2011 New York Giants: What to Expect from Every Giants Rookie This Season

Following a heartbreaking ending to the 2010-2011 season, New York Giant’s fans were immediately looking forward to the 2011 NFL Draft.

There were many needs that needed to be addressed, and many concerned fans hoping that General Manager Jerry Reese would address them.

Those concerns were a thing of the past, judging by the sound of the Radio City Music Hall after the announcement of the selection of CB Prince Amukamara with the 19^th overall pick.

As the weekend went on, the Big Blue received more and more positive feedback after each selection. 

The Giants came out of the 2011 NFL Draft as winners according to many, and assuming that there is a 2011 season, some of the team's new acquisitions will get to prove why.

Here is a breakdown of how each player can impact the G-Men this season.

Prince Amukamara, CB

Selected: Round 1, Pick 19 (19 Overall)

Just like every other first round pick, Prince Amukamara has high expectations. 

Lucky for Prince, he is coming into a defense that likes to use multiple packages, which could equate to some early playing time.

The Giant’s were prone to using a three-safety package a lot last season, but they are hoping that the acquisition of the former Nebraska Cornhusker could change that.

In drafting Amukamara, the Giants are getting an instinctive corner who is excellent in route-anticipation.

This pick definitely makes the G-Men more versatile on defense, and Giant fans should expect to see him on the field a lot next season. 

Marvin Austin, DT

Selected: Round 2, Pick 20 (52 Overall)

Unfortunately for Austin, most people’s most recent memory of him is that he was suspended for all of last season due to the NCAA investigation scandal.

But while some may have forgotten what the 310-pound tank can do on the field, the Giants did not.

Austin has great speed for a defensive lineman, and does a great job making plays in the backfield.  He has a ton of potential to become an above average pass rusher.

Defensive line wasn’t a huge need for the Giants, but it was tough for them to pass on the upside that Austin has to offer.

The organization expects his off-the-field maturity issues to be solved over time by his veteran teammates and old-school coach Tom Coughlin.

The Giants tend to use a deep rotation on their defensive line, so expect to see Austin in the mix a good amount this season.

Jerrel Jernigan, WR

Selected: Round 3, Pick 19 (83 Overall)

A team that has lacked a spark on special teams for many seasons was glad to see Jerrel Jernigan fall into their lap. 

The Wide Receiver from Troy has explosive speed and has the ability to create a big play out of nothing.

On the offensive side of the ball, he will most likely be used as a slot receiver who can create yards after the catch.

Expect to see Jernigan returning kicks for the Big Blue this season, with the occasional nod at slot receiver.

James Brewer, OT

Selected: Round 4, Pick 20 (117 Overall)

The large offensive tackle from Indiana is a long-term project for the Giants, who are pretty set at offensive line at the moment. 

But with some of the offensive lineman getting up there in age, there is a lot of promise for Brewer down the road. 

He has the potential to eventually become the teams starting right tackle, and could help when it comes to edge blocking.

Look to see Brewer occasionally this season, but that could change if any injuries occur.

Greg Jones, ILB

Selected: Round 6, Pick 20 (185 Overall)

The fact that Jones was drafted in round 6 came as a surprise to many.

He accumulated 464 tackles during his college career, including 153 in 2009, along with nine sacks.

Jones has always been known for his tackling, but has issues when he has to drop back into coverage.

Nonetheless, fans cannot forget that he was a three-time first-team selection to the All Big Ten Team and a Two-Time All-American. 

Look for Jones to be an adequate reserve for the Big Blue this year, with potential to become a starter down the road.

Tyler Sash, S

Selected: Round 6, Pick 33 (198 Overall)

Many say that Sash’s biggest assets are his instincts and awareness, two qualities that will remain with him at the NFL level.

Projected by many to go earlier than round six, the Giants may have came away with a steal.

Sash is tremendous in zone coverage and is a competent tackler.  He struggles in man-to-man coverage, but he will be expected to adjust now that he is in the NFL.

Expect to see Sash as a reserve at the strong safety position, but he should see playing time on special teams.

Jacquian Williams, LB

Selected: Round 6, Pick 37 (202 Overall)

In his first year as a starter at South Florida, Williams led the team with 71 tackles and was named to the All-Big East second team.

Unfortunately for Williams, many scouts believe that he is too small to play the linebacker position, and needs to add on bulk if he ever wants to be effective on the next level.

Don’t expect to see too much of Williams this season, unless the Giants suffer major injuries at the linebacker position.

Da'Rel Scott, RB

Selected: Round 7, Pick 18 (221 Overall)

With there only 7^th round pick in this years draft, the G-Men selected the quick running back from Maryland.

The former Terrapin has the tools to develop into a solid third-down back if he can remain healthy.

Although he has a lot of potential, he failed to perform at a consistent level throughout his college career, something he will need to change if he wants to make it in the NFL.

Giant fans should not expect to see much of Scott this season, unless he can break onto the kick-returning scene.