Head Coach Brian Daboll

Q: How's (wide receiver) Malik (Nabers)?

Daboll: He's good. He'll practice.

Q: Will he be full go or just… can he do team reps?

Daboll: Yeah, he'll practice. We'll put him on the plan that we think is best but he'll be out there.

Q: What do you mean by 'we'll put him on a plan that we think is best'? He's had a toe and I believe this is the shoulder, right?

Daboll: We'll put him out there and he'll do what he can do which – he'll be able to do stuff today. He's okay.

Q: At some point, when you're banged up head to toe, is it at some point beneficial for you guys to take it easy on him so that he has time to heal these next few weeks?

Daboll: That's what I mean by plan, yeah. We sit down, we have a conversation, we talk about what we think is best for each individual player based on what they have. Whether it's Malik or somebody else, and then we do what we think is right for the player, whether that's don't practice, whether that's do a little bit, do a little bit more the next day. We have discussions like that every night and then we do what we think is best.

Q: Speaking of plans, is (defensive lineman) Dex's (Lawrence) limited reps due to coming back from the elbow, just managing reps, or a combination?

Daboll: Same as Malik. It's a combination of what we think is best for Dex to get him ready for the season.

Q: At the end of the practice on Tuesday you had the period where you threw (quarterback) Jaxson (Dart) in there and obviously, we saw the good when he thew the touchdown a couple practices ago. Obviously, you don't want to see the mistakes but is that what you're looking for when you throw him in in those situations? To see how those guys are going to adapt and adjust and is that a learning process to move forward for the next time?

Daboll: Yeah, that period was unique in and of itself. We had a period scripted, 18 plays and then I called the first team defense, first team offense up, coordinators, and then I told them to scrap that period and the headsets were down on the field and the players take control of it. They call it with no help from the coaches, no play calls, see what they can retain down in the redzone, plays they like. Put them in some different situations so all the quarterbacks – the one he threw and made the nice play, he called that play and then he got down and was… I actually liked his thought process. He was trying to install a play almost there on the four-yard line, something that he wanted to try. It didn't work out so good.

Q: Was that the one he didn't get in? The delay of game?

Daboll: Yeah, so he was explaining a few different things, but that's good for quarterbacks to be able to do that, and signal callers. You never know what's going to happen in a game, a call gets put in late, something happens, the headsets are down. To be able to practice a situation like that, that could come up. Maybe it does, maybe it doesn't but at least we've practiced, we've talked about it, we've coached it, communicated through some things and it's also good to get a feel for what these guys call when they get an opportunity to do that.

Q: You do stack the deck sometimes in a drill for the offense or defense? That was probably stacked against a young quarterback (like Dart).

Daboll: The defense had to call it too. It's really just teaching moments – what if it does go down in a preseason game and you're out there? Have a plan, and then it's a coach's job to make sure you're prepared for that plan, for these guys to be able to have a set of plays that they feel comfortable with or defensive calls or what have you. If it doesn't happen, great. We hope it doesn't happen but just try to throw a wrinkle at them at the end of practice, particularly when you're tired and it was that hot.

Q: Would the play he designed have worked?

Daboll: I don't know. We couldn't get it off, but I liked his thought process. He puts a lot of effort into it, a lot of work and he's growing each day.

Q: It looked like (running back Cam) Skattebo didn't do a lot of team reps. Was that just of off a full load the day before?

Daboll: (That's) part of the plan for him, to pull back on him a little bit. Again, we'll do what we think is best during this training camp time to make sure guys are ready.

Q: What's surprised you the most about Cam so far since he's been here?

Daboll: It's early. He's got a good feel for the running game, how to press blocks to set him up, he's got good vision. He has good hands, he's demonstrated that he's able to catch the football, things that we saw on tape at Arizona State. Again, (it's) early but he's doing a nice job.

Q: What do you think is that next step for (cornerback) Dru Phillips heading into year number two? What have you seen from him this summer that's different from last year?

Daboll: He's made a big jump from year one to year two, just the overall communication in that area in particular. I think he's got a lot of confidence right now. He's a good football player. He's got a lot of physical traits that help him play that spot that he plays. It's the nickel position and you're part defensive back and at times part linebacker. He's tough but I would say his communication and his process of how he does things and he's taken a good step and we need him to. He's a good football player for us and I think the addition of (safety Jevon) Holland back there along with (safety Tyler) Nubin, and the communication with those three guys who – you have to communicate a lot in those three positions, but he's done a nice job with that, improving that area of his game.

Q: Have you seen anything this summer that leads you to believe you will be able to generate more explosive plays on offense which is a big goal?

Daboll: Yeah, (that's) certainly a goal. We're working at it. You can talk about it all you want, you got to go out there and do it.

Q: Is there anything you've seen so far that says this should be more beneficial, we should be able to do this more than we have in the past?

Daboll: You're always trying to generate explosive plays, so again, you can generate them a variety of ways. We're working on them every way we can to create some explosives because it's a huge indicator of wins and losses, both on the offensive side and then preventing them on the defensive side.

Q: Where are you at with (wide receivers) Wan'Dale (Robinson) and Jalin Hyatt? Are we going to see them get back into team periods?

Daboll: Yep, you'll see them.

Q: And (defensive linemen) D.J. Davidson? He looked like he grabbed his hamstring.

Daboll: Not as much injury related, D.J. has a personal thing that I'll keep private for him. He won't be here today. (Guard Greg Van Roten) GVR won't be here today either, maybe or tomorrow. He's going through the birth of his second child, so we'll see where that goes. You know how that goes, for those of us that have children.

Q: What have you seen from (wide receiver) Montrell Washington?

Daboll: He made a couple of nice plays in that one on one. Two good balls by Jaxson, two good catches by him. He's learning the system, new to the system but he's got some quickness and he's done a nice job of what we've asked him to do.

Q: Is D.J. okay, health wise? Will he be when he comes back?

Daboll: All the guys are working to get back as quick as they can. We'll see where he is when he gets back.

Q: How big of an opportunity is this for (offensive lineman) Evan Neal? With GVR not here, are you going to give him the majority of the reps at right guard?

Daboll: Carm (Offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo) will rotate those guys in and he'll get a good chunk of them. Every day is important for every player. He's progressed each day, playing a new position, so he'll have some more opportunities.

Q: He seemed to be in a really good head space when we spoke to him. Have you seen that too? A newfound confidence?

Daboll: Yeah, he's done everything we've asked him to do. He's come in in shape, he looks good, he's moving well. I think he's gaining confidence each day with the things that he has to do to perform at a high level playing inside. I think he's right where we need him to be, continue to grow.

Q: Who has been the most pleasant surprise for you so far at camp?

Daboll: We're just trying to have good practices, everybody. Evaluations and stuff, we'll continue to do that as camp rolls along and preseason games will be important for that.

Q: What have you seen out of (wide receiver) Beaux Collins so far?

Daboll: Young professional. That's the first thing. Handles his business the right way. I'm talking about outside the building too, all the things that you're trying to teach young players to do, take care of your body, eat right, do all those things. And then, he's smart, he's picked up our system really well and he's shown toughness, and I talked about this after the draft – we kind of placed a high premium on bringing guys that have some toughness to them and I'd say he fits right in with those young guys that we picked. He's got good size, he's got speed, he's got the ability to change direction for a bigger man, he's going to have to – special teams will be important too for him. He'll have some opportunities there. We've thrown him in with a variety of groups, the first team, the second team, the third team, and we've played him at some different spots. He's progressing. He's an interesting guy to coach because of his size and speed but his intelligence and his toughness too. I'm excited to see him continue to grow but he's done well for himself here.

Q: His teammates seem fired up in some of the run periods where he's coming off the field. Was what we saw reality?

Daboll: Yeah, he went in and threw his body around. You want receivers that are willing to do that – go in and block for us. You need that in the running game and you need secondary players that are willing to get off blocks and force. We talk about the big guys which set the tone for a game, the offensive linemen, defensive linemen, playing physical, controlling the line of scrimmage, but the smaller skill guys, you want toughness out of them as well. That's important both for the receivers on the perimeter, to do those things, and then the secondary to come up and fill and tackle big running backs. If they are a force responsibility, they're supposed to be there, they got to do it. So the physical nature of our football team, that's going to be an important element as we continue through camp as these perimeter players, skill guys we'll call it, continue to show their toughness and grit.

Cornerback Dru Phillips

Q. How was the heat today?
A: It wasn't that bad today. It's like 80 (degrees). It wasn't that hot. Nice little workday, got to run around and not sweat too much.

Q. In what ways has the communication from the secondary improved from when you started in the spring to where you are now?
A: A lot of guys have gotten really comfortable within these past two weeks and you know, it just takes time around people but a lot of times now, we're just flowing and we know what to call. These past two weeks, (we) got a more comfortable, especially bringing in (safety Jevón Holland) Von and (cornerback Paulson) Adebo. They already know half the checks that are going to happen pre snap so you kind of just play along and it's flowing a lot better right now.

Q. How much of an advantage has it been having those two guys in there with the secondary?
A: It's helped out a lot. You bring in a veteran presence in both of them and they're really impressive in the classroom as well as out here. For guys like me and (safety Tyler Nubin) Nub that are going into year two, we need those types of guys still around us and to help guide us.

Q. How is the communication different than it was last year?
A: I would say the biggest difference – it's kind of hard for me to speak because last year, I was part of the problem in communication. I was so young, I didn't feel like I was that confident in it, so we've all grown but then when you bring those two guys in, it's just like the level of knowledge in the room feels like it's way more than we had in the past. These guys, they play ball at a high level, they know ball also at a really level. It's already people that know it, so communication makes it easier.

Q. What do you know about the position you play that you didn't know a year ago? It's kind of a mix of inside linebacker and cornerback.
A: A year ago in camp last year? Shoot, everything (laughs). There were times last year I was just playing with my head on fire like I didn't know – I was just running to the ball. Throughout the whole last season, I had my ups and downs, I learned and built off that coming into this year, I feel like I've taken a step and I've seen a lot more so now when I go in practice, it's not like I don't – like I know what's probably going to come. The scenarios, third-and-short from third-and-long, like I can play ball instead of guessing now.

Q. Was there ever a time where it kind of slowed down for you last year?
A: Kind of towards the end. It was really towards the end; it was nowhere early. It took time but definitely towards the end of the season I was like, 'Okay, if they come out in extra tight end's shot or third and long condensed,' like all that type of stuff.

Q. Obviously that's going to help you this year. How much of a jump can you make?
A: I feel like the sky is the limit for me. I just keep on stepping and building blocks, but from last year to this year, it's already been huge steps. I feel way more comfortable, I'm taking control of our defense in ways of how to set up and stuff. It's one of those things where I just keep taking steps each day. I don't know where I could end up at.

Q. In a week like this where the pads are on and practices are physical, and then today is more light, how is that from an approach standpoint for you because you're involved in both but I would imagine it's different techniques and psychology from the jump?
A: Yeah, definitely. Earlier, when we first put pads on, it was short distance, like you've got third-and-one or something like that, and it kept going (with) those really short downs. That's a different mindset you have to take on because you're taking on teams like Philly and them where it's going to be short down and distance is really important, so you have to buckle up – especially for me, be tighter down. When you go out here today, you've got to kind of attack with the same mentality because I can still be in that run fit, but you have to treat the pass just as important as the run. I kind of keep them hand in hand.

Q. They've been moving receivers in and out of the slot between the spring and summer. How does that help you being able to go against guys with different body types and skill sets?
A: That's really fun for me, especially, because you get used to going against (wide receiver) Wan'Dale (Robinson) and he's amazing in the slot in my opinion, but then you get to go against different guys like I've had (wide receiver) Malik (Nabers) which gives a different look. I've had (wide receiver) Jalin (Hyatt) just was in the slot today for a rep. You have so many different guys and you can't play everybody the same, you have to give everybody something different so it's one of those things that gets me ready for the season and just prepare for the different body types I'll see.

Q. Did we see you had LASIK surgery this off season?
A: Yes.

Q. What was that process like?
A: It was cool. I was kind of blind before. I hated wearing contacts and it was one of those things that made life a lot easier for me in that sense. I can see a lot better now and the procedure was easy. It's like 15 minutes, but it was quick. I slept for like two days and I woke up, my eyes were great, so not too much.

Q. How much of that do you think has helped you being out here and do you see things differently? Does it make things easier than last camp?
A: Yeah, it's one of those things seeing the ball in the air – that was one of my biggest problems. That dates back a long time ago but, especially this camp, I'm tracking the ball a lot better with the ball in the air, I can go attack more, I can just see the ball so it helps me in here and in outside life, like driving and stuff. It makes it a lot easier.

Q. Did anyone recommend it or did you always think about it?
A: That was a talk from before I got drafted here, with the upstairs people. It was one of things where they were like, 'You can't see?' They were the only team that cared about it. It's one of those things I'm glad that they pointed out because I probably still wouldn't have had it if no one said anything but it helped me out on an everyday basis.

Q. Nobody brought it up in college?
A: No, I was just blind (laughs).

Q. You and Wan'Dale match up a lot. How does he make you better and how do you maybe make him better?
A: Wan'Dale, through all the slots I played last year, by far, he is the most work in the slot, especially on third down when you know the ball is coming, he sets you up. He's a baller down there so I love competing and he gets me on – when I go against him, I'm on my best game because I know he's coming with his. I feel like it's back and forth, me and him, he'll talk to me. He's just like, 'You're the guy I want to go against every rep, in the slot.' We just get good work and it's just a grind every single day, just getting better.

Q. There was one over the middle today. Was that you?
A: Yeah (laughs). I almost forgot about that already, it was a short down, slot inside, good route by him.

Q. Would he have scored on that?
A: No, I would've tackled him (laughs).

Tight End Daniel Bellinger

Q: You're like the old guy in the room now.

BELLINGER: I know, it's wild.

Q: Happens fast, right?

BELLINGER: Yeah, it feels weird, but it's like you go into high school as a freshman, senior year, then college, you're a freshman, senior year, then rookie. It kind of feels similar to senior year in terms of timing.

Q: How is this tight end group going in your mind?

BELLINGER: I think we're doing a lot better. There's a lot of things that we need to work on as a whole group. I think we've taken a lot of lengthy strides and taken big steps in both the pass game and run game. (Quarterback) Russ (Wilson) and the offense is being tied in, so we're getting some more opportunities and we're taking advantage of them.

Q: What have you seen from Russ? We've asked a couple guys, how is he different, how is his leadership? What have you seen working with him?

BELLINGER: Yeah, just incredible leadership. I've never seen a guy be able to lead a room or conduct a room like he has. He's bringing a ton of wisdom and experience, and he just has such a love for football that every time I talk to him or see him, he's got to squeeze in some football there. That kind of leadership from him is something that we need.

Q: Is this offense opening things up more for the tight ends, you think?

BELLINGER: I think so. I just think it gives the skilled guys the best opportunity to make plays. And especially the tight ends, we have to make more plays. There's stuff that is designed for us, but it's our job to build that trust with Russ and the other quarterbacks and get the ball and make the opportunities when we get them.

Q: You've been here a while now, do you, I don't know if you've noticed, it seems like New York in particular loves tight ends, whether it's the Jets, the Giants. It just seems to be a real connection to that position. Do you feel that, and do you have any theories on why that is?

BELLINGER: I mean, there's definitely a history. (Former Giants' tight end) (Jeremy) Shockey, (former Giants' tight end) (Mark) Bavaro, even (former Giants' tight end) Kevin Boss, these guys that were here before us. They set the standard of what a tight end is. A lot of it is gritty, hand in the dirt, getting it out of the mud, gritty tight ends. And the new NFL, I guess, for tight ends is a little bit different nowadays. But at the same time, we have to bring that style to the New York Giants, to New York, and show them that we are a gritty tight end group, but we can also make plays, big plays, too, in the pass game.

Wide Receiver Beaux Collins

Q. You have to really have a desire to go out there and get physical especially with the heat. (Head coach Brian) Daboll talked this morning about how it sets you apart that you have no problem getting physical. Where does that come from?

COLLINS: I'd just say my love for the game. I grew up playing running back and linebacker so I had a physical background just to start off and I kind of got away from it once I switched to receiver a little bit but I love to go in there and hit a little bit. It keeps me on my toes and keeps my eyes up and things like that. I love to do it.

Q. Do you like surprising people that expect a wide receiver to be a little, I don't want to say soft but that's kind of the stereotype, you guys want to be divas and catch touchdowns?

COLLINS: For sure. Most definitely. A lot of guys expect us to go in there tiptoeing and things like that but I have to set the tone, whether that's in practice or in a game, just let them know it's going to be a long night, for sure.

Q. Daboll referenced you as a young professional. Why do you think you've been able to catch on to the wide receiver position in this offense so quickly?

COLLINS: Just my background. The high school I went to was a pretty high-powered high school. They had like signals, signs, so I was picking up on plays and learning certain concepts since the age of 15 and some of it is carried all the way to this point. Some of it's changed a little bit, just the verbiage and things like that. I've just been blessed to be able to go to some pretty stout programs and learn a lot from a lot of players that are older than me and some great coaches as well. Thanks out to those dudes.

Q. Was there anything similar that you did in college to what you're doing here that helped you carry over?

COLLINS: Yeah, really just the work ethic, whether that's getting in the playbook outside of the facility or on the field. Those programs like Clemson, Notre Dame, they taught me how to be a pro. (Clemson Tigers head coach Dabo) Coach Sweeney, everything he does, he wants you to be a pro whether that's going to sleep a little bit later because you have to watch 15 more minutes of film, things like that. Just staying on ten at all times.

Q. What has it been like working with (quarterback) Russ (Wilson)? You've had some time with the ones.

COLLINS: It's insane. I grew up watching Russ on TV when I was this tall so it's crazy going out there just catching passes from him. First couple times, I missed the feel with him just because of the speed of the game. I had to kind of speed up and get my eyes around quicker and things like that, but I really love catching passes from him, man. It's amazing.

Q. Is that the biggest adjustment for you? The speed of the game?

COLLINS: The biggest adjustment for me, I'd say is just my confidence in myself and my playing speed – for sure, my playing speed. At the end of the day, ball is ball. I just got to go out there and be a dog.

Q. Coming from pass heavy offenses in college, do you feel like you weren't able to show off everything you could do just because of the way your offenses operated?

COLLINS: I feel like I did the best I could. I missed some opportunities, so I definitely could've made up for a lot of that for sure. I chose to go to schools like that. I wanted to be an all-around receiver, develop, go to the NFL, so here I am. It's been a blessing.

Q. I know you're in a day-to-day mode, but how much are you looking forward to joint practices and preseason games?

COLLINS: I'm excited just to see another NFL helmet across from me. It's just going to be crazy, the matchups that we have, seeing players out here that I either played against in college, grew up with, things like that. Going against them is going to be an amazing experience and I'm just excited to get out there with my teammates. Y'all see how lit practice is and the players that we have here and I'm just excited to show America and the world what we got.

Q. Sometimes you look at players that go to Clemson, Notre Dame, you wouldn't say they're underrated or overlooked or a late bloomer. Would you consider yourself a guy who can come to this level and your game maybe fits even better in the pros then college?

COLLINS: Most definitely. I feel like my God-given abilities and things like that are going to allow the coaches to put me in the best position to go out there and ball and that's what they're doing. I'm making plays left and right, blocking, catching the passes. I couldn't ask for anything better.

Q. After where you played in college, your first preseason game is going to be in Buffalo. That's going to be a small stadium.

COLLINS: For sure. I've played in some huge stadiums. Last year, we played at Texas A&M so it was jumping in there. Man, I'm excited. I heard it gets loud in there, it's going to be cold later in the year and all that so I'm excited to get up there for sure.