The New York Giants made 10 selections in the 2019 NFL Draft and signed several undrafted free agents afterward. Their roster is loaded with first- and second-year players, but for our purposes, we are looking at the rookies on the roster and how they’ve fared thus far this season.
Quarterback Daniel Jones (R1, Pick 6)
The selection of Jones was widely panned by critics, mainly because many felt he could be have been had either later in the round or even later in the draft. No one is challenging the Giants’ selection of him now, even though Jones has had his issues with turnovers and poor decisions. Jones has had some a-ha moments as well as some cringe-worthy ones, but overall it appears the Giants have their successor to Eli Manning. The fans are just going to have to live life on the roller coaster for a while until he fixes his ball security problems.
Defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence (R1, Pick 17)
Lawrence is a big man, no question. He has been impressive at times, manhandling seasoned offensive linemen and causing disruption in opponents’ backfields. Going into this week’s game in Detroit, Lawrence was Pro Football Focus’ highest-rated defensive rookie with a grade of 87.2. Some have said Lawrence might be better suited in a four-man front, but he seems to be handling the nose pretty well thus far.
Cornerback Deandre Baker (R1, Pick 30)
Baker was the winner of the Jim Thorpe Award at Georgia and did not allow a touchdown in his final college season. All of that has been forgotten here in New York. Baker has the ability to lock down receivers when given the chance. The Giants have him playing 8-10 yards off the line of scrimmage, which takes his top strength away. As a result, Baker has been a day late and a dollar short on way too many plays. But he isn’t alone. The entire secondary appears to be confused in James Bettcher’s scheme, whatever that is.
Linebacker Oshane Ximines (R3, Pick 95)
Along with Lawrence, Ximines is one of the two players the Giants selected with the picks they got in the OBJ trade. The X-man has shown some propensity to rush the passer and has two sacks and three QB hits this season. He’s played 55% of the defensive snaps and 65% of the special teams snaps. To be truthful, Ximines needs to be given a steady assignment in order for him to realize his potential in this league.
Defensive back Julian Love (R4, Pick 108)
Love was considered by some to be a real steal in the fourth round, a very active and productive player out of Notre Dame. That has not translated over to the NFL for Love. He’s played only one play on defense this year and is being used predominantly on special teams. The reason is that he’s fleshing out to more of a safety and nickel then a corner at this level and with Jabrill Peppers and Antoine Bethea playing 99% of the snaps and Sean Chandler ahead of him on the depth chart, Love is riding the pines right now.
Linebacker Ryan Connelly (R5, Pick 143)
Not too many things get me upset these days, but the injury to Connelly (knee) hurt. He was a real find for Dave Gettleman here, a smart, aggressive linebacker that conducted himself like a seasoned vet out on the field. He was beginning to look like the glue that could hold this defense together. We won’t know now until next year, but at least we believe the Giants may have found an answer at middle linebacker.
Wide receiver Darius Slayton (R5, Pick 171)
What a fifth round Gettleman had. Slayton is a legitimate deep threat with excellent field sense and even better hands. He has developed a synergy with Jones that has Giant fans excited. He wins contested balls, his route tree is expanding, he’s gained the confidence of his quarterback and is seeing more and more snaps. The Giants may have some long-term talent here.
Defensive back Corey Ballentine (R6, Pick 108)
The shooting incident put Ballentine at a disadvantage to start the season but he’s rebounded. He’s had some injury concerns (concussion) and he’s another player who is buried on the Giants’ depth chart. For now, he’ll be a special teamer but his day will come soon.
Offensive lineman George Asafo-Adjei (R7, Pick 232)
A concussion kept him out in camp and there was no path forward to put him on the final 53, so he landed on IR. “Big George” will be back in 2020 and hopefully will be in the mix for one of the tackle spots.
Defensive lineman Chris Slayton (R7, Pick 245)
Slayton didn’t make the team out of camp and is currently on the practice squad. And considering how many defensive linemen the Giants have shuffled in and out this season, it does not reflect well on Slayton that he’s remained on the practice squad.
Linebacker Josiah Tauaefa (UDFA)
Was added to the 53-man roster from the practice squad in early October and has played the past four games, mainly on special teams.
Linebacker Chris Peace (FA)
Cut by the Chargers in September and picked up by the Giants. He’s played sparingly, mostly on special teams.
Tight end Kaden Smith (FA)
A sixth-round pick of the 49ers, Smith was added to the roster after San Francisco released him and has been kept while others like Garrett Dickerson have been sent packing.
