The Facts:
Barden did one of the things he's always done well during Wednesday's OTA session when he used his big frame to box out a defender and make the catch. While OC Kevin Gilbride says he wishes the 6-6, 224-pounder was "two-tenths of a second faster," a handful of his 15 career catches have been tough ones with players on top of him like that. "That's part of his skill set and what he can bring to the table," said Kevin M. Gilbride, the IC's son and the team's WRs coach. "But he still has areas he needs to improve on to create separation from defenders."
Reported by the Newark Star-Ledger
Fantasy Football Diehards Line:
As Star-Ledger staffer Mike Garafolo notes, Barden and a few other Giants receivers are also driven by an opportunity in front of them right now. With Hakeem Nicks sidelined until about mid-August with a broken foot suffered last week, there's an open audition for someone to make an impact and shake off a label. For Barden, it's a chance to show he can be consistent. For the unknowns, they can prove HC Tom Coughlin's vow to look "for the next Victor Cruz" on the roster is a worthwhile search. And for Domenik Hixon, it's about coming back from his second torn ACL in as many years. While Nicks should be ready for the season opener on Sept. 5, others are trying to show they could fill the void nonetheless. "I don't think people are looking at me at all. I'm just kind of flying under the radar, which is fine with me," Hixon said. "To have low expectations and hopefully perform real well."
Profile
Home
