Leader of the defense and 10-year veteran Antrel Rolle said he'll have to contain himself at practice knowing it's only the first one of training camp. His excitement comes from the talent on the roster, which includes a mix of first-year Giants and homegrown players. Rolle said, "I think this is definitely one of the most talented teams I've ever been on, if not the most talented."
2. The toughest part of learning the new offense for wide receivers is being able to run it at a quick pace.
Victor Cruz, the leader of the wide receivers, said the new system under first-year offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo has its challenges, but that's why they have training camp. "It's a challenge for me, and I know it's a challenge for the receiving corps, to continue to go out there and get these plays down and try to be the best players that we can be while learning a new offense and while competing at a high level."
3. Chris Snee's retirement leaves big shoes to fill.
The impact left behind by Chris Snee, who announced his retirement yesterday, will be felt in the Giants organization in the weeks, months, and years to come. Not only does the team need to fill the void of a great leader and example, it needs to find a replacement on the field at right guard. Players like Brandon Mosley, who filled in for Snee during spring football, and Weston Richburg, the Giants' second-round draft choice, understand the opportunity to step up is there. "We're all working to be starters," Richburg said.
4. Adrien Robinson "couldn't ask for a better situation."
The third-year tight end, who has played in just three career games, enters a five-man competition for the starting job with no incumbent. And while Robinson admitted that everyone wants to be a starter from Week 1 as a rookie, he said that he couldn't be in a better situation than right now with the Giants.
**
- Odell Beckham Jr.'s hamstring is in the back of his mind.**
The first-year wide receiver, who was slowed by a strained hamstring in OTAs, talked about his injury, saying, "It's more of just preventative treatment. It's not something that you want to stick around and linger because it's not easy just to overcome a hamstring when you use it the way that I do and other guys do. So it's kind of just in the back of your mind. You always have that there, but you try to not focus on it as much and just go as hard as you can."
**
- Justin Pugh is a lot calmer.**
Some would say you couldn't tell Justin Pugh was a rookie last season as the Giants' former first-round draft pick started all 16 games. But the second-year pro, who quickly has become one of the longer-tenured Giants in the offensive line room, notices a difference in himself heading into this year's camp. "I think, for me, I'm a lot more calm than I was last year," he said. "I know what to expect. I know how we run things, what to expect in meetings, how Flats [offensive line coach Pat Flaherty] runs a practice, so I'm definitely ready."
**
- Rashad Jennings has no statistical goals.**
Offseason acquisition Rashad Jennings, who is competing for the lead running back role, was asked if he had any statistical goals for his first season in a Giants uniform. Well, he doesn't, saying it's all about winning championships with Big Blue.
Photos of players talking to the media.
John Jerry (G)
Rashad Jennings (RB)
Brandon Mosley (G)
Victor Cruz (WR)
Spencer Paysinger (LB)
Geoff Schwartz (G)
Justin Pugh (T)
Eric Herman (G)
Will Beatty (T)
Brandon McManus (K)
Antrel Rolle (S)
Adrien Robinson (TE)
Odell Beckham Jr. (WR)
