The New York Giants are likely to have anywhere from 10 to 12 rookies on their 2020 roster. They used all of their 10 choices and went and signed a few undrafted players as well this spring.
Here’s a list of those players in the order of their importance (from most to least).
Andrew Thomas, offensive tackle
The fourth overall selection out of Georgia this year is a complete tackle who plays the run and pass protects very well. He can play both the left and the right side. He becomes the most important rookie now that the starting left tackle, Nate Solder, has opted out for this year. The Giants ideally would love to see Andrew Thomas come in at left tackle and own the position from Day 1 and never look back.
Darnay Holmes, defensive back
The Giants have been adding defensive backs religiously every year since Dave Gettleman took over as the general manger two and a half years ago. With DeAndre Baker on the commissioner’s exempt list, the Giants need someone to step up and compliment free agent addition James Bradberry. That player could be Holmes, who is actually more of a slot corner, but don’t be surprised if this fourth round pick sees reps on the outside as well.
Xavier McKinney, safety
McKinney was the Giants’ second round selection this year and many believed he was a first round talent. McKinney is full service safety, something the Giants haven’t had since Antrel Rolle. He will fill the role handled by Antoine Bethea last year but with much younger legs and hopefully an eye on creating turnovers. Nothing against the 35-year old Bethea, who led the Giants in tackles last season, but McKinney has a chance to be special here.
Shane Lemieux, offensive lineman
If Lemieux can come in and win the center job, the Giants will be thrilled. That won’t be easy for him as he played strictly guard during his college career at Oregon. The Giants love the tenacity this fifth round pick brings to the offensive line and are hopeful he can make the transition to center this summer.
Binjimen Victor, wide receiver
The Ohio State prospect went undrafted, mainly because this was one of the deepest wide receiver classes in recent memory. That doesn’t mean much now. Victor is in camp and ready to prove his worth. At 6-feet-4, Victor will add length to the Giants’ receiving corps, hopefully creating mismatches and becoming a red zone threat. But first, he’d got to make the team. That won’t be easy for UDFAs to do without preseason games.
Matt Peart, offensive tackle
Peart, the Giants’ third round pick this year, is said to be more of a project for 2020. He may not have that latitude any longer given the Solder situation. The thinking is that once Peart is up to speed, he will possibility take over at left tackle and Thomas will shift over to the right side. That won’t happen on Day 1, but we could see something like that happen this season depending on Peart’s progress.
Javon Leake, running back
Leake’s position got stronger with the release of Jon Hilliman on Sunday. His ability to return kicks will make the UDFA out of Maryland a valuable asset if he can win the job.
The others
Linebacker Tae Crowder, this year’s Mr. Irrelevant, was placed on the non-football injury list with a foot ailment. As a seventh round pick, his prospects of making the roster were limited and now his chances could be even slimmer.
The Giants drafted three other linebackers — Cam Brown, T.J. Brunson and Carter Coughlin — who don’t appear to be ready to challenge for starting roles. Another seventh rounder, cornerback Chris Williamson, will also have to fight for a role in a crowded DB field.
As for UDFAs, there are wide receivers Austin Mack of Ohio State and LSU’s Derrick Dillon who will have to wow the coaches to make this roster, as will Rysen John, a tight end project from Canada.
