The countdown for training camp has reached less than two weeks for the NY Giants. Then, Week 1 can't get here soon enough. Fans are fired up to see what the G-Men will be able to get done this campaign, as there's plenty of pressure on the star playmakers.
However, we're also ready to see some of the under-the-radar guys ball out as well. In this piece, we're taking a look at four underrated Big Blue studs who could be in line for big years. Get yourself familiar with these players on both sides of the ball moving forward:
4. WR Isaiah Hodgins
Isaiah Hodgins is the textbook definition of under-the-radar, underrated player. As you've probably read from us before, a lot of people likely didn't even know who this kid was before he made his way to East Rutherford. Hodgins was a late-round pick by the Bills in 2020. He didn't play in a game that year.
Then in 2021, the outside receiver appeared in one contest and followed that up with two appearances for Buffalo in 2022 before making his way to the G-Men. Hodgins exceeded all the expectations for him with New York last year. Matter of fact, he blew them out of the water. Hodgins was able to become a reliable option for Daniel Jones and Brian Daboll.
In his eight games, Hodgins posted five starts with 33 receptions, 351 yards and four touchdowns. However, it was his performance in the postseason that really opened up eyes to his potential. In the NFC Wild Card Round win over Minnesota, Hodgins lit up the Vikings' defense, catching eight balls for 105 yards and a touchdown. Look for him to makle plenty of noise this fall and winter.
3. Pass-rusher Azeez Ojulari
When he's able to stay healthy, outside linebacker Azeez Ojulari has been a monster for the Giants. He posted a rookie franchise record with eight sacks in 2021. Fans were hopeful that he'd be able to have another huge campaign in '22, but injuries prevented him from really taking off. It was a bummer to see.
However, when Ojulari was on the field, he was a force working with then rookie Kayvon Thibodeaux. Last season, Ojulari posted 5.5 sacks in seven games. Just imagine what he would have been able to get done had he been out there for 16-17 games. He would have easily flirted with double-digit sacks for defensive coordinator Wink Martindale.
With him missing so much time last season (eight regular season contests), it's easy to forget about Ojulari's potential. However, moving forward, Ojulari has what it takes to be a Pro Bowl-caliber player for this defense. Making sure he's close to 100 percent throughout the year won't be easy, but we're optimistic Ojulari will be brilliant moving forward.
2. Left guard Ben Bredeson
When it comes to the offensive line, the two main names mentioned consistently are Andrew Thomas and Evan Neal. Hey, we get it. The two offensive tackles are former first-round picks and monsters in the trenches. However, we've got to remember the other guys up front, including left guard Ben Bredeson.
Bredeson, a 6-5, 315-pounder, is entering his fourth season in the NFL and his third season with Big Blue. Bredeson posted eight starts for the Giants last year and 11 total appearances. He's not a big name in any way and it's not a lock that he'll win the starting job, but we're expecting him to be out there vs. the Cowboys along with Neal, Thomas, Mark Glowinski and John Michael Schmitz.
Bredeson showcased flashes of strong play last year, but he also struggled quite a bit at times. The offfensive line as a whole looked rough at tmes, which can't be the case moving forward. The entire line must gel and improve in order to help Danny Dimes live up to the hype. We can only hope Bredeson will help in getting this unit to play better.
1. Wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson
A second-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Wan'Dale Robinson entered his rookie season with plenty of hype. With his head-turning wheels, Robinson figured to make a strong impact from the start for this squad. However, a torn ACL cut things short for him last year. Plain and simple, seeing Robinson go down vs. the Lions was heartbreaking.
In that game, he broke out for nine catches and 100 yards. It was the kind of showing that NY supporters were waiting to see out of him. However, that strong display ended in the worst way possible, with him being carted off the field with his serious injury. Now, we're waiting to see if Robinson will be good to go for the start of 2023.
In his first year, Robinson posted 23 catches for 227 yards and one touchdown. This came in six games. Injuries prevented him from reaching his maximum potential in '22. Now, though, people will be ready to see what he can do moving forward. Yes, Schoen added Darren Waller, Paris Campbell and Jalin Hyatt for the passing game this offseason, but plenty of eyes will be on Robinson too.
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