The stud rookies already turning heads at Giants camp
The rookies are starting to look like they belong.
First-round pick Evan Engram and second-round pick Dalvin Tomlinson both had very strong showings at practice Tuesday, earning praise from Giants coach Ben McAdoo.
Engram produced the play of the day during the first team’s two-minute drill — after the Giants offense was shut out on three attempts Monday — sprinting past linebacker B.J. Goodson up the seam to haul in a 30-yard touchdown pass from Eli Manning.
“He had some opportunities to make some plays and he came through in the two-minute drill, which was nice to see,” McAdoo said.
Tomlinson also showcased his power and speed, most notably bursting through the line to stuff Paul Perkins in a short-yardage situation.
“He flashed a few times,” McAdoo said. “He’s working on his transition rush and it is certainly showing up on the field.”
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Center Weston Richburg already is eager to see how opponents will attempt to handle the 312-pound Tomlinson, brought in to help fill the void left by Johnathan Hankins’ departure.
“He’s strong, very strong,” Richburg said. “I think that’s a given with guys coming out of Alabama. I think he’ll be good inside for us, and be disruptive because he’s a smart guy, he’s pretty sharp. So I’m excited to see him and how he plays.”
Giants co-owner John Mara denied Tuesday that free-agent quarterback Colin Kaepernick is being blackballed from the league because of his decision not to stand during the national anthem last season.
“Anybody that thinks that there’s been any conversations going on among teams about Colin Kaepernick is crazy,” Mara told “The Michael Kay Show.” “That just is not the case. … I think there are certain issues obviously that go along with Colin Kaepernick and that may have scared some teams away, but there is absolutely no blackball going on here. I just don’t see that at all.”
Veteran Mike Nugent went 4-for-4 on field-goal attempts, making a long of 44 yards. McAdoo said he hasn’t yet decided whether Nugent or rookie Aldrick Rosas — currently listed first on the depth chart — will handle the majority of work in the preseason, but the coach has been impressed with how Rosas has handled Nugent’s recent signing.
“I see a steady young player who is kicking away and hasn’t flinched,” McAdoo said. “It will be a tight competition.”
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The Giants didn’t keep a fullback on their roster last season, but currently are featuring Shane Smith and former college quarterback Jacob Huesman at the position.
“They are different players,” McAdoo said. “Huesman is a guy who is learning the position. He knows the game, but he is new to the position. It will take some time for him to fit his pads in there. Smith is a guy that is a very physical, heavy-handed type player. He plays with good leverage. He showed his good hands today and did a nice job.”
Josh Johnson may be strengthening his hold on the No. 2 quarterback job. Johnson, who was recently listed ahead of Geno Smith in the first unofficial depth chart, was the better backup Tuesday, and made the throw of the day on a deep completion to Keeon Johnson down the right sideline.
Defensive end Avery Moss sustained a shoulder injury during practice, and left the field early.
Wide receiver Tavarres King (ankle) did not practice, but has not sustained a setback, according to McAdoo. Defensive tackle Robert Thomas (soreness), cornerback Mykkele Thompson (quad), linebacker Keenan Robinson (concussion) and linebacker Mark Herzlich (stinger) did not practice. Herzlich is considered day-to-day.