As the Giants work through mandatory minicamp this week, themes of culture and internal improvement echoed from players ahead of the season.
Here are a few takeaways from the microphone in New Jersey this week.
DEFENSIVE LINE ROTATION
New York’s success last season came with leadership from the defensive line, particularly with Leonard Williams and Dexter Lawrence. With added depth at this position in the offseason, Williams notes how much the rotation can impact the line of scrimmage.
“I feel great about it,” Williams said. “A lot of times, Dex and I have to take a lot of snaps. We have a good rotation this year. It’s better to have a rotation. It keeps guys fresh.”
Preserving Williams can only help New York’s front four this season, as he jokingly remarked on Wednesday.
“I’m definitely not feeling older,” Williams said. “I still have my explosiveness. I still have my power. I have a lot of years ahead of me. I just joke around because this is a young team.”
With an impending free agency after this season, the 28-year-old emphasized the culture of the Giants as a reason to consider re-signing.
“I’m open to staying here, “Williams said. “I have a good camaraderie with my teammates. I would love to keep playing with Dex and these coaches that I’ve gotten to know. I’m not one of those players that wants to bounce around team to team.”
FAMILY ENVIRONMENT
The Giants made a handful of moves to add to last year’s playoff roster, including adding wide receiver Parris Campbell. After three years with multiple injuries in Indianapolis, the 25-year-old played in every game last season with 623 receiving yards. In his first minicamp with his new team, Campbell cited the welcoming nature of the organization.
“It’s been great,” Campbell said. “I’ve enjoyed my time here so far. The culture is the first thing that stood out to me. It’s a family atmosphere. They’ve welcomed me like one of their own.”
As has been a storyline of his career, the wide receiver enters the year with another chance to stay healthy and make an impact.
“From the facts of what my career has been, the first three years I dealt with multiple injuries,” Campbell said. “It’s once in a blue moon that that happens on a football field. I think that it’s fluke at the end of the day. I got a chance to stay healthy last year.”
TIGHT END TANDEM
Last season, Daniel Bellinger posted three total touchdowns as a rookie as New York’s primary tight end.
The former fourth-round pick gave insight into his offseason, which included some visible physical improvements.
“I was able to focus more on weightlifting and getting better,” Bellinger said. “It was a mix of working out and nutrition. Realistically, I’m the same weight, if not a little lighter. More muscle and less fat.”
New York made a splash in March with the acquisition of Darren Waller, who became the team’s most talented pass catcher. The former Pro Bowler joins Bellinger at the position and adds another outlet for internal discussion and improvement.
“He’s one of the best tight ends in this league,” Bellinger said. “He’s not just a great player. He’s a great guy. I’m excited to learn from him. He’s a unicorn of a player.”