Progress Report: How the rookies have fared so far

A calf injury sidelined Nubin for the start of training camp, but the rookie safety has been working to make up for lost time over the last few weeks. The second-round pick has put his high football intelligence and toughness in the spotlight since his first day on the practice field, which has left the coaching staff impressed.

“He continues to get better,” defensive coordinator Shane Bowen said a few weeks ago. “He continues to improve each day. I think the one thing with him is he’s finally out there. He’s healthy. We missed him those first two weeks. And he’s had ground to make up to get back in that competition. He’s been good. He’s taking advantage of the opportunities. Doesn’t make the same mistake twice. I’ve been encouraged by where he’s at right now.”

Nubin was on the field for 18 total plays against the Lions in the preseason opener. It was a solid showing for his first outing in the NFL, but there was one play in particular that stood out. With the Lions facing a third-and-two, Nubin blew up offensive lineman Michael Niese, planting the 295-pound lineman into the ground as Dyontae Johnson flew in to tackle the runner short of the line to gain. This was just one example of the physicality Nubin intends to bring to the Giants defense this season, as the rookie safety is pushing towards significant playing time in his first year.

“He’s really competitive, really confident,” added passing game coordinator/defensive backs coach Jerome Henderson earlier in camp. “You just watch the [college] tape — and even here — his intensity, his energy and his focus just jumps off the tape at you.”

An ankle injury suffered in practice after the preseason opener forced Phillips to miss the Texans game, but not after the rookie cornerback made a strong first impression. Phillips performed well during the two joint practices against the Lions, including his time matching up against All-Pro wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, where the rookie did not back from the elite wideout. Phillips then followed that up by making a strong tackle for loss in the game against the Lions.

“Look at our rookie Dru Phillips and him matching up with Amon-Ra St. Brown. He didn’t flinch,” assistant general manager Brandon Brown said last week. “I think the toughness, the quiet toughness that Dru has, and his ability to be sticky in the nickel, him getting really good work every day, going against (wide receiver) Wan’Dale (Robinson), and matching that twitch at the top of routes. Seeing a savvy polished route runner like Amon-Ra and not flinching and being able to match up for two consecutive days. It was really good to see.”

Phillips returned to practice last week and has seen his practice reps increase each day. Coach Brian Daboll named the rookie cornerback among the group of players that have been working back from injury that should be good to go this week. Phillips could be the Giants’ starting nickel corner against the Vikings in Week 1.

“I love Dru,” inside linebacker Bobby Okereke said early in camp. “I didn’t realize how much, he’s like 195, 200. He’s a physical guy. He popped out when the pads came on. So, I think he’ll be a great addition to our defense.”

Johnson was originally placed on the physically unable to perform list when rookies first reported on July 16, which delayed the start of his first NFL training camp. But the rookie tight end passed a physical less than two weeks later, which got him back on the practice field only a handful of days after the rest of the team. The 6-foot-6, 264-pound tight end has flashed his athleticism throughout training camp with some impressive grabs in team drills.

“Theo (Johnson) is a rookie, and he’s right on schedule with where he’s at in his development,” assistant head coach/offensive coordinator Mike Kafka said recently. “He was one of those guys that kind of started a little bit later in training camp, just getting back from the injury. But he’s doing a really nice job. I’m happy. I’m excited about him. Going to keep inserting him into the offense and continue to find ways to get him involved.”

Johnson has gotten some reps in practice with the first team offense, due in part to injuries at the position. But the rookie has taken advantage of the opportunity and has shown he can be a contributor in the passing game. The 23-year-old could see an expanded role in the offense this season.

“He’s big, he’s fast and he hasn’t made a lot of mental errors for a rookie,” said Daboll. “We’ve lined him up in multiple spots and he’s been productive with the opportunities that he’s had.”