Fact or Fiction: Takeaways from OTAs (so far)

Daniel Jones participating in 7-on-7 drills has been the biggest takeaways of OTAs so far.

John Schmeelk: Fact – It isn’t just that he is doing on 7-on-7’s, either. If you didn’t know about the injury last year, there would be no reason to think Jones wasn’t 100% healthy. He looks like he could play in a game tomorrow. When he is sprinting on the side, including stopping and starting, he looks very explosive. Jones told the media he has no reason to think he won’t be cleared by the start of training camp and ready to start Week 1, and the eye test tells the same story. He looks every part of the Giants QB1. My other main takeaway is on the offensive line where we have seen the initial alignment of the group with Andrew Thomas, Jermaine Eluemunor, John Michael Schmitz, Jon Runyan Jr., and Evan Neal lined up left to right.

Matt Citak: Fact – While there have been several key takeaways from the first week of OTAs, including Malik Nabers’ incredible athleticism and the tantalizing potential of the Brian Burns-Kayvon Thibodeaux pass rush combo, Jones participating in 7-on-7 drills is the most significant. The starting quarterback tore his ACL less than seven months ago, yet you wouldn’t be able to tell when watching him on the field. Jones has said he hopes to be ready by the start of training camp, and so far, he looks well on his way to achieving that goal.

Kayvon Thibodeaux and Brian Burns is the new duo you’re most excited to see develop this year.

John Schmeelk: Fiction – I am excited about that duo, but I’ll take Malik Nabers and Jalin Hyatt. Both of those players can score a touchdown from any spot on the field, and should be constant blinking lights on opponents’ scouting reports that they have to account for. I can even raise you to a trio and include Wan’Dale Robinson in that group.

Matt Citak: Fact – As briefly mentioned in my first answer, the Thibodeaux-Burns combination has the potential to be one of the best pass rushing duos in the NFL. The two young outside linebackers have spoken to the media about pushing each other to be the best versions of themselves, and it’s easy to see when watching them on the practice field. Both players are giving it their all each and every rep, trying to best the other one every chance they get. Burns referred to it as “healthy competition” on Thursday, and I for one cannot wait to continue to watch these two compete all season.