It was tough to keep track of all the NY Giants who dealt with season-ending injuries in 2022. Despite all of the adversity this team faced, the G-Men were able to limp their way to a 9-7-1 regular season record – something no one saw coming. Can you imagine how things could have gone if they were at full strength?
Now, though, everyone is looking ahead to the 2023 regular season and there’s obviously plenty of guys who will be ready to make a splash. However, in this piece we’re taking a look at three under-the-radar guys who are still working their way back to being 100 percent, but they can make a big-time impact for Brian Daboll next fall:
3. WR Collin Johnson
Last August, Daboll and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka were dealt a bit of a blow when wide receiver Collin Johnson suffered a torn Achilles during camp. Just like that, the youngster’s season came to a close. Johnson checks in at 6-6, 222 pounds. He would have been a massive target for Daniel Jones to go after, especially in the red zone.
Unfortunately for Johnson, he had to watch the entire ’22 campaign from the sidelines. But the fourth-year wideout has been working around the clock to try and get himself into the best shape possible ahead of the new year arriving. A new workout clip of Johnson made its way to social media, and he’s looking like he’s moving around pretty darn well:
Collin Johnson working his way back from an Achilles injury. He was having a breakout camp before going down last August.
— Tommy (@TommyG105) March 18, 2023
A big if but he could fill a huge void at X receiver for the Giants.#TommysTakes #TogetherBlue pic.twitter.com/0oB1t9YS63
Johnson still has a lot of work to do to get himself game ready, but this sure is a promising sign. In 2021, his first campaign with the G-Men, Johnson appeared in 12 games for Big Blue, hauling in 11 receptions for 105 yards.
This kid isn’t a superstar playmaker by any means, but he has the chance to see significant action for this offense come next season. He’ll be a guy to keep an eye on once camp rolls around, no doubt about that.
2. LB Darrian Beavers
Similar to Johnson, linebacker Darrian Beavers saw his 2022 season end before it could even get started. In a preseason game, Beavers went down with a torn ACL – it was really heartbreaking to see for the former Cincinnati standout. In his limited action in the preseason, the 6-4, 255-pounder impressed a lot of people.
A sixth-round pick in last spring’s NFL Draft, Beavers was hoping to not only make a name for himself during Year 1, but also see significant playing time for Daboll and defensive coordinator Wink Martindale. Again, things didn’t go according to plan for Beavers, but there’s optimism that he’ll be able to do big things in 2023.
We don’t have to tell you that the linebacker play was a nightmare for this team last campaign. This offseason, though, general manager Joe Schoen made a big splash by signing Bobby Okereke to a $40 million deal. Some more LB help will surely be on the way in late April’s draft too, as no more Jaylon Smith or Tae Crowder games will be an option for NY.
Folks are excited to see which other LBs will make their way to East Rutherford later this year, but Beavers will be a player to watch one camp rolls around as well. He’s motivated to bounce back and be a key contributor for this defense. He has all the tools to be a solid ‘backer for the G-Men next fall.
1. WR Sterling Shepard
It’s tough to call Sterling Shepard underrated or a forgotten player, but it’s just impossible to not want the best for this guy. In 2021, Shepard went down with a torn Achillies. After fighting his way back to get ready for ’22, he hauled in his unforgettable touchdown vs. the Tennessee Titans in Week 1 to help provide one of the best upsets for Big Blue of the year.
Then in the Monday Night Football loss to the Dallas Cowboys, Shepard had to be carted off, this time with a torn ACL. Countless Giants fans were ready to give Shepard both their knees so he could keep on playing – that’s how much he means to the organization. Him suffering back-to-back season-ending injuries was brutal to see.
Despite not being able to get out on the field with his teammates, Shepard remained around the team and was easily one of the biggest cheerleaders out there. He’s back with the Giants for one more season and he’s going to want to keep posting clutch receptions for this squad.
The second Shepard (knock on wood) scores his first TD of 2023, it’s going to feel unreal for him. It’s a moment we can’t wait to happen. After all he’s been through, Shepard not only deserves a clean bill of health, but he also deserves to have an unforgettable year in ’23.
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