New York Giants: Who Are The Pro Bowl Talents?

The New York Giants have been one of the league’s worst teams over the past two seasons. In 2017, they finished with a 3-13 record awarding them with the second overall pick in the Draft. Then, they showed minimal improvement in 2018 with a 5-11 record and the sixth overall pick.

The Giants need to turn things around as soon as possible. The team needs more elite talent in order to be a playoff-contending team. But that’s not to say that New York has no talent whatsoever. There are a few players that could earn a trip to the Pro Bowl if they live up to their potential in 2019. But who exactly on the Giants actually has a chance of making the Pro Bowl in 2019?

Saquon Barkley (Obviously)

Saquon Barkley is not only a Pro Bowl talent, but he is also arguably the best player in the NFL at his position. As a rookie, Saquon lead the league in yards from scrimmage with 2,028 total.

His record-breaking season earned him a few prestigious awards, too. Including Pepsi Rookie of the Year and AP Offensive Rookie of the Year. A decorated rookie season for a generational talent.

But that was year one for Saquon Barkley. Year two looks to have plenty more in store for the Penn State alum. Barkley is a shoo-in for the Pro Bowl this year. That is unless he manages to carry Big Blue all the way to the Super Bowl…

Kevin Zeitler

It is surprising that right guard Kevin Zeitler has not been to a Pro Bowl yet. The former Cleveland Brown has had a very successful career thus far and made a name for himself based on his elite-level pass-protection.

The New York Giants have not had an offensive lineman selected for the Pro Bowl in seven years. 2019 very well could be the year that this drought ends. Zeitler allowed all of 11 pressures all season long, and he owned the highest pass-blocking grade of any offensive lineman in the NFL according to Pro Football Focus.

If Eli Manning is able to put together a solid season behind his new rebuilt offensive line, Zeitler could receive his first-career Pro Bowl selection. But, what if the Giants saw two offensive linemen make the Pro Bowl?

Will Hernandez

Will Hernandez is another gem from the Giants’ 2018 draft class. Hernandez was a first-round talent that slipped into round two. Luckily for the Giants, they had the second pick in the second round and were able to steal Will Hernandez.

Hernandez was excellent in his rookie season. According to PFF, Will allowed only 5 sacks in his rookie campaign. This was tied for the ninth fewest of all guards in the NFL. But, almost more impressively, Hernandez committed only two penalties on 1,027 snaps. This is an incredible accomplishment for a rookie and it truly demonstrates Will’s advanced technique and discipline.

So, of course, there are a couple of other players on the Giants’ offense who could earn the nod to Orlando if they break out this season. Evan Engram has all the potential in the world if he stays healthy and Sterling Shepard is a solid receiver poised to break out in an expanded role. And even Eli Manning, if the veteran quarterback can revert to his old form then, of course, he could be selected, too.

But what about the defense? Is there any real talent on the other side of the ball?

Jabrill Peppers

Giants Nation loves rooting for an exciting defensive presence. Prior to his departure, Landon Collins was one of the most popular athletes in New York. Despite being placed on injured reserve and having the worst season of his career in 2018, Giants Nation still voted Landon Collins to the Pro Bowl.

Peppers has already begun to see that same love from Giants fans. If he puts together the season that he is capable of he could break out and make it to Orlando.

Jabrill Peppers is capable of a lot more than he gets credit for. He is not just a box safety who defends the run. Jabrill is one of the most versatile young safeties in the league.

The Browns used Peppers as a jack-of-all-trades defensive back in 2018, like he was used in college at Michigan. Most of his snaps were played at safety (281 snaps), but he played a lot of snaps at linebacker (172 snaps), edge (133 snaps), and slot cornerback (108 snaps), too, according to Pro Football Focus.

This lead to a better statistical season from Jabrill Peppers. He played all 16 games and finished with 79 combined tackles, 1 interception, 5 passes defended, 5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 2 forced fumbles, and 3 fumble recoveries.

The Giants have a lot more talent than people want to give them credit for. Granted, much of their talent is unproven and based on potential, but that is something that the Giants have a lot of.

Hopefully, not a single player from the Giants plays in the Pro Bowl because they are too busy prepping for the Super Bowl. But if New York is unable to make it back to the promised land, fans should expect to see a couple of Blue helmets playing in Orlando in January.