The New York Giants are cruising along in training camp thus far, but the oppressive heat and humidity in the past week has them re-thinking their process. They held Friday’s workout in the early evening, which was a welcome respite from the weather.
Head coach Brian Daboll is always thinking about how he can work smarter rather than harder.
“We met on it last week, just getting ready for this week,” Daboll said. “So, I think the training staff, nutritionist, sports science, we have tried to get them to a spot these last few days where they are doing what we need them to do to try to stay as healthy as they can with all this heat. That’s training camp.
“We will keep an eye on everybody and make sure we have the cooling tents and all these different drinks to help them stay hydrated. I’m sure they will be sweating a lot out there today.”
Daboll likes to switch things up to keep the players and staff from getting complacent. Some night practices were always in the plans.
“We’re going to do that a few times,” he revealed. “Plus, it gives them a little bit more recovery time, kind of on the third day. And it’s a different feel for the day. So, you know, there will be times during the season we have different schedules. I thought that that was a good thing to do.”
On Friday, reporters were curious about the progress of rookie wide receiver Jalin Hyatt. Daboll was quick not to judge the third-round pick after just two days, one of which saw Hyatt leave practice early due to a heat-related issue.
“Regardless of the position, when you’re a rookie, there’s always an adjustment period,” Daboll explained. “I coached receivers early in my career for six years or somewhat. Drafted quite a bit of receivers. They’re all different, just like every player. Every position is different. So, the job of the coaching staff is, again, to get these guys as prepared as we can. To get them to buy into the program and do the right thing. Certainly, a lot of stuff to learn. That’s why we are here to try and help them the best we can. He’s got to put the work in, too.”
Hyatt is expected to help the Giants stretch the field in the passing game with his speed and explosiveness. But the rookie has a long way to go before the team thrusts him into a position of trust.
“It’s going to be up to him to go out there and show what he can do,” said Daboll. “We have had two days. We had an OTA, but we’ve had two days. He has a lot of work ahead of him, just like everybody on the team does. Everybody will earn their role, whatever that may be.”
At Tennessee, Hyatt was in a pro-style offense under head coach Josh Heupel. Daboll was asked the difference between that offense and the one he’s building with the Giants.
“I wouldn’t say it’s really that different. I think Josh (Heupel) does a fantastic job there. He runs a lot of good football plays. He executed well, Jalin did. Everybody runs a different offense, it’s not exactly the same. Josh has had a pretty dynamic offense ever since he has coached.”
Daboll also gave updates on some injuries, such as defensive lineman Rakeem Nunez-Roches, saying “hopefully he’s getting close.”
Daboll also mentioned that rookie Geverrius Owens (bruise) and veteran wideout Cole Beasley (quad) would not practice. As for the six players on PUP, Daboll offered nothing new except that everyone was “getting closer” to returning.
