ESPN: At training camp, a rookie with the Giants seems to be vying for the starting job.

As the nickel, or third cornerback covering the slot, Nick McCloud, an experienced player, was practicing with the first team when the New York Giants reported for camp. But things seem to have changed at this position throughout the last week or so.

Big Blue View beat reporter Ed Valentine said on August 3 that “the rookie slot cornerback [Dru Phillips] has been taking an increasing number of first-team reps as training camp has begun to progress.” “Has made a couple of noteworthy plays in several of the recent practices I have been to,” the speaker continued.

However, Valentine isn’t the only person who has noticed the third-round selection choice. Dan Duggan of The Athletic reported that on July 28, Phillips started playing in the slot for the first team, while McCloud was moved to the second team.

According to Jordan Raanan, beat reporter for ESPN, on July 29, “rookie nickel Andru Phillips had a strong day.” At least once, he was in the backfield to stop a rushing play. The Giants’ preference for the third-round pick is understandable.

After making a smart interception in a one-on-one practice on July 30, Phillips gained more momentum on August 2 when he successfully broke up a pass against fellow rookie Malik Nabers.

On July 31, even Art Stapleton, a prominent backer of McCloud and a beat member for NorthJersey.com, admitted that “Dru Phillips is the nickel.” As the days go by at Giants camp, it seems like the youngster is staking claim to this starting position.

Although Phillips would eventually start at nickel, Stapleton questioned McCloud’s lack of experience playing opposite Deonte Banks at cornerback. a role that third-year CB Cor’Dale Flott presently occupies.

On July 31, he commented, “I’ll say it again: I don’t know why Nick McCloud hasn’t had more opportunities on the boundary at CB2.” “I want to see whether he can accomplish it; I’m not sure if he can. McCloud is enjoying himself greatly at camp.

“McCloud was on boundary late in practice yesterday with the 2s and 3s,” Stapleton continued, but he promised to “give him more looks there” over the summer.

McCloud appears to be the Giants secondary’s utility guy right now, which may be how Big Blue prefers to use the plus special team member.

He is versatile enough to play a variety of positions under defensive coordinator Shane Bowen’s scheme. Dime-backer, huge nickel, outside CB, nickel, and more. Even though he will likely start the season as a backup, having a talent like that at your disposal is a wonderful thing.