Big Blue View
Good morning, New York Giants fans!
22. New York Giants. When Russell Wilson is taking more late-career dropbacks in hopes that his early-career athleticism will suddenly return, I’ll be tuned in elsewhere. But they get the rookie quarterback bump if and when Jaxson Dart gets on the field and a star player bump with Malik Nabers (though much of his production unfortunately comes in the form of speed outs and curls that aren’t as fun to watch).
The most entertaining part of this franchise will be the defense, specifically the pass rush. I will be glued to my seat in Week 1 when Abdul Carter joins Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodea/ux for his first third-and-long opportunity. If that group is all we hope it will be, I’ll be in the same seat for all subsequent weeks.
Wide receiver (7): Malik Nabers, Darius Slayton, Wan’Dale Robinson, Beaux Collins (rookie), Jalin Hyatt, Lil’ Jordan Humphrey, Ihmir Smith-Marsette
Collins, the rookie from Notre Dame, goes from being undrafted to a roster lock. Bryce Ford-Wheaton’s season-ending torn Achilles removes a receiver from the fold and clears a spot for Miller, the running back, to slide in. Picking between slot receiver Montrell Washington and Humphrey is tough. The Giants should have competition for Robinson in the slot, but Humphrey offers veteran savvy and run blocking. So Washington, Gunner Olszewski, Dalen Cambre and Juice Wells Jr. all have a chance to end up on the practice squad.
In the age-old battle of weighing production against potential, the Giants could choose to believe that a breakout still is near for 2023 third-round pick Jalin Hyatt.
Best-case scenario: Carter lives up to the hype— and then some— becoming the first rookie to post double-digit sacks since his fellow former Penn State star, Micah Parsons. Comps to Parsons appear to be legit, as Carter proves he’s one of the most talented and tenacious defensive players in the league.
18. New York Giants. What expectations are fair for Abdul Carter? If we look at all the rookie pass rushers who have been drafted in the top five since 2000, the average production is 5.7 sacks across a season....
