The New York Giants concluded their 100th season last Sunday, finishing with an embarrassing 3-14 record. Despite the disappointing season, ownership has decided to retain the current regime of general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll.
One of the bright spots for the Giants this season and likely a big reason the team retained the current regime was their impressive 2024 rookie class. In fact, two of the Giants’ rookies were named among Pro Football Focus’ top 15 highest-graded rookies (and top 100 overall).
Unsurprisingly, wide receiver Malik Nabers was near the very top.
3. WR MALIK NABERS, NEW YORK GIANTS
PFF Grade: 86.7
Nabers delivered an impressive rookie season for the Giants, averaging 2.17 yards per route run and earning an 87.1 PFF receiving grade. Targeted 165 times, he hauled in 109 receptions for 1,204 yards.
Cornerback Andru Phillips was the other.
13. CB ANDRU PHILLIPS, NEW YORK GIANTS
PFF Grade: 77.5
Phillips was strong close to the line of scrimmage in his first season, earning a 78.1 run-defense grade for the Giants. He was solid in coverage, too, earning a 75.8 coverage grade and allowing just 373 yards from 335 snaps in coverage.
The Giants and Chargers are the only teams with multiple players on the list.
Nabers, of course, had a very impressive rookie season where he set several records and seems to be an absolute stud and a surefire hit for Schoen’s draft resume.
Although he cooled off a little as the season went on, Phillips had a very impressive rookie year, especially considering the Giants got him in the third round of last year’s draft.
The rookie class also included the surprising success of rookie Tyrone Tracy Jr., who surpassed 1,000 scrimmage yards on the year in the win over the Indianapolis Colts in Week 17.
Although Tracy did not have as high of a PFF grade as Phillips and Nabers, his rookie season was impressive nonetheless.
While the Giants may have had one of their worst seasons in franchise history, the performances of their rookie draft class is certainly something the Giants should feel good about moving forward.
