Summer break is within reach, but the Giants aren't just watching movies in class as they count down the hours. Nor are there any half-days.
The Giants opened up their three-day mandatory minicamp on Monday with a 2 ½-hour practice at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center. This week is the culmination of the offseason workout program, which began April 7 with strength and conditioning and ramped up to OTAs over the past three weeks.
Wednesday's practice will be the final time players are on the field until training camp in West Virginia at the end of July.
"It was a really great day," coach John Harbaugh said. "We had a beautiful day. Two of the greatest linebackers ever in the history of the game (Harry Carson and Lawrence Taylor) talking to the guys after practice. That was something. That was special. They had some good wisdom for the guys, good football wisdom. Hard work, good practice, getting better. Another one tomorrow. Can't wait to get started for that. But I was proud of the guys today."
Here is everything you need to know from the first day of minicamp:
Leave it on the Fields
Malachi Fields, the rookie wide receiver, hauled in the first touchdown of minicamp on a ball from Jaxson Dart on the left side of the end zone. It wasn't the first highlight catch of spring for the third-round pick, and it probably won't be the last.
Pair of picks
Cornerbacks Paulson Adebo and Korie Black notched interceptions for the defense today. The former took advantage of a ball that hung up in the air and came down with it. The latter was a result of a pass that was sped up by a pressure from linebacker Darius Muasau, who could have had a sack before the throw.
Jump ball goes to Hodgins
Hours before the Knicks tip off at Madison Square Garden for Game 3 of the NBA Finals, Isaiah Hodgins won a jump ball in the end zone on a ball from Dart, who scrambled to extend the play.
Abdul Carter's ankle 'doesn't look serious'
Speaking after practice, John Harbaugh said it appeared that second-year outside linebacker Abdul Carter twisted his ankle. "Doesn't look serious," the head coach said.
LT & The Captain talk to team
Hall of Fame linebackers Lawrence Taylor and Harry Carson were among a contingent of notable people at practice on Monday. For all his time in the league, Harbaugh had never previously met them. That changed today when the coach said he felt like a fan and wanted to ask for an autograph.
"I was in awe, man," Harbaugh said. "You know you get star-struck. You see a guy, I was kind of star struck. I saw them at lunch, and I was like, should I go up and say hi? Think that would be okay? And to see them at practice, hear them talk to the team, just wanted to ask for an autograph, but I thought you guys would make fun of me if I did that or something. Got a picture with them."
Best of the rest
Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. caught a few passes over the middle from Jameis Winston.
Winston connected on a deep pass to wide receiver Jalin Hyatt, who made an over-the-shoulder catch down the right sideline.
Outside linebacker Khalid Kareem flashed a handful of times on Monday, including at least one would-be sack and another pressure that would have set up a sack.
Dart hit wide receiver Calvin Austin III perfectly in stride for a big gain. Austin also showed a spin move on another pass from Dart.
"I think he's adjusting really well," Harbaugh said of Dart in the new offense. "He looks good. I love his competitiveness. He wants to be perfect every play. It's a work in progress all the time. It's still fairly early. But the clock is ticking. In team meeting we started the team meeting off with 'September' by Earth, Wind & Fire. September is right around the corner. So that's what we're preparing for."
Linebacker Micah McFadden and cornerback Deonte Banks came close to interceptions but could not quite hang onto them.
Defensive linemen Bobby Jamison-Travis, Leki Fotu, and Zacch Pickens batted passes.
Outside linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux had a would-be sack, continuing an offseason that has caught the attention of Brian Burns.
"I'm so proud of Thibs, dog," Burns said. "And I don't want to sound all sentimental or whatever, but just the man he is and he's becoming, like the way he handles his business, is something that's really inspirational. He's doing everything right. He's leaving no stones unturned, and that's something that I really commend him on because he is put in tough situations at times, and he's handled it like a pro. I definitely wish the best and expect the best out of him this year. He's been playing his best ball for the past two years, and I expect him to have a great year, honestly. Yeah, man, I'm really proud of Thibs, for sure."
Remaining Practices
June 9-10
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