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After a promising 2022 campaign, the New York Giants took a step back in 2023. The offensive line was atrocious, Daniel Jones did not look nearly as efficient as he did the year before, and the defense didn't play up to par with the talent on the roster.
Will the Giants rebound in 2024? It will take some heavy lifting for my 26th ranked team to get back to playoff form.
Photo: Seth Wenig/Associated Press
Strengths
Brian Daboll
Dexter Lawrence II
Improved OL
Brian Daboll is the only reason this team won six games a year ago. Between the OL falling apart, having to play three different QBs throughout the season, and being forced into unfavorable positions due to defensive incompetence, it's a wonder they won as much as they did. He'll be the key to any success they sustain throughout this upcoming season.
Sexy Dexy is one of the most dominant players in the league, if not the most. He played the most snaps in the A-gap in the entire NFL, and he still managed to post a 14.57% pressure rate and 65 total pressures. He trailed only Quinnen Williams, Chris Jones, and Aaron Donald in total pressures and pressure rate for interior defensive linemen, and those three all played a combined 74 snaps lined up in the A-gap, nearly 7 times less than Dex did. To boot, he had the 6th highest run defense grade of any defensive linemen, making Dex one of the best two-tiered defenders across the entire NFL.
This OL isn't where it needs to be yet, but it's far improved from last season. Andrew Thomas looks to put up another All-Pro year, Jermaine Eleumunor and Jon Runyan should do fine as guards, and John Michael Schmitz looks to improve on a horrific rookie year. If Evan Neal can finally take that next step, this OL should be an above average unit.
Weaknesses
Lack of Confidence in Danny Dimes
Deep, but Inconsistent WR Room
Uncertainty Around Evan Neal
Let's be real, Danny has had one good NFL season in his career as a passer. He struggled immensely before Daboll arrived, and even when he was kept clean last season, he wasn't nearly as sharp as he was in 2022. If Jones can't put it together within the first few games of this season, it'll be a long year for the Big Blue.
The Giants have seven receivers who were starters for multiple games over the past several years. But does that make them good? Not quite, and if not for the addition of Malik Nabers, it'd look even worse. Jalin Hyatt needs to prove he's more than just a go-ball merchant, Wan'Dale has to stay healthy, and Malik Nabers needs to play tougher when lined up outside. He thrived from the slot in college, but got neutralized against top corners when split out wide.
Evan Neal is one of the bigger disappointments in recent memory. He seemed like a sure fire anchor at tackle coming out of college, but we've seen the opposite of that in his two years in the league. I still think he can put it together, but he'll be on a short leash. If he struggles once again, him and Danny Dimes may very well be out of a starting job come 2025 - if not earlier.
Key Additions
Brian Burns - Edge Defender
Malik Nabers - Wide Receiver
Tyler Nubin - Safety
The Giants were one of the worst teams at generating pressure with four rushers, so they went out and got one of the purest pass rushers in the league. I think Brian and Kayvon will thrive off each other, but we may not see them on the field together as much as some would think. Shane Bowen runs a 3-3-5 defense, and you usually want at least two larger linemen on the field in those sets. Kayvon, who hasn't been productive outside of his misleading sack total, will see reduced snaps compared to the past two years. This may end up helping him, however, instead of being asked to be a do-it-all edge defender.
I ragged on Malik earlier, and I had him as my WR3 behind Marvin Harrison Jr and Rome Odunze in this class, but he's the perfect receiver for Daniel Jones. He's a pretty polished route runner, has fantastic change in direction, and is a YAC machine. All Danny needs to do is put it on his numbers, and let Malik do the rest.
Losing Xavier McKinney is a massive loss for this Giants defense, but Tyler is a solid replacement for him. Although he wasn't my favorite safety in this class, he does a good job defending the run, and he covers a ton of ground in coverage despite not having great testing numbers. If he can improve his snap-by-snap coverage skills, he should have a long career with the Giants.
Dark Horse
John Michael Schmitz Jr - Center
JMS was one of "my guys" in the 2023 rookie class, and I think he'll take a massive step forward in 2024. He's a perfect fit for Daboll's offense - he just looked like he couldn't catch up to NFL speed. With a full offseason in tow, I have a strong feeling he'll take one of the biggest leaps from his rookie to sophomore season.
Photo: Eric Hartline/USA TODAY Sports
Record
5-12
I've had a good chunk of teams get close to their win-ceiling so far this series, the Giants are just one of those teams that may lose more games than expected. I'm not confident Daniel Jones will bounce back strong from an ACL tear and his various neck injuries, they lost some of their best offensive and defensive playmakers in free agency, and they don't have the easiest schedule.
They'll most likely split wins with the Commanders, they'll matchup nicely against the Panthers and Saints, and they'll face off against Sam Darnold in Week 1. I don't see many other wins in their schedule unless everything goes right, and I can guarantee you it won't.
Final Notes
When 2024 is all set and done, the Giants will most likely part ways with Daniel Jones. Based on record and standings, my projection has them landing the 2nd overall pick in the draft, and if the Titans wanna ride it out with Will Levis, then I'm projecting Carson Beck to be the Giants' new franchise leader.
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