Odell Beckham Jr. is falling behind as he sits out with a hamstring strain.
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We’ve hit the two-week mark of NFL training camps, and the Giants have even played one preseason game.
That means it’s time to make some judgments on who’s improving their standing at camp, while others slip down the depth chart.
Teams will have exactly three weeks from Tuesday to make their first round of roster cuts.
Stock up: Jacquian Williams
Williams was the one linebacker who stepped up Sunday as the Giants attempt to fill a void at the position left by the injured Jon Beason. Granted Williams dropped his chance at a pick in the red zone in the first quarter, but he read Bills quarterback E.J. Manuel’s eyes and was in position to make the play. Beason hopes to return by Week 1, but that’s still in doubt with him on the sideline. Williams has the versatility to play multiple linebacker positions and compete with rookie Devon Kennard and Mark Herzlich to play the weakest spot in the middle. Otherwise, he’ll probably be a good replacement for Keith Rivers.
Stock up: Andre Williams
Maybe the biggest winner — at least if you listened to NBC color commentator Cris Collinsworth — in Sunday’s Hall of Fame Game was running back Andre Williams. Collinsworth couldn’t stop raving about the rookie fourth-round pick from Boston College, and despite being over-the-top, Williams did look good. He had seven carries for 48 yards and a touchdown, stealing some of the spotlight from free-agent signee Rashad Jennings, who also looked strong against the Bills. Williams will likely see the bulk of the goal-line carries, and it’s especially nice to see him step up with David Wilson now officially out.
Stock down: Rueben Randle
Randle was expected to be the one who stepped up to replace Hakeem Nicks’ production. He finished with six touchdowns and 41 catches last season, but hasn’t taken the next step in camp and he had zero catches on zero targets against Buffalo. He is really struggling with Ben McAdoo’s new offense. Meanwhile, rookie wideout — and fellow big-bodied receiver — Corey Washington had a huge coming out against Buffalo with a 73-yard touchdown catch from Ryan Nassib. Randle may be the veteran, but he’s not entrenched, especially with a new offensive coordinator in charge.
Stock down: Odell Beckham Jr.
Injuries happen, but they also stunt a player’s growth. Beckham is in that position right now as he deals with a hamstring strain. The first-round pick is falling behind in learning McAdoo’s offense. Coughlin admitted he was frustrated with Beckham being out, and said he’ll have to “earn the respect of your teammates” on the field even after the two had a sit-down to iron out their differences.
Follow Metro New York Sports Editor Mark Osborne on Twitter @MetroNYSports.
