Giants key dates and offseason scheduleAs the Giants roster starts to come into shape, so does their offseason schedule. Coach Tom Coughlin will have his players available for their nine-week offseason program beginning April 21.
Until that time, Coughlin and new offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo aren't allowed to contact players (even quarterback Eli Manning) as they build their new offense. Manning will be allowed to finally provide input later this month.
There are strict rules to the NFL's offseason program that have been collectively bargained. April 21 is the first day the Giants are allowed to begin work as a team. Only teams with new head coaches can begin earlier. They are allowed two extra weeks of work.
The NFL offseason program is a conducted in three phases.
Phase 1: Strength and Conditioning -- Two weeks of strength and conditioning and physical rehabilitation only.
Phase 2: On-Field Workouts -- Three weeks of workouts that include individual player instruction and drills. Team practice conducted on a "separates" basis. Teams can practice as an offense and defensive group or by position, but no live contact or offense vs. defense team drills.
Phase 3: Organized Team Activities (OTAs) -- Four-week period that allows 10 days of OTA practices. No live contact, but teams can run 7-on7, 9-on-7, and 11-on-11 drills. Teams are also allowed to hold their one mandatory veteran minicamp during this period.
April 21 -- Beginning of offseason program
April 22 -- Players made available to media for first time of season
May 1 -- General manager Jerry Reese pre-draft press conference
May 8-10 -- NFL Draft
May 12 -- Rookie development program may begin (Giants exact schedule TBD)
May 28-30 -- OTAs workouts
June 2-3 -- OTA workouts
June 5 -- OTA workouts
June 9-10 -- OTA workouts
June 12-13 -- OTA workouts
June 17-19 -- Mandatory minicamp
http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2014/04/giants_key_dates_and_offseason_schedule.htmlThis post was edited by xnozx. on Apr 5 2014 04:45pm