The New York Giants returned to the practice field Tuesday to start the second week of organized team activities, which ends at the beginning of June.
Even though there is no contact during any of the OTA practices, there are still plenty of notes to take away and storylines to monitor from Tuesday’s session.
Here are four notes from the Giants’ fourth session of OTAs:
Daniel Jones took reps with the second team
As the offseason progresses, the biggest storyline surrounding the team will undoubtedly be the quarterback room. Jones, the No. 6 overall pick in April’s draft, split second-team reps with fellow backup quarterback Alex Tanney on Tuesday.
While Eli Manning remains the starter under center, the Giants are increasing the reps for Jones on the second team throughout OTAs. The rookie quarterback will continue to battle with Tanney for reps on the second team.
Corey Ballentine returns to the field
A sixth-round pick in the draft this year, Ballentine’s professional career got off to an unfortunate start when he was the victim of a shooting just days after being selected by the Giants.
However, the Washburn product returned to the field for the first time to take team reps exactly one month after being shot. At 6-foot, 190 pounds, the Jamaica native will be competing for a depth role in the secondary while he works his way back from the incident.
It’s a good sign that Ballentine was participating in full and should be able to compete for a role, barring any changes.
DeAndre Baker, Sam Beal getting first-team reps
With starting cornerback Janoris Jenkins absent for volunteer OTAs due to a graduation in the family, first-round pick Baker and 2018 supplemental pick Beal got work on the first team defense as the boundary cornerbacks.
The Giants traded up to grab Baker at the end of the first round in April’s draft while Big Blue used a third-round pick in the 2018 supplemental draft to add Beal to the roster.
When Jenkins returns from his personal leave, he will be a starter on the boundary, but this was a look at the potential future of the cornerback room.
Spencer Pulley working as first-team center
Throughout the offseason workouts, training camp and the preseason, the Giants will have a bit of a competition on the middle of the offensive line between Pulley and Jon Halapio.
On Tuesday, Pulley was the one getting work as the first-team center as the duo continues to split reps.
The Giants offensive line will continue to be a point of fixation given the struggles of the unit in recent seasons. Whoever winds up anchoring the middle of the front will hold a major role in the offense.
