The New York Giants have had one of the best offseasons in recent history. With several key additions, a new front office and a coaching staff full of solid hirings, things could be on the up for the organization.
The offseason has been headlined by the arrival of multiple young players. Oregon pass-rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux and Alabama tackle Evan Neal, both of the Giants first-round selections, are expected to be stars from Day 1.
Other draft picks, such as second-rounder Wan’Dale Robinson, and fourth-rounder Daniel Bellinger, have also been pleasant surprises for this team.
Several veterans, including guard Mark Glowinski, and center Jon Feliciano, will also help the G-Men be better than they were last year.
With the season on the horizon, several players have impressed this offseason. Here’s three players who have really stood out.
3. TE Daniel Bellinger
The Giants fourth-round pick Daniel Bellinger has been one of the surprises of the offseason. The former San Diego State tight end has vaulted to potential starting tight end for this offense. He also found himself in attendance at Tight End University, the yearly tight end gathering put together by Geoge Kittle, Greg Olsen and Travis Kelce.
Bellinger was not the most productive pass-catcher while in college. During his four collegiate seasons, he recorded 68 receptions, 771 receiving yards and five touchdowns.
However, he has shown new levels of his game since arriving in New York. He has done enough to earn himself regular reps with the starting unit. As previously noted, there is a chance that he becomes a starter on this offense, beating out multiple veteran tight ends. The TE battle will surely be one to watch during training camp.
2. RB Saquon Barkley
Running back Saquon Barkley has been the face of the Giants since he was taken in the 2018 NFL draft. Through just four professional seasons, Barkley has already experienced the highs and lows of the league. He has gone from earning Rookie of the Year honors, to being labeled a bust.
In his lone season where he played in each game, he looked to be on the brink of stardom. Throughout his rookie year, he dominated opposing defenses. In 16 games, he racked up 2,028 yards from scrimmage and 15 total touchdowns.
Over the past two seasons, Barkley has earned a total of 950 yards from scrimmage and four total touchdowns.But, things could finally be going back on track for Barkley. As he enters Year 5, he looks to be fully healthy once again.
So far through the offseason, Barkley has seemed to find the burst in his game again. He has excited people around the Giants organization. As the Giants create a new offense, Barkley will continue to serve as the centerpiece.
1. Pass-rusher Azeez Ojulari
Azeez Ojulari was one of the few bright spots for the Giants last season. The 2021 second-round pick was a force to be reckoned with at times. He finished the season with 49 total tackles, eight tackles for loss, eight sacks, and 13 quarterback hits.
Over the first few games of the season, it seemed like Ojulari was prepared to be the defensive rookie of the year. He had three straight games with a sack. He then posted a game with 2.5 sacks. With that said, he also struggled at times, specifically once he hit the second half of the season.
The hype is high surrounding Ojulari right now, though. Some people around the league even think he could earn a Pro Bowl nod this fall. Given that he can capitalize on this new defense, there is a real possibility that this happens.
Since the season ended, Ojulari has been committed to getting better. He has gained 10 pounds of muscle and looks like he can be even better in 2022. On a newly constructed defense, which now includes Thibodeaux, Ojulari will have all the chances to excel. Given a productive year, the Giants could have an elite duo of Ojulari and Thibodeaux for years to come.