Why Rookie Class Is Crucial to New York Giants Success in 2014

If you asked me to name three players currently holding the New York Giants together, I'd point to three members of general manager Jerry Reese's 2014 draft class.

Of course, you can make the easy case for Eli Manning or Jason Pierre-Paul, arguing that the passer's precision or the rusher's relentlessness have actually fueled the Giants. While these are undeniable driving factors leading to the team's success, the Giants wouldn't be much without these three rookies.

Seth Wenig/Associated Press

It's strange to see a Tom Coughlin-coached team fielding so many inexperienced players in pivotal roles. The starting left guard turned 23 this past summer, the substitute starter at running back recently turned 22 and the breakout star at wide receiver is only 21 until November.

These Giants hearken back to the 2007 team, which rallied back from an 0-2 start to a Super Bowl XLII victory thanks to contributions from its rookie class.

If history really does repeat itself, here's how it'll happen.

It Begins With Beckham

The Giants will reach a new level of success with Odell Beckham Jr. in the lineup. We've only witnessed the tip of the iceberg when it comes to this rookie wide receiver's impact in the offense.

Beckham had an impressive rookie debut, but as Jordan Raanan of NJ.com points out, there was more to OBJ's first outing than meets the eye. For example, on a long, overthrown Manning pass in the third quarter, Beckham was wide open after badly beating his man down the left sideline.

That play should have resulted in an 81-yard touchdown, argues Raanan.

Still, a four-catch, 44-yard outing with a 15-yard touchdown grab is nothing to spit at. Especially for Beckham, who didn't make it through his first full NFL practice until Wednesday of this week, as tweeted by Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News.

Beckham's production shouldn't come as a surprise. The Giants spent the 12th overall selection on him, hoping the LSU product would become a dynamic offensive weapon on the outside:

Not even Coughlin can deny this unique rookie talent his due playing time.

In fact, it looks like New York is trying to get him even more. Already the team's most impressive receiver after only one game, OBJ might be taking over as the team's punt return duties, according to observations made by Art Stapleton of The Record.

The Giants would be wise to get Beckham the ball with room to run as many times as possible per game.

It Runs Through Williams

Remember how quickly things fell apart when the Giants' running back unit was decimated with injuries last year?

Andre Williams is trying to prevent that from happening again. 

Starter Rashad Jennings has been fantastic this season but will most likely miss the next few games with a knee sprain. Williams is the next man up, as he has been all season.

Week	Rushes	Yards	Yards/Rush	Touchdowns
1	5	9	1.8	0
2	8	12	1.5	0
3	6	18	3.0	0
4	15	66	4.4	1
5	20	65	3.3	1

Although Jennings was the starter each of the past two weeks, Williams outgained him in both games. On the season, however, Williams still trails Jennings in rushing yards, 170 to 396.

It's no secret that Williams is an effective runner. If you don't believe me, please see the clip below:

Explosion, power, grit. The Giants' fourth-round pick does not lack any any of those characteristics. They each played a part in his 2013 push to become a Heisman finalist.

Williams must keep the Giants balanced as the new starter at running back. While that means providing a respectable rushing attack to complement the passing game, it also means the rookie must become an every-down back.

Bill Kostroun/Associated Press

Over the last few weeks, New York has worked to get Williams more involved in the passing game. He caught his first pass against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 2 and added two more receptions against the Atlanta Falcons last week, including a 10-yarder for a first down.

Williams racked up 355 offensive touches as a senior at Boston College, and not one was a reception.

More important than his receiving skills, however, is his pass-protection ability. After all, the Giants would rather Manning target his receivers than his running backs. That can only happen if Williams proves himself as a blocker.

It's a lot to ask of a rookie, but Williams says he's "as ready as [he's] going to be," according to Tom Rock of Newsday.

It Relies Upon Richburg

Perhaps, for the Giants, the most integral rookie contributions are those of Weston Richburg.

Drafted in the second round to play center, Richburg is now starting at left guard. Actually, he's been there all season, and you probably haven't even noticed—in a good way.

Richburg blends right in with the veterans he plays beside. Will Beatty is having an improved season at tackle to Richburg's left, and J.D. Walton is fitting in just fine at center to his right. The right side—which features John Jerry at guard and Justin Pugh at tackle—isn't bad, but the left side of New York's line looks a lot better so far this season.

A lot of that has to do with Richburg's play. Originally, when Geoff Schwartz was placed on injured reserve with a designation to return, left guard looked like it would be the weakest point of the Giants O-line. Instead, the Colorado State product has it looking more like the unit's strongest point.

When Schwartz is able to make a healthy return, I'm not so sure he displaces Richburg. The rookie has outplayed John Jerry, so it would make more sense for Schwartz to come back as the team's starting right guard.

Richburg's performance as a starter this season has allowed New York's offense to chug along according to plan. He's the 10th-best left guard in the league, per Pro Football Focus rankings (h/t Connor Hughes of Big Blue Interactive).

Beckham, Williams and Richburg must continue to impress if the Giants are to extend their current winning streak.

Kevin Boilard writes about the New York Giants for Bleacher Report.