Predicting Giants' Breakout Players at 2024 OTAs, Minicamp
The New York Giants are hoping that an influx of talent can help the team return to the playoff form it last showed in 2022.
While New York largely spent the 2023 offseason focusing on player retention, they were active in bringing in new faces this offseason. Players like pass-rusher Brian Burns, offensive lineman Jermaine Eluemunor and rookie receiver Malik Nabers should help provide a spark in the coming season.
However, the Giants should be hopeful that some of their returning players can help precipitate a turnaround as well. They struggled last season, after all, because too many areas of the roster underwhelmed.
With this in mind, let's examine three Giants veterans who could start the process of breaking out during this month's organized team activities (OTAs) and upcoming minicamps.
WR Jalin Hyatt
The Giants opted not to use the sixth overall pick on a quarterback like J.J. McCarthy or Michael Penix Jr., choosing instead to snag Nabers. While a new signal-caller might have aided New York's existing receivers, Nabers can too.
The LSU product has legitimate No. 1 receiver potential, something the Giants haven't had on their roster since Odell Beckham Jr. was traded. He'll command defensive addition, which should help open things up for players like second-year receiver Jalin Hyatt.
Hyatt, a 2023 third-round pick, showed flashes as a rookie. but didn't evolve into a polished pass-catcher in Year 1. The speedy 22-year-old caught just 23 of 40 targets but did average 16.2 yards per reception.
With a year of experience under his belt, Hyatt should be a more complete player in Year 2.
"I left some plays out there that I wish I had back, but gradually I'll get better," Hyatt said, per SNY's John Flanigan.
New York added Allen Robinson this offseason and still has Darius Slayton and Wan'Dale Robinson on the roster. Hyatt will have an excellent chance to earn a starting role, though, and should begin to show his growth at OTAs.
CB Nick McCloud
The Giants may have high expectations for rookie third-round pick Andru Phillips, but he isn't the only young cornerback who could become a difference-maker this season.
Nick McCloud—a 2021 undrafted free agent who made his way to New York in 2022—probably isn't a household name outside of New York. He hasn't been a full-time starter, but he's been a solid contributor over the past two seasons.
In 2023, McCloud appeared in 17 games with three starts and allowed an opposing passer rating of only 72.4 in coverage. He also contributed on special teams and secured his first career interception in Week 11.
While McCloud only played 28 percent of the defensive snaps last season, he could now be in line for a bigger role.
Cornerbacks Keion Crossen and Adoree' Jackson remain unsigned, which could open the door for McCloud to start opposite 2023 first-round pick Deonte Banks. Phillips could settle into the nickel role.
McCloud, who re-signed as a restricted free agent this offseason, has shown promise as a part-time player. Expect him to continue developing as a bigger piece of the defensive puzzle in 2024.
RB Eric Gray
New York lost star running back Saquon Barkley to the rival Philadelphia Eagles in free agency, and the Giants are likely to utilize a committee approach in replacing him. Devin Singletary was signed to be the 2024 starter, but 2023 fifth-round pick Eric Gray could see a jump in production as well.
Gray only played sparingly last season, appearing in 13 games but logging just 17 carries. He also missed time with a calf injury. However, he showed a lot of ability in college at both Tennessee and Oklahoma.
In Gray's final collegiate season, he rushed for 1,366 yards and 6.4 yards per carry. He's a capable receiver out of the backfield too, so while he may not replicate his college production as a pro, he should figure into any rotational game plan.
Last year's No. 2 running back, Matt Breida, remains unsigned.
Gray has a shot to be the primary backup to Singletary and a regular change-of-pace contributor. Rookie Tyrone Tracy Jr. is well suited to fill the receiving-back role, but Gray should start to overtake Gary Brightwell as the No. 2 ball carrier as early as OTAs.
*Advanced statistics from Pro Football Reference