New York Giants OTAs: Coughlin says 'progress slow' with new offense

Following the New York Giants' ninth OTA session of the offseason on Thursday, head coach Tom Coughlin met the media to update the team's progress.

The big news of the day was linebacker Jon Beason being carted off the field with an unspecified foot injury, but Coughlin also hit on a variety of other topics. Perhaps the most popular theme of OTAs has been the natural amount of time it will take to adopt new offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo's West Coast offense.

"It's slow, to be honest with you," Coughlin said of the offense's adaptation. "Progress is slow but steady. Some days, of course, are better than others. But, you know, we're getting there. We're getting there. There's a lot of things that have to be converted in the guys who have been here, in their minds and the new people who have not been in a system such as this, you've got a lot to learn. It's a work in progress."

Much of that "slowness" is of course due to the fact that this is still only mid-June. Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., for instance, has been hampered by a hamstring issue and the team is still being cautious with the first-round pick. Running back David Wilson still has not been cleared for camp and left tackle Will Beatty is not expected to practice until training camp.

The Giants also have a very wide-open situation at tight end, where newcomers Kellen Davis and Daniel Fells join the returning Adrien Robinson and Larry Donnell. Robinson might be the favorite to start, though both he and Donnell are exciting prospects and only 25 years old. Regardless, there hasn't been much separation within the group, which isn't necessarily a bad thing at this point.

"What I do like is the fact that the young guys have jumped in there and done, I think, a good job of understanding what's been asked of them and really doing well in limiting their assignment errors," Coughlin said.

"Pretty much it's another [standout] day-by-day. Somebody will do something well one day and then someone else on another day."

Stevie Brown 'on target'

Fully healthy and back with the first-team defense, Stevie Brown continues to makes progress while working back into game shape following his torn ACL last year.

Thursday, Coughlin said Brown's progress has been "very much encouraging," which is critical considering the Giants' secondary has already lost Will Hill and Jayron Hosley (at least for the first four games of the season).

"He's been pretty much right on target," Coughlin said, "but he hasn't missed anything, which is great."

With Antrel Rolle at strong safety, Brown will likely battle Quintin Demps for the starting free safety spot.

Devon Kennard a fast learner

Rookie linebacker Devon Kennard continues to pick up the Giants' defense "very well," according to Coughlin. After drafting the former USC linebacker in the fifth round, the Giants began Kennard at the SAM and MIKE linebacker spots. Thursday, Coughlin said Kennard has mostly been working in the middle and on all special teams units.

Kennard was always considered an intelligent, versatile player, and he could prove to be a steal as a fifth-round pick if he's able to crack the Giants' depth chart. Considering that group's struggles last year -- as well as whatever ends up happening with Beason's injury -- Kennard has a fine opportunity in front of him.

"He's picked things up very well," Coughlin said. "He's very smart, very good on the board. He's done a nice job on the field, a good job on special teams. We're excited about him. A nice big kid, strong kid."