giants' head coach Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen have been replaced. But, things are still the same. Last season, every Giants offensive skill position starter was out injured. This spring has not offered much hope that things will change.
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Daboll stated, “You would like for everyone to be out there, especially the skill guys to get reps from the quarterback, but that rarely happens in most places.” “There's always a guy who is hurt or that you give them a day off. Here, we'll have plenty of summer fun.”
Toney, Golladay, and Shepard were there doing their best during the voluntary offseason program. Even though they weren't running any routes for Jones, they were able learn a lot about the offense.
“They've thrown before with Daniel. They have done a great job,” Daboll stated. “You can learn many ways and we're only teaching them the way we know how to teach them.”
While veterans missing spring reps may be overlooked in some cases, all three of New York’s top receivers fit the injury-prone category.
Toney, No. 20th overall in the 2021 NFL draft. He suffered from various injuries as an rookie including hamstring and ankle pains, quad pains, and oblique discomforts. Positive COVID-19 results also caused him to miss time. ill-fitting cleats. He played in 10 games, with 39 catches and zero touchdowns.
Golladay who signed a four-year deal He was paid $72 million for his services last offseason. However, he was also limited by injuries (hip and hamstring, knee), which resulted in 37 receptions and no touchdowns. Over the past two seasons, he has played 19 games and accumulated 57 catches for 859 receiving yardage and two touchdowns.
Shepard broke his left Achilles in late last season and has only played 16 games in the five years prior.
Daboll repeatedly stated that he expects all three of them to be available for training camp next year. Golladay took part in minicamp drills, which is good news for a group who struggled last season.
“There is a place for smartness and there is a place for pushing the limits. Daboll stated that you have to balance them. “You push guys through training camp — maybe it is the exact same thing, but they don't have to wear a red jersey. … We are trying to be as healthy and fit as possible for training camp.
Jones was often surrounded with reserves and had his ups-and-downs at OTAs as well as minicamp. This sounds familiar? This is Jones continuing to deal with difficult circumstances. The Giants are desperately trying to stop this trend.
The rookie component of the contingency plans at receiver is a part Wan'Dale RobinsonThis year, he was drafted in second round. He showed strong spring, including a diving grab when Jones passed him a deep pass. Aaron Robinson During OTAs, in the back of your end zone.
Slayton described the rookie as “quick, fast, and explosive.” “He is as advertised,” I would say.
Slayton was in his final year of his rookie deal. He had 26 catches last season, and was New York's leading wide receiver with two touchdown receptions. Sills and Slayton were running behind him. Travis Toivonen It was a difficult spring. This doesn't bode well in his future under the new government.
Barkley was however another playmaker who suffered a disappointing 2021 year due to injuries (torn ACL right knee). He was the most notable spring standout. He may be more used as a receiver under the offensive coordinator Mike Kafka and Daboll.
Barkley was utilized all over the field, from out wide to the slot to the backfield, during OTAs as well as minicamp.
He said, “It's useful, not just for me but also opening up other possibilities for the offense.”[I] I haven't moved like that since college. I kind of went back and looked at some college stuff to see what I could do and how it helped me transition.
The 2018 No. The No. 2 overall pick in 2018 seems healthy and explosive, having missed at least three games each of the previous three seasons.
“He's frickin' huge. He was over here, squatting where linemen are squatting. One day he was shouting about it. [Cleveland Browns running back] Nick Chubb He posted his squat video. He is like, “I got to beat that!” [675 pounds]”Center” Jon Feliciano Barkley was quoted as saying. “It's great to see him have the motivation, not being stagnant and being the great player that he is.
Barkley could have a huge season if the spring is a sign of the future. The Giants' other players are less certain of the future.
