2 Giants veterans take early lead in important training camp competition

This summer, there are two open competitions within the New York Giants secondary – Nickel/Slot CB and Strong Safety.

Jason Pinnock is expected to continue playing in one of two safety roles as a starter and log a team-leading 650 snaps as a free safety in 2023. Deonte Banks and Cor'Dale Flott are expected to be the first-team cornerbacks on the outside. But who will join them when there are five defensive backs on the field?

According to Big Blue View reporter Ed Valentine, veterans Nick McCloud and Dane Belton have taken the lead in terms of the two jobs so far in training camp.

“McCloud continues to handle the vast majority of slot work as the Giants work third-round pick Dru Phillips in piecemeal,” Valentine said. “Perhaps McCloud ends up keeping the job.”

Regarding the battle for the safeties, the NYG media representative noted that “Belton will be getting all the first-team action alongside Jason Pinnock as safety” since rookie Tyler Nubin is out “with a calf injury.” According to Valentine, Belton took full advantage and “intercepted Daniel Jones on the final play of Friday's practice.”

McCloud joined the Giants organization in 2022 and has seemingly become a favorite of head coach Brian Daboll's staff as both a contributor on defense and special teams. It's fair to note that the defense is under new leadership with new coordinator Shane Bowen, but so far McCloud hasn't missed a beat in his age-26 season.

Belton was selected in the fourth round of the Big Blue's first draft by Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen (2022). In two years, he has started just seven games but has been a consistent force as a rotational defender and key special teamer.

Giants reporter provides encouraging update on Tyler Nubin's calf injury

The Giants seem to be taking it slow with their second-round pick from Minnesota.

On July 26, NorthJersey.com reporter Art Stapleton reported that “Tyler Nubin was cramping during the second half of practice on the first day of training camp. His calf was tight yesterday, so [the] The Giants have recalled the rookie safety and given him two days off + tomorrow is off.”

He added that it “sounds like the plan is for Nubin to return to training on Sunday. [July 28].”

“I get it: Nubin and the Giants could have pushed it in the hopes that his calf would loosen up in practice, but the smart move was obviously to take a step back and make sure a cramping problem didn't become a calf problem,” Stapleton chimed in with his own opinion.

“Calf injuries can be very tricky. But Nubin has been participating in practice from the sidelines. He was very vocal at one point today with teammate and fellow rookie DB Alex Johnson. I coached him during a team period.”

There doesn't appear to be any cause for concern with Nubin at the moment, but a slow start to training camp – coupled with Belton's much-improved play – could see the Giants slowly ease the rookie into the starting lineup later on.

Daniel Jones leaves the rust behind in Giants training camp: “Inconsistent,” but healthy

Valentine also gave an update on Jones after the quarterback's first workouts in training camp.

“The quarterback has been inconsistent through three practices and has missed several throws he was supposed to make,” he wrote. “But the fact is, he is practicing. Fully. He is running around with no restrictions. And all this just eight months after undergoing surgery for a torn ACL.”

Valentine called it “a victory, even if the results were not perfect.”

Jones missed the completely free Wan'Dale Robinson by a wide margin on July 26, but countered with a nice “dime” on the ball to Malik Nabers in much tighter coverage.

Friday's two attempts best illustrate Jones' performance early on. He was very inconsistent as he shook off months of rust.