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Mailbag: Kadarius Toney's jersey number, O-line

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Albert in California: Can rookie Kadarius Toney wear uniform No. 1?

John Schmeelk: Jersey No. 1 is retired for Ray Flaherty, who joined the Giants in 1929 and spent most of his playing career with the team. After leaving in 1930 to coach the Gonzaga Bulldogs basketball team, Flaherty re-joined the Giants in 1931 and stayed with the team through the 1935 season. He was an outstanding end with the Giants, being named First-Team All-Pro three times. In 1932, Flaherty led the NFL in receptions, receiving yards, receiving touchdowns, yards per reception and yards per game. Flaherty helped lead the Giants to a NFL Championship in 1934. When the Giants retired his No. 1 jersey following the 1935 season, it was the first time a professional football team had ever retired a player's jersey number.

Frank in Hawaii: Do you feel the Giants have done enough at this point to improve the O-line? Do you think they may add more after training camp cuts down the road?

John Schmeelk: The Giants have put a young group of offensive linemen together who they believe can grow together and be an effective group for a long time. If those young players meet the expectations of the organization and improve under offensive line coach Rob Sale, the team will not have to make any more additions. The team should be fine at offensive tackle with second-year players Andrew Thomas and Matt Peart and veteran Nate Solder forming a solid trio. There are more questions inside, but the combination of Shane Lemieux, Will Hernandez and Will Fulton should provide stability. If this offensive line is successful in 2021, it will be about the young players on the roster improving as individuals and coming together.

Rahsaan in New Jersey: Daniel was highly criticized on his run where he ran out of breath on his way to a touchdown in Philadelphia. Has he been working on his stamina during the off-season?

John Schmeelk: The chances Daniel Jones will have to run more than 80 yards in a straight line at full speed again in his NFL career are slim to none. It was a unique play. Jones is in great shape, and he simply stumbled at the end of a long run (as many NFL players might have done).

John in New Jersey: Is John Ross expected to be a No. 2 wide receiver, slot specialist, or on the bench/roster bubble?

John Schmeelk: The first thing Ross is going to have to do is remain healthy and on the field, which is something he has struggled with during his NFL career. If so, he will have a chance to earn his snaps. His obvious role is as a deep threat, and perhaps as a return man on special teams. He should be able to play inside or outside.

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