New York Giants' mandatory mini-camp preview: What to watch for

The New York Giants begin their mandatory mini-camp Tuesday at the Timex Performance Center. Here are five things I will be watching over the next three days -- and these have nothing to do with whether or not Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz show up.

The Rookies

Reports throughout OTAs have been that several 2013 draft choices have had promising moments, including defensive end Damontre Moore and running back Michael Cox. A few undrafted free agents, like wide receiver Brandon Collins, tight end Chase Clement and cornerback Charles James have also earned positive reviews. [Rookie camp photo gallery below].

Grid View

• Receiver Marcus Davis and cornerback Laron Scott fight for a pass [Jim O'Connor - USA Today Sports]
• Tom Coughlin addresses the media [Jim O'Connor - USA Today Sports]
• Offensive lineman at the ready [Jim O'Connor - USa Today Sports]
• Ryan Nassib talks to Kevin Gilbride [Jim O'Connor - USA Today Sports]
• Johnathan Hankins [Jim O'Connor - USa Today Sports]
• Damontre Moore [Jim O'Connor - USA Today Sports]
• Running back Michael Cox [Jim O'Connor - USA Today Sports]
• Offesnive lineman Eric Herman [JHim O'Connor - USA Today Sports]
• Offensive lineman Michael Jasper [Jim O'Connor - USA Today Sports]
• Ryan Nassib throws a pass [Jim O'Connor - USA Today Sports]
• Tight end Morgan Newton with the ball [Jim O'Connor - USA Today Sports]
• First-round pick Justin Pugh [Jim O'Connor - USA Today Sports]

The Linebackers

There is soooo much discussion of linebackers here at Big Blue View it will be nice to see them with my own eyes over the next few days. I will be especially interested in a few things. Is Mark Herzlich really ahead in the middle linebacker competition? How well are Jacquain Williams and Aaron Curry moving around? Does Kyle Bosworth look like he can do more than contribute on special teams?

Cornerbacks Not Named Prince

Mini-Camp Rules

Here are the CBA guidelines NFL teams follow during mini-camp.

Can Corey Webster cover anybody? Does Jayron Hosley look like he has made progress from last season? Can Terrell Thomas get on the field? Do Trumaine McBride and Charles James look capable of competing for roster spots? These are a few of the things I will be hoping to gain clues about.

Right Tackle

I will be curious to see not only who looks like they might be playing well between David Diehl, James Brewer and Pugh, but how the snaps are distributed. It will, of course, be tough to get a real read in shorts and no pads, but I'm sure we can learn a little bit.

Young Defensive Ends

With Jason Pierre-Paul out and Justin Tuck searching for his missing Pro Bowl form, the spotlight has been on the plethora of young defensive ends on the current roster. Adrian Tracy and Moore have gotten most of the attention thus far. Adewale Ojomo, Justin Trattou and Matt Broha will be aiming to change that.

Final Thoughts

What have I left out? Are there any specific players you would like me to focus on while watching practice the next three days? Remember, it will still be difficult to get a read on certain aspects of how a player might perform under live conditions as players will be in shorts and t-shirts with no pads, no tackling, no bump-and-run coverage and no live pass rush permitted.

There will be live practice reports, which you can follow on Twitter @bigblueview and, hopefully, here on the website. There will also be a practice open thread for your enjoyment.

Mini-Camp Schedule

Tuesday, June 11
Wednesday, June 12
Thursday, June 13

Practices are closed to the public.