With the 2023 season officially in the rearview mirror, it's time to look back at how the rookie class performed.
The Giants saw several first-year players contribute in a significant way this season. Two rookies earned starting roles right out of the gate, while others earned more playing time as the season progressed.
As a reminder, here are the members of the Giants' 2023 rookie class:
- CB Deonte Banks (Round 1, Pick 24)
- C John Michael Schmitz (Round 2, Pick 57)
- WR Jalin Hyatt (Round 3, Pick 73)
- RB Eric Gray (Round 5, Pick 172)
- CB Tre Hawkins III (Round 6, Pick 209)
- DL Jordon Riley (Round 7, Pick 243)
- S Gervarrius Owens (Round 7, Pick 254)
- QB Tommy DeVito (Undrafted)
"Like any rookie class, you're going to have highs and lows," general manager Joe Schoen said at his season-ending press conference Monday. "I think the first three guys, I think everybody saw their ability. I think Tae Banks is going to be a really good corner in this league. John Michael is going to be a good center and Hyatt is going to be a good receiver. ... And then I thought some of the later round guys did a good job, too. Excited about Jordon Riley. Again, those guys have a big offseason coming into next year. We'll expect them to be – either those guys are going to start or depth contributors going into year two."
Let's take a closer look at how the Giants' rookies fared in their first NFL action.
CB Deonte Banks
From Weeks 11-16, the rookie corner did not allow more than 40 receiving yards in any game. He wrapped up his first NFL season with 64 tackles (53 solo), two tackles for loss, two interceptions and 11 passes defensed in 15 games (he missed the final two games of the season with a shoulder injury). Banks often lined up against the opposing team's top wide receiver, a challenge the rookie never backed down from. He was named a finalist for the Rookie of the Week award in Week 7 after he recorded his first NFL interception.
"Tae Banks, with rare physical ability, and as he continues to grow and mature; what he did against some of the very good receivers in this league as a rookie, I thought was pretty impressive," Schoen said earlier this week.
C John Michael Schmitz
John Michael Schmitz injured his shoulder during the Week 4 matchup against the Seahawks, an injury that sidelined him for the next three games. Outside of those four contests, the rookie center did not miss a single offensive snap prior to the season finale. Of his 12 full games, Schmitz allowed two or fewer total pressures in seven outings. All 755 of his offensive snaps have come at center.
"The intangibles for John Michael are off the charts, he's got leadership potential," the general manager told the media at the end of the season. "I'd be surprised if he's not a captain down the road."
WR Jalin Hyatt
Jalin Hyatt showed flashes of what made him the 2022 Biletnikoff Award winner throughout his rookie campaign. Hyatt and Daniel Jones connected on a 58-yard reception to open the second half in the Week 2 win over the Cardinals, which sparked the team's historic comeback, and he brought in two passes for 75 yards in Week 7 against the Commanders. His best game of the season came in Week 12 when he caught five passes for a season-high 109 yards against the Patriots. Hyatt had receptions of 22, 29 and 41 yards in that game, the team's three longest plays of the day. He became the first Giants receiver with at least three receptions of 20 or more yards since 2021. This performance led to Hyatt being voted the Rookie of the Week.
He finished the season with 23 receptions for 373 yards
"I think you saw with Jalin the explosive play ability," Schoen said.
View photos of the New York Giants' 2023 rookie class in action.
C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
RB Eric Gray (20)
New York Giants cornerback Tre Hawkins III (37)
NT Jordan Riley (95)
S Gervarrius Owens (39)
New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (15) during a week 11 NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, November 19, 2023 in Landover, Maryland. (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
CB Deonte Banks (25)
CB Tre Hawkins III (37)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
QB Tommy DeVito (15)
CB Deonte Banks (25)
QB Tommy DeVito (15)
CB Deonte Banks (25)
CB Deonte Banks (25)
RB Eric Gray (20)
CB Tre Hawkins III (37)
S Gervarrius Owens (39)
CB Deonte Banks (25)
S Gervarrius Owens (39)
S Gervarrius Owens (39)
S Gervarrius Owens (39)
S Gervarrius Owens (39)
CB Deonte Banks (25)
S Gervarrius Owens (39)
CB Tre Hawkins III (37)
CB Deonte Banks (25), OLB Jihad Ward (55)
CB Tre Hawkins III (37), S Gervarrius Owens (39)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61), G Ben Bredeson (68)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) and Tommy DeVito celebrate after a catch during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 19, 2023 in Landover, Maryland. (Mikey Owens/NFL)
CB Deonte Banks (25)
RB Eric Gray (20), WR Wan'Dale Robinson (17)
QB Tommy DeVito (15)
QB Tommy DeVito (15)
C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61)
DT Jordon Riley (95), S Dane Belton (24)
CB Deonte Banks (25)
RB Eric Gray (20)
RB Eric Gray (20)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
DT Jordon Riley (95)
CB Tre Hawkins III (37)
DT Jordon Riley (95)
CB Tre Hawkins III (37)
DT Jordon Riley (95)
CB Deonte Banks (25)
CB Tre Hawkins III (37)
RB Eric Gray (20)
CB Deonte Banks (25)
C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61)
CB Deonte Banks (25)
C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61)
QB Tommy DeVito (15)
CB Tre Hawkins III (37)
RB Eric Gray (20)
S Gervarrius Owens (39), CB Darnay Holmes (30)
S Gervarrius Owens (39)
QB Tommy DeVito (15)
C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61)
CB Tre Hawkins III (37)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
QB Tommy DeVito (15)
CB Tre Hawkins III (37)
QB Tommy DeVito (15)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13), Sauce Gardner
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
S Gervarrius Owens (39)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
CB Deonte Banks (25)
CB Deonte Banks (25)
RB Eric Gray (20)
CB Tre Hawkins III (37)
RB Eric Gray (20)
CB Tre Hawkins III (37)
RB Eric Gray (20)
RB Eric Gray (20)
CB Tre Hawkins III (37)
RB Eric Gray (20)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
CB Tre Hawkins III (37)
CB Deonte Banks (25)
RB Eric Gray (20)
CB Deonte Banks (25)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
CB Tre Hawkins III (37)
QB Tommy DeVito (15)
QB Tommy DeVito (15)
RB Eric Gray (20)
CB Deonte Banks (25)
CB Deonte Banks (25)
DT Jordon Riley (95)
C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
DT Jordon Riley (95)
RB Eric Gray (20)
DT Jordon Riley (95)
New York Giants defensive tackle Jordon Riley (95) during a week 6 NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, October 15, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
S Gervarrius Owens (39)
DT Jordon Riley (95)
New York Giants running back Eric Gray (20) during a week 6 NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, October 15, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
DT Jordon Riley (95) during training camp practice on July 30, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus/New York Giants)
New York Giants cornerback Tre Hawkins III (37) during a week 6 NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, October 15, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) and center John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61) during an week 2 NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, Arizona (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants running back Eric Gray (20) during a week 6 NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, October 15, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (15) during a week 9 NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, November 5, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada, (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants wide receiver Jalin Hyatt (13) during a week 2 NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, Arizona (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants center John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61) during an week 2 NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, Arizona (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (15) during a week 11 NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, November 19, 2023 in Landover, Maryland. (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
CB Tre Hawkins III (37)
New York Giants center John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61) during a week 9 NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, November 5, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada, (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants center John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61) during an week 2 NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, Arizona (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants cornerback Deonte Banks (25) during a week 11 NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, November 19, 2023 in Landover, Maryland. (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
QB Tommy DeVito (15)
DT Jordon Riley (95)
New York Giants cornerback Deonte Banks (25) during a week 8 NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, October 29, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants running back Eric Gray (20) during a week 5 NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, October 8, 2023 in Miami, Florida (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (15) during a week 11 NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, November 19, 2023 in Landover, Maryland. (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (15) and Saquon Barkley (26) during a week 8 NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, October 29, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) celebrates a touchdown catch with New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (15) during a week 11 NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, November 19, 2023 in Landover, Maryland. (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants running back Eric Gray (20) during a week 5 NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, October 8, 2023 in Miami, Florida (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
QB Tommy DeVito (15)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (15) during a week 10 NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, November 12, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (15) during a week 10 NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, November 12, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants center John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61) during a week 11 NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, November 19, 2023 in Landover, Maryland. (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants running back Eric Gray (20) during a week 4 NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks Monday October 2, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants center John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61) during a week 8 NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, October 29, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (15) during a week 10 NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, November 12, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants running back Eric Gray (20) during a week 4 NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks Monday October 2, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
CB Deonte Banks (25)
New York Giants running back Eric Gray (20) during a week 4 NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks Monday October 2, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants cornerback Deonte Banks (25) during a week 7 NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, October 22, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants cornerback Deonte Banks (25) intercepts a pass during a week 7 NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, October 22, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants wide receiver Jalin Hyatt (13) during a week 7 NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, October 22, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants cornerback Tre Hawkins III (37) during a week 10 NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, November 12, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants center John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61) during a week 10 NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, November 12, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants cornerback Tre Hawkins III (37) during a week 10 NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, November 12, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
CB Deonte Banks (25)
New York Giants center John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61) before a week 8 NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, October 29, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants cornerback Tre Hawkins III (37) during an week 1 NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, September 10, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants center John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61) during an week 1 NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, September 10, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants safety Gervarrius Owens (39) during a week 7 NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, October 22, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants center John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61) during an week 1 NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, September 10, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants cornerback Tre Hawkins III (37) during a week 3 NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Thursday, September 21, 2023 in Santa Clara, California (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants safety Gervarrius Owens (39) during a week 7 NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, October 22, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants center John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61) during a week 3 NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Thursday, September 21, 2023 in Santa Clara, California (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants defensive tackle Jordon Riley (95) during an week 1 NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, September 10, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (15) during a week 10 NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, November 12, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants wide receiver Jalin Hyatt (13) during a week 7 NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, October 22, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants center John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61) during an week 1 NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, September 10, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants wide receiver Jalin Hyatt (13) during a week 7 NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, October 22, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
QB Tommy DeVito (15)
New York Giants wide receiver Jalin Hyatt (13) during a week 7 NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, October 22, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
QB Tommy DeVito (15)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
QB Tommy DeVito (15)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
CB Deonte Banks (25)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
NT Jordan Riley (95)
C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61)
NT Jordan Riley (95)
C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13), QB Tommy DeVito (15)
WR Jalin Hyatt (84)
C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61), QB Tommy DeVito (15)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
CB Tre Hawkins III (37)
C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61)
RB Eric Gray (20)
CB Tre Hawkins III (37)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
QB Tommy DeVito (15)
RB Eric Gray (20)
QB Tommy DeVito (15)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
RB Eric Gray (20)
C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
RB Eric Gray (20)
CB Deonte Banks (25)
C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61)
CB Tre Hawkins III (37)
QB Tommy DeVito (15)
C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61)
CB Deonte Banks (25)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
CB Deonte Banks (25)
CB Deonte Banks (25)
QB Tommy DeVito (15)
CB Tre Hawkins III (37)
CB Tre Hawkins III (37)
CB Deonte Banks (25)
QB Tommy DeVito (15)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
CB Deonte Banks (25)
QB Tommy DeVito (15)
New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (15) during a week 14 NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers, Monday, December 11, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (15) during a week 14 NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers, Monday, December 11, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (15) during a week 14 NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers, Monday, December 11, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants wide receiver Jalin Hyatt (13) during a week 14 NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers, Monday, December 11, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants center John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61) during a week 14 NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers, Monday, December 11, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants defensive tackle Jordon Riley (95) during a week 16 NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Monday, December 25, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants wide receiver Jalin Hyatt (13) during a week 14 NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers, Monday, December 11, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants defensive tackle Jordon Riley (95) during a week 16 NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Monday, December 25, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants center John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61) during a week 16 NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Monday, December 25, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (15) during a week 14 NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers, Monday, December 11, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants defensive tackle Jordon Riley (95) during a week 16 NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Monday, December 25, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (15) during a week 16 NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Monday, December 25, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (15) during a week 14 NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers, Monday, December 11, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (15) during a week 16 NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Monday, December 25, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants cornerback Deonte Banks (25) during a week 16 NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Monday, December 25, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
CB Tre Hawkins III (37)
New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (15) during a week 16 NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Monday, December 25, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants cornerback Tre Hawkins III (37) during a week 17 NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, December 31, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (15) during a week 16 NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Monday, December 25, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants running back Eric Gray (20) during a week 15 NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, December 17, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants center John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61) during a week 17 NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, December 31, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
RB Eric Gray (20)
RB Eric Gray (20)
New York Giants cornerback Deonte Banks (25) during a week 15 NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, December 17, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (15) during a week 15 NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, December 17, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (15) during a week 15 NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, December 17, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
RB Eric Gray (20)
RB Eric Gray (20)
QB Tommy DeVito (15)
QB Tommy DeVito (15), C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61)
CB Tre Hawkins III (37)
New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (15) a week 14 NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers, Monday, December 11, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants center John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61) before a week 14 NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers, Monday, December 11, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
RB Eric Gray (20)
CB Tre Hawkins III (37)
New York Giants center John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61) during a week 17 NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, December 31, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants wide receiver Jalin Hyatt (13) during a week 17 NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, December 31, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants wide receiver Jalin Hyatt (13) during a week 17 NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, December 31, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
CB Tre Hawkins III (37)
S Gervarrius Owens (39)
New York Giants center John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61) during a week 17 NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, December 31, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants wide receiver Jalin Hyatt (13) during a week 17 NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, December 31, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
WR Sterling Shepard (3), QB Tommy DeVito (15)
CB Tre Hawkins III (37)
CB Deonte Banks (25)
TE Daniel Bellinger (82), C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61), P Jamie Gillan (6), K Randy Bullock (46)
CB Deonte Banks (25)
RB Eric Gray
Eric Gray saw minimal action on offense behind Saquon Barkley. However, the rookie running back put together his most efficient performance of the season in Week 18, when he took three rush attempts for 19 yards, good for an average of 6.3 yards per carry, while adding a nine-yard reception. Heading into the season finale, Gray had registered 29 yards on 14 carries along with five receptions for 13 yards. Gray also saw time on special teams with seven punt returns for 28 yards along with five kickoff returns for 58 yards.
"Eric Gray had a good game last night when he was given opportunities," Schoen said on Monday. "He probably didn't get as many opportunities this year as he would've liked, but that's a testament to Saquon and his availability."
CB Tre Hawkins III
Tre Hawkins III was active for all 17 games while starting three. The rookie cornerback picked up 35 total tackles (24 solo) and one pass breakup while seeing extended action (more than 40 percent of the defensive snaps) in seven games. In those seven contests, Hawkins allowed two or fewer receptions in four of them. He also had six or more total tackles in four different games.
DL Jordon Riley
Jordon Riley appeared in eight games in a reserve role this season and finished with eight total tackles (four solo) and one tackle for loss, along with four run stops, according to Pro Football Focus.
S Gervarrius Owens
Gervarrius Owens did not play on defense in his rookie campaign, but was on the field for 37 special teams snaps across three games. The rookie safety had one total tackle and recovered a fumble on a kickoff, both of which came against the Commanders in Week 11.
QB Tommy DeVito
Tommy DeVito is perhaps the most unexpected player on this list. After spending the beginning of the season on the practice squad, DeVito was thrust into action due to injuries to Daniel Jones and Tyrod Taylor. After losing in his first game as the starting quarterback, the undrafted rookie went on to lead the Giants to three consecutive victories against the Commanders, Patriots and Packers. During this stretch, DeVito threw for five touchdowns with no interceptions while completing no less than 68 percent of his passes in each game. He also finished with a 100+ passer rating in all three outings.
DeVito became the first Giants rookie quarterback to win three consecutive starts since Phil Simms won four in a row in 1979. He also became just the third undrafted rookie quarterback to win three games in a season since the 1970 merger, and was one of just two rookie quarterbacks this season with three consecutive games with passer ratings of 103.9 or higher (minimum 20 attempts), joining Houston's C.J. Stroud, the No. 2 overall pick in last year's draft. DeVito was voted the Rookie of the Week twice during this three week stretch, and was also named the NFC Offensive Player of the Week for his performance against the Packers in Week 14. In this game, he became just the second undrafted rookie since 1967 with an 80+ completion percentage in a game.
