TGI’s Rookie Report

Here’s how New York’s eight draft picks have fared during the opening week of training camp.

Aaron Ross – What a difference a week makes. Ross looked lost at times early in camp. Within days, he was playing at a very high level, enough so that Tom Coughlin sought him out to praise his level of play after one practice. He’s going to be a good one.

Steve Smith – He’s going to be a great one. He would have been at the top of our ‘Who’s hot’ list if we didn’t have to save him for this ‘Rookie Report.’ He runs great routes, already has the offense down and catches everything in his zip code. New York might just have landed another Amani Toomer here, albeit much younger and a little faster as well.

Jay Alford – There have certainly been flashes, such as numerous clean swim move victories in one-on-one drills, but Alford still needs to pick up the defense some and get off the ball a little quicker. His quick closing speed won’t be on display until game action begins. The fact that he can short-snap for field goals is an added bonus. Given time, he’ll be fine.

Zak DeOssie – The veterans ahead of DeOssie better look out because New York’s fourth-round pick is a lock to make the team. He’s extremely quick in pursuit and coverage for a big man and seems to have inherited the instincts for the game from his old man. If the Giants keep six LBs, DeOssie’s presence is going to make Reggie Torbor or Gerris Wilkinson expendable.

Kevin Boss – If he can show even the slightest blocking ability, he might just be the steal of New York’s draft. Boss can run like an antelope and has very soft, dependable hands as well. It sure is fun watching number 89 run seam patterns; just like the old days.

Adam Koets – The only thing that’s stood out about Koets so far is how much smaller he seems than his listed size (6-5, 300) and his short reach. While the Giants continue to give him reps at tackle, due to his quick feet, he seems to have guard written all over him.

Michael Johnson – He really hasn’t stood out yet, which could be a good thing for a member of the secondary. The season-ending injury to Jason Bell could go a long way toward Johnson making the final 53.

Ahmad Bradshaw – He’s been everything the Giants said he would be. A lightning-quick, shifty, crafty running back that can blow through holes and also catch the ball well. If he keeps working and keeps his head on straight, the sky really is the limit for the final pick.