The following is an excerpt from Warren Sharp’s 2024 Football Preview book. In addition to Warren’s deep, detailed write-up on all 32 NFL teams, each chapter features page after page of full-color charts, stats, and heatmaps as well as draft class analysis from Ryan McCrystal. Click here for a full FREE chapter from the 2024 Football Preview.
With 2024 NFL training camps on the horizon, we’re starting to understand how 2024 NFL draft classes will impact each roster this season.
Let’s look at the New York Giants, breaking down the most likely instant-impact rookies from each class, while also providing some insight into why certain early picks may not see the field.
Who are the New York Giants rookies?
- Malik Nabers — WR — Round 1
- Tyler Nubin — S — Round 2
- Andru Phillips — CB — Round 3
- Theo Johnson — TE — Round 4
- Tyrone Tracy Jr. — RB — Round 5
- Darius Muasau — LB — Round 6
New York Giants Draft Class Grade:
The New York Giants received an A- draft grade from Sharp Football.
Which Giants Rookies Will Make An Impact?
The selection of Malik Nabers (first round) was the safe choice and will help either Daniel Jones or a future first-round draft pick down the road. Nabers will immediately be the Giants’ No. 1 option in the passing game and can contribute by stretching the field and on shorter passes with his ability to produce after the catch. Based on route-adjusted data over the last two years, Nabers had a catch rate 5.7% above expected and produced 22% more yards after the catch than expected. Nabers also established himself as a reliable deep threat, catching 26 of 29 catchable targets at 15 or more yards downfield.
Tyler Nubin (second round) has a good chance to start immediately, though it’s unclear how he will be used. Nubin has almost exclusively played in the deep secondary at Minnesota and had just 14 snaps in coverage in the slot last year. New York is likely to play more two-high coverage this season 一 new defensive coordinator Shane Bowen used it at a 42% rate last year, compared to the Giants’ 28% rate. But that still leaves over half the snaps on which someone 一 either Nubin or Jason Pinnock 一 has to take on a new role at strong safety.
Andru Phillips (third round) only has one full year of starting experience, and one-year wonders at cornerback are especially risky. It was an impressive year, however, as he allowed a route-adjusted catch rate 35% below expected. Due to a lack of ideal length, Phillips might fit best in the slot, but he struggled when occasionally lining up in the slot last year. Based on Sports Info Solutions’ Total Points metric, he ranked 20th out of 24 qualified defensive backs in coverage in the slot in 2023. If Phillips can improve his performance in the slot, he may challenge Cordale Flott for snaps.
Theo Johnson (fourth round) is a developmental prospect with impressive traits. It’s worth wondering, however, why a tight end with his physical tools never contributed in a significant way at a program known for its tight end development 一 especially considering how desperate Penn State was for a weapon to emerge in the passing game last year.
Tyrone Tracy Jr. (fifth round) is an explosive ball carrier who has a chance to see the field immediately due to the lack of viable options in the Giants’ backfield. Tracy spent most of his career at wide receiver but switched to running back in 2023 and displayed an incredible natural feel for the position. When accounting for defenders in the box and the inside/outside direction of the run, Tracy gained 21% more yards than expected (ranked second in the Big Ten) and 22% more yards after contact than expected (ranked fourth). He’ll need to prove he can be more patient as a runner and cut down on negative plays, but if his development continues, Tracy could emerge as one of the best ballcarriers from this class.
Darius Muasau (sixth round) is a vastly undersized off-ball linebacker. He played on almost every special teams unit at some point in his career, so expect him to earn a roster spot in that role. If Muasau does get on the field at linebacker, the Giants could take advantage of his blitzing ability, as he generated a 22% pressure rate over his four seasons as a starter.
This was an unfortunately small class for a team with so many holes to fill, but the Giants landed at least two immediate starters and potentially as many as four. The key to the draft is Nabers who, if he lives up to expectations, will be a critical building block to aid in the development of Jones’ eventual replacement at quarterback.
This analysis continues in the 2024 Football Preview
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