GIANT NOTES

ALBANY – With negotiations moving at a slow pace, the Giants did not really expect defensive tackle William Joseph, their first-round draft pick, to make it to training camp yesterday for reporting day.

Joseph was the lone no-show, predictably annoying Jim Fassel.

“It doesn’t make me feel good, because I’m going to limit some guys up front to start with and it would be a great opportunity for him to get a lot of reps,” Fassel said. “I never take kindly to it. They’ve had a long time to work this damn thing out and it should get worked out.”

Joseph did attend the rookie and veteran mini-camps and does have a basic understanding of the Giants defense, but he can use all the work he can get. The first practice session of camp comes this morning. Cornerback Rod Babers, a fourth-round pick from Texas, signed yesterday. Joseph remains in Florida and will not be on the field for the first practice.

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Last year, all eyes were on Tiki Barber and Michael Strahan as they arrived at camp, as the two exchanged angry words during the offseason in a public verbal feud. There is no such soap opera this time around.

“No controversy?” Barber said, responding to a question. “Who can I talk about to get us a little fire?”

Former Giants DT Robert Harris is at camp working as a coaching assistant . . . Of all the newcomers, Fassel seems excited about one in particular. “I think [Jeff] Feagles is the best punter in the league,” Fassel said.

Barber went through an entire offseason hearing about how his twin brother, Ronde, won the Super Bowl with the Bucs.

“I didn’t get too much heat until he actually got the ring, which is beautiful, 52 diamonds,” Barber said. “It doesn’t fit my finger anyway, so I couldn’t steal it if I wanted to.”