Giants.com is counting down to the start of 2024 Giants Training Camp with 24 questions in 24 days.
22) How will the rookies factor into Year 1?
Matt Citak: When it comes to rookies, I try to temper my expectations for them during their first NFL season. But if I'm being honest, that's been a little tough to do with this year's draft class. All six players selected by the Giants at the end of April have an opportunity to contribute this season, with several of them having the chance to earn significant playing time right away.
When the Giants selected Malik Nabers with the sixth overall pick, it was clear that the rookie wideout would immediately step in as a factor in the passing game. This became even more evident once spring practices began and Nabers started to dazzle us with some incredible catches. Nabers put on a show throughout the spring, showing that he has the potential to elevate the entire offense right out of the gate. But he's not the only rookie that could contribute quickly. Day 2 picks Tyler Nubin (No. 47) and Dru Phillips (No. 70) are both looking to earn starting roles in the secondary, with the former at safety and the latter at slot corner. Neither one will be gifted a spot in the starting lineup, as both positions feature veteran players on the roster that will push for the starting roles. But the two rookies made numerous plays throughout OTAs and minicamp and will certainly be given a chance to take the starting roles.
Fourth-round pick Theo Johnson saw his path to playing time get a little clearer upon the announcement of Darren Waller's retirement. Johnson was one of the standouts from spring practices, making plays during team drills seemingly every day. The 6-foot-6 rookie will have to refine his game a bit, but he could end up being a big factor in the passing game this year. The same goes for rookie fifth-round pick Tyrone Tracy Jr., who might already be the best pass-catching running back on the team. The converted wide receiver displayed strong hands throughout the spring, and his abilities as a pass-catcher could help him carve out a role as the third down back. Tracy will have to prove he is capable of contributing in pass protection, and if he does, he will be seeing the field sooner rather than later. Then there's sixth-round pick Darius Muasau, whose path to playing time on defense is a little murky given the depth in front of him at inside linebacker, but who will likely contribute right away on special teams.
The pads have not even come on yet, so I'm trying not to get too ahead of myself when it comes to the rookies. However, given how these six players looked throughout spring practices, it's tough not to get excited about the potential impact of this class.
View all of the top photos from the Quest Diagnostics Training Center as OTAs come to a close.
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Get excited for the 2024 season with photos from Media Day at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center.