The Giants enter the 2020 season in the midst of a delayed rebuild.
Running back Saquon Barkley is the centerpiece of a young roster, built by general manager Dave Gettleman, but many holes remain.
“Their best player is Saquon,” a current AFC scout told NJ Advance Media, speaking on condition of anonymity since they are not allowed to comment on players from other teams. “It can affect both running and passing play, and it can change the position of the field with a single stroke due to its great playing ability.” It is an endless list of reasons. ”
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Still, three years after Gettleman’s tenure, the Giants still have many needs on both sides of football, and the roster lacks the depth of quality that reinforces championship-caliber teams.
While the Giants’ recent past has been bleak, winning just nine games in the past two seasons with just one playoff spot in the past eight seasons, there is much optimism that the future of the franchise could be much brighter.
“I would say Daniel Jones is his second best player,” Jeff Diamond, a former NFL executive of the year, told NJ Advance Media when asked who is the Giants’ second best player. “I think he played well for a rookie quarterback, especially considering Barkley was out for several games. I like their mobility and poise. It seemed to have improved as the season progressed. “
A current general manager and current coach echoed Diamond’s optimism about Jones.
“Very soon, his second best player will be Daniel Jones,” said the general manager.
To get an idea of what the Giants roster looks like across the league, NJ Advance Media surveyed current and former general managers, multiple staff executives, scouts and coaches to find out who they think is the best player in the Giants. Giants in addition to Barkley. Each evaluator was granted anonymity in order to be able to speak frankly about the Giants’ current roster.
This is how they replied:
Current NFL general manager:
“It has to be Dexter Lawrence or James Bradberry right now. Lawrence is a legitimate running back in the middle, and Bradberry is a dominant cornerback with good size and ball skills. ”
Current NFL Director of Personnel:
“It all comes down to Evan Engram or Golden Tate. Both are really solid offensive weapons. “
Current NFL Director of Personnel:
“For me, it’s Sterling Shepard. It is a reliable slot receiver that has had a good production. Blake Martinez would be my choice, as a newcomer, but again, just for the production. It should do a lot of tackles.
“None of those guys change the game, which is a problem. They really don’t have another dynamic player on the entire roster other than Saquon. “
Former AFC director of exploration:
“I think it will eventually be Andrew Thomas, but I still can’t give him that title. My choice is Dexter Lawrence. He is an important factor in the running game and has now been demonstrating an emerging ability for quick passes. ”
Current NFL coach:
“It has to be Daniel Jones. From what I could see of him last year, I loved his athleticism. You have to believe they’ve found a franchise quarterback. “
Current AFC Explorer:
“Andrew Thomas. They desperately needed to improve on offensive attack this offseason, and they did it with the best prospect in the draft position.”
Former explorer:
Kevin Zeitler. He is the most reliable lineman among a group that has had great difficulties. A consistent and reliable step blocker who rarely needs help. He makes the calls on the line and is rarely mentally overwhelmed. Very consistent and reliable. It was marked only once during all of 2019, only 1 game has been lost since the beginning of 2015. ”
Former explorer:
“Even if he isn’t now, it won’t be long until Dexter Lawrence is that guy. He is an extremely talented three-loss player. It is difficult to move in losses and can affect the pocket in secondary defense. That they were able to do it at number 17 seems like absolute theft. “
Former explorer:
“I would say it is Will Hernández. He is super smart, strong, technically solid and a highly competitive guy. His offensive line is in good shape because I also put Kevin Zeitler in the conversation. “
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