The New York Giants were back on the practice field on Friday as their 2024 training camp barrels on. Head coach Brian Daboll met the media and was more forthcoming than in his previous sessions this week.
Of course, the main subject was rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers, the team’s first-round draft pick this past April. Nabers put on a show at Thursday’s practice, catching three touchdowns and appearing to be basically uncoverable.
Daboll is pleased, to say the least, at what he’s seen from Nabers thus far.
"He's got the right mindset."
Brian Daboll talks about what he's seen from Malik Nabers so far in camp: pic.twitter.com/ZIhCbUbULX
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) July 26, 2024
Other news centered around injuries. Guard Jermaine Eluemunor (ribs) will be limited in practice. Rookie safety Tyler Nubin will be held out with a calf and defensive lineman Timmy Horne also is dealing with a calf issue.
Daboll is hopeful that Eluemunor and Nubin could participate in Monday’s padded practice, the Giants’ first of this training camp.
The coach pointed out some of the players who had caught his eye at camp during the first few days. Backup tight end Lawrence Cager was one in particular. He has been smooth and appears to be much improved this summer.
“He’s playing faster,” Daboll said. “He’s absorbed what he needs to do understanding the playcalling and the nuances of the position. . . (Tight ends coach) Tim Kelly has done a great job with him”
Other players include wide receivers Allen Robinson and Jalin Hyatt along with free agent running back Devin Singletary.
Daboll lauded Robinson as a “good fit” and said that Hyatt’s total all-around game is improving by the day. The 30-year-old Robinson, a veteran of 10 NFL seasons, has already made his presence known and is working with Nabers and the other young wideouts in the film room.
Hyatt’s route running and understanding of the pro game have improved substantially. It hasn’t hurt that there’s more competition in camp this summer as well.
Singletary, who will be asked to help fill the void left by the departure of Saquon Barkley in free agency, also got some props.
#Giants100 Daboll on Singletary – very good discipline and tremendous will and grit…dependable…communicator…very good leader in RB room..respected teammate
— GiantsWFAN (@giantswfan) July 26, 2024
Daboll didn’t totally ignore the defense. He had some positive notes on safety Jason Pinnock.
Daboll gives safety Jason Pinnock “a lot of credit. … I expect him to play well.”
— Dan Salomone (@Dan_Salomone) July 26, 2024
The Giants will take a day off on Saturday and resume workouts on Sunday.
Today is Isaiah Simmons’ 26th birthday. The team is excited about the energy he brings to their defense. So far in camp, Simmons has lined up as a defensive back in several packages. Interesting.