Ranking New York Giants rookies by potential impact in 2024 | Sporting News

The New York Giants don’t have an overly large rookie class going into training camp, but they should bring some impact in Year 1.

Though there may be a handful of undrafted rookie free agents who make the 53-man roster, it’s going to be difficult for them to carve out any significant roles during their rookie seasons.

Because of that, we’re going to focus solely on the six draft picks the Giants made at the end of April for this exercise.

Whether it’s playing time or impact in a big role, here’s a look at ranking the Giants’ rookies by potential impact in 2024:

Ranking Giants’ rookies by potential impact in 2024

6. LB Darius Muasau

The UCLA product will find himself in a battle for a depth spot in the linebacker room, but it’s going to be difficult for him to find many snaps on defense. If the sixth-round pick can become a staple on special teams, that would be a strong starting point for his career.

With Bobby Okereke and Micah McFadden rolling into camp as the projected starters, the Giants also are going to use Isaiah Simmons in a hybrid safety/backer role. Muasau’s biggest impact should come on special teams, which is perfectly fine for a sixth-round pick.

5. CB Andru Phillips

While Phillips is going to be competing for the starting nickel role, but it’s more likely going to be a rotation. This is especially true for the beginning of the season. Phillips brings some elite athleticism to the secondary, but his major area of concern is one that could limit his snaps early on.

Though he showed plenty of want-to in the run game, Phillips had a notoriously high missed tackle rate in college. His 23.1% missed tackle rate was 14th among draft-eligible cornerbacks and the highest rate in the SEC, according to Pro Football Focus. That’s a key area that can be developed, but it’s one that could limit his snaps early on.

4. RB Tyrone Tracy Jr.

The Giants signed Devin Singletary to be the leader in the backfield following the end of the Saquon Barkley era. They also drafted Tracy in the fifth round to compete for the backup role behind Singletary. Going into training camp, Tracy may have the inside track to that role.

MORE: Giants rookie quickly climbing running back depth chart

While it won’t be a prominent role, Tracy offers some unique explosiveness, and he’s the best pass-catcher on the backfield. If he proves to be a viable pass protector, the third-down role could be his immediately. He also could very well be the kick returner, adding more impact on special teams.

3. TE Theo Johnson

The retirement of Darren Waller opens a path for Johnson to be the starting tight end before his rookie season is over. Daniel Bellinger is certainly going to be in the mix, and it’s likely the duo will form a rotation to begin the season. 

MORE: Giants rookie tight end expected to have big role in passing game

However, the Giants drafted Johnson due to his upside of being a complete, two-way tight end. He’s an elite athlete with upside after the catch, and he offers a solid foundation as an in-line blocker to develop that area of his game. Don’t be surprised if Johnson is the starter before the end of the season.

2. S Tyler Nubin

It’s only a matter of time before Nubin takes over a starting role in the safety room. It might not be right away, especially with the Giants wanting to use the aforementioned Simmons in a hybrid safety/backer role. However, he’s too talented to keep on the bench for long.

Nubin may not have tested well, but his tape is littered with examples of showing off high-level instincts, intelligence and exceptional ball skills. He’s a versatile asset to have in the secondary, and he always finds himself in the right position to make a play.

1. WR Malik Nabers

There’s not much more to be said about Nabers going into this first training camp. The star rookie is set for a massive role as the leader in the passing game. He’s already put on a show this offseason during the spring workouts acting as the team’s WR1.

Nabers is going to command a huge target share in Brian Daboll’s offense and could finally give the Giants offense the type of alpha wide receiver its needed since the days of Odell Beckham.

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