Dalvin Tomlinson Felt “Pretty Good” About First Day In Pads

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Jonathan Casillas said Sunday that he was really looking forward to seeing how rookie defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson would perform when the New York Giants began practicing in pads. The Giants did so for the first time on Tuesday. Tomlinson did not make any “splash” plays, but the second-round pick said he felt “pretty good about his day.

“It was more exciting than anything. It was a little nerve-racking also because the first day of pads is just; it’s the first day of pads. Every year is going to be a little nerve-racking,” Tomlinson said. “I’m more excited than anything to get out there and just do what I do on the football field.”

Here are a few other takeaways from Tomlinson’s chat with the media.

On whether he thinks he can be a starter at defensive tackle ...

“I feel like I can grab that spot because it’s one of those spots you have to be physical in there every single play and I’m that type of player to go in there and be physical. You have to be out here soaking into the team to play that position because – defensive tackle – you make a lot of plays, but also you have to open up a place for other people. So, you have to go in there and be aggressive and physical every single play.”

NOTE: Tomlinson has worked mostly with the second-team, which continued to be the case Tuesday.

On teaming with Damon Harrison ...

“I feel like he’s the best defensive tackle nose guard in the NFL. I have a lot to learn from him still. I go out there every day with him just keep learning the small things with him and he’s getting me better as a whole player. The more and more I play beside him, the more and more I get comfortable playing there.”

On adjusting to the NFL ...

“It’s different, but there’s a lot of stuff that’s similar. Coach (Nick) Saban at ‘Bama ran a big program – a big college program and it’s probably one of the closest things to an NFL team. But, NFL is a whole different league up here and it’s more mental than anything.”