It’s been a tough season so far for the Giants, but there have been some signs of optimism from their rookie class. Let’s check on the progress of this year’s rookies.
WR Malik Nabers
Nabers got off to a sensational start and is still on course to post a thousand-yard season, but his season has been disrupted by a concussion and his production seems to have stagnated somewhat. It’s also apparent that he’s been frustrated.
Although he consistently looks like their most dangerous weapon on offense, the Giants have struggled to get Nabers the ball at times and he hasn’t posted a 100-yard game or scored a touchdown since Week 4. Nevertheless, his talent is undeniable, and the Giants have clearly found themselves a potential star that they can build around.
S Tyler Nubin
Despite not receiving much fanfare, Nubin has started all 11 games and leads all NFL rookies with 81 tackles so far this season. He’s been consistent, as he hasn’t given up a touchdown in coverage or committed a defensive penalty, but the Giants would like to see more impact plays from him. Nubin has impressed with some of his hitting and had a nice pass break-up while covering All-Pro receiver Mike Evans last week.
CB Dru Phillips
Phillips has had a significant rotational role with the Giants this year, although he has only started four games. While he’s given up a few big plays in coverage, he’s arguably shown more playmaking ability than Nubin so far, as he’s been credited with six tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and a sack. Both Nubin and Phillips could provide the Giants with good depth in the secondary for the next few seasons.
TE Theo Johnson
Head coach Brian Daboll talked Johnson up during the offseason but his start to the season was underwhelming as he caught just three passes in the first four games. However, he’s been more involved since then, with 21 receptions in the past seven games, including four of over 20 yards and his first NFL touchdown. Johnson has dropped five passes and committed four penalties, but if he can become more consistent and improve his blocking, he has the potential to be a solid starter next season and beyond.
RB Tyrone Tracy
Tracy made the most of a Devin Singletary injury to capture the starting running back role with 100-yard games against the Seahawks, Steelers and Panthers. If he remains as the starter, he could even have a shot at a thousand-yard season.
While Tracy, who has also caught 22 passes and scored three touchdowns, has impressed with his power and burst, he’s fumbled four times, losing one in each of the last two games. He could see his playing time reduce until he can prove he has been working on improving his ball security.
LB Darius Muasau
Muasau actually leads the Giants in interceptions this season, although that’s because he’s the only Giants player to record one. Otherwise, he’s missed a couple of games due to injury and been unable to earn a regular spot in the defensive rotation yet. He played 18 defensive snaps on Sunday, though, which is the most action he’s seen since the opener, so look set to get more opportunities over the remainder of the year.
Undrafted rookie recap
Defensive lineman Elijah Chatman and guard Jake Kubas also made the roster, although Kubas hasn’t played yet. Chatman has made one start and recorded a sack and a fumble recovery, so he’s another player who could get a chance to prove himself if he gets to play more over the next month or so.
Conclusions
All of the Giants’ draft picks have contributed well, although that’s arguably because the roster lacks depth so there are plenty of available roles for these rookies to fill. Nevertheless, each of them has been trying to make the most of their opportunity.
Nabers and Tracy legitimately look like potential stars who could be cornerstone pieces on the Giants’ roster next season. However, the rest of their picks have also added some depth and potential to the roster. If they can continue to develop, this class could form the basis of a solid young nucleus for whoever is running the team after this season.
