New York Giants: Random Thoughts Ahead of Mandatory Minicamp

This week, the New York Giants wrap up their spring football practices, a period in which the team has had an opportunity to get to work with each other as well as acclimate to the way new head coach Ben McAdoo wants things done.

From a coach’s perspective, the spring practices were an opportunity to teach, experiment and gain some insight into how they ultimately might shape the roster and the new wrinkles installed into the playbook.  

While there is still a way to go before things have to be finalized, let’s touch on some of the key questions that will need to be addressed by the time training camp is over.

Will the Big Nickel Make Its Triumphant Return?

Julie Jacobson/Associated Press

Throughout the spring, defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has rotated different guys at the slot cornerback, including first-round pick Eli Apple, and projected starters Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Janoris Jenkins.

If that doesn’t sound appealing to you, then I don’t blame you. Apple has limited experience in the slot, so to expect him to develop into a top-shelf cornerback overnight is probably asking a lot.

With Rodgers-Cromartie and Jenkins both being paid to start, seeing either of those guys line up inside probably isn’t the best use of their respective talents.

Here’s another potential thought regarding how the Giants could address their nickel package, absent of course, signing a nickel back who shakes free during the summer.

The solution?

The “big nickel” defense, which, if you recall from the 2011 championship season, was the three-safety package New York used to deploy featuring Deon Grant as that pseudo-linebacker who played both the run and the pass.

The benefit of a “big nickel” is that unlike a regular slot cornerback who primarily lines up against a receiver, a hybrid safety/linebacker usually has the physical goods to match up against tight ends as well as receivers in the slot.

Another added benefit of a big nickel defensive back is that he can provide run support. 

Mel Evans/Associated Press

In an NFC East that has tight ends Jason Witten (Dallas), Zach Ertz (Philadelphia) and Jordan Reed (Washington), and potential big-time running backs such as Ezekiel Elliot (Dallas), just to name a few, don’t be surprised if the Giants’ “big nickel” makes its triumphant full-time return this year.

And who might end up playing that “big nickel role?" The Giants could end up rotating both Nat Berhe and Darian Thompson in that role, depending on who the opponent is each week.

Both have the size and girth to be effective; they just need to show they can get it done once the pads go on.

Can OL Bobby Hart Make the Jump into the Starting Lineup?

Winslow Townson/Associated Press

Second-year offensive lineman Bobby Hart’s name has often been mentioned as a potential starter on this year’s Giants offensive line.

While you never want to say never, it looks as though Hart might have a bit more of an uphill climb to the starting lineup than first thought.

Hart has primarily been working this spring at right tackle with the second-team offensive line.

However, scouting reports such as the one written by Lance Zierlein of NFL.com have questioned whether he has the feet to match up against speed rushers.

In the OTA practices open to the media, Hart had his struggles, particularly when going against Owa Odighizuwa, who beat him with speed. 

If the Giants view Hart as a guard—they won’t know that for certain until training camp when the players start lining up during the padded practices—then it might take an injury to John Jerry for Hart to actually crack into the starting lineup this year. 

So What About the Starting Offensive Line?

Of both the right guard and right tackle spots, one gets the impression that the Giants are fine with John Jerry as their starting right guard.

At right tackle, manned by Marshall Newhouse, thus far the veteran has been able to hang onto the job he was unexpectedly thrust into last year thanks to the pectoral tear suffered by Will Beatty.

However, let’s not forget that the Giants tried at least twice to being in another veteran offensive tackle to presumably start ahead of Newhouse.

Bill Kostroun/Associated Press

First there was Russell Okung, who ended up signing with Denver. The Giants, per ProFootballTalk.com, also reportedly flirted with the idea of signing Donald Penn, who ultimately re-signed with Oakland.

While no one has come out and said it, the problem the Giants faced with trying to upgrade the offensive tackle spot appears to have been their unwillingness to move Ereck Flowers from left tackle to right tackle, which is understandable given that they view Flowers as their left tackle of the future.

So what about right tackle? Don’t be stunned if the Giants proactively scan the waiver wire right up until and beyond the start of the regular season, if for no other reason than to add experienced depth at this spot if they have to indeed stick with Newhouse as the starter.

Ann Heisenfelt/Associated Press

One possible name to watch, according to ESPN's NFL Nation, is Minnesota Vikings right tackle Phil Loadholt.

Interestingly, the Vikings restructured Loadholt’s contract prior to the start of free agency. The new deal is said to include a $2 million base and up to $3.5 million in incentives according to 5 Eyewitness News reporter Darren Wolfson.

Whether Loadholt shakes free or is dangled in a trade remains to be seen.

One thing though is for sure: The Giants' depth at offensive tackle is in need of some sort of a boost, especially if the plan is to keep the starting unit as is.

Patricia Traina covers the Giants for Inside Football, the Journal Inquirer and Sports Xchange. All quotes and information were obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Advanced stats courtesy of Pro Football Focus unless otherwise noted.

Follow me on Twitter @Patricia_Traina.