As the New York Giants wrap up another spring OTA session, Head Coach Brian Daboll met with reporters on Thursday to offer insight into how the team is progressing, how key players are developing, and how a renewed sense of competition is being fostered across all three phases.
While the conversation included standard injury updates and player evaluations, what stood out most was Daboll’s emphasis on cohesion, communication, and adapting to change—hallmarks of his leadership style since arriving in East Rutherford.
Injury Updates: Nothing Major, But Monitoring Continues
When asked about wide receiver Malik Nabers and his ongoing toe issue, Daboll kept things measured. Nabers has been working through a modified rehab regimen and, according to Daboll, “He’ll be doing similar things that he’s done the last couple times he’s been out… He’s progressing. He’ll be okay.”
Defensive tackle Darius Alexander remains in a similar situation, not fully active but being eased along as the staff monitors his progress.
Meanwhile, Dexter Lawrence II has been absent from full team drills, but Daboll didn’t indicate concern: “We just do what we think is right… Everybody’s at a different point.”
Evolving Practice, Emphasizing Situational Football
One of the most notable takeaways from Thursday’s media session was Daboll’s explanation of how offseason practices have evolved. This spring saw an increase in seven-on-seven reps, a direct suggestion from veteran quarterback Russell Wilson. The extra reps aren’t just beneficial for quarterbacks, Daboll emphasized—they’re valuable for the defense’s back seven as well.
“We’ve added some competitive periods where they have to play the situations out,” Daboll explained. “Not just a third down situation, but maybe a quarter in a game, time left, score… every day we’ve done a little bit of that.”
It’s a reflection of a more situationally aware and game-prep-driven approach, undoubtedly influenced by the presence of Wilson, Jameis Winston, Tommy DeVito, and rookie Jaxson Dart in the quarterback room.
The Russ Effect: Leadership, Precision, and Perspective
Wilson’s arrival has had a ripple effect across the organization. From his pinpoint accuracy to his leadership in the meeting rooms, Daboll made it clear that the former Super Bowl champion is already setting the tone.
“He’s been excellent,” Daboll said. “Not just on the offensive side of the ball, within the entire team… The details of which he approaches his job… footwork, mechanics, communication—it’s been really good.”
As for his chemistry with young receivers like Jalin Hyatt, Daboll was encouraged.
“Russ sits in the front. Jalin sits right behind him, next to Malik, next to Wan’Dale (Robinson). There’s a lot of good communication flow,” he shared, underscoring a culture of dialogue and mentorship.
Hyatt, in his third camp, is quietly showing the improvements the coaching staff hoped for. “He’s improved in really all facets of being a receiver,” Daboll said. “And we’re gonna need him to continue to do that in training camp.”
Darius Slayton: A Model of Persistence and Professionalism
Daboll was also asked about veteran wide receiver Darius Slayton, a player whose journey with the Giants has been far from smooth. Once buried on the depth chart, Slayton has now emerged as a trusted leader and playmaker.
“He’s a pro, first and foremost,” Daboll stated. “He never let any circumstance get in his way… He has good leadership traits… the quarterbacks got a lot of trust in him. I certainly do.”
The coaching staff clearly values more than just stats—it’s about character, resilience, and setting the tone for younger players.
A Veteran-Driven Locker Room and Elevated Morale
The buzzword throughout Daboll’s session was competition. But beneath that, the message was unity. The Giants’ locker room, fueled by veterans like Wilson, Slayton, and Dexter Lawrence, is shaping into a cohesive and focused group.
“The guys do a lot of things off the field together. I like this group,” Daboll said.
That chemistry may have boiled over recently when a competitive period led to a practice skirmish, but Daboll dismissed it: “Try to stay away from that, but moved on pretty quickly.”
Joint Practices Return—with a Twist
Daboll confirmed the Giants will hold joint practices with the Jets, just like last summer. This year, however, they’ll split locations—one session at the Jets’ facility and another at the Giants’ complex.
“It was really easy to work with [Jets coach Aaron Glenn],” Daboll noted. “We thought that would be good for both teams… good for the fan base.”
These joint practices offer another opportunity to ratchet up the intensity before preseason begins, especially for younger players and back-end roster hopefuls.
Defense Takes a Turn with New Faces and Energy
The addition of cornerback Paulson Adebo was praised as one of the offseason’s under-the-radar wins. “Big, long corner, can run, can cover… good in the room for the young guys,” Daboll noted.
Defensive coordinator Shane Bowen is also bringing his own energy, including a playful wrinkle—the “turnover chest,” a prop meant to celebrate takeaways and keep the defense energized during meetings. Daboll credited Bowen for the idea: “It’s been good for them.”
Final Takeaway: The Vision is Clear
This year’s spring program, Daboll made clear, is about being intentional—with reps, with communication, and with leadership. While player health and learning the new system remain priorities, the focus is undeniably on elevating competition and preparing this team to hit the ground running in training camp.
With Russell Wilson now firmly embedded, young talents continuing to develop, and veterans driving culture, the Giants are attempting to strike the right balance of experience, hunger, and cohesion.
The Big Blue culture is evolving—and Daboll is steering the ship with a calm, calculated edge.
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