Giants: Training Camp VI

TE
I have heard neither hide nor hair about the TE position this training camp. You barely hear about plays they make or don't, about who's progressing and who's not. Perhaps this is somewhat expected, because the focus in the 7-on-7 passing drills is always the WRs and the timing for the backs coming out of the backfield, less on the more mundane TE routes. This may be particularly true for the Giants this year. With all the young and untested WRs in camp, they are trying to get the timing down between QB and WR and hoping to find a WR or two to emerge as an exceptional player to replace Burress and Toomer.

In the TE unit, returning from last year's team are Kevin Boss, blocking TE Michael Matthews and pass catching TE Darcy Johnson. The Giants added draftee Travis Beckum from Wisconsin who they were very excited about. They said he could be acting as an H-back, lining up in the backfield and that he has exceptional speed for a guy his size. He was nicked up in the spring practice sessions and missed some time, but he has real potential. Michael Matthews is the big blocking TE and Boss is cemented in as the solid starter, which means that there could be some competition between Darcy Johnson and Beckum for a roster spot. That doesn't bode well for Johnson.

Other chatter
The Giants late round CB draft choices, Stoney Woodson and DeAndre Wright, have made an impression in camp, especially Woodson. He has great speed and jumping ability. They may be competing with each other for a roster spot, depending on how many CBs the Giants take onto the final roster. If Woodson turns out to be a player, the DB-field may be a real strength of this Giants defense. As chocked full of talent as the DL appears to be, the DB-field may be the heart of the defense. Corey Webster has become a top CB, Aaron Ross is solid on the other side, they have depth in Dockery and Terrell Thomas and a playmaker at the S position in Phillips. They've got to do it on the field, but on paper, this looks like a great defense. The fact that Sheridan is taking over the defense could be a real plus. Although Spagnuolo did a great job as DC, the defensive philosophy he installed is still here. Sheridan was a discuiple of Spagnuolo as he has been here for two years. He is a professional coach, he has coached the LBs, which is important, because the LBs are the on-the-field coaches. He has a close relationship with Antonio Pierce who calls the plays on the field and is almost like the QB of the defense. I foresee no dropoff in the defense. In fact, some different ideas, variations and looks installed by the new coach could make opposing defenses uncomfortable and give them something to adjust to that the defense hasn't done in the last few years.