**

1. McClain agrees that the linebackers are a "tough group" this year.On Wednesday, linebackers coach Jim Herrmann, who has been coaching for 33 years, said his current corps is a "tough group." Jameel McClain, one the new additions to the group, said he gets the same feeling. "I've been around good linebackers and I've been around good groups, more importantly," the former Baltimore Raven said. "And this group has all of those things intact for it…It's going to be a strength."

2. Beason wants preseason reps but will be smart, first and foremost.Linebacker Jon Beason, who injured his foot in organized team activities and is currently unable to practice, said he's running on an underwater treadmill at this stage in his rehabilitation. Beason was then asked if preseason games are still a possibility for his return, to which he responded, "I would hope so, I would hope so. Based on how I feel, the way things are going, you want to keep making baby steps. If you go too fast, you have a setback and now all of a sudden you're pushing that timetable of Sept. 8th (the Giants' season opener). So we want to be smart about it. Obviously I'm going to do what they tell me, but I would love to get into the preseason and get some reps."

3. Coach Flaherty says Beatty is taking the "bull by the horns."*Left tackle Will Beatty entered camp with the dual task of rehabbing while working on his craft. Offensive line coach Pat Flaherty said he is doing a good job of handling both and is not the same player he was in 2013. *

4. Coach Nunn likes what Hankins and Kuhn could do this season.** Defensive line coach Robert Nunn said he has a "healthy situation" at defensive tackle with Johnathan Hankins and Markus Kuhn right where the staff wants them. Meanwhile, he said Jay Bromley, the Giants' third-round draft choice, is still very raw but has the right mindset in training camp. Nunn can't wait to get the pads on his players. 

5. Donnell says tight ends are a big part of the new offense. The Giants released their first unofficial depth chart on Thursday, and Larry Donnell was listed as the first-team tight end. The competition remains very much open at the position, but Donnell knows, regardless of who wins out, that the tight ends have significant roles in McAdoo's offense.

6. Consistency gives Mosley the best shot to win the right guard job. With Chris Snee retiring, the Giants have a hole at right guard for the first time in a decade. Third-year pro Brandon Mosley is in competition for the role, and Flaherty said Friday that "somewhere in your career as a player, you have to get off of the waves." In other words, Mosley needs to be consistent.