With the first quarter of the season concluding, the New York Giants have surprise standouts. The Giants have found something rare: an elite draft class. Three of their rookies cracked ESPN’s top ten list: Cam Skattebo, Jaxson Dart, and Abdul Carter. This draft class proves to be promising for the future, but they’re also already transforming the Giants currently.
Numerous ESPN Analysts compiled this list, the only team that had several players make the list was the Cleveland Browns. For a franchise celebrating their 100th season, the youth movement may be the most enticing storyline of the year. The rookies have helped breathe life back into this team.
Abdul Carter: Lands at No.2
Leading the way of all the rookies is the star outside linebacker , who’s quickly emerging as the heartbeat of the Giants’ new defense.
“Carter leads rookie defenders in pressures (13), quarterback hits (eight) and total pass rush wins (16),” wrote ESPN’s Kalyn Kahler. “His versatility at linebacker and edge rusher is what makes him so valuable to this Giants defense.”
Although Carter has just one sack through six weeks, the advance metrics tell an entirely different story. Also, he’s shown flashes of plays where he disrupts and allows his teammates to make the big plays, rather than himself. He’s the only player this season to lineup inside, on the edge, and at linebacker, per Next Gen Stats. This displays his versatility and IQ as a player.
Cam Skattebo: Runaway Freight Train Lies at No.5
Similarly to Carter, Skattebo represents the offense’s future. He’s a bruising, explosive, high-effort back who’s proven to be a gritty runner. His relentlessness has caught many Giants fans by surprise and he’s quickly become a fan favorite.
“Skattebo fell to the third day of the draft as a high-contact runner who ran a ho-hum 4.66-second 40-yard dash,” stated ESPN. “But with his bring-it-on style, he has carved out a place in the Giants’ offense and in the hearts of the team’s faithful.”
Currently, Skattebo ranks among the top rookie rushers in the NFL, averaging two yards after contact. The only two that remain above Skattebo are Ashton Jeanty and Omarion Hampton. While he’s a relentless runner, this doesn’t speak to his versatility as a player. He’s also one of the six running backs that’s earned more receiving yards than his total yard son the ground itself.
He’s proven to be a threat through the air, as well as on the ground.
Jaxson Dart: The Answer for the Giants
The most exciting and discussed rookie on the Giants is starting quarterback, Dart. He’s listed at No.10 on the list, but his rise to fame has been historic. Despite limited action, Dart has already injected life into the entire organization, let alone the stagnant offense.
“In his first start against the Chargers, Dart ran for 54 yards, a touchdown and five first downs,” ESPN noted. “He has rushed for more than 50 yards in every game since.”
Some fans are drawing comparisons to former MVP Josh Allen, due to Dart’s dual-threat ability. He’s shown flashes over the past couple of weeks to really instill hope back into the Giants. Against the Eagles, he completed 9 of 13 passes for 99 yards and a touchdown. While it may not appear a lot, it showed this hidden potential is possible, further cementing his reputation being poised and a fearless leader.
