The NY Giants are a team trying to move on from a 2021 season that was one of the worst in their history. In hopes of indeed moving on, they have brought in an entirely new regime. From the front office to the coaches, they have restructured this organization.
The Giants have also made noticeable changes to the roster itself. Through both the draft and free agency, they have created a roster that, at least on paper, could compete at a high level. Given injuries don’t arise, they even have significant depth at certain positions.
With many of the additions to the roster, several of these quality players won’t even be starters. On both sides of the ball, these players may have to wait until the opportunity arises, or even just be there for the leadership aspect. With that said, here are the three most important Giants players who aren’t starters.
3. QB Tyrod Taylor
Heading into the offseason, Tyrod Taylor was one of the most sought-after veteran quarterbacks on the open market. With Taylor entering his 12th NFL season, he could be the perfect addition to this roster. Between his history, knowledge of the game and ability to still make an impact when called upon, he could end up helping this Giants team in a magnitude of ways.
Taylor has been one of the better backup quarterbacks in recent history. Up to this point in his career, he has thrown for 59 touchdowns, 25 interceptions and 10,736 yards. On the ground, he has added another 19 total touchdowns and 2,001 rushing yards.
His best statistical season came in 2015 with the Buffalo Bills. He finished with 24 total touchdowns, six interceptions and 3,035 passing yards. When looking at the current Giants quarterback situation, Daniel Jones still stands to be the QB1.
But, it is worth noting that he has dealt with injuries in each of his three seasons, and has yet to play an entire regular season. If he is forced to deal with injuries again this campaign, Taylor could find himself playing a real role in this offense. If the Giants are forced to turn to Taylor at any point, he should still be good enough to keep this offense afloat.
2. RB Matt Breida
The signing of running back Matt Breida may prove to be the Giants most underrated move of the entire offseason. The once undrafted free agent has at times been as explosive as some of the NFL’s top running backs. After spending the last couple of seasons getting lost in crowded backfields, he could have the perfect opportunity to regain his footing in New York.
With star running back Saquon Barkley not looking the same following his ACL injury, he will look to return to form in 2022. However, since entering the NFL in 2018, he has racked up an injury history that is worth noting. Even as all signs point to him being back to 100 percent, having a steady RB2 that can step up is necessary. Breida can be that sort of back. With a fully healthy Barkley, having a one-two punch consisting of those two out of the backfield could be extremely dangerous.
Since entering the NFL in 2017, Breida has played in a total of 64 games and started 19. He has recorded 3,010 yards from scrimmage with a total of 13 touchdowns. With the expectation that Breida can still be effective, the Giants may have added a running back that could shock many around the league. With an offense already consisting of flashy players such as Kadarius Toney and Wan’Dale Robinson, Breida could add another level to what the Giants are already building.
1. LB Jihad Ward
The signing of edge rusher Jihad Ward has seemingly fallen under the radar. With the addition of Kayvon Thibodeaux, much of the attention on the defensive front has gone to him. But, Ward has quickly made his presence felt on this team, and he could end up providing a lot of help to this defensive front, even if he just serves as a rotational player.
Since entering the NFL in 2016, Ward has played 68 career games for four teams. In that time, he has recorded 91 total tackles, 10 sacks and 12 tackles for loss. He has also generated 98 total quarterback pressures. With players such as Thibodeaux, Leonard Williams and Azeez Ojulari ahead of him on the depth chart, Ward may not be an every down player for this defense.
With that said, he can still make his impact felt through what he does off the field, which would in turn help elevate this entire group. This defensive front, outside of Williams, is still fairly young. A majority of the key pass-rushers are still in the early years of their NFL careers. Having the veteran presence that comes with Ward could be just what this group needs.