Notes + observations from today's #NYGiants OTA practice.
➡ https://t.co/CCvL2yytTh pic.twitter.com/yCdZKycWTH
— New York Giants (@Giants) May 21, 2018
There were several noteworthy occurrences at the New York Giants first day of OTAs on Monday including rookie stud running back Saquon Barkley once again putting on a show.
The New York Giants were back at work on Monday as veteran and rookies were in attendance for the first day of OTAs. The only player of note missing was Damon “Snacks” Harrison. Head coach Pat Shurmur did not get into details on why Harrison was not present, but he did say that he knows why he wasn’t there.
There’s little to no contact in OTAs as the players just had their helmets, practice jersey and shorts on as they did various position and team drills throughout the morning practice.
Pat Shurmur at the podium @EliteSportsNY pic.twitter.com/GXvx1ZLiUr
— Jason Leach (@JasonKLeach) May 21, 2018
Here are some news and notes on the happenings that occurred on the first day of OTAs.
Odell Beckham Jr. participated in wide receiver drills
Although he didn’t participate in 7-on-7 or 11-on-11 drills, Beckham did participate in various wide receiver drills when the team split up for positionals. He executed the drills without any setbacks or lingering effects from the fractured ankle he suffered in Week 5 of last season.
OBJ doing receiver drills @EliteSportsNY #GiantsPride pic.twitter.com/PrUYvbNFKw
— Jason Leach (@JasonKLeach) May 21, 2018
Following practice, Shurmur spoke about Beckham being at OTAs.
“Odell here No. 1 because he gets to – he can’t fully compete yet, but he gets a chance to see it and there is a lot to be learned by watching and it’s good to have him here.”
Saquon Barkley caught every pass thrown his way
Every time Saquon Barkley has stepped on the practice field, he amazes the coaching staff and Monday was no different. Whether it was in running back drills, 7-on-7, or 11-on-11, Barkley caught every pass that was thrown his way.
Manning connects with Barkley on 11 on 11 drills pic.twitter.com/6ztiNeu6Uw
— Jason Leach (@JasonKLeach) May 21, 2018
Davis Webb was impressive
The hard work Davis Webb did in the offseason seems to have paid off as he was impressive on Monday. He completed several deep passes including a long touchdown to Roger Lewis down the left sideline.
Several players took turns fielding punts
One of the questions the Giants must answer is, “Who will be their punt returner?” We probably won’t know the answer until the preseason but on Monday, Sterling Shepard, Kalif Raymond, Hunter Sharp, Jawill Davis and Mike Jones all took reps fielding punts.
Ereck Flowers was at right tackle with the first team offense
One of the headlines heading into OTAs pertained to Ereck Flowers moving over to right tackle. Although the contact was limited, when asked, Shurmur said he liked what he saw from Flowers.
“Yeah, he did a nice job today. We’ve had him in for a week, as you all know, and he’s kind of just fit right in there with everybody and I wasn’t all that pressured up about it and I’m glad he’s here and I’m getting to know him. I said it with Eli (Apple), clean slate. He’s out here competing and I think that’s what’s most important.”
Other Notes
Will Hernandez and B.J. Goodson showcased a brief scuffle during drills that was quickly broken up by teammates. Goodson also stood out in practice by intercepting Eli Manning as he was trying to connect with a receiver on a crossing pattern.
But the interception and play of the day was made by safety Sean Chandler. The rookie safety out of Temple made a diving interception off a pass that was deflected.
