The New York Giants began Phase III of their offseason workout program on Monday, the first of what will be 10 days of organized team practice activity, or “OTAs”. During the sessions, players will be in helmets and shorts and no live contact is permitted. The team will conduct 7-on-7, 9-on-7, and 11-on-11 drills, however.
The Giants have a slew of new faces to go with the other new faces they brought in last year. One face that was absent was perhaps the team’s most recognizable, WR Odell Beckham, Jr. Not to worry, though. These sessions are voluntary, although the team encourages participation. No word on why the Pro Bowl wideout chose not to attend.
Beckham’s rookie contract was extended last month to include a fifth year and will be worth in the excess of $8 million. He is scheduled to make $1.8 million this season. This comes on the heels of Beckham sending out a series of tweets on April 24 reconfirming his dedication to his profession and the Giants:
“I will be workin harder than I ever have, to be the best that I ever have been. I’m more motivated now then I have ever been…Words are only that, so its time for action. To the LOYAL Giants fans out there. I’m lettin u kno now, this will be somethin uve never seen…I’m in the lab. Head down, my fire has been lit and the world continues to fuel it. It’s time to be exactly who u are, I’m goin for it all….Stay tuned. Stay blessed…#ImOffTheGrid”
He missed out on running with his newest playmates, veteran WR Brandon Marshall and first round draft pick, TE Evan Engram. There was no media access on Monday, but according to the team website, both receivers looked comfortable catching passes from QB Eli Manning.
The remaining OTAs will be held May 23, May 25 (media access), May 30-31, June 2, June 5-6, June 8-9. Mandatory minicamp will take place on June 15-17.
Notes
The Giants are banking on undrafted free agent Aldrick Rosas to win the placekicking job. So far, veteran long snapper and special team captain Zak DeOsssie likes what he sees from Rosas.
“You know what you’re going to get out of those particular kickers,” DeOssie told NJ.com. “They have ice in the veins – the Lawrence Tyneses, the Josh Browns and the Robbie Goulds. On the field, they were good kickers so you knew what to expect. If they missed a kick, they missed a kick. What are you going to do? Here, this kid is for the first time by himself with a lot of pressure. We’re mapping out every single kick he has and takes, and he’s doing incredibly well and handling it exceptionally well.”
CB Janoris Jenkins was named to the NFL’s Top 100 Players list, coming in at No. 54. Jenkins, who was signed last offseason to a five-year, $62 million contract, had a Pro Bowl season in Giants’debut and is currently considered one of the league’s top corners.
"He's a great cornerback. He's highly competitive." NFL players describe Janoris Jenkins >> #NFLTop100 pic.twitter.com/Y74cR1k5GU
— New York Giants (@Giants) May 23, 2017
Throwing on Janoris Jenkins didn't go so well in 2016. pic.twitter.com/04PuTOF7w6
— PFF (@PFF) May 20, 2017