Notes
- The injury to Will Beatty has left the Giants offensive line with plenty of questions. Will he make it back to play any part in 2015? And who steps up where while he is out? Right now it looks like rookie first round draft pick Ereck Flowers will slot in at left tackle straight away, fellow former first round draft pick Justin Pugh slotting in at left guard. Geoff Schwartz, who can play both guard and tackle will likely start at right tackle, with the struggling John Jerry in at right guard. An unsettled line isn't good news for the Giants offense, but the saving grace is Schwartz, who has played to a very high level when healthy.
- The star of this offense, as has been the case pretty much since he arrived on the field after missing the start of his rookie season, is Odell Beckham Jr. A phenomenal rookie season has set that bar very high for his second season and beyond in the NFL. He was third among all wide receivers with a 2.74 Yards Per Route Run average, and will once again be Eli Manning's top target.
- Defensively, re-signing Jason Pierre-Paul was key, he had the 7th highest grade of all 4-3 defensive ends a year ago, and his ability to bring pressure on top of impressing against the run is a big part of what the Giants need to be successful. The most underrated player on the defensive line however, is Robert Ayers. Capable of playing on the edge and kicking inside as an extra pass rusher in nickel situations, the Giants will be hopeful to get similar production from him again in 2015.
- The Giants linebackers are a potential issue however, and at this stage we don't believe any of their three starters are even average in that role. All three of Jameel McClain, Jon Beason and J.T. Thomas have struggled in the past, with Thomas grading at -14.8 in Jacksonville a year ago. One player to watch out for however is Devon Kennard, who finished 2014 as our 14th highest graded 4-3 outside linebacker, despite playing just 338 snaps.
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