In wake of Shepard injury, WR depth becomes focus
EASTRUTHERFORD » Of all the standouts through the first week of Giants training camp, the one that could have the most impact on his future is Darius Powe.
The 6-foot-3, 220-pound wide receiver has been a sure-handed target in teamperiods thus far, and after Sterling Shepard rolledhis ankleduringWednesday’s practice, Powe’s reps with the first-team offense increased.
Head coach BenMcAdoo said Thursday that the team is awaiting MRI results on Shepard. Even if the injury is only a lowankle sprain, as is the optimism around the team, it stands to reason that Shepard couldmiss at least some of the preseason.
Powe is on the bubble for one of likely six receiver spots on the 53-man roster, so even more time in the spotlight can be beneficial should he take advantage.
“It feels good to be out there with the 1s,” Powe said. “It definitely boosts your confidence. It’s what I live off of, play off of.”
Confidence in his abilities and route concepts is what Powe says has made the biggest difference in year two. He joined the Giants as an undrafted rookie out of Cal last spring, then gained vital experience as part of the practice squad all season after failing to survive final roster cuts in the summer. The team signed him to a two-year, $1.02 million futures contract in January.
During the Giants’ first two days of padded practices this week, Powe led all receivers— including Odell Beckhamand BrandonMarshall— with 10 catches during live team drills.
“I’ve had always had confidence in catching, so it was more just routes and then just knowing where you’re supposed to be and when you’re supposed to be there,” Powe said. “I feel like I’ve played a lot better just knowing that I’m better. I think the practice squad reps last year definitely helped with the confidence to perform this year.”
Powe has shown off a particularly strong rapport with backup quarterback Josh Johnson, and he feels he carries consistency and amuch stronger grasp of the playbook this year.
“He’s a big-body guy,” Johnson said. “We have a couple of those guys, so just being able to put the ball on them. They’re strong. They create separation with their strength. They’re nice, big targets.”
Powe is the team’s second-tallest receiver behind Marshall, so his value as a rangy possession receiver in addition to his experience in the system could pay dividends come time for cuts in about four weeks.
But he thinks his special teams ability, where he’d most likely contribute more this season, could be the determining factor.“I feel like it’s going to be a big part this year in making the team or not making the team again,” Powe said. “I played on every special teams (last training camp). I felt like I just didn’t make enough plays, tackles and stuff like that.”
Behind the Giants’ starting three receivers, Pro Bowl returner Dwayne Harris appears to be a lock for the roster, especially after he took a paycut in the offseason. That leaves Powe competingwith the likes of Tavarres King, Roger Lewis and Travis Rudolph for the final two spots in the unit.
Early returns in camp suggest Powe’s perseverance from his stint on the practice squad may pay off.
“It’s too early to judge,” Powe said, “but I’m just going to keep doing it. Keep getting interviews, I guess, is a good thing.”