The Giants drafted Boise State safety Darian Thompson in the third round thanks in large part to his football smarts and ballhawking abilities.

The rookie put both on display on one play Monday during the team's seventh organized team activity practice of the spring.

During a two-minute drill session that pitted the first team offense against the first team defense, with the simulated scenario the offense needed a touchdown to win the game, Thompson ended those hopes, picking off an Eli Manning pass after it bounced off Odell Beckham Jr.'s hands.

Thompson then quickly and calmly took a knee, rather than advance the interception, realizing the game situation called for him to sit on the ball with the offense having only one remaining timeout.

It's early, but Thompson has impressed so far this offseason, and he is getting frequent reps with the first team, putting himself firmly in the mix to earn the second safety job opposite Landon Collins.

"DT is a guy who looks like he is comfortable in his skin, he can communicate well and we know he has good balls skills," head coach Ben McAdoo said. "That showed up in his stat line and on his film study, and he is making the most of his opportunities."

Other observations from Monday's practice, the last one open to reporters before next week's mandatory three-day minicamp:

JPP on the right side. So far during the offseason program, the Giants have been working Vernon as the right defensive end (going up against the opposing left tackle) and Jason Pierre-Paul as the left defensive end. But with Vernon not in attendance (see below), Pierre-Paul lined up on the right side during team drills, with Owa Odighizuwa at the left defensive end spot.

Pick-six. Thompson's college teammate, cornerback Donte Deayon, picked off a Ryan Nassib pass during team drills for what amounted to an interception return for a touchdown in the practice setting. Deayon, who is a bit undersized, has flashed so far during OTAs. If he continues to do so, he could be a contender for a reserve cornerback spot.

Not in attendance. Wide receiver Dwayne Harris, defensive ends Olivier Vernon and Kerry Wynn, and defensive tackle Damon Harrison were all not at the voluntary practice. McAdoo said he expected everyone back this week, and that all the absent players communicated to him they would not be there Monday.

Injuries. The following players were out of practice, or working to the side or off the field with injuries, not all of which are specified: Wideout Victor Cruz, safety Cooper Taylor, defensive tackle Montori Hughes, running back Orleans Darkwa and offensive linemen Ryan Seymour and Byron Stingily.

Wideout notes. Undrafted free agents Roger Lewis and K.J. Maye both made impressive catches. Lewis has stood out so far during OTAs. ... With Beckham back at practice, he and Geremy Davis started as the outside receivers during team drills with rookie Sterling Shepard in the slot. ... Wideouts Myles White, Tavarres King and Lewis also got some first team work. ... Will Tye was the first tight end out Monday, but the Giants have been rotating frequently at that spot so far this offseason.

Work in progress. Rookie tight end Jerell Adams appeared to have another drop, this one coming during two-minute drill near the goal line. Adams had to leap for the Nassib pass, and he was covered, but it looked like it was a throw he should have come down with.

The playlist. I'm not going to start running down everything the Giants' eclectic in-practice jukebox has to offer, but I will make a habit of pointing out some highlights each day. So here goes:

Best song. When the media first got to practice, the Red Hot Chili Peppers' 'Give it Away' was blasting. Close runner-up: Charlie Daniels' 'The Devil Went Down To Georgia.'

Worst song. A few moments later, though, things took a precipitous decline as Blink-182's 'First Date' was keyed up.

Of note. McAdoo loves his TV tunes. The themes from 'The Price is Right,' 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' and 'Sanford and Son' were played Monday.

It's officially over. I have not seen one stretching band anywhere.

James Kratch can be reached at jkratch@njadvancemedia.com or by leaving a note in the comments below. Follow him on Twitter @JamesKratch. Find and like NJ.com Giants on Facebook.