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Former Syracuse quarterback Ryan Nassib has been impressive during the Giants rookie minicamp

(Tony Kurdzuk/The Star-Ledger)

UPDATE: Giants make several roster moves.

Quarterback Ryan Nassib, who was snubbed for the first two days of the NFL Draft, has proved to be a quick study and has caught the attention of coach Tom Coughlin.

Nassib, who was projected to go in the first round in mock drafts, lasted until the fourth round (110th overall) despite a record-setting career at Syracuse. The Giants are looking savvy for trading up six spots to get him.

During their two-day minicamp that ended Saturday, Nassib has displayed a command of the huddle, an understanding of the playbook and a strong arm.

"I think probably one of the things that continues to grow on you is the way the quarterback is," Coughlin said. "He responded to a new system — first time ever and was showing some ability to lead in the huddle and the huddle pays attention to him. The offensive line seems to have responded pretty well to him. He is throwing the ball on occasion well."

Prior to the start minicamp, the 6-2, 228-pound Nassib had little more than a few hours to study the Giants playbook.

"I’ve definitely felt a little more comfortable as these practices have gone on," Nassib said. "I’m starting to get the terminology down."

Draft day was a downer for Nassib, who was passed up several times by his college coach Doug Marrone, the new coach of the Bills. Buffalo took Florida State quarterback E.J. Manuel (16th overall) instead.

"I kind of prepared myself going in," Nassib said. "It’s not just him making the decision. It’s the whole organization.

"At the time, yeah, I was a little bit anxious, but when I got the call from a New Jersey phone number, I was ecstatic. At the end of the day, I landed in a great spot. I’m playing for a great team. It (dropping in the draft) is a big motivation, for sure. It’s not something you really talk about, though. You keep it in."

Nassib says he knows it may be a long wait behind quarterback Eli Manning. But he’s okay with that.

"As a competitor, you wish you could go out there and play," he said. "But when it comes to taking this as a career, this is definitely a smart career move for a guy like myself to be able to sit and (learn).

"There are all kinds of stories out there (about quarterbacks waiting their turn). The (Aaron) Rodgers, the (Joe) Montanas of the world. Steve Young. That’s kind of my goal right now. That’s kind of where I’m headed."

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The Giants announced the signing of six players at the conclusion of their rookie minicamp this afternoon: DT Frank Okam, TE Michael Palmer, WR Jeremy Horne, DBs Junior Mertile and John Stevenson and LB Aaron Curry, who was signed on Friday.

To create room on their roster, they released T Levy Adcock, WR Marcus Davis, DB Budy Jackson, LB Charleus Dieseul, DT Bobby Skinner and K Jake Rogers.

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Coughlin weighed in on newly-signed linebacker Aaron Curry, who was signed on Friday, for the first time.

“He worked out well for us,” Coughlin said. “He was the fourth pick in the draft. I looked at some of the grades on him and the grades were outstanding. He’s anxious to have an opportunity and we’re anxious to provide one. Hopefully, the two will meet.”