Aug 142014
 
Will Beatty, New York Giants (November 10, 2013)

Will Beatty – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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Throughout the New York Giants training camp, offensive tackle Will Beatty has done just about everything one can expect.

He’s attended every meeting, been a full participant in all individual drills and with the starters during team drills. By just about every count, he’s shown little side effects from a fractured leg suffered during the last game of the 2013 season.

In fact, the only thing Beatty hasn’t done is play in either of the Giants first two preseason games. And that’s about to change.

This coming Saturday when the Giants travel to Indianapolis to face the Colts, it looks like Beatty will see his first game action of the season.

“I’ve been looking forward to this moment,” Beatty said. “I’m blessed to be in this position. The coaches feel I have proved myself in practice enough to allow me to play in this preseason game and to travel with them.

“I am traveling. So traveling means I will have a chance and an opportunity to be out there on the filed. I’m looking forward to it.”

And so are the Giants.

In Beatty’s absence, former New Orleans Saints second-round pick Charles Brown has been filling in. Despite being highly coveted out of USC just four years ago, Brown has struggled in the NFL. During the Giants training camp, that hasn’t changed.

Defensive ends Jason Pierre-Paul and Damontre Moore have had extreme success versus Brown during the team-oriented portions of practice. Versus the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Giants preseason home opener on Saturday, Brown was beaten for a sack by Jarvis Jones. A few series later, Brown allowed a pressure off the edge which caused quarterback Ryan Nassib to rush a throw.

A healthy Will Beatty will be welcomed back with open arms by quarterback Eli Manning, coach Tom Coughlin and others within the organization. That’s a ‘healthy’ Will Beatty.

The 29-year-old, who signed a five-year contract worth $38.75 million last offseason, admits his injured right leg is not the same as it was before it was fractured, but it’s getting there. There’s no chance of him being re-injuring it, it’s completely healed. Beatty just needs to get more comfortable.

But there won’t be much of an acclimation period. This Saturday, he’ll be facing off against Colts defensive end Robert Mathis. Last season, Mathis recorded 19.5 sacks, went to the Pro Bowl for the sixth time and earned his first All-Pro honors.

“I know he’s going to look at it as a regular season game each snap he gets,” Beatty said. “This is my marker for how well I’ve trained during the offseason to recover and get back to top shape.”

Aug 132014
 
Mario Manningham, New York Giants (August 9, 2014)

Mario Manningham – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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It’s the catch that he’ll never forget, but doesn’t want to remember.

New York Giants receiver Mario Manningham split wide left on a first-and-10 with the Giants trailing the New England Patriots, 17-15, in Super Bowl XLVI. Quarterback Eli Manning dropped back, planted his back foot, took a crow hop and let the ball fly in Manningham’s direction.

As the ball hung in the air, Manningham slowly pulled away from his defender, reached up, made the catch and kept both feet in bounds while absorbing a hit.

The highlight reel grab is one that will live on in Super Bowl glory for as long as the game is played. In Manningham’s mind? He’s tried to forget “The Catch” the moment he pointed down the field to signal a first down.

“I remember it,” Manningham said, “but I don’t think about it. I’m just trying to make some more plays.”

In order to make more, Manningham will have to earn a spot on the Giants 53-man roster. After two dismal and injury-filled seasons in San Francisco, Manningham made his way back to New York this offseason and into a crowded receivers’ room.

There are roster locks Victor Cruz, Rueben Randle, Odell Beckham Jr. and Jerrel Jernigan. Then, there’s Manningham, rookie Corey Washington, Marcus Harris, Trindon Holliday and others all vying for one, potentially two, spots. For the first time in his career, Manningham isn’t a lock to make a team.

While there have been glimpses at Giants training camp of the old “Super Mario” who once dazzled fans and eluded defenders at MetLife Stadium, the flashes have been few and far between. Far more often is Manningham dropping passes than catching them. He admits his surgically repaired knee isn’t 100 percent, but it is “getting better” each and every day. Two weeks ago, Manningham said he wasn’t entirely comfortable cutting or planting. Now, that’s not the case.

“I’m comfortable,” Manningham said. “I’m real confident in sticking my foot in the ground and going out there and just not thinking about it.”

Presently, Manningham finds himself behind Marcus Harris and Corey Washington on the team’s depth chart. Harris has caught nearly everything throw his way in training camp. Corey Washington has caught the game-winning touchdown in each of New York’s first two preseason games.

Manningham? He’s dropped six passes in his last two practices and has just one reception on three targets for 17 yards in two preseason games.

But none of that’s on the 28-year-old’s mind. Right now, he’s just determined to make plays, something he used to do on a regular basis in New York.

In 2010 and 2011, Manningham’s final two season with the Giants, he caught 99 passes for 1,467 yards and 13 touchdowns. Manningham left New York for San Francisco as a free agent following his Super Bowl catch. Before tearing his ACL and PCL with the 49ers in 2012, Manningham caught 41 passes for 449 yards in nine games started.

Can Manningham return to that receiver? Or have injures taken away a career that once seamed on a path to super stardom? Manningham believes he’s still a player and he knows he needs to do just one thing to convince others.

“Just ball, just go play ball,” Manningham said. “Don’t worry about anything else.”

That means not his place on the depth chart, not his surgically repaired knee and most certainly not his famous catch.

Aug 122014
 
Curtis Painter, Ben McAdoo, and Eli Manning; New York Giants (June 18, 2014)

Curtis Painter, Ben McAdoo, and Eli Manning – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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When Curtis Painter re-signed with the New York Giants this offseason, he knew the situation and scenario right in front of him.

Painter, 29, was a journeyman in the NFL who’d only seen action in three of his five NFL seasons. One year earlier, the Giants had trade up in the fourth round to select Ryan Nassib, costing the Giants their own fourth- and sixth-round picks.

New York had been forced to keep three quarterbacks on the team’s roster in 2013. They didn’t want to do it again. There was one open spot behind Eli Manning.

Was it going to be Painter, or the player New York had traded up to select in the 2012 NFL Draft?

Painter knew the odds. Painter didn’t care if they were stacked against him.

“I can’t control anything like that,” Painter said. “That comes from the upper management and coaches. All I can really do is do my best on the field and try to help the team get better.”

The apparent long shot to make the Giants’ final roster has seen his odds significantly increase this week in training camp. After receiving the NFL equivalent of ‘scraps’ for reps in the first three weeks of camp, Painter has worked entirely with the second team in each of the last two practices.

Painter downplayed any such ‘promotion’ on the depth chart, but the increase in snaps has been noticeable. Throughout the early portions of training camp, Manning and Nassib would split 80-to-90 percent of the team’s reps in each drill before Painter would see the field.

When the offense and defense would work one-on-ones, it was Manning and Nassib throwing passes while Painter handed off to running backs in the distance. While his time on the field was far from glorious, Painter made the most of it. Slowly, but surely, his reps began to increase.

Early in camp, interceptions, poor decisions and forced passes began to mount for Nassib. While Nassib has improved both in practice and the preseason, Painter just kept on making the most of what he was getting. Then, Painter made his ultimate case for a promotion when the Giants took the field for Saturday’s preseason home opener versus the Steelers,

After a Nassib’s incomplete swing pass – which was ruled a fumbled lateral and returned for a touchdown — put New York behind late in the fourth quarter, Painter entered the contest and promptly marched the team down the field on a 10-play, 80-yard drive that ended in a three-yard game-winning touchdown pass to Corey Washington.

Painter finished seven-of-seven for 68 yards and one touchdown.

“When you can put together a drive like that, whether it be in the first quarter or fourth, you’re going to be pleased,” Painter said. “We did some things well.”

Painter has seen every second-team rep since.

“I don’t think much about it,” Painter said. “At the end of the day, you’re running the same plays. It’s just a matter of going out there and executing and knowing your responsibilities. “

Aug 112014
 
Jason Pierre-Paul, New York Giants (June 18,2014)

Jason Pierre-Paul – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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Jason Pierre-Paul, New York Giants (August 9, 2014)

Jason Pierre-Paul – © USA TODAY Sports Images

All offseason, Jason Pierre-Paul has answered the same question over and over and over again.

How close is he to returning to JPP circa 2011? The one that terrorized quarterbacks, was a force against the run and simply over-powered offensive tackles on his way into the backfield?

Does he feel he’s there? Is he back to the player who some once felt had limitless potential? Heck, can he even be that player again?

The answer is no. Pierre-Paul isn’t the ‘JPP of 2011.’ In fact, he doesn’t want to be, either.

What does the former All-Pro want?

“To be better,” Pierre-Paul said.

Better? Is there a better? Just three short years ago, Pierre-Paul recorded 16.5 sacks in his second NFL season. He was ferocious and fearless, making quarterbacks’ Sunday afternoons a nightmare. ‘Up’ from there would be teetering on a record-breaking year? A record that a recently inducted Hall of Famer set wearing Pierre-Paul’s same jersey.

Is that in clear sight?

“Yeah,” Pierre-Paul said, “Maybe.”

Whether it’s 2011 Pierre-Paul, or a new-and-improved JPP, either will be welcome on the Giants’ defensive line this year. The old, familiar faces who had once terrorized quarterbacks are gone. Michael Strahan is a talk show host. Osi Umenyiora is in Atlanta. Justin Tuck in Oakland.

From the team that defeated the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI, just Pierre-Paul and Mathias Kiwanuka remain across the defensive line.

Actually, in recent memory, the Pierre-Paul who took the field at Lucas Oil Stadium in February 2012 hasn’t been seen much since. In New York’s championship run, Pierre-Paul recorded 104 tackles, 17 sacks and two forced fumbles in the regular and postseason.

In the 27 games since? Pierre-Paul has managed just 93 tackles, 8.5 sacks and one forced fumble while dealing with a string of nagging injuries.

“Being injured, nobody wants to be injured,” Pierre-Paul said. “It comes with the game; you never know when you’re going to be injured. You have to fight through it. You go out there and play. If you can’t, you can’t.”

Thus far in training camp, Pierre-Paul’s been healthy and as a result his play has been eerily reminiscent of just a few short years ago. Not only has his game made an apparent return, but so too has his talk.

Jason Pierre-Paul, New York Giants (October 28, 2012)

Jason Pierre-Paul – © USA TODAY Sports Images

Pierre-Paul is provoking opponents during his few snaps during the preseason, teasing teammates and, the way defensive coordinator Perry Fewell sees it, having “fun” again.

“I’ve seen a much better attitude. I’ve seen the old JPP,” Fewell said. “His attitude is good. His work ethic has been very good. He’ll continue to develop and I’m sure he’ll re-gain his form.”

Versus the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Giants’ preseason home opener, Pierre-Paul was as active as he’d been in a long time. He tracked down a receiver on an end around, put in a full-force sprint on Dri Archer following a screen and put a huge hit on quarterback Bruce Gradkowski.

He looks, by all counts, like he’s back and if he is, is that limitless potential back? Wanting to be better than the 16.5 sacks in 2011, is there a number in JPP’s mind that he’d like to reach?

“Nope,” Pierre-Paul said. “Unlimited.”

Aug 092014
 
Jay Bromley, New York Giants (August 3, 2014)

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He remembers it ever so vividly. Then again, it was just a few months ago.

Jay Bromley, at the time a defensive tackle for Syracuse, woke up and wandered down stairs on Christmas morning. He sat around the tree, the same way he always had, and began to open up his presents. As he ripped the paper off of his gifts, one caused his eyes to light up. It was the perfect one for a die-hard Giants’ fan.

“Giants’ bed sheets,” Bromley said with a smile.

Many nights the 22-year old tucked his massive 6-4, 305-pound frame underneath those same covers. By just about every count, they were put to good use.

That was until May 9, because, well, it wouldn’t be very professional for Bromley to sleep on them after being drafted by New York.

“I had to change that up a little bit,” Bromley said. “I couldn’t be a little kid anymore.”

The no longer ‘little,’ Bromley is hoping to make a Giant impact on Big Blue this year. The team he once spent Sunday after Sunday cheering to victory will now be the one he’s contributing to on the field. He has the size to play the run, along with the agility to get after the quarterback.

Last season for Syracuse, Bromley recorded 13.5 tackles for a loss, forced three fumbles and sacked the quarterback nine times. He attained career highs in nearly every statistical category. His sack and tackle for loss numbers were higher than his previous three years combined.

And none of it was by accident.

Despite having all of the physical tools, Bromley said he spent his senior season oblivious to his NFL Draft stock. Could he focus on where scouts thought he could be picked? Sure, but where were those opinions going to get him? Instead, he focused on a much simpler task: Be the best he could be.

“Whatever after that comes after that,” Bromley said. “I just wanted to be the best at my position because if I worked hard at that, everything else will just stack on top.”

That same mentality carried over on draft day. While so many NFL hopefuls dress in suits, watches, necklaces and chains, invite camera crews into their homes and soak in every minute of the fame while waiting for their name to be called, Bromley had other plans.

He and his girlfriend, Alexis, went out to rent a movie. Bromley’s Saturday night was supposed to be spent eating popcorn and watching Gravity. That’s when his phone rang with Tom Coughlin on the other end.

Hysteria set in at the Bromley household in Queens, New York. He still hasn’t seen the movie. Nor has it set in yet that he’s a member of the team whose logo once graced his bed.

It didn’t hit him when he signed his rookie contract. Not when he showed up for the offseason conditioning program or training camp. He even admitted it hadn’t hit him when he played in last week’s Hall of Fame preseason game.

But today? When he runs through the tunnel at MetLife Stadium? The same stadium he attended a game two years ago as a fan?

“Maybe, maybe,” Bromley said. “It just might at MetLife.”

Aug 072014
 
Brandon Mosley, New York Giants (December 22, 2013)

Brandon Mosley – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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This was the moment Giants’ guard Brandon Mosley had been waiting for.

After a long, injury-filled rookie season, the former fourth-round pick was going to be able to step foot on the field, go toe-to-toe against Detroit Lions’ defensive tackles Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairly and show coaches exactly what he was capable of.

He started strong. Then, it all came to a screeching halt. In the first quarter, Mosley broke his hand.

His start, his season and his chance: All over.

“It was tough,” Mosley said. “It was very frustrating and I was very down about it. You finally get a chance to start and show them what you got, then that happens.”

Now a year later, Mosley, healthy hand and all, sits atop the Giants’ depth chart at right guard. A place he hopes to stay. A place once occupied by Giants’ great Chris Snee.

When the Giants reported for the team’s offseason conditioning program, there was a familiar face holding the position Mosley now does. 10-year veteran and four-time Pro Bowler Chris Snee was battling back from elbow and hip issues, determined to erase all memories from a dreadful 2013 campaign.

Snee started the offseason as a full participant in the Giants’ voluntary workouts. Then, as the days went on, Snee’s body began to fail him. His health deteriorated and Snee walked away, opening the door for Mosley.

During the two years the two played together, Snee had taken Mosley under his wing. Despite being drafted as an offensive tackle, Mosley began to work more and more with the offensive guards. Snee would watch film with Mosley, show him the ropes and push him in the weight room.

While Snee was always regarded as the ‘strongest’ member of the Giants’ roster, Mosley gave him a run for his money.

“I hated to see him go,” Mosley said. “He was such a great leader and teacher. He taught me a lot in the short amount of time I was with him.”

Mosley is now focused on taking what Snee taught him and displaying in on the field. He’s gotten the majority of the work with the starters, but free-agent acquisition John Jerry and rookie guard Weston Richburg are just as eager to fill the Snee-sized hole on the Giants’ offensive line.

In Sunday’s Hall of Fame game versus the Bills, Mosley credited himself with an “all right” performance. There were the ups, there were the downs and all the learning curves of a young offensive lineman.

Early in the game, Mosley had his hands full with Pro-Bowl defensive tackle Kyle Williams. Against the second-team line of the Bills, Mosley helped pave the way for several long runs on the Giants’ 12-play, 80-yard touchdown drive.

There was room for improvement and Mosley knows that. There are areas of his game he needs to perfect, especially if he’s to take the field with the starters on Monday Night Football in five weeks.

If Mosley steps on the field at Ford Field against the Lions as a starter, it’ll be full circle return from where his season suffered an early stop last year.

“Right now, I’m really just trying to compete for the starting spot first,” Mosley said. “But if it does come to that, it will be exciting to be able to go back there.”

Aug 052014
 
Walter Thurmond and Michael Strahan, New York Giants (August 3, 2014)

Walter Thurmond and Michael Strahan – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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Where Walter Thurmond III comes from, it’s not uncommon to voice your opinion.

If you think you can be the best, say it. If you feel you already are, scream it. At the end of the day, the way you feel simply stems from the confidence within yourself.

And confidence, well, the 26-year-old corner is overflowing with that. Heck, the first time he met the New York media he declared himself the best nickel corner in the NFL.

“That’s how I am,” Thurmond said “I’m not gonna say something if I can’t back it up. I was able to do that last year.”

‘Last year’ ended with Thurmond and his Seattle Seahawk teammates hoisting of the Vince Lombardi trophy. The California native was an integral part of Seattle’s secondary which gave itself the nickname: ‘The Legion of Boom.’

Thurmond and his teammates were confident, boisterous and let everyone know what they felt they could do on any given play. So when the corner signed with the Giants this offseason, he brought that same mentality with him to East Rutherford.

To his surprise, those already crammed inside the cornerbacks’ meeting room shared that same confidence. They just were a little more reluctant to let it out.

“Some of the younger players just haven’t had the opportunity to express themselves in that manner yet, for whatever reason,” Thurmond said. “They already had it in them, now it’s fun to see them let it out.”

Contributing to Thurmond’s confidence overload is fellow free-agent signee Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. The two have worked to bring the Giants’ secondary together as a brotherhood. Thurmond says if the team’s able to do that, it’ll pay massive dividends on the field.

While many secondaries throughout the league have been together for years, Thurmond and his teammates are working to build camaraderie in a short period of time. The closer the group gets, the better all will play.

Thurmond referenced how in Seattle’s secondary, every player knew what every player was thinking without a word being uttered. While the Giants aren’t on that level yet, they’re getting close.

“To be able to play together, especially in these preseason games, it really helps,” Thurmond said. “The more we’re out there together in that fire and on that gridiron being able to compete, that just builds that bond even more.”

Aug 022014
 
Jacquian Williams (57) and Larry Donnell (84), New York Giants (June 18, 2014)

Larry Donnell is ready to show the Giants what he can do on Sunday – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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It wasn’t an uncommon occurrence in the Giants’ tight end meeting room last year. Former positional coach Mike Pope would gather his players together, turn off the lights and play video highlights on a projection screen of past greats in Giants’ history.

There were clips of Mark Bavaro, Howard Cross, too. But there was one who resonated with present tight end Larry Donnell more than any other. And it took place on the same field he’ll step foot on this Sunday.

With wide eyes and amazement, Donnell watched a rookie Jeremy Shockey catch a pass in the Hall of Fame game more than a decade ago. The young Shockey turned up field and proceeded to run over several Houston Texan defenders, knocking one over with a mighty stiff arm. The play put thrust the first-round pick into the limelight for the first time and instantly into Giants’ fans hearts.

“Beast,” Donnell said with a smile. “He was given the opportunity to make a play and he did.”

This Sunday, Donnell will be given a similar opportunity on the same stage Shockey graced so many years ago. If things go his way, the second-year pro may provide a ‘shock’ factor of his own.

Embraced in a wide-open position battle, the 25-year-old Donnell presently sits atop New York’s depth chart. While every tight ends works in and out via rotation, Donnell has regularly been the first on the field for any full-team drill. When the team released its first ‘unofficial’ depth chart, Donnell was listed as No. 1.

“It’s good to see stuff like that,” Donnell said, “but you can’t get too carried away with it. My thought isn’t on the depth chart, it’s on doing what I can when my name is called.”

Through the first two weeks of training camp, ‘Donnell’ has been mentioned on a far more frequent basis.

After the offseason conditioning program and beginning portions of camp showed just ‘flashes,’ Donnell has started to shine. On Tuesday, Donnell caught a pair of touchdowns including an impressive one-handed grab on a fade route.

Giants’ coach Tom Coughlin has verbally mentioned Donnell’s name as a player who’s caught is eye. Captain and safety Antrel Rolle has said he’s “loving” the 6-6, 269-pound tight end.

But there are still parts of his game that need to be refined. Sure, Donnell – who was recruited as and played quarterback in high school – has flashed as a receiver. Blocking? That’s a work in progress.

Giants’ tight end coach Kevin Gilbride Jr. has mentioned the possibility of using a ‘tight end by committee’ approach, bringing in blockers when the team needs blockers and receivers when the team needs receivers. That doesn’t sit well with Donnell.

He knows he’s not there yet, but he’s working to establish himself as an all-around tight end, one that’s capable of playing every formation, every play and never coming off the field.

“You’re never satisfied,” Donnell said. “Right now, the receiving game is a strong point and I’m trying to get better. I’m trying to improve in the blocking game and foot working area, too. I want to become that every-down type of guy.”

Donnell’s shown the ability to do it in practice, but practice is practice. Sunday marks the first time this season he’ll show his teammates and coaches what he’s able to do in a game. Just like Shockey 12 years ago.

“The last time we played in this game, that play happened,” Donnell said. “Now I have a chance to make that happen. I’m excited about it and it’s a great opportunity.”

Jul 312014
 
Eli Manning, New York Giants (June 12, 2014)

Eli Manning at OTAs – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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J.D. Walton has gotten himself into a bit of a routine every time he sets the Giants’ offensive huddle.

Just before Eli Manning ducks his head inside and gives the play call, Walton holds his hands out in fists to his left and right. Simultaneously, guards Brandon Mosley and Geoff Schwartz match his with their own, tackles Will Beatty and Justin Pugh, too.

Manning then leans forward, calls the play and the team marches to the line of scrimmage.

The ‘fist bump’ or ‘pound’ is nothing new, but it’s one way Walton is working on developing chemistry across New York’s rebuilt offensive line.

“We need to get in a routine and get comfortable with each other,” Walton said. “That’s part of it. We’re trying to get confidence, get reset, get focused for this next drill and what we’re able to do.”

J.D. Walton (55) and Eli Manning (10), New York Giants (June 18, 2014)

J.D. Walton and Eli Manning – © USA TODAY Sports Images

For the past 10 years, the same familiar faces have paved the way for running backs and kept defensive linemen off Mannings’ back. Sure, some were replaced, but there was always someone that was the same.

When Rich Seubert and Shaun O’Hara left, there was still Kareem McKenzie, David Diehl and Chris Snee. When McKenzie hung up the cleats, there was still Snee and Diehl.

Then Diehl retired in January and Snee the day the Giants reported to camp. Now? 29-year-old Will Beatty and 23-year-old Justin Pugh are the ‘veterans’ up front. The once familiar faces are gone, replaced with free-agent and drafted acquisitions.

Over the years, New York’s once proud and powerful offensive line had become bruised and battered. In 2008, two players -Brandon Jacobs and Derrick Ward – rushed for over 1,000 yards. Last season? Manning was sacked a career-high 39 times and running backs averaged the fourth-worst rushing yards per game.

Snee and Diehl have been replaced by the likes of Walton, rookie Weston Richburg, Schwartz and Mosley. While the group is well aware of the prior generation’s accolades, Walton says they’re collectively trying to create their own history.

“They won two world championships the last 10 years and another two the decade before,” Walton said. “But we’re trying to make our own identity. We want to become a great line ourselves and we’re busting our butt out here every day to do that.”

For Walton, he’s been ‘busting his butt’ ever since an injury cost him the last two seasons of his NFL career.

Drafted in the third round of the 2010 NFL Draft, Walton was viewed by some as one of the best centers available. He had the strength to match up with any defensive tackle, along with agility to get to the second level.

He struggled in the early portions of his career. Just as he began to put it all together, it all fell apart. In 2012, Walton suffered a gruesome dislocated ankle versus the Oakland Raiders. Walton, who said prior to the injury had never missed a practice at any level, has yet to play since.

J.D. Walton, Denver Broncos (December 11, 2011)

J.D. Walton – © USA TODAY Sports Images

“It was rough mentally,” Walton said. “You just try to stick with the family. Go up to the facility as much as possible and sit in the meeting rooms. Just be around the guys because they’re your brothers.”

Walton was waived by the Broncos on Dec. 13, 2013 and then signed by the Washington Redskins a day later. He never played a down. Entering free agency this season, he didn’t know what to expect. Sure, Walton knew he could still play. But did other teams?

At the time of his injury, the 27 year old had just been starting to scratch the surface of what he was capable of doing. The Giants saw that and thought he was worth a risk. When Walton’s agent let him know New York was interested, there was not a doubt in his mind.

“It’s the New York Giants,” Walton said. “It has that lure, that credibility and everything you look for in a franchise. It has the name, being able to play for ‘Big Blue’ and Coach Coughlin. It’s a great franchise.’”

This Sunday in the Giants’ Hall of Fame game versus the Buffalo Bills, Walton will have a chance to show New York its gamble was safe. While for some it’s just another preseason game that doesn’t count, to Walton it means the world.

The last time he stepped foot on the field, he left on a cart.

“I’m very, very excited. It’s been a long time coming for me,” Walton said. “Just to be able to knock off all the rust and get back going. It’s gonna be fun.

“I’m a little jittery, but once you get on that field, that’s your comfort zone. For us players, once you get out there on the field, that’s it. There will be a little extra for me because it’s been so long, but I’m looking forward to it. It’s gonna be a good time.”

Jul 302014
 
Devon Kennard, USC Trojans (October 13, 2011)

Devon Kennard – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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He walks around with the same bashful smile, soft spoken voice and bubbly attitude everywhere he goes.

He’s kind, welcoming and open hearted to any that cross his path. There isn’t a person that walks by that doesn’t get a handshake, sheepish grin or ‘Hello, how are you?’ greeting from Giants’ rookie linebacker Devon Kennard. Kennard’s been that way for as long as he can remember. Growing up, in high school and at USC.

But when Kennard steps foot on the football field, it all changes.

“When you step in between the lines, you need to flip that switch,” Kennard said. “It’s either hit, or be hit.”

Through the early portions of Giants’ training camp, Kennard’s been doing the hitting.

It’s become a fairly regular occurrence, actually. All in attendance—players, coaches, fans—keep their eyes glued on the 23 year old, waiting for what they know is coming, just not when. Then, it’s heard. A large collision of pads followed by a warrior-like bellow from Kennard before being swarmed by teammates.

It happened when Kennard pancaked Bennett Jackson in the team’s first practice with pads, and then it was David Wilson the next day followed by Henry Hynoski. Day in and day out, Kennard continues to stand out.

The team has awarded his physicality with praise and playing time. Despite being drafted in the fifth round, Kennard has been running with the first team ever since middle linebacker Jon Beason was injured during the offseason conditioning program.

“It’s an honor,” Kennard said. “But at the same time it’s not like I’v’e done much of anything yet. We haven’t played any game, any preseason game or anything like that. I still have a long ways to go.”

A Championship Pedigree

From an early age, Kennard always had an idea of what it would take to make it in the NFL. Just as early, he wanted nothing more than to make it there.

Devon Kennard, USC Trojans (August 29, 2013)

Devon Kennard – © USA TODAY Sports Images

Kennard’s father, Derek, played 11 seasons of professional football from 1984-1996 as an offensive lineman. Derek was most known for his four-year stint with the St. Louis Cardinals, where he spent the majority of his career, while also earning a ring in Super Bowl XXX with the Dallas Cowboys.

“I just always wanted to play football,” Kennard said. “My dad played it for a long time so I always wanted to.”

Where on the field would he play? Well, that didn’t matter any to him. As long as it was him between the lines, Kennard was happy. He was physical, fiery and had a relentless work ethic. It was nearly impossible for him not to succeed.

But there was one game in particular where he says he took the jump from good to great. It happened when he was a junior in high school playing his, at the time, ‘natural’ defensive end position.

“I came around and I had this huge sack,” Kennard said, smiling. “I ended up having five sacks that game. That was the big moment that rocketed my career.”

The Preparation

After being drafted by the Giants, Kennard wasted no time in diving headfirst into the team’s playbook from the moment he got his hands on it. Some of the schemes, tendencies and terminology came natural, but others he had to work on.

While some rookies enjoy the limelight of being NFL super stars, Kennard hides from it. Sure, he could go out to clubs, or he could put to use his tireless work ethic and perfect his craft. The same work ethic his father taught him when he was younger. The same work ethic his father had throughout the duration of his career.

“I spent a lot of time in the playbook,” Kennard said. “Over the summer, I spent hours and hours all day during (organized team activities). Then, I’d come home and I’m in the playbook for hours until I go to sleep.

“Then I wake up and I’m doing it all over again. Even when we’re off, I’m doing the same thing. It’s the same thing now. I’m trying to learn as much as I can and get the full understanding of the entire defense so I can play multiple roles and do whatever they ask me.”

Kennard’s hard work didn’t go unnoticed. With the team unable to wear pads in spring workouts, it was Kennard’s head that had coaches and teammates turning theirs. Quickly it became evident New York got a bit more than they bargained for in the fifth-round pick from USC.

“He was able to retain a lot of that information,” Giants’ defensive coordinator Perry Fewell said. “He was able to go out on the field and execute and earn some of the trust of his fellow teammates and the trust of his coaches.

Devon Kennard, USC Trojans (August 29, 2013)

Devon Kennard – © USA TODAY Sports Images

Everywhere Man

While at USC, Kennard played four different positions. He began his career as a defensive end playing primarily in pass situations. Then came the switch to strong side linebacker, followed by middle linebacker and finally the weak side.

There were different meeting rooms, different expectations and different assignments. But none of it bothered him. Sure, it was a lot for anyone to take in. Then again, Kennard isn’t like many others.

“I’m a very selfless player,” Kennard said. “I want to do whatever it takes to help the team win.”

The same versatility that Kennard displayed in college has been shown again at the professional level. Throughout the offseason, Kennard has spent time at every one of the positions he played in college.

When Beason went down with an injury, it was Kennard that filled in at middle linebacker. When Jameel McClain took over in the middle for Beason, Kennard slid over to the outside. He’s played weak side linebacker in the team’s three-safety package and even saw  a few snaps at defensive end.

“Kennard’s a very smart kid,” McClain said. “He’s taken advantage of the opportunity in front of him. When opportunity comes, we all have to take advantage of it. This is a prime example of what you’re seeing from him.”

McClain admitted that throughout his six-year NFL career, he’s never seen a player come in and play as many positions as Kennard, having been converted from another position entirely. But when looking at the way he plays, there’s one name that pops into his mind.

“To be honest, if I was to compare him to anyone I’d compare him to me and how I came up in this league. “McClain said. “I came in as a converted linebacker in Baltimore. I played all the positions and got thrown around a bit. It’s pretty unique in that aspect.”

It’s one thing to see a first-round pick get instant reps with the first team. Even a second or third rounder to contribute immediately is expected in today’s NFL. But a fifth rounder? One that was considered by some a reach? One who scouts thought would contribute strictly on special teams early in his career?

Well, there’s not much normal about that.

“Pittsburgh, I think, started Jack Lambert, right away?” Linebackers coach Jim Herrman said. “He turned out pretty good. “

Kennard admitted that while he has a history at defensive end, right now he’s enjoying his time at linebacker. He always liked to hit people, sack people, control the run and help his team win. Linebacker allows him to do that.

But when asked what position he enjoys most, there was no hesitation, no second thought and no pause. The answer was given before the question was done being asked.

“I love playing defense,” Kennard said.