ESPN Giants reporter Jordan Raanan says as long as star players are working out in preparation for the season, it isn't a big deal if they miss OTAs. (1:49)

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- The key word related to the NFL's organized team activities is "voluntary." Players are not obligated to attend, no matter their stature of resume.

Odell Beckham Jr.’s absence still has managed to garner plenty of attention. It’s understandable given his track record the past couple of years and the way last season ended.

In an ideal world, Beckham would be with his New York Giants teammates instead of working out in Los Angeles and snapping pictures with Johnny Manziel. He’s not at OTAs, but he’s also not the only player skipping them.

Defensive end Olivier Vernon was not at OTA No. 6 on Friday. Neither was offensive lineman Justin Pugh, cornerback Janoris Jenkins, defensive end Owa Odighizuwa, safety Nat Berhe and linebacker Jonathan Casillas, who spent the morning attending his daughter’s kindergarten graduation. Cornerback Eli Apple, wide receiver Brandon Marshall and tight end Rhett Ellison were held out of Friday’s workout because they were “sore,” according to coach Ben McAdoo.

Odell Beckham Jr. has not been with his teammates at Giants OTAs, but he's not alone in working out on his own. Geoff Burke/USA TODAY Sports

These are just footnotes to the offseason. Even if McAdoo would prefer that his entire roster were present for OTAs, especially his star players, their absences are simply a product of the system. All you need to do is look around the league.

In the NFC East alone:

OTAs serve their purpose. It’s an opportunity to get new signings and rookies integrated into the team’s culture and system. It allows for some practice time in May. But it’s hardly indicative of what will occur during the season.

Wide receiver DeSean Jackson was rarely with his now-former team, the Redskins, the past few offseasons. He performed just fine. Former Colts center Jeff Saturday said recently on NFL Live that the Colts used to have receivers who either have made or could soon make the Hall of Fame rarely show during voluntary OTAs. That seemed to work out just fine for those Peyton Manning-led teams.

This is the NFL. This is the offseason. And these are voluntary OTAs. Whether you agree with it or not, Beckham is just one of many.