Takeaways from Giants rookie minicamp

Lance Medow: It’s always interesting to hear from the rookie class for the first time once they arrive at the facility. It’s their first taste of a professional setting and the beginning of the acclimation process. Deonte Banks is a man of few words and leaves most of his statements for the playing field, which isn’t a bad thing at all. He cuts right to the chase, and I think that attitude resembles his game. John Michael Schmitz and Eric Gary are both joining the Giants after absorbing and learning a great deal of info from former NFL players. Schmitz had been working with his agent Jeremiah Sirles and fellow offensive lineman Alex Boone, whom we recently spoke with on Big Blue Kickoff Live, going back to his prep work for the combine. The same can be said for Gray as former NFL running back DeMarco Murray was his position coach for each of the last two seasons at Oklahoma. Those two players are bringing a wealth of knowledge with them to New York from being around players that have been here and done that. That should aid in a smooth transition period.

Of all the players in this year’s rookie class, it seems as if Jalin Hyatt is itching to get into a game the most. When you listen to him talk, his confidence is noticeable, and you need that when you’re consistently challenged by versatile corners on a weekly basis as there are no layup lines in the NFL. The eventful journey to the league for Tre Hawkins, Jordon Riley and Gervarrius Owens has absolutely shaped those three players as they all started their careers in junior college and have a great perspective on not taking anything for granted. Hawkins and Owens also both understand the importance and value of contributing on special teams in order to solidify a roster spot.

Matt Citak: There was one thing that stood out to me seeing the rookies on the field for the first time: Eric Gray. The Giants selected the running back in the fifth round to bolster the team’s depth and have a chance to carve out a role for himself in the offense. Gray is listed at 5-foot-10 and 210 pounds, and looks every bit of it. As soon as he stepped onto the practice field, it was hard not to notice the size of his legs. While Saquon Barkley has been referred to in the past as SaQuads, Gray could easily be SaQuads Jr.

More importantly, Gray’s eagerness to learn jumped out. After receiving a rep during practice, the rookie was seen off on the side talking to coach Brian Daboll. Gray noted to the media after that the two were…