Eli Manning’s reputation as a prankster precedes him, which is why, even though Manning isn’t around, rookie quarterback Ryan Nassib admits he’s on alert as he participates in the Giants two-day rookie mini-camp that kicked off Friday.
“I’m going into my locker very carefully and making sure I don’t break too much stuff in the locker room,’’ Nassib said between practice sessions. “I’m expecting something, but that’s just the way it works. It happens all the time. It’s just the way it is when you’re a rookie. It’s memories. It’s going to be fun.’’
In his first practice, Nassib showed good movement, stepping both to his left and right on rollouts. On consecutive plays, he connected with Marcus Sales, an undrafted receiver who played with Nassib at Syracuse, on passes to the right and left sideline. In the 7-on-7 drill, Nassib hit Morgan Newton, an undrafted rookie tight end from Kentucky, over the middle. Later on, though, Nassib overthrew one of his former Syracuse teammates, tight end Nick Provo, and was intercepted by safety John Stevenson, an undrafted rookie safety from Georgia Southern.
“He did well,’’ coach Tom Coughlin said. “He was poised; picked it up well.’’
* The Giants signed four of their draft picks: DT Johnathan Hankins, DE Damontre Moore, safety Cooper Taylor and RB Michael Cox. … Six rookie free agents were signed: RB Jeremy Wright (Louisville), WR Marcus Davis (Virginia Tech), LB Etienne Sabino (Ohio State), LB Charles Dieuseul (Mount Union), defensive backs Alonzo Tweedy (Virginia Tech) and Charles James (Charleston Southern).
First-round pick Justin Pugh said he heeded the advice of guard Chris Snee and got himself his first credit card, knowing he’s going to have to foot the bill once the veterans arrive. Pugh lined up at right tackle in his first practices.
* Offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride said he’s not sweating the lack of a contract for WR Victor Cruz because, “I guess I have great confidence that it’s going to get done so I don’t give it a lot of thought.’’
* DE Damontre Moore, the third-round pick, said when he got to his locker he found a note from Justin Tuck that read: “Hope you’re ready to work.’’
* Tim McDonnell, the grandson of the late Wellington Mara, has joined the Giants’ pro scouting staff. He spent the previous eight years working in the Notre Dame football program. Joe Danos of Florida State has been added to the Giants coaching staff as a strength and conditioning assistant. Matt Shauger has been named the assistant director of pro personnel.