The New York Giants are in their second week of organized team activities.
The intrigue of running back Saquon Barkley and other key holdouts not attending voluntary workouts has lost its appeal. More substantive topics were hit upon when coach Brian Daboll took to the podium at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on May 31.
The development of linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux and tackle Evan Neal, both former first-round picks, was hit upon. With the flashes each displayed throughout their rookie years, the expectation is they lock into consistency in their second seasons.
Here are some takeaways from Daboll’s presser during the second week of OTAs.
1. Measuring Kayvon Thibodeaux and Evan Neal's growth
Kayvon Thibodeaux and Evan Neal had promising rookie seasons, and there is anticipation even in the spring as to their development ahead of year two. While progress may be difficult to measure at trench positions when there is no hitting until training camp, Daboll explained how they can still observe results.
“They can draw from some of the experiences that they’ve had the previous year,” Daboll said. “Even just, not in terms of playing right now because we’re out here in shorts and T-shirts, but grasping the material, different questions they ask. They’ve been through some of the stuff, so when they’re watching cutups of things that we did the previous year, they know it. As a rookie, you have no idea what’s going on right now. So, I’d say most players from year one to year two, there’s a little bit more comfort level.”
2. Working on reads with Daniel Jones, not necessarily throws
One of the misinterpreted nuggets to come out of OTAs is when a quarterback slings it deep or makes some other type of throw not customarily seen in a typical game.
According to Daboll, Jones’ deep throws seen in media portion of OTAs were more the result of reads in the offense.
“I’d say we just make sure he tries to throw it to the right guy with the right reads,” Daboll said. “There’s not any emphasis. I think Daniel’s made steady improvements since we’ve been here. He’s throwing to some new players out here. I think that’s important to try to read their body language. Again, we’re trying different things and trying to get to know some of the new players we have, too, and I’d say so is Daniel.”
3. Deflected on DeAndre Hopkins
Daboll was asked about the availability of All-Pro wideout DeAndre Hopkins and effectively punted on the question, indicating it was general manager Joe Schoen’s territory.
“Yeah, no, I’d say like last year, anytime there’s someone that’s available as a free agent, I’d say Joe and his staff are going to look into it and research it,” Daboll said. “We talk about a lot of different players, so regardless of who it is, that’s part of our job to make sure we’re doing our due diligence.”
4. Pre-draft memories of Parris Campbell
Daboll has known Campbell since he entered the NFL draft in 2019. At that time, Daboll was the Buffalo Bills’ offensive coordinator and Schoen was the assistant general manager. They took a trip with Bills general manager Brandon Beane to Ohio State to visit with Campbell the night before his pro day.
“So, got to meet him then,” Daboll said. “A lot of times you meet all these players pre-draft and maybe it doesn’t happen that initial year, but they become available a few years from now and you just draw on some of your meetings that you had with them. He was a good young man, smart, enjoyed our meeting.”
The Indianapolis Colts picked Campbell in Round 2, and he had an inconsistent tenure until last year when he caught 63 passes for 623 yards and three touchdowns through 17 games, 16 of which he started.
Since signing a free agent contract with New York in March, Daboll has been pleased.
“He’s done a good job since he’s been here,” Daboll said.
