The New York Giants have fallen in ESPN’s under-25 talent rankings. They are ranked 13th for the upcoming season. They were sixth in 2023.
Analyst Aaron Schatz noted Big Blue has three blue-chippers (outside linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux, cornerback Deonte Banks, and wide receiver Malik Nabers), three of their four first-round picks over the past three years.
Notables mentioned were left tackle Andrew Thomas and center John Michael Schmitz.
Let’s start with the good: Thibodeaux, who had 11.5 sacks last season, doesn’t turn 24 until December. Cornerback Banks, last year’s first-round pick, allowed just 6.6 yards per pass in his rookie season and is also 23. So is Banks’ partner, 2022 third-round pick Cor’Dale Flott. And Micah McFadden has developed into a starting linebacker at age 24.
On offense, receiver Wan’Dale Robinson, 23, stepped up with 525 receiving yards and one touchdown last season, and tight end Daniel Bellinger (also 23) averaged 10.2 yards per catch. And we also have this year’s top draft picks who both will likely start: wide receiver Nabers (21) and safety Tyler Nubin (23).
Giant fans are optimistic and are hoping the young core blossoms in general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll’s third season.
Schatz explained why the Giants dropped seven spots from 2023:
The Giants dropped from last year’s ranking because some of their recent high draft picks were disappointing in 2023. Evan Neal ranked dead last among qualifying right tackles in pressure rate allowed. And edge rusher Azeez Ojulari had just 2.5 sacks. But both players still have growth potential, with Neal at age 23 and Ojulari at 24.
Neal was an early first-rounder along with Thibodeaux in 2022 and Ojulari was a second-round selection the year before. Both have had injury issues that have stunted their development.
