The New York Giants have turned over their roster considerably this offseason under new general manager Joe Schoen.
So, who are their top players now? In a recent article of each team’s top three players, Pro Football Focus’ Ben Linsey examines who the Giants’ key players are in 2022.
Top 3 players: Defensive lineman Leonard Williams, offensive tackle Andrew Thomas, cornerback Adoree’ Jackson.
Others: Defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence, safety Xavier McKinney, offensive lineman Evan Neal, edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux.
Given the Giants’ cap situation this offseason, there should be more high-end talent on this roster.
Thomas took a notable step forward in his second season out of Georgia last year, improving his PFF pass-blocking grade from 54.7 in 2020 to 82.1 last season. Williams isn’t enough of a pass-rush threat to warrant his status as the second-highest-paid interior defensive lineman in the NFL, but he can be counted on to play a high number of snaps with above-average play against both the run and pass. Jackson stands out as one of the more underrated cornerbacks in the league after earning 80.0-plus PFF coverage grades in each of his last two full seasons in 2019 and 2021.
New York’s two top-10 picks in the 2022 NFL Draft could quickly factor into this conversation, as well.
It’s a thin list by league standards but it’s a start for Schoen and his staff. Williams was acquired by trade a few years back and Jackson was signed as a free agent.
The others are all first- or second-round draft picks, which is a good sign but it’s who’s missing that is more telling. Quarterback Daniel Jones, running back Saquon Barkley and wide receiver Kadarius Toney, all first round picks, are not listed.
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