There is no peace for the Giants as they face a record-tying nine-game losing streak. With a rash of injuries and less-than-full stadiums, the team still needs to assess their players to determine what they have moving forward. Head coach Brian Daboll emphasizes evaluating various aspects of each player's game.
Uncovering the True Potential of Giants' Players
WR Jalin Hyatt
The 2023 third-round draft pick by the Giants was nearly taken in the second round. With only seven catches for 53 yards and zero touchdowns in 30 career games, is he a fringe player? Or is it the coaching staff's fault for using him in limited snaps? His potential is a topic of much discussion.
Jalin Hyatt #13 of the New York Giants was tackled by DeMarvion Overshown #13 of the Dallas Cowboys. This incident showcases his on-field challenges and the need for him to step up.
WR Wan’Dale Robinson
As Darius Slayton heads to free agency, the question arises if Robinson can be the reliable No. 2 receiver out of the slot. His 7.4 yards per catch on 111 targets is not impressive, but it might be a symptom of poor quarterbacking rather than his own shortcomings.
Robinson's performance and potential in this role will be crucial for the Giants' offense as they look to the future.
RT Evan Neal
The 2002 No. 7 pick has had a tumultuous career. After losing his starting job due to poor play and a foot injury last season, he has started the past five games but still allows too many sacks and pressures. Offensive-line experts question his consistency on the ground.
Should he be tried at guard or traded before his walk year? These are the dilemmas surrounding Evan Neal's future with the Giants.
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux
As one of the top picks from the 2022-23 draft classes, Thibodeaux is quietly playing out the stretch. With 18.5 sacks and five forced fumbles in 40 career games, his run defense is a strength, but critics question the sustainability of his 2023 production.
His performance and potential will be closely watched as the Giants assess their linebacker group.
C John Michael Schmitz
Despite being the best of Schoen's four offensive line picks, Schmitz is not a sure starter. Scouts advertised him as a plug-and-play starter near his developmental ceiling, but he is ranked as the No. 53 center by Pro Football Focus and is still getting pushed around by power rushers.
His progress and ability to hold his own in the offensive line will be a key factor for the Giants.
CB Deonte Banks
The 2023 first-rounder's rookie success has faded. His tackling effort has been questioned, and he has allowed six touchdown catches in 12 games. While he may not be a No. 1 corner yet, can he become a solid No. 2? His draft fit for man-to-man press coverage is a point of interest.
Banks' development and ability to improve will be crucial for the Giants' secondary.
LB Micah McFadden
Unlike most on this list, McFadden's performance is on the rise. His 102-tackle and three-sack breakout might be just the beginning, or it could be a result of filling in due to injuries. His motor and leadership are qualities that stand out.
His role and potential as a defensive signal-caller will be important for the Giants in the coming seasons.
TE Theo Johnson
The rookie fourth-round pick was on a roll as a pass catcher until a season-ending foot injury on Thanksgiving. Can he bounce back and elevate his game next season? The Giants' decision to trust him over Daniel Bellinger after a similar rookie season will be closely watched.
Johnson's recovery and future with the team are significant for the Giants' offense.
CB Dru Phillips
The rookie third-round pick is ranked as the No. 2 cornerback in the NFL by PFF, but he has only two forced fumbles, one sack, and 32 catches allowed in five starts. His impact in run support is good, but where are the big plays?
Phillips' development and ability to make more impactful plays will be a focus for the Giants.
FS Jason Pinnock
The pending free agent was a waiver pickup who has provided 34 starts. He is best at blitzing, but his angles in pursuit and deep ball positioning have led to big plays against the Giants. The team has seen several top safeties leave in recent years, and Pinnock's future is uncertain.
His role and potential as a key defensive player will be a topic of discussion.
LB Bobby Okereke
An iron man, Okereke was a playmaking Pro Bowl snub in 2023. He forced three fumbles and had two sacks, but was in the middle of the worst-ranked rushing defense in the NFL before his injury. His performance over the past two seasons is a mix of highs and lows.
Okereke's value and role for the Giants will be evaluated as they look to improve their defense.
OT Jermaine Eluemunor
The 29-year-old journeyman had a career-best season. His versatility on both ends of the line is impressive, but the question remains if he can continue to improve and become a reliable starting offensive tackle or if he is just a high-end swing tackle.
Eluemunor's future with the Giants depends on his ability to maintain and build on his recent success.
