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2022 Training Camp

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5 things we learned from training camp (8/1)

LEO-LEMIEUX-FORD

For the first time in training camp, the Giants were wearing pads as they took the practice field at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center.

Head Coach Brian Daboll spoke to the media in the morning, providing updates on several players before Adoree' Jackson and Kenny Golladay met with them following practice.

For the third consecutive practice, alumni were present as two-time Super Bowl champion Kevin Boothe watched from the sideline.

Here is what we learned today:

1. Jackson ready for role as No. 1 cornerback

Following the departure of James Bradberry, Adoree' Jackson was moved to the top of the depth chart at cornerback. The sixth-year corner is one of the oldest players in the DB room this season, with the only player older than the 26-year-old being veteran safety Andrew Adams (29).

Jackson played well in his first season with the Giants, registering eight pass breakups and one interception in 13 games (12 starts). His 80.9 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus was one of the best in the NFL, ranking fourth among cornerbacks. Now facing the responsibility of covering the opposing team's top wide receiver each week, Jackson is grateful for the challenge.

"I feel like every year is always an opportunity of a lifetime," the corner told reporters. "I feel like it's just the same thing for all of us out there. We always get an opportunity to present ourselves and play for one of the greatest organizations in the league. I think we just take it as a blessing and understand that we can be doing a lot of different things, but the Lord brought us here to be able play ball and we just want to go and do that for Him."

2. Robinson, Holmes growing

The changes within the DB room this offseason have also paved the way for two young cornerbacks to compete for a spot in the starting lineup, beginning with Aaron Robinson. The second-year corner opened practice with a nice pass breakup during one-on-one drills for the second consecutive day. Jackson has seen a lot of growth out of Robinson since his arrival in last year's draft.

"I have been liking A-Rob since I met him," Jackson said. "I know when I came and signed here, then we drafted him, I just looked up his highlight tapes. I liked what I had seen from him and been liking him ever since. He works hard, he's a guy that just goes out there and does what he has to do. I just appreciate A-Rob and his competitiveness."

Darnay Holmes is another young DB looking to earn a spot as a starter this season. Holmes has enjoyed a very strong start to training camp with three interceptions and a forced fumble in the first four practices. Jackson has known the third-year corner for a long time as they both grew up in California and went to college in Los Angeles, and the veteran has liked what he has seen from Holmes at camp.

"It's crazy, I've known Darnay since I was in high school," said the veteran corner. "Even when we got to SC (University of Southern California) he was supposed to come there, but he went across town, which I don't blame him. I've learned that he is just a good dude. A good genuine dude and a good wholesome guy. Goes out there and sticks to the script, no matter what may happen his faith never waivers. He just goes out there and competes man. I can respect that. I just appreciate him a lot, the way he works and comes in every day…

"He is out there doing his thing. Like I said, every day it's not like he is worried about the past or the present. He is just trying to focus on the day by day and getting better. That's what we preach. If you ever hear him talk or ever hear him speak, you know how he carries himself you can tell that's a smart intelligent man. He goes out there and carries it the right way on the field and off."

3. Rookies adapting well to NFL

The Giants added a large draft class this year with 11 players, on top of numerous undrafted rookie free agent signings. Although the number is certainly going to decrease by the start of the season, there are 24 rookies on the roster today. Less than a week into their first training camp, the first-year have done a great job of acclimating to life in the NFL, according to the head coach.

"They've done a nice job," Daboll stated about the class. "There's a lot to learn as a rookie. We've talked about this in spring. Just where to go, what to do, expectations off the field. Joe (Schoen) and I have communicated with them several times about expectations, foundational pieces for us. You know, this is our first class that we drafted. They've all done a nice job relative to things off the field, how we want to approach things and then taking care of themselves, learning from some veterans. And they've done a nice job on the practice field competing. Got a long way to go, but I've been pleased with how those guys – all of them – have done."

The Giants put on the pads for the first time this season as training camp ramps up.

4. Golladay spent offseason with Jones

Following his first season with the Giants (37 receptions for 521 yards), Kenny Golladay said he did things a little different this offseason. The veteran wide receiver shared that he stayed in the area for a while in order to get more work in with Daniel Jones, including a good amount of time spent between just the two of them.

"I feel like it was growing a lot last year and it's just continuing to grow, as it will," Golladay said about his relationship with the quarterback. "Throughout the years, I feel like it's going to grow more."

The two appear to be on the same page at the start of training camp, connecting on several passes each day over the last week. On Monday, Golladay made a great contested catch on a sideline pass from Jones during one-on-ones, before adding another reception for a solid gain during 11-on-11s.

5. With Feliciano out, Lemieux sees time at center

Center Jon Feliciano did not participate in practice for the third consecutive day after undergoing some heat-related issues during Thursday's practice. However, Daboll said he believes the veteran should hopefully be back out there sometime in the next few days.

"He's working through some things," said the head coach. "So, he'll be hopefully tomorrow. But maybe the next day… He's taking care of himself. They're working with him. He'll be okay."

With Feliciano out, Jamil Douglas has been working with the first team offense at center. But he isn't the only player, as we have also seen Shane Lemieux get some snaps at center. Lemieux has played 13 games in his two-year career, all at guard. With the third-year lineman temporarily moving over to center, it opened the door for rookie Joshua Ezeudu to see some snaps at left guard with the starting O-line.

"We want to try to create position flexibility for our front guys," Daboll said Monday morning. "And obviously with Jon out, you know with (Guard) Ben (Bredeson) and (Guard) Jamil (Douglas), we wanted to add Lemieux inside and get (Guard Joshua) Ezeudu some work inside there with the ones against (Defensive End) Leo (Williams) and (Defensive Tackle) Dexter (Lawrence) and guys like that. He did a good job. We'll work with him in there today, as well."

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Giants Fan Fest returns to Metlife Stadium

Free and open to the public, the Giants Fan Fest will feature a Blue & White intrasquad scrimmage, autographs by Giants Legends, and a fireworks show.

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