The New York Giants might be in the middle of a full roster overhaul, but they still have plenty of playmakers than can change the course of a game at any moment. The offense specifically is in much better shape than the defense, but general manager Dave Gettleman and new head coach Joe Judge are looking to even out the playing field.
The success of the defense correlates directly with the offense staying on the field and putting more points on the board. However, without playmakers, having success on both sides of the ball is extremely difficult.
Let’s take a look at three of the New York Giants‘ best playmakers on offense:
3.) Evan Engram
While I’m hesitant to put Engram on this list, his play-making ability is by far one of the most elite on the team. The issue is health when it comes to his production, having only played in eight games last season.
Engram’s production has decreased since his inception in 2017. The Giants did pick up that his fifth-year option, keeping him on the team until after 2021. If he can remain healthy, Engram is immediately an indispensable part of the offense and a heavy usage player in 12 personnel. However, two seasons of injuries and the latest requiring foot surgery does not bode well.
In 2019, he posted his lowest yards per reception, tied for his lowest touchdown total with three, and posted his lowest yardage totals. On the bright side, if healthy, he can only go up from here.
2.) Darius Slayton
Slayton might have been rookie, but he excelled in 2019. In just nine starts in 14 games, he posted 740 yards and eight touchdowns, leading the team in receiving yards and was tied for first with D.K. Metcalf in touchdowns for rookie wide receivers.
While he does need to improve his catch rate, where he logged a 57.1% success rate last season, he averaged 15.4 yards per reception, which is a nice number for Daniel Jones in the intermediate passing game.
For comparison sake, Slayton posted a 2.4% drop rate while Odell Beckham Jr. posted a 5.3% drop rate. While Beckham’s sample size was exponentially bigger than Slayton’s, it’s a positive sign to see Darius’ ability to hold onto the football.
I expect Slayton to improve on his production moving forward, as he showed the potential to be the Giants’ top wide receiver. If he can improve on his 2019 statistics, Daniel Jones might have himself a number one wideout drafted in the later rounds. That’s a move that could save Dave Gettleman’s job in the future.
1.) Saquon Barkley
Of course, Saquon Barkley ranks out at number one based on his overall potential and what he brings to the team. In his rookie season two years ago, he rushed for 1307 yards and gained 720 yards through the air. He posted 15 total touchdowns and averaged 81.7 yards per game. Last season, due to a high ankle sprain, he played in 13 games and earned only 1003 yards on the ground. He posted 438 receiving yards and scored eight total touchdowns.
Considering he broke 1000 yards rushing with a bad ankle is quite impressive, and that attests to the talent he brings to the table and how integral he is to the offense’s production. Barkley has the ability to break free on any given play and can change the course of the game, making him the Giants’ top playmaker on offense.