Grading the Giants’ Roster: Offense

In this space a couple of weeks ago, we graded each of the New York Giants’ defensive position groups based on how they stack up against the rest of the NFL. Now, let’s do the same for their offensive position groups heading into the upcoming 2023 season.

As a reminder, grades will be given out based on where a position group ranks across the NFL. A top-seven ranking would earn an A, a ranking between 8th and 14th would earn a B, and so on. A bottom-four ranking would earn an F.

Quarterback: B

We may as well get the most polarizing and controversial position out of the way. When Big Blue’s new regime, led by general manager Joe Schoen, signed Daniel Jones to a four-year, $160 million deal this offseason, it signaled that they believe his statistical improvement last season is something real to build upon, and not just a byproduct of an improved offensive system. Jones had career highs in completion percentage, yards, and wins last year, all while posting a league-best interception rate. Given another year with head coach Brian Daboll and the addition of Pro Bowl tight end Darren Waller, it’s reasonable to project continued improvement in Jones’ production.

Entering his fifth season, we can confidently say Jones is unlikely to ever become a truly elite NFL passer. He seems to be settling into that tier of good-but-not-great quarterbacks. Tyrod Taylor being one of the league’s best backups gave Big Blue the edge over some teams with starters similarly rated to Jones. I had the Giants’ quarterbacks ranked 11th overall.

Running Back: A

Operating under the assumption that Saquon Barkley will play for the Giants this season, either on the franchise tag or a long-term deal, it’s hard to give New York’s running backs anything less than an A. Barkley proved last season he’s still an explosive and dangerous runner after a couple of injury-riddled down years. He rushed for a career-high 1312 yards to go along with 10 touchdowns. Looking around the NFL, there aren’t many other running backs you’d definitively take over Barkley. I only had Christian McCaffrey and Nick Chubb ranked ahead of him, as Barkley isn’t a comprehensive receiver like McCaffrey or a dominant power runner like Chubb. Big Blue’s depth at the position isn’t too shabby, either. Matt Breida is useful with his high-end speed and rookie Eric Gray projects as a quality do-it-all backup.

Wide Receiver: D

The Giants made a high volume of moves at receiver this offseason, signing three new free agents (plus re-signing Sterling Shepard and Darius Slayton) and drafting Jalin Hyatt in the third round. But now that the dust has settled and smoke has cleared, this receiving corps will be similar to last season’s.

Slayton is the favorite to once again assume number-one receiver duties, for which he’s not exactly suited. Isaiah Hodgins, who went from anonymity on the Buffalo Bills’ practice squad to starting in the playoffs for the Giants last year, will likely be New York’s number two. That could be just fine if Hodgins builds off his quality play from late last season. He’s no sure thing, though, given his brief history of production in the NFL. Newcomer Parris Campbell will be Richie James‘ replacement in the slot. That’s an upgrade in speed, potential, and big-play ability, but not necessarily in chemistry with Jones, which James was able to develop last season.

There’s potential down the depth chart with the rookie Hyatt and second-year player Wan’Dale Robinson. Hyatt will offer deep speed immediately but can’t be relied upon for significant snaps. Robinson is coming off a torn ACL, so it’s impossible to know when he’ll be ready and how he’ll look after the injury. Shepard is a solid veteran but can’t be counted on given his extensive injury history.  I have New York’s receivers ranked 26th in the NFL.

Tight End: A-

This is the position that’s made the biggest leap from last year to this year, which makes sense given the Giants’ traded for a Pro Bowler still in his prime. Waller gives New York a truly dynamic weapon at tight end, which they haven’t had since Jeremy Shockey. Injuries limited Waller’s overall production the last two seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders, but he was still effective as ever when on the field. If Waller can stay healthy in blue, he’s a great bet for another 1000-yard receiving season. Daniel Bellinger, who started last year as a rookie, now becomes one of the league’s better backup tight ends. He’ll give the Giants the ability to run more 12-personnel sets with run/pass optionality. I have the Giants’ tight ends ranked sixth in the NFL.

Offensive Line: D+

For all the focus and attention quarterback receives in NFL conversations, no positional unit is more determinative than the offensive line. It’s really hard to be bad with a good offensive line. It’s really hard to be good with a bad one. In fact, the Giants’ struggles over the last decade-plus can be reduced to their inability to construct an offensive line. As for this upcoming season, Big Blue can at least say they have an elite left tackle in Andrew Thomas. They can’t, however, say much else with confidence beyond that.

Second-year right tackle Evan Neal had a downright awful rookie season, but he was a top-ten pick for a reason and has the tools to turn things around. Rookie center John Michael Schmitz is expected to start right away. He could struggle as a rookie like Neal did, although likely not to the same extent. At guard, Mark Glowinski and Ben Bredeson are passable starters but probably nothing more than that. Second-year third-round pick Josh Ezeudu could win one of those starting guard spots and give this line a higher ceiling. I have the Giants’ offensive line ranked 22nd.

– Ryan Cuneo is the Managing Editor of Full Press Giants. He covers the New York Giants. Like and follow on Follow @ryan_cuneo Follow @FullPressGiants and Facebook.