The New York Giants opened up minicamp today at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center.
For three days, the team will be out on the fields practicing and setting the stage for training camp as this will be the last time Big Blue is all together until the end of July.
Tuesday was packed with plenty of news and action, so let's get to it all.
Here is a recap of Day 1:
HIGHLIGHTS
Quarterback Eli Manning opened up the team portion of minicamp with red-zone touchdowns to tight end Daniel Fells and running back Shane Vereen. The first was a perfect strike to Fells in stride, and the other to Vereen was over the middle from the goal line. Manning later threw a third touchdown to an open Preston Parker in the end zone and also had a long completion to Corey Washington, another wideout, down the right sideline.
With the second-team offense in, linebacker Devin Unga grabbed the first of three interceptions for the defense on the day. Unga, who signed onto the Giants' practice squad late last season after going undrafted out of BYU, made a nice juggling catch after the ball tipped in the air a few times.
The second interception went to rookie safety Mykkele Thompson. His position coach, David Merritt, saw how the play was unfolding and let out a shout before the fifth-round draft pick was able to come down with the turnover that was off another tipped pass. Cornerback Prince Amukamara grabbed the third late in practice on a pass that Manning wanted back on an otherwise big day for the QB.
Amukamara made a few big plays on Tuesday, breaking up an earlier pass intended for rookie wide receiver Geremy Davis. Fellow corner Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie also had a great pass defense during 7-on-7 drills.
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D DOMINATES 2-MIN DRILL**
Ending practice with the usual two-minute drill, Manning was unable to get the ball out quick enough to any of his receivers before the defense closed in and prevented the offense from crossing midfield.
"They've had a whole lot of stuff thrown at them and they've done decently with it," coach Tom Coughlin said of the defense after practice. "They weren't as good at the end of last week, and that's probably why you saw better here today.**
NO JPP**
Veteran defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul, whom the Giants designated as their franchise player in March, was not in attendance today to start minicamp practice.
"All I know is he's not here," Coughlin said.
ODELL, KENNARD OUT
After missing most of OTAs with a sore hamstring, wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. again did not participate in drills.
Asked if Beckham will practice at all this week, Coughlin responded, "I don't think so."
Meanwhile, linebacker Devon Kennard warmed up but was also held out of the team portion with a hamstring.
WHAT'S NEXT
The Giants are back at it tomorrow at 11 a.m. ET for the second day of minicamp, which will be followed by player interviews.
