It was easy to forget.

Watching all the Giants’ work this spring, all the time on the field, all the 7-on-7 drills and full-team periods, seeing quarterbacks Jaxson Dart, Jameis Winston and Brandon Allen firing the ball hither and yon to a bevy of targets — wide receivers, tight ends and running backs — it was easy to forget who was not out there.

Catches made, some routine, others more noteworthy. Yards after the catch. Tosses out of the backfield. Deep balls and over-the-shoulder receptions. There is no live rush to harass the throwers and no full pads worn to knock around the offensive playmakers. And, perhaps most importantly, no chance whatsoever for a punishing hit across the middle, a lack of fear that tends to empower guys who make a living hauling in the football.

Sometimes the defense won these matchups. More often, the offense succeeded, in keeping with the way it is supposed to go in the spring, otherwise known as the T-shirts and shorts competition. It looked as if there were enough guys on the roster capable of making a living as pass-catchers.