For each new class of rookies, Mini-Camps offer the first opportunity to stand out and impress new coaches. Those drafted or signed as free agents by the New York Giants have the daunting task of trying to show Tom Coughlin that they are worthy of a roster spot. According to Coughlin, the first step of this process is to remind the players that they have been handed a great chance to make their mark.
“We talked…about-it was a basic introduction but it also led to the idea of this is an opportunity. This is the part of the journey right here for a lot of them,” said the two-time Super Bowl winning coach. “We are evaluating and everything that you do, come on out here and do the best that you can and impress people.”
Of the players New York drafted this year, the two most notable, 1st round OT Justin Pugh and 4th round QB Ryan Nassib, both played as teammates at Syracuse, which happens to be where Coughlin attended college and played. Pugh is expected to compete for substantial playing time this year, as he has been advertised as a lineman who can man all five starting spots on the line. When asked on the first day of mini-camp, Coach Coughlin spoke most highly of Pugh’s character and work ethic.
“Well, he is just a solid citizen. He is a good student. Those are the things I know best about him. When we had a chance to interview him, we studied his profile,” commented Coughlin, who played as a WR during his time at ‘Cuse in the 1960s. “When we talked to the people at Syracuse, we were very impressed-the hard work, the competitiveness; all of those things.”
Most people were surprised when the Giants took Nassib in the 4th round. Barring injury, there is no reason to believe Nassib, who was rumored for most of the time leading up to the draft to go as high as #8 overall, might receive real playing time anytime soon. However, the Giants said that QB depth was something they were hoping to address in this draft, and that they couldn’t afford to pass up on Nassib, especially on the third day. During his first workout, Nassib seemed to have impress Coughlin, which bodes well for the Big East standout as he competes to backup Eli Manning.
“He went to a great school; had an excellent education. No, he did well. He was poised; picked it up well,” Coughlin said of Nassib during the first workout. “Sometimes you have a little trouble just getting the cadence. But he did well. As time went on, he got more comfortable and got better with it.”
The Giants also made a little bit of news as they brought in 2009 No.4 overall pick Aaron Curry for a tryout. Curry, a linebacker, has spent time with both the Seahawks, who drafted him, and the Raiders. Of Curry, Coughlin said “We’ll see where it goes. There is interest.”
