Dante Miller, Beaux Collins making cases for Giants roster spots with strong special teams play

New York Post

2 days ago

Access the Giants like never before
Get texts from Paul Schwartz with all the latest Giants news and insights, exclusive to Sports+ subscribers. tRY IT NOW
Dante 'Turbo' Miller has the moniker for a reason.
'Turbo lives up to his nickname, real speed,' special teams coordinator Michael Ghobrial said Monday. 'The one thing that you see in practice, as well, is he has really good practice demeanor, so you see the very intentional and deliberate practice habits show up in the game. You see his ability to run by a vice, and he's a very willing and physical tackler when those opportunities present [themselves].'
Advertisement
Miller, who went undrafted last year, spent most of last season on the practice squad, though he was active for two games.
This time around, he has flashed in training camp and preseason games and has a real shot to make the roster.
4 Dante Miller reacts during the Giants' preseason game against the Jets on Aug. 16.
Getty Images
Advertisement
He was named Offensive Player of the Game in the Giants' preseason opener against the Bills, hauling in seven catches for 80 yards.
But it was his contribution in the Giants' second preseason game — against the Jets on Saturday — that better represents his path toward a roster spot.
Miller was used as a gunner on special teams and downed a punt at the 5-yard line and assisted on a tackle on the kickoff team.
Advertisement
He also returned one kickoff.
Tyrone Tracy Jr., Cam Skattebo and Devin Singletary are all ahead of Miller at running back, though Skattebo's availability for the season opener certainly is in question.
Skattebo missing time would only help Miller, but special teams is where he needs to impress to earn a sustainable role.
4 Dante Miller runs with the ball during the Giants' Aug. 16 preseason game.
Imagn Images
Advertisement
And he's grown more and more adept in that area.
Receiver Beaux Collins, an undrafted rookie, is in a similar situation.
He's made plays throughout training camp and preseason games, but a place on special teams is where he can best find his way onto the roster.
4 Beaux Collins makes a catch during the Giants' Aug. 16 preseason game against the Jets.
Bill Kostroun for the NY Post
4 Beaux Collins (8) gets congratulated by his Giants teammates during their preseason game Aug. 16.
Getty Images
'Beaux is, first of all, the person is built the right way,' Ghobrial said. 'He wants to do everything right, and you can tell he's a football player, so I think [he's] instinctual, I think he's tough, I think he's a strong player and obviously has that long speed, so those are all things that can contribute to him being a good special-teams player.
'We certainly want to continue to see him in those roles, but in terms of the person, he's just bought in completely to being the best football player he can be and doing whatever it takes to help this football team, so it's cool to see that kid have success, and I know he's going to be driven to keep going.'
Go behind the scenes with Big Blue
Sign up for Inside the Giants by Paul Schwartz, a weekly Sports+ exclusive.
Thank you
Enter your email address
Please provide a valid email address.
By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Enjoy this Post Sports+ exclusive newsletter!
Check out more newsletters
Advertisement
Defensive coordinator Shane Bowen thinks the competition for the second cornerback spot is benefiting both Deonte Banks and Cor'Dale Flott.
'I feel like both of them have made some plays. Even going back to the spring, they were both getting their hands on the football,' Bowen said. 'I do feel like they're both, the competition is making them both better. I do. I think there's been production there that we didn't necessarily see as much this time last year from both those guys.'