By PAUL SCHWARTZ
Posted: 7:19 pm
July 22, 2008
The Giants could not make it work with Jeremy Shockey, but they will have all seven of their draft picks signed and ready to report to Albany Thursday for the start of training camp. The club today agreed to terms with first-round pick Kenny Phillips, assuring that the coveted rookie will be in camp and ready to compete for the starting free safety spot.
Phillips was the last draft pick to sign. He was impressive during the spring, making an immediate impression during the rookie mini-camp. The Giants rated him as the best safety in the entire draft and were thrilled he was sitting there for them with the 31st overall pick. At present, second-year Michael Johnson is listed as the starting free safety on the depth chart but that could and likely will change once Phillips gets acclimated to the NFL game.
The competition for the starting strong safety spot also figures to be hot and heavy, with returning James Butler pushed by veteran free agent addition Sammy Knight.
All players must report Thursday morning. The first practice for the defending Super Bowl champions is Friday morning.
