Jul 302014
 
David Wilson, New York Giants (December 30, 2012)

David Wilson will have further tests on Monday – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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David Wilson, the Giants’ talented and speedy running back, will sit out the remaining two training camp practices this week and Hall of Fame preseason game on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills before having further tests done to his neck on Monday. He underwent a ‘full battery of tests’ last night, per team officials.

In yesterday’s practice, Wilson caught a shovel pass from quarterback Curtis Painter. The back then cut up the field, lowered his head and ran into the back of guard/center Eric Herman. When the scrum separated, Wilson was lying on the ground and trainers were rushing his way.

On January 16, Wilson had ‘spinal vertebrae fusion’ surgery on his neck following a neck stinger suffered against the Philadelphia Eagles on October 6. After a slow and grueling rehabilitation process, Wilson received medical clearance the day the Giants’ reported for training camp on July 21.

Yesterday’s practice was just the seventh Wilson had participated in and fourth involving contact. The doctor that will examine Wilson on Monday, Dr. Frank Cammisa, is the same that performed Wilson’s spinal fusion surgery back in January.

“We’ll hear what (the doctors) have to say first,” Giants’ coach Tom Coughlin said after yesterday’s practice. “We were all praying that (his neck) would not be an issue and he’d be able to come back and go to work and do what…he was cleared.”

Jul 292014
 
David Wilson, New York Giants (July 27, 2013)

David Wilson – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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Updated July 29, 6:27pm 

David Wilson, New York’s first-round pick in 2012 who recently returned to practice after undergoing neck surgery in January, left Tuesday’s training camp practice with a neck burner.

Wilson was injured when he caught a shovel pass from quarterback Curtis Painter, turned upfield and ran – with his head down – into guard Eric Herman. When players separated, Mark Herzlich had recovered a fumble and athletic trainers were running to Wilson’s side.

Wilson has been taken to the Hospital for Special Surgery to undergo a number of tests.

“We’ll hear what (the doctors) have to say first,” Coughlin said. “We were all praying that (his neck) would not be an issue and he’d be able to come back and go to work and do what…he was cleared.

“We’ll see. We’ll see. I’m not going to speculate on what it is. We’ll see what the doctors say.”

According to WebMD, a burner, or stinger, is a nerve injury resulting from trauma to the neck or shoulder area. The severity of said injury cannot not be known until further examination from a doctor.

Last year, Giants’ linebacker Dan Connor suffered a ‘stinger’ versus the Cowboys, but returned the same season to play for the Carolina Panthers. Wilson suffered a ‘stinger’ several weeks later versus the Eagles, missed the entire season and needed offseason surgery to fuse his vertebrae.

Wilson worked religiously to return from the injury that had quickly put his career in doubt. He missed the team’s entire offseason conditioning program before gaining medical clearance on July 21, the day the New York reported for training camp.

“I’m definitely excited,” Wilson said the day he got medical clearance. “I got cleared this morning around 9:00. That was the best news I’d gotten in awhile… The doctor told me I’m good to go. He said to have a good season and stay healthy.”

Jul 212014
 
Stevie Brown and Jon Beason, New York Giants (June 12, 2014)

Jon Beason – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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BigBlueInteractive.com (BBI) Updates: In case you missed it, original-content articles from BBI today:

LB Jon Beason Placed on PUP List: As expected, New York Giants linebacker Jon Beason was officially placed on the preseason Physically-Unable-to-Perform (PUP) List. Beason suffered a ligament tear and small fracture to the sesamoid bone in his right foot during an OTA practice on June 12. The injury did not require surgery.

The good news is that RB David Wilson (neck), WR Mario Manningham (knee), LT Will Beatty (knee), and OG John Jerry (knee) were not placed on the PUP. Wilson, as BBI reported earlier, has been cleared by doctors to resume football contact. Wilson underwent surgery on January 16 to fuse vertebrae to repair a herniated disc in his neck. He participated in non-contact drills this spring, but was not allowed to practice when contact was possible.

“I’m back to normal,” Wilson said. “I can play regular football with no special equipment, no medication, or anything else.”

Coughlin indicated that Manningham, Beatty, and Jerry will be limited in training camp practices.

Giants Sign OG John Sullen: The New York Giants have signed street free agent offensive guard John Sullen. BBI scouting report on John Sullen:

  • Sullen was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the Cincinnati Bengals after the 2013 NFL Draft. He was waived by the Bengals in August and did not play last season. Sullen has very good size and strength, but lacks ideal overall athleticism.

WR Kris Adams Waived: The Giants waived WR Kris Adams after he failed his physical. Adams was placed on Injured Reserve in August 2013 with a broken left ankle he suffered in a preseason game.

July 21, 2014 New York Giants Player Media Q&As: Video clips of Monday’s media Q&A sessions with the following players are available at Giants.com:

New York Giants Training Camp Preview Articles:

Article on Head Coach Tom Coughlin: The familiar, and biggest, reason to be optimistic about the Giants by Mike Vaccaro of The New York Post

Article on QB Eli Manning: ‘Nervous’ Eli Manning: ‘We’ve got a lot of work to do’ by Brian Lewis of The New York Post

Article on the New York Giants Tight Ends: Are the Giants entering training camp with no ‘end’ in sight? by Paul Schwartz of The New York Post

Article on DT Johnathan Hankins: Giants’ Johnathan Hankins turns to boxing for help on line by Tom Rock of Newsday

Article on OG Chris Snee: Chris Snee retires: Does he go down as best offensive lineman in Giants history? by Conor Orr of The Star-Ledger

Jul 212014
 
David Wilson and David Diehl, New York Giants (August 24, 2013)

David Wilson (22) has received medical clearance to return to the field – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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Throughout this offseason, New York Giants’ running back David Wilson talked over and over about his injured neck. He reiterated there was no pain, no limitation. All he needed was a photo to assure doctors he was good to go.

It got to the point where he refused to address it anymore, telling reporters at the team’s mandatory mini-camp he wouldn’t answer any questions about his neck. This afternoon, he’ll be fielding another Q and A. But unlike before, he won’t have an issue with the subject of his neck.

Wilson announced via twitter that he has received medical clearance to resume all football related activities.

The news of Wilson’s clearance completes arguably the most trying time of the former first-round pick’s young career. Last year, Wilson suffered a herniated disc versus the Philadelphia Eagles on Oct. 6. After attempts to wait it out and let it heal on its own failed, Wilson had neck surgery to fuse the vertebrae together on Jan. 16.

The surgery put Wilson’s football career in question.

David Wilson, New York Giants (July 27, 2013)

David Wilson – © USA TODAY Sports Images

“It was hard to worry because I felt nothing,” Wilson said earlier this offseason. “I thought it would be something that would just pass over but then they said I had to have the surgery, it was best to have the surgery. I understood that and I did my research and weighed the pros and cons and felt that it was the best decision.”

After having surgery, Wilson felt himself getting better and better as the days went on. When the Giants reported to East Rutherford for the team’s offseason conditioning program, Wilson took part in the non-contact drills.

There was never a moment a smile wasn’t on Wilson’s face.

“Just staying positive and going out there and still participating,” Wilson said. “I’m trying to focus more on building chemistry with my team and learning this playbook so we can have a better season than we did last year.”

David Wilson, New York Giants (December 9, 2012)

David Wilson – © USA TODAY Sports Images

New York’s first training camp practice will be held Tuesday, July 22 and it’s unclear how much Wilson will participate. Just as cloudy is his role. This offseason, the Giants signed Rashad Jennings and drafted Andre Williams.

While Wilson may not be the team’s featured back, the potential of a thunder-lightning combination with Jennings should put a smile on offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo’s face.

“That’s something we’re going to strive to become,” Jennings said following an OTA practice. “He brings an element to the game that’s unique and special. I think every other running back brings something unique and special to this offense. We’ll see how time plays itself out, but I definitely want every running back to contribute as much as they possible can.”

See what fans are saying about Wilson’s return

Jul 182014
 
Trindon Holliday, New York Giants (June 12, 2014)

Trindon Holliday – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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With New York Giants training camp beginning next week, BigBlueInteractive.com concludes our break down of each of the team’s positional groups. We finish by looking at this year’s special teams.

FIND A COMPLETE LIST OF ALL BREAKDOWNS HERE

POSITIONAL BREAKDOWN: Special Teams

2013 YEAR IN REVIEW: For the most part, the specials of the New York Giants in 2013 were quite poor. The exception was PK Josh Brown who made 23-of-26 field goals (88.5 percent) with a long of 52 yards. In addition, half of Brown’s kickoffs (35-of-70) resulted in touchbacks. P Steve Weatherford was inconsistent. He started off poorly but improved as the season wore on. In 2013, Weatherford, averaged 46.9 yards per punt with a net average of 38.2. The usually reliable long-snapper Zak DeOssie had a poor snap against the Eagles that resulted in a touchdown.

Punt coverage was terrible. The Giants were 3rd-worst in the NFL in opposing punt return average (13.6 yards per return) and allowed three punts to be returned for touchdowns.

Kickoff coverage was better as the Giants were 9th-best in the NFL, allowing an average of 21.8 yards per return.

The Giants return game was not good. The Giants were 26th in the NFL in punt returns, averaging only 7.2 yards per return. WR Rueben Randle was the primary punt returner, averaging 8.2 yards per return with a long of 32 yards.

The Giants were 27th in the NFL in kickoff returns, averaging only 21.2 yards per return. The Giants tried a number of players with similar results, including RB Michael Cox (21.8 yards per return) and WR Jerrel JerniganRB David Wilson (24.7) had a bit more success on his limited number of returns.

In sum, the return yardage differential between the Giants and their opponents was too great, making it tougher for the Giants offense and defense and easier for the oppositions’ offense and defense. The Giants also gave up four special teams touchdowns.

ADDITIONS/SUBTRACTIONS: The primary punter, kicker, and long snapper all return though it appears that Josh Brown will face a bit of a challenge from strong-legged place kicker Brandon McManus.

On paper, it appears the Giants dramatically improved their stable of returners with the additions of Trindon Holliday, Quintin Demps, and Odell Beckham, Jr.

Holliday has averaged over 27 yards per kickoff return and 9 yards per punt return in his career, including a total of six return touchdowns the last two seasons (three kickoff, three punt). Demps has also averaged over 27 yards per kick return and has two career kickoff return touchdowns. Beckham was a dynamic kickoff and punt returner at LSU.

Who will form the cover teams and blockers on returns remains to be seen. Newcomers CB Zack Bowman (ex-Chicago Bears) and CB Bennett Jackson (Notre Dame) have strong special teams reputations.

TRAINING CAMP STORY LINES: Trindon Holliday is a home-run threat every time he touches the football as his six career return touchdowns in the last two seasons indicate, including two returns for touchdowns against the Baltimore Ravens in the playoffs. However, he has major fumbling issues (10 lost in the last two seasons). Can the Giants improve his ball security?

David Wilson, New York Giants (December 9, 2012)

David Wilson – © USA TODAY Sports Images

Will David Wilson, if he is medically cleared (neck), be allowed to compete in the kickoff return game? Just two years ago, he set a team record with 1,533 kickoff return yards, averaging 26.9 yards per return. Same question regarding Odell Beckham…will the Giants seriously allow him to compete as a punt returner?

Based on comments from the coaches, Brandon McManus is more than an extra leg so his competition with Josh Brown will be more interesting than usual.

It’s not sexy, but the Giants have to find players who can do a better job of blocking for the returners and covering opposing returners. They need some headhunters out there.

ON THE BUBBLE: Trindon Holliday if he doesn’t fix his fumbling issues or show more than he has to date at wide receiver. There will only be one roster spot for Josh Brown vs. Brandon McManus. Brown is the reliable, experienced veteran, but he’s 35. McManus has the big leg but is a big unknown.

Tom Quinn, Tom Coughlin, New York Giants (August 29, 2012)

Tom Quinn and Tom Coughlin – © USA TODAY Sports Images

FROM THE POSITIONAL COACH: Tom Quinn on the gunners:  “(Zack) Bowman, (Bennett) Jackson, we’re really excited about those two. Charles James continues to do well so it will be exciting to see those guys run down and cover punts.”

Quinn on Trindon Holliday: “His speed’s an asset, that’s for sure. He’s a strong guy for his size, ball security obviously will be his biggest focus once we start putting pads on and start knocking him around a little bit.”

Quinn on Brandon McManus: “I really like McManus, I liked him coming out. He went to Indy for last training camp and preseason and I thought he was really a good kicker coming out of Temple. He’s kicked in the northeast at a high level, he did all three so I think he’s got a real big upside once it all starts clicking for him.”

Quinn on Quintin Demps: “Demps, we’re real excited to have him. He’s been consistent in this league and explosive. He’s a legitimate number one kickoff returner for us. He runs with good size and he has a real good understanding of the schemes. He’s been great with all teams. A real leader, coming in likely to start and he’ll be able to contribute on special teams.”

PREDICTIONS:

Eric Kennedy – I may go down in flames with this prediction but I think Trindon Holliday finds a home with the Giants both a less mistake-prone kickoff/punt returner and factor on offense as a role player. I think the Josh Brown vs. Brandon McManus battle could be very telling in terms of where this team actually thinks it is as viable Super Bowl competitor. If they believe they are rebuilding, the choice may be McManus.

Connor Hughes – It’s hard to think of a unit that was worse than the Giants’ offensive line last year, but the special teams sure give them a run for their money. Truly, things couldn’t have gotten much worse for Tom Quinn’s squad and there is only up to go from here. I’m very, very high on the addition of Trindon Holliday and Quintin Demps. While Demps may not have the touchdown returns, if he’s able to get the Giants the ball on the 30-35 yard line regularly it’ll pay huge dividends. Holliday, meanwhile, is the little spark plug the Giants have never really had on special teams.

During their prime, Willie Ponder and Domenik Hixon each were explosive, but none can match what Holliday can do when he’s ‘on.’ The ex-Bronco and Texan is electric and will take at least one to the house this year. If he can hold on to the ball…he may turn out to be one of the bigger acquisitions the Giants made this offseason.

The Giants’ coverage unit should also see improvements this year. Zack Bowman has excelled in the role throughout his career and Bennett Jackson had similar success in college. Barring injuries, I’m expecting to see vast improvements from the special teams.

FINAL DEPTH CHART:

Eric Kennedy – Trindon Holliday (kickoff and punt returner), Josh Brown (place kicker), Steve Weatherford (punter), Zak DeOssie (long snapper)

Connor Hughes – Quintin Demps (kickoff returner), Trindon Holliday (punt returner), Josh Brown (place kicker), Steve Weatherford (punter), Zak DeOssie (long snapper)

Jul 022014
 
Rashad Jennings, New York Giants (June 18,2014)

Rashad Jennings – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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With the New York Giants reporting to camp in less than a month, BigBlueInteractive.com is breaking down each of the team’s positional groups from now until July 21. Our first article concentrated on the team’s quarterbacks. Now let’s take a look at the running backs and fullbacks.

FIND A COMPLETE LIST OF ALL BREAKDOWNS HERE

POSITIONAL BREAKDOWN: Running Backs and Fullbacks

Brandon Jacobs, New York Giants (October 27, 2013)

Brandon Jacobs – © USA TODAY Sports Images

2013 YEAR IN REVIEW: Just a year ago, the New York Giants appeared to be “set” at running back with a 1-2 punch of Andre Brown and David Wilson. But the injury-prone Brown broke his leg in the preseason, causing him to miss half the season. He started the final eight games and finished with 139 carries for 492 yards (3.5 yards per carry) and three touchdowns. The Giants showed no interest in re-signing Brown in the offseason and he is now a Houston Texan. 2012 1st round draft pick David Wilson only played in five games before being placed on Injured Reserve with a career-threatening neck injury that required surgery in January. He started four games and finished 2013 with 146 yards on 44 carries (3.3 yards per carry) and one touchdown. He also fumbled the ball away twice. Da’Rel Scott made the team, was cut, then re-signed, and then placed on Injured Reserve with a hamstring injury.  Scott played in five games with one start in 2013, finishing the season with 73 yards on 20 carries (3.7 yards per carry). The Giants chose not to bring him back. Michael Cox, the Giants 7th pick in the 2013 Draft, played in 14 games as a rookie with one start. But he only carried the football 22 times for 43 yards (2.0 yards per carry). With injuries to Brown, Wilson, and Scott, ex-Giant Brandon Jacobs and Peyton Hillis were mid-season roster additions. But Jacobs arrived as damaged goods, started only one game, and was placed on Injured Reserve with a knee condition that forced his retirement in January. Hillis ended up playing in seven games with one start. He finished the season with 73 carries for 247 yards (3.4 yards per carry) and two touchdowns.

At fullback, 2013 was a disaster for Henry Hynoski, who missed virtually all of the offseason work with a knee injury (MCL/chip fracture) suffered in an OTA, then fracturing his shoulder and being placed on Injured Reserve in September. John Conner was signed off of the street to replace Hynoski and he performed well as a physical lead blocker in 13 games with seven starts.

Overall, the New York Giants finished 29th in rushing, averaging a paltry 83.2 yards per game and 3.5 yards per rush.

ADDITIONS/SUBTRACTIONS: The Giants had no interest in bringing back Andre Brown and Da’Rel Scott, and Brandon Jacobs has retired. David Wilson, Michael Cox, Peyton Hillis, Henry Hynoski, and John Conner return. Kendall Gaskins, who spent time with the Bills and Titans as a rookie, was signed to the Practice Squad in December and returns in 2014. The Giants made a big push to sign ex-Jaguar and ex-Raider Rashad Jennings to a 4-year, $10 million contract. The team drafted the nation’s #1 rusher Andre Williams in the 4th round of the 2014 NFL Draft.

TRAINING CAMP STORY LINES: The two main story lines are the health status of David Wilson and the Hynoski-Conner competition at fullback. Wilson is scheduled to undergo another exam on his next the day camp starts – July 21st – to determine if he can be cleared for football contact. If cleared, the explosive Wilson needs to prove he can stay healthy, hold onto the football, protect the QB, and become an instinctive play-maker. Many fans and media types believe Hynoski is the front runner for the fullback spot, but John Conner may be the better blocker, receiver, and yes, runner. The other main question is who will be the #2 back off of the bench behind Rashad Jennings. Will it be Wilson, Peyton Hillis, or Andre Williams?

ON THE BUBBLE: It would appear that Rashad Jennings and Andre Williams are locks to make the team. If he is cleared for contact, and barring a complete lack of development, the former #1 pick David Wilson is likely to make the squad. Peyton Hillis, Michael Cox, and Kendall Gaskins are fighting for one, possibly two roster spots. Don’t automatically write any of these guys off. Even Gaskins has caught the attention of the coaches.

FROM THE POSITIONAL COACH: Craig Johnson on Andre Williams:  “A big fit (for our scheme). He’s a big, strong physical runner. He led the nation in rushing last year in college football. He is strong, he’s a very explosive runner. I hear that from the defense, they say, ‘Man, that guy has really got it going.’ I’m really excited to see what he’s all about and you can tell, he runs hard.”

Johnson on David Wilson: “He’s got tremendous talent. It’s obvious to see that that. Good hands. I can’t wait to watch him get out there when he gets cleared to show what he can do.”

Johnson on Michael Cox and Kendall Gaskins: “Two guys you probably haven’t heard much about, Michael Cox, a second-year back that was a late draft choice last year, big, strong, physical, can make plays. I’m looking forward to seeing him and Kendall Gaskins, both of them, in pads. They’re young guys, they want to prove it. They’re hungry and they want to go after it. All the backs are pretty good size and pretty physical so I’m excited about the position.”

PREDICTIONS:

Peyton Hillis, New York Giants (December 1, 2013)

Peyton Hillis – © USA TODAY Sports Images

Eric Kennedy – Rashad Jennings, Peyton Hillis, and Andre Williams make this a very big and physical backfield. Considered somewhat of a journeyman running back, I firmly believe that Jennings will blossom in New York not only as a physical, no-nonsense north-south runner, but an incredibly reliable and consistent receiver out of the backfield. He is a natural receiver. I also think he will become a team leader. Some expect Peyton Hillis to be cut, but I see him becoming a John Kuhn-type receiver/runner/pass protector in Ben McAdoo’s scheme. I could see him becoming the third-down back due to his pass pro and receiving skills. I love Henry Hynoski, but I think John Conner is the better blocker, receiver, and runner.

Connor Hughes – I like Andre Williams and Rashad Jennings, too. I believe both are upgrades over Andre Brown and Brandon Jacobs. With that being said, I truly believe the ‘X’ factor for the Giants in the backfield is David Wilson.

Wilson spent the offseason in the weight room packing on the muscle, is still lightning in the bottle and the only player at the position that has the ability to break off a touchdown on any carry. If he’s healthy, I see him as a player that can run for 1200-1400 yards annually. Last year, Wilson struggled, but as the season went it became more evident that that was more of a result of the team’s porous offensive line than the former first-round pick.

I love Wilson’s attitude, he never doesn’t have a smile on his face and is more motivated than ever to get back on the field. Once he does? Look out.

FINAL DEPTH CHART: Running Backs – Rashad Jennings (1), David Wilson (2), Peyton Hillis (3), Andre Williams (4), Michael Cox (cut), Kendall Gaskins (cut)

Fullbacks – John Conner (1), Henry Hynoski (cut)

Jun 272014
 
Jason Pierre-Paul, New York Giants (June 18,2014)

Jason Pierre-Paul – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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Giants.com Q&A with RB David Wilson: The video of a Giants.com Q&A session with RB David Wilson is available at Giants.com.

Inside Football Player Q&As:

Article on the 2014 New York Giants: 9 reasons Giants fans should be optimistic by Dan Salomone of Giants.com

Article on QB Eli Manning: Eli Manning makes an appearance at Ramsey Dunkin’ Donuts by Rebecca Greene of the Ramsey Suburban News

Article on RB David Wilson: David Wilson waits and imagines by Dan Graziano of ESPN.com

Article on WR Victor Cruz: Still-hungry Victor Cruz a rare Giants rock by Dan Graziano of ESPN.com

Article on the New York Giants Defensive Tackles: Big Blue Morning: Defensive tackle rotation by Dan Graziano of ESPN.com

Article on the New York Giants Cornerbacks: Is Big Blue ‘deeper than ever’ at corner? Who won’t make the cut? by Conor Orr of The Star-Ledger

Article on S Quintin Demps: Quintin Demps: Why the Giants like him as their third safety by Jordan Raanan of NJ.com

Jun 192014
 
Odell Beckham (13) and Zack Bowman (31), New York Giants (June 18, 2014)

Odell Beckham and Zack Bowman – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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New York Giants Mini-Camp Ends: The third and final day of the New York Giants mandatory, 3-day mini-camp was held on Thursday. Practice was called after only a few minutes when rain started to fall. Head Coach Tom Coughlin chose not to continue practice within the team’s indoor facility.

The rookies will spend one more day at Quest Diagnostics Center. Players are off until scheduled to report to Quest Diagnostics Center on July 21 for the start of summer training camp.

For more on today’s practice, see:

For more on Wednesday’s practice, see:

New York Giants Sign OT DeMarcus Love and DT Everett Dawkins: The Giants have signed street free agents OT DeMarcus Love and DT Everett Dawkins. To make room for these two, the Giants waived OT Steven Baker and DT Eathyn Manumaleuna.

BBI scouting report on OT DeMarcus Love:

  • The Giants signed DeMarcus Love as a street free agent in June 2014. Love was originally drafted in the 6th round of the 2011 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings waived him in October 2013 and he was then picked up by the Jacksonville Jaguars, who waived him in June 2014. Love has a nice combination of size and athleticism. He needs to play with more nastiness and fire. He also needs to improve his overall technique in order to make it at the NFL level.

BBI scouting report on DT Everett Dawkins:

  • The Giants signed Everett Dawkins as a street free agent in June 2014. Dawkins was originally drafted in the 7th round of the 2013 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings. The Dallas Cowboys signed Dawkins off of the Vikings Practice Squad in November 2013, but waived him three weeks later. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers then signed him to their Practice Squad. The Buccaneers waived Dawkins in June 2014. Dawkins is a 3-technique tackle who lacks ideal size, but he is quick and athletic and can be disruptive. He needs to add size and strength. Dawkins is not overly stout against the run. He needs to play with better leaverage.

June 19, 2014 New York Giants Coach Media Q&As: Transcripts and video of Thursday’s media Q&A sessions with the following coaches are available at Giants.com or BigBlueInteractive.com:

June 19, 2014 New York Giants Player Media Q&As: Transcripts and video of Thursday’s media Q&A sessions with the following players are available at Giants.com:

Articles on Offensive Coordinator Ben McAdoo:

Article on Defensive Coordinator Perry Fewell: Fewell optimistic about Giants’ D, naturally by Kieran Darcy of ESPNNewYork.com

Article on QB Eli Manning: NY Giants QB Eli Manning insists he has a lot of good years left by Ralph Vacchiano of The New York Daily News

Article on the New York Giants Running Backs: Giants’ Backfield Runs Into the Great Wide Open by Alex Raskin of The Wall Street Journal

Article on WR Victor Cruz: Giants: Victor Cruz out to show more by Art Stapleton of The Bergen Record

Article on WR Corey Washington: Low on Giants’ depth chart, Corey Washington stands tall by Tom Rock of Newsday

Article on TE Adrien Robinson: Adrien Robinson the favorite to start for Giants at tight end? Think again by Jordan Raanan of NJ.com

Article on DE Robert Ayers and CB Walter Thurmond: Newcomers Ayers, Thurmond getting used to Giants by Jim Hague of The Sacramento Bee

Article on CB Charles James: New and Improved Charles James Flashing with Giants by Connor Hughes of BigBlueInteractive.com

Jun 042014
 
David Wilson, New York Giants (September 16, 2012)

David Wilson – © USA TODAY Sports Images

New York Giants Comment on RB David Wilson’s Status: Following up on the earlier BBI update that New York Giants running back David Wilson failed to receive clearance on Wednesday from doctors to return to contact drills, the team released an official update on his status.

The Giants announced that Wilson underwent a CAT scan on Wednesday to gauge the progress on his surgically-repaired neck. However, although Wilson was not cleared for contact, the team said the exam “revealed he is progressing to where that could occur next month.”

“There has been significant progress and healing since David had the fusion,” said Dr. Russell Warren, the Giants’ team physician. “But the reality is it has only been four and one-half months since the surgery. We anticipate that when David is re-evaluated at the start of training camp he will be cleared at that point.”

“Everything I got this morning was good news – there was nothing bad or negative,” Wilson said. “I’m very pleased and very blessed for my healing process to continue.”

Wilson suffered a herniated disc in his neck against the Philadelphia Eagles on October 6, 2013 and missed the rest of the season. On January 16, 2014, he underwent spinal fusion surgery.

“I sat down today and (the doctor) showed me the X-rays and the CAT scan and my surgery has been successful,” Wilson said. “We’re just waiting for the bone to heal strong enough for contact. The doctors will know when that point is. I feel perfectly fine.”

Wilson has been working in a limited capacity during the team’s offseason program.

“When the defense is on the field, that’s the only time I’m not participating,” said Wilson. “I can do anything and everything that’s asked of me at this point. I’m removed when it’s defense vs. offense so as not to have an accident. I’m catching passes, taking handoffs from the quarterbacks and getting reps with the offense without the defense.

“There’s no need to have contact (now). We want to wait until it’s fused all the way, but there’s no need to have unnecessary contact at an unnecessary point in the season. We don’t have full contact in OTAs, anyway. We don’t have pads on. Any contact that happens in the OTAs is accidental and wasn’t meant to happen. There’s no need for me to go out there and have an accident that takes us backward when we’ve come so far and my surgery went well and I’m making such good progress. There’s no need for me to go out there and have an accident. We’re just working hard and I’m learning the playbook. As long as I’m getting my mental reps, I think the coaches believe in my athletic ability to take over after that and I’ll be just fine.”

Wilson believe he will be able to return to full practice when summer training camp begins on July 21.

“That’s what I believe,” Wilson said. “As I’ve been telling everybody, I feel fine. I’ve been able to work out. (The doctor) this morning gave the go-ahead to do more in the weight room and be more active in the weight room and be more active in OTAs. Everything I heard today was excellent.”

New York Giants Report to Training Camp on July 21: The New York Giants announced on Wednesday that their players are scheduled to report to summer training camp on July 21 at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey. However, the training camp schedule still has not been released to the public.

We have updated the Important Dates section of the website.

Giants.com Q&A with Former Giants LB Antonio Pierce: The video of a recent Giants.com Q&A with former New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce is available at Giants.com.

Jun 042014
 
David Wilson, New York Giants (July 27, 2013)

David Wilson – © USA TODAY Sports Images

David Wilson Still Not Cleared for Contact: RB David Wilson, who suffered a career-threatening neck injury last October in a game against the Philadelphia Eagles, still has not been cleared for football contact. Wilson underwent an exam and MRI on Monday. The Bergen Record and The Star-Ledger are reporting that while there is improvement, Wilson still has not yet received the blessing of doctors to return to the practice field when contact with other players is possible.

Wilson will undergo another exam shortly before training camp begins in July. Obviously the hope is that he will be cleared for contact at that time. If not, he may wind up on the preseason Physically-Unable-to-Perform (PUP) list.

Publicly, the Giants have said all along that the injury was a herniated disc. But Wilson indicated that he was also suffering from spinal stenosis. Wilson underwent a surgical procedure to fuse vertebrae in his neck in January.

Wilson has been participating in individual, non-contact drills during the team’s offseason program.

“I’m still feeling good and practicing with the team,” said Wilson last Thursday. “I’m still learning and I’m taking a lot of mental reps right now because I can’t do contact…I never had any pain, no pain at all. We’re just being careful because I’ve came so far, I feel the same since before the surgery, but we’ve come so far and the coaches don’t want me to risk it by bumping into somebody, running into something and falling down.”

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