5 Players the NY Giants should watch in the College Football Playoff

The NY Giants have far exceeded expectations in 2022. Heading into Week 17, this Daniel Jones-led team is 8-6-1 on the season. A win against the Indianapolis Colts would secure this team a trip to the playoffs.

But even with how the Giants have played this season, they are still very much a team looking toward the future. And with the team currently slated to have at least nine picks in the 2023 NFL draft, they could look to fully rebuild this team in the offseason.

The Giants have begun to add foundational pieces to this roster, on both sides of the ball. Andrew Thomas, Evan Neal, Azeez Ojulari, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and Xavier McKinney are just some of the pieces that appear to be locked into the future of this team. But there’s still room for improvement.

With the College Football Playoff approaching, the Giants could have their eyes on several players who could instantly help this team come next season. TCU, Ohio State, Michigan, and Georgia are all loaded with NFL-caliber talent. Several of these players could instantly make an impact on this roster. Here’s a look at five for Joe Schoen to keep a close eye on.

5. Georgia DT Jalen Carter

Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter appears set to be the next great Bulldogs pass-rusher. And he could very well end up being the best defensive player in this year’s draft class.

From a pure talent standpoint, Carter may be one of the more explosive defensive players seen in recent history. He has the ability to single-handedly change games and can beat nearly anyone he is lined up against.

During his three collegiate seasons, Carter has shown just how dominant he can be. In 2020, his freshman season, he appeared in eight total games. He recorded 14 total tackles and three tackles for loss. In the two seasons since, Carter has emerged into a star. Over his past 25 games, he has recorded 66 total tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, and six sacks.

Carter’s former Georgia teammate, and current Philadelphia Eagles rookie defensive tackle Jordan Davis has been a star in his rookie season. Carter has the potential to do just that, if not more. There is uncertainty about what the Giants will do with veteran defensive tackle Leonard Williams. If the two sides part ways in the offseason, Carter could immediately fill that void.