NY Giants rookies: Which first-year players will start Week 1?

Georgia outside linebacker Azeez Ojulari (13) and Georgia defensive back Tyrique Stevenson (7) celebrate after making a stop during the second half of the Peach Bowl NCAA between Georgia and Cincinnati at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta., on Friday, Jan. 1, 2021. Georgia won 24-21. (Photo/Joshua L. Jones, Athens Banner-Herald)News Joshua L Jones
Georgia outside linebacker Azeez Ojulari (13) and Georgia defensive back Tyrique Stevenson (7) celebrate after making a stop during the second half of the Peach Bowl NCAA between Georgia and Cincinnati at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta., on Friday, Jan. 1, 2021. Georgia won 24-21. (Photo/Joshua L. Jones, Athens Banner-Herald)News Joshua L Jones
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New York Giants linebacker Elerson Smith (Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports)
New York Giants linebacker Elerson Smith (Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports)

4th Round Pick: Elerson Smith, EDGE, Northern Iowa

Chances of Starting Week 1: 15%

Elerson Smith looks like a prototypical NY Giants pass rusher.

Smith will likely fall behind Ojulari in the pecking order. Regardless, both players will see competition from roughly 7-9 players in camp vying for the same starting spot.

Smith will need a massive training camp to have any shot of starting Week 1. For any Day 3 Draft pick, it all starts on special teams. Expect Smith to start off as a core special teamer along with seeing rotational snaps on defense before working his way into the Giants’ starting lineup in Week 1.

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