Part of Jerry Reese's approach to personnel is to look at his own roster first. More often than not, as the credo says, there's already a player to fill the spot.
Adrian Tracy, who spent last season on the practice squad, doesn't want to give the general manager any excuse to think otherwise. That's what these three days of minicamps are there for as players try to leave a lasting impression before a month-long break.
"I just want to leave here with a positive mindset for myself to go into the offseason and work hard," Tracy said. "But also just so the coaches know that they don't need to look anywhere else. What they are looking for is right here within the organization as far as the position what they see me at."
Speaking of position, the converted linebacker (from defensive end where he had an All-America career at William & Mary) holds a major commodity in his versatility. Coach Tom Coughlin noticed as much when he said last week Tracy was one of "four or five guys that have flashed" and made significant jumps during offseason practices.
"I hope they see it as being very valuable," Tracy said of his ability to play multiple roles. "'The more you can do' is what they always say. So the more I can do – whether it be special teams or playing d-end or playing a little bit of linebacker – whatever I can do to make my mark on this team, I'm willing to do it."
A sixth-round draft pick in 2010, Tracy spent his entire rookie season on injured reserve after suffering a dislocated elbow and ruptured biceps tendon in a preseason game. Working his way back, Tracy was waived before the start of the 2011 season but immediately signed to the practice squad.
Now he's back, healthy and ready to jump into 2012.
"I came back, was feeling good and in shape," Tracy said. "I made some strides in the weight room getting stronger. As far as the practices and stuff, I feel like it's going well and I'm starting to grasp it a lot better and understand the moving parts of this defense and where I fit in. So far, so good and I'm just looking to improve with that."
