NY Giants’ Top 5 candidates to have a breakout in year two in 2021

The NY Giants’ 2020 NFL Draft class could take major steps forward, with the potential to produce several breakout stars in 2021

Following an offseason that saw the NY Giants emerge as one of the NFL’s biggest spenders in free agency, there is reason for optimism that 2021 will be the year New York breaks its four-year NFL postseason drought with a roster in place to compete for the NFC East crown.

The additions of Kenny Golladay, Adoree’ Jackson, Kyle Rudolph, and return of defensive lineman Leonard Williams, in addition to a 2020 NFL Draft class that could feature as many as four Week 1 starters when the 2021 NFL season begins in September is reason enough to raise expectations for the NY Giants.

As the Giants aim to take the step from rebuilding to contending in 2021, the second season of general manager Dave Gettleman’s haul from the 2020 draft class figures to play a vital role as part of a young core on both sides of the football.

Here’s a look at five NY Giants who have the potential to be breakout stars in their second NFL season in 2021:

5) Cam Brown

Chosen by the NY Giants in the sixth-round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Cam Brown saw limited playing time as a rookie, but flashed moments of upside when he was on the field.

Brown produced six total tackles and generated seven total pressures, and forced a fumble, despite being on the field for only 70 pass rush snaps in 2020.

Because Brown has the versatility to play inside linebacker, or rush the quarterback off the edge, he should see increased playing time in 2021. Don’t be surprised if Brown is in the mix to play a key role in the NY Giants’ pass-rush rotation, along with Lorenzo Carter, Oshane Ximines, and second-round rookie Azeez Ojulari, after the NY Giants once again avoided investing significant resources there for the second consecutive offseason.