Getting the most out of padded practice, “squeezing all the juice out of the orange” as New York Giants coach Ben McAdoo would say, is important for NFL teams because there are so few padded workouts. They are especially critical for “bubble” players or young guys trying catch the attention of the coaching staff in hopes of earning a roster spot.
Such was the case on Tuesday for two young Giants competing for what they hope will be one spot on the 53-man roster — fullbacks Shane Smith and Jacob Huesman.
A fullback’s job is to be a physical force, to lead a running back up into a hole and knock whoever is in the way — linebacker, defensive lineman, safety, whoever — out of the way.