Giants: Three up-and-coming players to focus on.
The New York Giants, who are currently in third place in the NFC East with a 4-8 record, haven’t played up to expectations this season. In spite of the setback, three young players have started to show promise as future building blocks.
Micah McFadden LB is the starting linebacker for the Giants. In his second season, Micah McFadden has been extremely successful. The 2022 fifth-round draft choice had a very difficult rookie season. Despite playing in all 17 games (seven of which he started), logging 59 total tackles, including six stops for loss, and giving up an 87.0% completion percentage in coverage, he received a dismal 38.7 overall Pro Football Focus grade.
But McFadden’s performance has greatly improved this season. In 11 starts, he has accumulated 74 combined tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and three pass defenses. In addition, he reduced his coverage completion percentage to 70.8% and raised his overall PFF grade to a remarkable 69.2.
Together with LB Bobby Okereke, McFadden has given Big Blue a strong defensive midfield combination. He is a player the Giants should keep developing because he has shown himself to be one of their best young talents.
One of the best options for receiving is Jalin Hyatt.
In Week 12, rookie wide receiver Jalin Hyatt showed why he could be a top receiver by catching five passes on six targets for 109 yards against New England. Hyatt was getting big play after big play from quarterback Tommy DeVito as the two rookies wowed in MetLife Stadium.
Hyatt was the highest-graded wide receiver in the NFL for Week 12 with a 92.0 PFF rating. In this game, his hands, speed, and route-running prowess were all on full display.
Hyatt was a highly sought-after prospect when he was drafted in the third round as a rookie. He is already exhibiting the promise that he carried into the league. Hyatt has the potential to become the Giants’ next great receiving option if he can keep improving.
Deonte Banks is progressing well.
Considering the caliber of players he has faced as a rookie, the Giants’ first-round selection in the draft, wide receiver Deonte Banks, has had an outstanding season. Banks has faced off against a number of All-Pro and Pro Bowl caliber wide receivers, including Jaylen Waddle, Tyreek Hill, Terry McLaurin, Deebo Samuel, and CeeDee Lamb.
And in spite of all that talent, Banks has done a good job this season of holding his own against the best players. Just 54.5% of passes have been completed by opponents against him in coverage, resulting in 484 yards and three touchdowns. In addition, he has two interceptions, 10 passes defended, and 43 combined tackles.
In Big Blue’s most recent victory over the Patriots, Banks really stood out. Targeted seven times in coverage, he picked up his second interception of the year while allowing just three receptions for 29 yards and a 15.5 passer rating:
Banks has had a fantastic season as he continues to establish himself as the Giants’ starting cornerback. Big Blue has experienced a great deal of disappointment this season, but players like Banks, McFadden, and Hyatt have given the team hope for the future.
