Despite Their Bad Record, Giants May Have Found Hope in This Rookie Class

There haven’t been many things that have gone the Giants' way this season, as the team currently sits with a 2-11 record. With former players vastly outperforming their production while on the team and the franchise itself becoming the punchline for nationwide media, the Giants have turned into one of the most disappointing franchises in modern-day American sports. Yet, despite all this chaos seemingly unfolding every other day, the Giants do have a positive takeaway from this season: the emergence of their most recent rookie class.

This group of rookies has been thrust into the spotlight due to a lack of veteran talent on the roster. Two rookies in particular, wide receiver Malik Nabers and running back Tyrone Tracy, have stood out. Nabers and Tracy are the first pair of rookies to average over 65 scrimmage yards per game since Reggie Bush and Marques Colston did so for the Saints. Nabers has already established himself as one of the league’s best up-and-coming receivers, consistently making plays despite subpar quarterback play. Meanwhile, Tracy has performed so well since becoming the starter a few weeks into the season that his emergence has helped ease some of the lingering disappointment surrounding the Saquon Barkley situation from this past offseason.

Nabers currently ranks third among rookies in receiving yards with 813 yards, an impressive feat given that he’s played two fewer games than Brock Bowers and Brian Thomas Jr., the two players ahead of him. Tracy is also making a case as one of the top rookie rushers, ranking second with 664 rushing yards.

While the offensive rookies have garnered more attention due to their impactful production, the Giants’ rookie defenders have also stepped up. Second-round safety Tyler Nubin and undrafted free agent Elijah Chatman have both made their presence felt in recent weeks. Nubin has shown a knack for aggressive play in the box, making several key plays that stand out on tape. While he hasn’t yet secured his first interception, his potential is undeniable. Chatman, a speedy and undersized interior tackle, has primarily been utilized in passing situations. His snap count has increased significantly following the season-ending injury to Dexter Lawrence, and he’s performed admirably in his expanded role.

Despite the struggles of this Giants team, the franchise appears to be building a foundation with its promising young talent. In addition to this encouraging rookie class, the Giants currently hold the No. 2 pick in the draft if the season were to end today, with the best odds to land the No. 1 pick by season’s end. This offseason will be pivotal for the Giants, potentially shaping the direction of the franchise for the next decade.