Defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins may be the most important piece of the Giants‘ defense this season, but he’s also not getting a ton of attention from onlookers. That’s just fine with him, as Newsday’s Tom Rock writes. However, after racking up seven sacks in 2014, that could all change. He also might get more attention now that defensive line coach Robert Nunn plans to use Hankins more on passing downs.
“He kind of started showing up a year ago. When we would get in one-on-one pass rush, he was doing some good things and he got his opportunity and took advantage of it,” Nunn said. “If he’s producing, he’s definitely going to be in there. He’s definitely going to have that opportunity to get in there in some rush situations.”
Here’s more out of the NFC East..
- Linebacker Sean Lee, who missed the 2014 season after tearing the ACL in his left knee, says he’s coming along well, Rainer Sabin of The Dallas Morning News writes. It’s not clear if he’ll be on the field for Thursday’s preseason opener, but Lee says that he’s up to the task. “His rehab has gone really well,” Cowboys coach Jason Garrett said. “He’s making progress every day. I think we have done a good job as an organization of being deliberate with him and his return…It’s good to see him getting more work over the last couple of days.”
- Former Eagles cornerback Cary Williams stirred things up when he said he and his teammates were “exhausted” toward the end of the year due to Chip Kelly’s intense practices. Now, David Murphy of the Daily News wonders if JaCorey Shepherd’s injury gives credence to those claims.
- It’s still early, but Rich Tandler of CSNWashington.com took his best guest at predicting Washington‘s 53-man roster. Tandler projects that running back Silas Redd will be among the final cuts in camp, especially if Chris Thompson stays healthy. Thompson currently has the edge because of his speed, though Redd has time to overtake him in the coming weeks.