4 NY Giants rookies who are looking like starters ahead of Week 1

As the New York Giants get closer and closer to the start of the 2024 season, coaches and fans have been able to get a closer look at their most recent draft class. There has been a lot of hype around this class and deservedly so.

For a team that may not be considered a true contender entering Week 1, most of the attention will be on the rookies and how they'll impact the future of the franchise. The good news for Giants Nation is some of these rookies are already looking like the real deal, including these four playmakers.

CB Dru Phillips

When Dru Phillips was drafted in the third round, Giants fans were pretty split on the selection. The team was in desperate need of secondary help, but Phillips didn't exactly move the needle. There were questions about his ability to be a true cover corner and most didn't think the teams needed another nickel cornerback. However, so far through camp and the preseason, Phillips has impressed just about everyone.

In the training camp scrimmage with the Detroit Lions, he locked down All-Pro receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown multiple times. He's also shown flashes in camp locking down his own teammates like Wan'Dale Robinson and fellow rookie Malik Nabers.

He showed his versatility in the preseason opener against the Lions, as he was able to get into the backfield for some tackles for loss. Phillips hasn't played a regular season game yet, but he's sure making plenty of noise this summer. An ankle injury kept him out of preseason Week 2, but the injury isn't expected to be serious. He should be good to go to take on the Vikings.

TE Theo Johnson

When the New York Giants drafted Theo Johnson in the fourth round, the expectation was that he'd push for the starting tight end job if Darren Waller retired. Waller did and now Johnson is in a battle with Daniel Bellinger. However, in the game vs. Houston, Johnson got the start and was on the field for more than half of Jones' first half snaps.

Johnson is going to have some growing pains, but it feels like he has a slight edge over Bellinger. That could change the rest of the summer, but we'll give him the advantage here.

S Tyler Nubin

After being drafted in the second round, it would be a surprise if Tyler Nubin wasn't starting opposite of Jason Pinnock when the Giants open the season against the Vikings. Still, despite the blow this unit took after losing Xavier McKinney, Nubin has to earn the job. The good news: Nubin seems to be doing just that. He's starting to take first team reps with Pinnock and even defensive coordinator Shane Bowen has been pleased with what he's seen from the rookie.

Nubin was widely considered the best safety in the draft and we're already seeing why. Nubin can excel in coverage and has a real nose for the football. Plus, he's as physical as they come, which was put on full display when he knocked a Lions' offensive lineman on his back during the preseason opener. Physical, intelligent and skilled. All signs are pointing to Nubin being out there for the Giants' first defensive snap of the season.

WR Malik Nabers

There is not a world where Malik Nabers is not a starting wide receiver for the Giants against the Vikings. Really, there isn't a world where he isn't the No. 1 option as soon as he steps on the field. The only way this happens is if he's hurt, but honestly, he should still be out there even if his recent ankle injury is nagging him. This is why you draft a guy like Nabers with the No. 6 pick. He needs to play immediately.

In the preseason opener, he didn't post a single target. Things changed in the game vs. Houston, with him hauling in four receptions for 54 yards. A leaping, acrobatic grab he posted is still being talked about too. Nabers is going to completely change the offense for NY in 2024. Get your popcorn ready.