The New York Giants underwent as much turnover as any team in the NFL this offseason. Beyond replacing Brian Daboll with John Harbaugh, the G-Men made sweeping changes to the roster. Ten of their 22 starters were added this offseason.
While some of the offseason additions the Giants made didn't quite pan out (we're looking at you, Odell Beckham Jr.) Harbaugh and Joe Schoen did make a few savvy moves.
These four newcomers have already rewarded the risks that the Giants took on them.
Tremaine Edmunds is unlocking Arvell Reese
Arvell Reese has been the star of the Giants' defense so far this year. He has been flying around the field and could be on track to win Defensive Rookie of the Year. But his dynamic role in New York's defense is only possible because of Tremaine Edmunds.
Edmunds hasn't been perfect this year, but he's a reliable presence in the middle of the field. The Giants desperately needed a capable starting middle linebacker, and they got one in the veteran. He already has 41 tackles and three tackles for loss and has become a leader for Big Blue's defense.
Isaiah Likely is thriving in full-time Giants role
Before the start of the season, Isaiah Likely was facing questions about whether or not he could step into a starting tight end role. How ridiculous do those questions seem now?
Likely hasn't just established himself as a quality starter; he has placed himself among the NFL's elite tight ends. He leads all tight ends in receiving touchdowns, ranks fourth in yards, and ranks second in total EPA generated.
He's the No. 2 target in the Giants' offense, only behind Malik Nabers. The three-year, $40 million contract that New York gave him this offseason is already starting to look like a steal.
D.J. Reader is the run-stuffer Giants needed
No, the Giants' run defense hasn't been elite this season. In fact, it hasn't even been average. But it would be a disaster if DJ Reader wasn't around.
The veteran defensive tackle has been an anchor against the run, producing seven run stops and recording his best PFF run defense grade (77.4) of the last half-decade. The Giants have struggled in run defense, largely due to missed tackles, but Reader hasn't been the root of the problem.
The 32-year-old has more than validated his two-year, $12.5 million contract.
Jordan Stout has been worth every cent Giants paid
The Giants made Jordan Stout the richest punter in the NFL this offseason, giving him $4.1 million per year. He was one of the many former Baltimore Ravens that Harbaugh added to the roster.
As it turns out, having a talented punter makes a major difference. Stout ranks fourth in the league in net yards per attempt, fourth in yards per attempt, and fifth in punts inside his opponent's 20-yard line. He's consistently helping the Giants win the field position battle. That kind of advantage is easily worth the $4.1 million the Giants are paying him.
Add us as a preferred source on Google