The New York Giants were featured in an insightful series that focused on what it’s like to be an NFL scout, how the scouting process works, and what the end result is for a team that works all year long in evaluating talent.
Now that the series is complete and most of the thoughts (although much is still kept behind closed doors) are now public on the team’s draft picks, I thought it’d be a nice follow-up by looking at just how those rookies are doing in just under half of their rookie seasons in the NFL.
Odell Beckham, Receiver
Injuries plagued his development the first few weeks of the season, but the last two weeks have shown the reasons why the Giants were so excited to take him. Their offensive line has been hurting, and they made it clear that they were targeting two linemen (like Jake Matthews or Zach Martin, based on what I had heard pre-snap), but Beckham was the top player on their board.
After having success in beating the Eagles defensive backs on Sunday night football two weeks ago in his first game back, Beckham had his breakout game a weekend ago with two touchdowns, and should quickly become Eli Manning’s top receiving target.
Weston Richburg, Guard
Winning the team over during the Senior Bowl (where he was very impressive in my opinion while I was there), Richburg was a fairly surprising second round pick. He’s already emerged as a starter for the Giants at the left guard spot, but has struggled mightily this season, especially the past two weeks.
He’s not alone in struggling as a blocker for the Giants, but it’s unclear if he’s a long-term starter in the NFL thus far in his career.
Jay Bromley, Defensive Tackle
The third rounder out of Syracuse was highly viewed on my board as well (right around the area they drafted him), but Bromley’s impact hasn’t been felt yet. He’s played in just one game, 12 snaps total and has just one tackle.
New York doesn’t have a ton of talent at the pass-rushing defensive tackle spot, and they are in need of youth at the position for the future. Thus far, however, he’s failed to make an impact.
Andre Williams, Running Back
The Giants were excited when they landed the Boston College runner, claiming they coveted him as a player they wanted to leave the draft with, but they can’t be all that excited based on his first two weeks as the team’s starter.
As a runner with limited athletic upside and a reliance on vision, patience and break-tackle ability, Williams hasn’t had success in any of those areas in his two games filling in for Rashad Jennings.
Nat Berhe, Safety
The Giants first fifth rounder, Berhe was a slight surprise to go as high as he did out of San Diego State. He hasn’t made a substantial impact this season, playing in just two games and boasting just 23 combined snaps, and offering some value (although nothing too notable) on special teams.
Devon Kennard, Linebacker
Similar to Williams, the Giants coveted Devon Kennard, and took a risk in waiting for him to fall to the fifth round. Thus far, the rotational linebacker has seen just 25 snaps this year, all but two of which have been on obvious running downs. For where he was drafted, much can’t be expected in year one, but the Giants should remain hopeful that the USC prospect can help improve their persistently inadequate linebacker spot. He has been, however, a plus special teamer on the kickoff and punt team.
Bennett Jackson, Cornerback
Jackson was forced onto the practice squad/injury list due to an ankle injury before the season started, so there’s no indication of what his future may be.
