The New York Giants have done a good job at bringing in young talent over the last few seasons, but these kids need to go all out this year.
New York Giants General Manager Jerry Reese has had his fair share of criticism pointed in his direction.
And rightfully so. The organization hasn’t done the best at picking and choosing their young talents in the draft and that has plagued the team’s depth over the last number of seasons.
2016, however, was different.
When it came to free agency, Reese gave out rich contracts to Olivier Vernon, Damon Harrison, and Janoris Jenkins. While many considered each and every contract as overpaid, the trio lived up to the hype. More importantly, however, is that Vernon, Harrison, and Jenkins are all in the prime of their careers.
The draft, too, has been a source of positivity. From 2014, Odell Beckham Jr. and Weston Richburg are elite players at their positions while Devon Kennard had a breakout season in 2016. The 2015 selections featured potential Defensive Player of the Year in Landon Collins and Ereck Flowers, someone who has underwhelmed mightily but still has potential. The Giants also saw Eli Apple, Sterling Shepard, and Paul Perkins emerge as starters while Darian Thompson, B.J. Goodson, and Jerell Adams flashed potential.
But not every youngster has a spot on the roster. And for these three Giants, they must be ready to compete for their jobs in Training Camp.
Roger Lewis
During the 2016 draft, Reese spent just one pick at the wide receiver position. While the decision to choose Shepard in the second round largely paid off, many believed the general manager should’ve spent another selection on someone who could help alleviate pressure on Beckham.
Instead, Reese set his sights on the undrafted free agent market. Not only did he nab two strong players in Roger Lewis and Tavarres King, but both men ended up making the roster.
After seeing zero snaps in the first two weeks of the season, the 23-year-old from Bowling Green stepped up. Between Week 3 and Week 9, Lewis flashed immense potential as he totaled seven catches on 19 targets, good for 97 yards and two touchdowns. While he certainly showcased his speed and jumping ability, he also flashed what plagued him throughout college — dropped passes and inconsistent route running.
As the season came to a close, it was King, not Lewis, who worked as the fourth receiver. And in the Giants lone playoff game, King was showcased more than ever as he hauled in three passes (six receptions) for 73 yards, including Eli Manning‘s lone touchdown of the postseason.
Heading into 2017, Lewis will be positioned towards the bottom of the depth chart — and that’s without knowing the moves that will be made in free agency and in the draft. In his second year in the pros, he’s already going to be fighting for his life with the Giants organization.
Nat Berhe
When the Giants selected Nat Berhe in the fifth round pack in 2014, the jury was out on the young safety. On one hand, he was a physical talent with exceptional speed that had a nose for the football and a love for the game. On the other, Berhe was vastly undersized for the safety position, with many believing that would severely limit his potential.
During his first season, Berhe went largely unnoticed. He did make noise in training camp but since he played at a smaller school, the coaching staff had him learn the ropes from veterans like Antrel Rolle and Quentin Demps. In his second training camp, Berhe impressed once again — unfortunately, however, a calf injury ended his season before it could get started.
Heading into 2016, there was a hole at safety next to Landon Collins. Darian Thompson — the Giants most recent third-round pick — was the odds-on favorite. But once again, it was Berhe who played a high level during the preseason and the coaching staff rewarded him for his efforts.
Living up to his “Missile” nickname, the youngster delivered hard hits and was seen all over the field. Unfortunately, however, that came with a price, as Berhe dealt with concussion issues on two separate occasions.
A core special teamer and a true physical presence, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Berhe sticks with the Giants. But injury issues seem to be a constant with the 25-year-old — and that alone can force him elsewhere.
Owa Odighizuwa
When Owa Odighizuwa was taken by the Giants in the 2015 draft, comparisons to Justin Tuck were immediately made. Why? Both men are defensive ends, both were taken in the third round with the 74th overall pick, and both showed the ability to play both inside and outside along the defensive line.
Comparisons are always nice on paper. When it comes to being on the field, that’s a completely different thing. And unsurprisingly, Odighizuwa has yet to come anywhere close to the player that Tuck was.
After spending a majority of 2015 on injured reserve, Odighizuwa