Touchdowns & Takeaways: Jalin Hyatt goes deep; Malik Nabers gets on the board

It was just the second practice for them together in team periods after the quarterback was limited to 7-on-7 in the spring as part of his post-knee surgery rehab plan. Continuing to build their chemistry will be one of the top goals of camp. Speaking after the first practice on Wednesday, Jones said they spent some “good time” together between OTAs and reporting back to East Rutherford.

“He’ll be big time for us,” Jones said. “He’s played well, played well in the spring, and it has been good to be with him this summer. I’m sure he’ll have a good camp. So, we’ll continue to grow and build chemistry, and the more time out there together, the better.”

The drills also provided what everyone anticipated as the top competition to watch: Nabers vs. cornerback Deonte Banks. The first-round draft picks obliged by putting on a show with neither backing down.

“It’s just a good matchup,” Banks said. “I like it. We’re both competing. We have the same body type. Quickness. We are both quick and fast. It’s fun.”

Staying on 1-on-1 drills, Jones also threw touchdowns to wide receivers Jalin Hyatt, Allen Robinson II, Darius Slayton, Wan’Dale Robinson and another to Nabers. Miles Boykin also caught one from backup Drew Lock.

Moving onto team drills, the Giants worked heavily – but not exclusively – in the red zone. Keep in mind Shane Bowen boasted the No. 1 defense in red zone and goal-to-go scoring last season with the Titans, and the Giants looked the part in the early going when the ones were out there. It helps when you have Dexter Lawrence, Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux leading your front.

The first-team offense eventually broke through with Jones throwing touchdowns to Nabers and tight end Lawrence Cager, who made a great catch falling out of the back of the end zone while keeping his feet in bounds. Lock also threw touchdown passes to rookie running back Tyrone Tracy Jr., a converted wide receiver, and Dennis Houston from inside the 10-yard line.

Tommy DeVito got on the board during the same red-zone drills with touchdowns to tight ends Tyree Jackson and Daniel Bellinger. In between, DeVito used his legs for a score.

The Giants pushed back the line of scrimmage during their final period and gave more room to work for the offense, which delivered immediately. Wide receiver Jalin Hyatt, who averaged 16.2 yards per catch as a rookie, showed his big-play ability and hauled in a deep pass from Jones in the back-left corner of the end zone for the longest score of the day.