Flashing back to 2019, the New York Giants didn’t have any Pro Bowlers, but this year is seemingly far different. Overhauling the coaching staff and adding new faces to the defense, the Giants have six players who are in the running to earn a Pro Bowl nod. Special-teams ace Graham Gano is also favored based on his stellar 96.2% success rate in field goals this season.
The New York Giants Pro Bown contenders:
1.) James Bradberry
When the Giants sign free agent James Bradberry to a three-year deal, most were perplexed by the idea. He wasn’t considered to be a shutdown corner with Carolina, but he has been nothing but stellar for the Giants this season. In a career year, Bradberry ranks second in the NFL with 15 passes defended and forth with three interceptions. He has earned 33 combined tackles and has allowed just 41 yards the past three games, including a one reception, one-yard performance against Cincinnati last week. The only con regarding James is his missed tackle rate, which sits at 15.4%.
Regardless of his tackling efficiency, Bradberry has been a stellar number one corner for the Giants and is 100% deserving of a Pro Bowl appearance.
2.) Blake Martinez
Another fantastic free agent signing for the Giants was Blake Martinez, who also landed a three-year deal. He is currently having a career year as well with Big Blue, ranking fourth in combined tackles with 101. He also has five quarterback hits, six tackles for loss, and 2.0 sacks. Martinez is the definition of a perfect scheme fit for Patrick Graham on defense, primarily playing against the run and dropping into shallow coverage to cover underneath routes and flat concepts by running backs. Overall, he has revolutionized the linebacker position for the Giants and replaced Alec Ogletree’s production significantly.
3.) Dalvin Tomlinson
One of the most consistent defenders for the Giants this season and the past few years has been Dalvin Tomlinson. As their best run defender, Tomlinson has also seen improvements with his pass rush. He has 1.5 sacks on the year and 36 combined tackles, to add eight quarterback hits and five tackles for loss. He has been a stud and is on pace to beat most of his personal records over the next five games. The Giants have to make a tough decision at the end of the year with Tomlinson’s contract expiring, but he has been phenomenal on the interior, and the Giants need to find a way to retain him.
4.) Leonard Williams
When general manager Dave Gettleman initially traded for Leonard Williams, the fan-base was up in arms. While giving away that much draft capital at the time was considered malpractice, Williams is showing that he can be a staple on defense for a Big Blue. He’s having a career year as well under Patrick Graham, tallying 6.0 sacks, 3 combined tackles, 19 quarterback hits, and eight tackles for a loss. His tackling efficiency is stellar, and his blend of size and strength makes him one of the best interior defenders in the NFL. Letting him walk in free agency would significantly hurt the big three the Giants have installed on defense.
5.) Jabrill Peppers
Jabrill Peppers has been an exciting player to watch with the Giants the past two seasons, but he’s finally finding his groove with Graham as the defensive coordinator. Dropping into the box more often in a money-backer role, Peppers has had his best three games of the season during the Giants’ three-game win streak. Against Cincinnati, he earned an 88 overall coverage grade, the best of his entire career, and an 89.6 defensive grade, per PFF. He allowed just one reception for one yard after allowing four receptions or more the past six weeks. The Giants have enjoyed his progression in this new system, and has earned himself consideration for the Pro Bowl.
6.) Logan Ryan
What Logan Ryan has done for the defense was not expected, but his transition to safety and communicative abilities has given Big Blue an identity. In a recent film review conducted by Fireside Giants of Empire Sports Media, we saw that he utilizes a parallel frame to the sideline, allowing him to go north and south much more efficiently. His ability to read pre-snap and post-snap confuses quarterbacks, contributing to his effectiveness. This is the first year he’s making the transition to safety, and he’s already in contention for a Pro Bowl appearance.
Through 11 games, Ryan has 65 combined tackles, four quarterback hits, 1.0 sacks, and four turnovers.
7.) Graham Gano
Gano has been a stud for the Giants since joining them just before the regular season started. He has made every single kick but one in week two against Chicago. Against the Dallas Cowboys earlier this year, he hit three 50+ yard field goals, the most in one game since the start of the Super Bowl era. He has hit 100% of his extra points and fought through Covid to play against Cincinnati in week 12.
Graham hit all four of his field goals against Cincinnati, which ended up being the difference-maker on the scoreboard. The Giants won by just two points, indicating how valuable Gano is to their success.