EAST RUTHERFORD – Brandon Brown isn’t going to take credit for any of those digital audience numbers you may see out there for NFL preseason games.
But it’s hard to imagine any one person watching more than the assistant general manager of the New York Giants – maybe as much, but not more.
“I’m knee deep in it right now,” Brown said with a laugh before practice Friday, just a few hours after the Giants held a 7 a.m. workout for offensive linemen to replenish depth at the position following another string of injuries.
These next two weeks can be pivotal for a team with an eye on continuing to improve the foundation of this roster. Giants general manager Joe Schoen has indicated repeatedly that he will explore as many avenues as he can to plug holes and find competition, and rather than solely relying on the waiver wire on the three league-mandated cut down days, there is an ongoing effort to procure talent through evaluation of the preseason.
Included in that, of course, are conversations between Schoen and the personnel staff and their counterparts from other teams. The Giants have split up the NFL preseason responsibilities into four eight-team groups assigned to Brown, director of player personnel Tim McDonnell, assistant director of player personnel Dennis Hickey and director of pro scouting Chris Rossetti. Schoen will be involved as well, but by delegating, the Giants can hone in on specifics and then provide more detailed reports of players for Schoen and coach Brian Daboll to consider.
Expect the Giants to make plays for potential 1-for-1 trades in swaps of players that draw from respective strengths and weaknesses on the roster, not to mention those for their potential partners. It’s a way to match up needs without giving away fundamental assets while being creative given the Giants’ delicate salary cap situation.
“It’s an ever-evolving process where every stone has to be [turned],” Brown said. “You want to make sure that you’re dotting your ‘Is’ crossing your ‘Ts’, whether it’s position need, whether it’s creating competition at all levels, you got to know what the marketplace is. Whether we’re looking or not, you got to know what’s out there.”
Losing the numbers’ game on the line
The Giants finished Friday’s practice with their sixth-string center Max Garcia running with the first team offense. They lost Ben Bredeson, who had been at center this week in the wake of injuries to Jamil Douglas and starting left guard Shane Lemieux, who were the options as the second and third center up.
The expectation from the Giants earlier this week was that Daniel Jones, Saquon Barkley and other offensive notables would play in Sunday’s preseason game against the Bengals, despite Cincinnati likely not playing its starters. But now, given the offensive line situation, Daboll said they are going to revisit those conversations at some point Friday and the plan could be altered.
Jon Feliciano is the starter, but he’s been out of action this week, so given the Giants’ situation and limited options at the position due to injuries, including Feliciano, one would imagine Schoen is seeking upgrades. One player worth inquiring about: Ravens’ Trystan Colon, a 24-year-old former UDFA from Missouri who is fighting for a spot in Baltimore.
Kayvon Thibodeaux, Azeez Ojulari set to battle
Azeez Ojulari returned to the practice field this week for the first time in camp after dealing with a hamstring injury.
And while the Giants dream of what it’ll be like with Ojulari teaming up with Kayvon Thibodeaux and going after opposing offenses, Thibodeaux revealed Friday that the competition between the two teammates is heating up.
“Whether it’s eating, sleeping or breathing, I’m going to try to do it better,” Thibodeaux said. “So, just continuing to set a standard and continuing to chase and create that competitive banter.”
Ojulari set the Giants’ rookie record for sacks with 8.5 last season. Of course, Lawrence Taylor had 9.5 sacks as a rookie, but they were considered an unofficial statistic back then. Thibodeaux is taking aim.
“I mean, I wouldn’t want it,” he deadpanned Friday.
Lineman Devery Hamilton: ‘Bring it on’
My prediction for the most offensive snaps this week: lineman Devery Hamilton, and for the second straight game. He’ll likely start off at guard with the first-team line and then move out to left tackle when Andrew Thomas is done for the night. Hamilton played a team-high 70 snaps vs. the Patriots, and it’s likely he hits that number or exceeds it Sunday.
“Bring it on,” Hamilton said with a smile Friday. He signed with the Raiders as an undrafted rookie last season, but missed most of the summer after being diagnosed with appendicitis. His first practice in pads was the day before the preseason finale, so Hamilton never gained footing in his quest to make the team.
The Giants have given him opportunities this summer, and Hamilton, 24, is taking advantage.