With OTAs in full swing, we have gotten a better look at how certain NY Giants players could perform once the 2024 season begins. While it's mostly light drills, it's still nice to see these guys back on the field for the first time since January - while some have been away for even longer than that.
During the times when the media has been allowed at these events, we've heard reports on some Giants who have looked great, and some who have looked less than spectacular. We're here to focus on those who have shined thus far and these four players have been showing out more than others:
4. WR Bryce Ford-Wheaton
Last season, the Giants were robbed of what could have been a productive rookie season from West Virginia product Bryce Ford-Wheaton. The 6-4, 221-pound pass-catcher blew up at the Combine, running a 4.38 40-yard dash while boasting a 41-inch vertical. Unfortunately, though, Ford-Wheaton tore his ACL in the preseason and missed all of 2023.
During his time at West Virginia, Ford-Wheaton flashed all of his athletic traits, alongside some impressive skills as a receiver, catching 62 passes for 675 yards and seven touchdowns his senior year. While Ford-Wheaton definitely has a long way to go in terms of development, seeing him make an impact at OTAs could be a great sign of what's to come in 2024.
Bryce Ford-Wheaton flashed today. He’s going to be a fan favorite in training camp and the preseason as he continues on road back from ACL last summer. #NYGiants
— Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton) May 30, 2024
If he develops well, Ford-Wheaton could be a real contributor to this Giants' offense. His height, athleticism, and deep-threat skills make the archetype for a great wide receiver, it's just up to Ford-Wheaton to put it all together on the field.
3. TE Theo Johnson
With all the reports surrounding Darren Waller's likely retirement, the Giants are going to need one of their tight ends to step it up big time this season in order to fill the void. While third-year TE Daniel Bellinger seems like the best option to start right away, it certainly seems like Theo Johnson could give him a run for his money.
Bellinger is the better blocker and will likely be more consistent out of the gates. However, Johnson is an athletic monster with a higher ceiling as a pure pass-catcher and throughout the start of OTAs, Johnson has stood out quite well.
"At the start of 11-on-11 drills, Tommy DeVito hit Theo Johnson for what would have been a first down. The next play, DeVito hit Darius Slayton on a slant for a first down... Speaking of Johnson, the rookie tight end made several impressive catches on Tuesday, including one in a tight window for what would have been a first down. Later in practice, Johnson caught a pass from Drew Lock up the seam for a 20+ yard gain."Matt Clark of Giants.com
During his last season at Penn State, Johnson caught 34 passes for 341 yards and seven touchdowns. These numbers may not be eye-popping, but Johnson's an athletic freak, earning the second-highest athleticism score out of all tight ends on the NFL Combine website.
To start the season, Johnson may start off as a red-zone threat, but don't be surprised if he earns a bigger role as the season goes on. He could provide a valuable safety net for Daniel Jones in tough situations.
2. WR Malik Nabers
This likely won't come as a surprise to anyone, but No. 6 overall pick Malik Nabers has shined thus far at OTAs and is looking to make a big splash on the field for the Giants in his rookie season. If he does, New York's offense could be in for a big boost.
"Rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers notched one touchdown, likely two if it were a live game. The no-doubter was on a scramble drill by Tommy DeVito during 11-on-11 drills in the red zone, where last year's undrafted quarterback eventually found this year's sixth overall pick in the back of the end zone."Dan Salomone of Giants.com
That update from Salomone came on the second day of OTAs, showing how quickly Nabers is fitting into this Giants offense. The LSU product has high hopes for his rookie season, and rightfully so, as his senior year saw him catch 89 passes for 1,569 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Nabers' game truly has no limits and if Jones can successfully get him the ball in 2024, the Giants offense could finally rise up from the bottom. Even if Jones flusters, Nabers is the kind of talent that will produce regardless. If OTAs are an indicator of anything, these two will have few problems working with one another.
"Earlier in practice, Daniel Jones kicked off 7-on-7 red zone drills with a completion to Nabers. The receiver took it up the sideline, but because no contact is allowed, he veered out of bounds at the goal line with a defender in pursuit. Whether or not he got in can be adjudicated in the locker room or during a film session. They can all agree, however, that during a live game, the competitive Nabers would be on the board for six."Dan Salomone of Giants.com
1. QB Daniel Jones
Yes, it is OTAs, in which there is little contact and really little defense at all to begin with. However, this doesn't change the fact that Jones has performed rather well. Not to mention, the fact that he can even be on the field during OTAs after tearing his ACL in Week 9 of last season is impressive on its own.
Launched it 🚀 pic.twitter.com/ZHMBaBnQlx
— New York Giants (@Giants) June 4, 2024
Jones needs this time at OTAs to work with his new offensive weapons and get back into the groove of things, especially after his horrific play last season. Considering that the Giants can, and likely will release him after this season if he doesn't play well, it very well could be Jones' last chance to prove he can be the team's franchise quarterback.
The entirety of the Giants' chances of success rest on the shoulders of Jones in 2024. If he returns to his 2022 form, New York could return to the postseason before you know it. If not, Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll's jobs could be on the line.