NY Giants OTA observations: Kenny Golladay arrives, Kadarius Toney absent, more
The NY Giants continued OTAs Friday, as Kenny Golladay got his first chance to work with quarterback Daniel Jones
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J.– The NY Giants continued voluntary OTA practices Friday in East Rutherford, with one marquee addition, wide receiver Kenny Golladay took part in the voluntary workouts for the first time this spring, as FanSided first reported Thursday that he would.
Prior to practice, NY Giants head coach Joe Judge stressed how valuable these practice reps in spring and early summer are for quarterback Daniel Jones as he approaches his third season and first with Golladay, and fellow additions John Ross and rookie Kadarius Toney in his supporting cast.
"“For all of our quarterbacks, they have to get a feel for the specific guy they are throwing to and the routes and that route may look different with certain guys,” Judge said prior to practice. “What they do at the top of route, how their release may change and where they put the ball as a quarterback and where they can expect the ball.”"
Golladay was only targeted a couple of times by Jones, but dropped one pass during a full-team period and another during individual drills. The veteran receiver likely has some rust to knock off, his season ended early in 2020 due to a hip flexor.
Just as notable as Golladay’s arrival Friday was Toney’s continued absence.
These practices are voluntary, but are especially beneficial for rookies and young players to get up to speed with both the system, as well as the speed of practice. Not to mention these reps are valuable to build chemistry with Jones and his receivers. Ross also was not at practice.
Here’s a look at key takeaways from Friday’s NY Giants OTA practice:
Offensive line taking shape
One of the key position battles this spring and into summer was expected to be along the offensive line and both guard positions.
As a rookie, Shane Lemieux ultimately supplanted Will Hernandez from the left guard spot last season, and that might continue to be the case this season.
During Friday’s practice the offensive line was Andrew Thomas, Shane Lemieux, Nick Gates, Will Hernandez, and Matt Peart.
It is entirely possible that the NY Giants will rotate their guards. Likewise, Zach Fulton is expected to compete for a starting job, and it might even be more likely that he challenges Hernandez than Lemieux, given that Lemieux lined up in the same spot he finished last season in.