Giants' Rookies Who Will Make Instant Impact in 2024 Season

The New York Giants will have a chance to rebound from last year's disappointing campaign, even if there's some serious uncertainty at quarterback.

Starter Daniel Jones didn't play particularly well in 2023 before his season-ending ACL tear. New York brought in Drew Lock as insurance, Tommy DeVito is still on the roster, but either Jones or Lock will likely start in Week 1—and Jones' health could be the determining factor.

The good news is that New York upgraded the roster of the roster significantly this offseason. Saquon Barkley and Xavier McKinney won't be easy to replace, but veterans like Jon Runyan, Jermaine Eluemunor and Brian Burns will have an instant impact.

The Giants should get strong early contributions from its 2024 rookie class as well. Here, we'll examine the three rookies most likely to be immediate difference-makers.

WR Malik Nabers, LSU

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BATON ROUGE, LA - NOVEMBER 25: LSU Tigers wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) catches a pass during a game between the Texas A&M Aggies and the LSU Tigers in Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on November 25, 2023.(Photo by John Korduner/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The only surprise with former LSU wideout Malik Nabers will come if he doesn't make an instant impact. The Giants have long lacked a legitimate No. 1 receiver, and Nabers has the traits needed to be exactly that.

At 6'0" and 200 pounds, Nabers has enough size to be a regular threat on the perimeter. His straight-line speed (4.35-second 40-yard dash) will make him a big-play threat both before and after the catch.

"it's easy to see how Nabers could make an instant impact in the NFL," Derrik Klassen of the Bleacher Report Scouting Department wrote. "His combination of speed, quickness and yards-after-the-catch skills will translate into explosive plays right away."

Last season, Nabers racked up an impressive 1,569 yards and 14 touchdowns on only 89 receptions. His yardage production was more than twice that of Giants receiver Darius Slayton, who led the team with 770 yards.

Nabers may see a drop in production as a rookie, depending on what kind of QB play New York provides. However, he should step in as the Giants' new top target and top the coveted 1,000-yard mark as a rookie.

New York hasn't had a 1,000-yard receiver since Odell Beckham Jr. hit the mark in 2018.

S Tyler Nubin, Minnesota

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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 01: Tyler Nubin #DB56 of Minnesota participates in a drill during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 01, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

After taking Nabers in Round 1, the Giants addressed their defense in Round 2 by grabbing Minnesota defensive back Tyler Nubin.

Nubin isn't likely to step in and replace McKinney as a true back-end coverage safety. What he can do is replace McKinney's production in both two-high looks, the nickel spot and in the box.

At Minnesota, Nubin showed tremendous instincts and ball skills. This past season, he recorded four passes defended, a fumble recovery and five interceptions to go with 53 total tackles. He recorded 12 interceptions over the past three seasons.

Nubin is a playmaker, plain and simple, and he was the top-ranked safety on the B/R Scouting Department's final draft board. Returning defender Jason Pinnock might be better suited to fill the free-safety role because of his range, he and Nubin should quickly form one of the league's better tandems.

Expect Nubin to be a Week 1 starter who initially excels in run support and underneath coverage. His proven ability to take down ball carriers and get his hands on the football should lead to frequent game-changing plays in 2024.

TE Theo Johnson, Penn State

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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 29: Theo Johnson #TE07 of the Penn State Nittany Lions speaks to the media during the 2024 NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on February 29, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)

Third-round pick and former Kentucky cornerback Andru Phillips should see some playing time as a rookie. However, his lack of NFL experience and top recovery speed may make him more of a bit player in 2024.

Fourth-round pick Theo Johnson is better suited to make an immediate impact. The former Penn State tight end is a terrific blocker with the athletic upside that NFL teams covet. He may need some seasoning as a route-runner, but he should regularly contribute and generate the occasional chunk play.

"Johnson's blocking ability and high-end athleticism will make him a viable TE2 in the NFL right away," Klassen wrote.

It wouldn't be a shock to see Johnson emerge as New York's starting tight end before the end of the season either. 2023 trade acquisition Darren Waller is still considering retirement, and injuries have been an issue for him in recent years.

In Waller's first season as a Giant, he appeared in only 12 games. New York has some depth in Daniel Bellinger and Jack Stoll, but Johnson's athletic upside could push him past both on the depth chart.

Expect Johnson to see regular playing time as an ancillary receiving option and primary blocker immediately and throughout the season.