Biggest takeaways from Day 2 of New York Giants training camp

The New York Giants were back on the field for their second training camp practice Thursday at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center.

Though the pads haven't come on yet during the first week of camp, the Giants have gotten some strong work in preparing for the season.

There were plenty of highlights and updates from the second training camp practice, including a certain rookie sensation stealing the show.

Here are the biggest takeaways from Thursday's training camp practice:

Takeaways from Day 2 of Giants training camp

Malik Nabers shines

The rookie sensation out of LSU had a stellar day , looking like the type of alpha receiver the Giants have missed since Odell Beckham Jr. was at the top of the depth chart. Most notably, Nabers had some dominant catches against Giants top corner Deonte Banks in 1-on-1 drills in the red zone.

Twice the No. 6 overall pick beat Banks for a touchdown in the end zone. The first came on a comeback route that Nabers set up nicely with a subtle push-off to create separation. The other was a beautiful back-shoulder catch in which Nabers showed off his elite body control and sticky hands.

The Giants need Nabers to step into that alpha role, and he's responding well so far.

Daniel Jones looked less rusty

It was expected that Jones would look a little off during his first practice back with the full team on Wednesday, and that's what happened. He bounced back nicely on Thursday, though, knocking off some of that rust.

According to Darryl Slater of NJ.com , Jones looked far better Thursday, including a deep touchdown pass to wide receiver Jalin Hyatt.

Jones got 23 reps and completed 9 of 13 passes.

Some of his highlights: He unleashed a crisp, on-the-money ball to Lawrence Cager for a touchdown. Jones really stepped into that one. Jones then threaded a tight-window throw to Malik Nabers. Jones’ best deep ball was a pretty 30-yard touchdown to Jalin Hyatt, into coverage. Late in practice, Daboll raved after Jones’ short pass to Wan’Dale Robinson. Jones had faced pressure, but did a nice job of scrambling and keeping his eyes up. A good throw on the run.

Jones will be the unquestioned starter to begin the season so it will be vital for him to stack days together in what is a crucial campaign for his career.

Injury report

PUP list: RT Evan Neal (ankle), TE Theo Johnson (hip), CB Aaron Robinson (knee)

NFI list : CB Stantley Thomas-Oliver (groin), S Jalen Mills (calf)

Veteran Jermaine Eluemunor (ribs) was held out of practice, but he seemingly avoided a major injury after exiting the first training camp practice early. Rookie safety Tyler Nubin (cramps) did not practice either.

Nick McCloud starting nickel?

Even though the Giants drafted Andru Phillips in the third round, the starting nickel cornerback through the first two practices has been McCloud. He's also been working some at free safety. Phillips did get some run with the first team, but McCloud has shown some upside, including a nice pass breakup in 1-on-1 drills against Wan'Dale Robinson.

This will be a vital position for the Giants defense, especially with Cor'Dale Flott shifting to the outside. Isaiah Simmons will get some looks in heavier packages, but it seems McCloud has the upper hand right now.

Four-wide receiver sets

An interesting wrinkle present with the Giants offense thus far has been their use of 10 personnel , according to Dan Duggan of The Athletic. Considering the wide receiver room is now one of the strongest units on the roster, we could see more of this from Brian Daboll's offense.

This also makes sense given the lack of depth in the tight end room. Theo Johnson is still on the PUP list so leaning into their strengths with Malik Nabers, Darius Slayton, Wan'Dale Robinson and Jalin Hyatt might be the move.

Quick notes

Rookie running back Tyrone Tracy has been sprinkling in reps with the first-team offense (Dan Duggan).

With Evan Neal and Jermaine Eluemunor unavailable at right tackle, it has been Aaron Stinnie working at left guard.

Undrafted free agent rookie linebacker Dyontae Johnson has seen first-team reps on defense in place of Micah McFadden (Dan Duggan).

Undrafted free agent rookie Jake Kubas has worked with the second-team offense at left guard while 2022 draft pick Marcus McKethan is in danger of losing his roster spot.

What's next?

The Giants are back on the field Friday morning for Day 3 of training camp with their first day off coming Saturday.