The past few seasons for the New York Giants have not been kind in many ways. 12 wins and 36 losses will yield little respect from the NFL community. That usually means very few players on the roster will get serious consideration for postseason awards and accolades.
In 2017, the Giants had just one player named to the Pro Bowl – safety Landon Collins – and he missed the game due to a fractured forearm he suffered late in the season.
In 2018, Collins was named again but could not participate due to a shoulder injury. The Giants were represented by rookie running back Saquon Barkley, the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year who led the league in total yards from scrimmage and placekicker Aldrick Rosas. Outside linebacker Olivier Vernon and special teams captain Michael Thomas were named as replacement players.
Last year, the Giants did not send anyone to the game. No players were selected to the roster or as replacements. Collins left vis free agency prior to the season. Barkley suffered a high ankle sprain that put a damper on his stats and Vernon was traded to Cleveland in March.
With all the roster turnover, the Giants have to place someone in the Pro Bowl. Barkley, who is healthy again, should return to form, if not exceed his rookie season. That will surely get him a berth on the roster.
But who else could get recognition on the Giants’ roster?
Besides Barkley on offense, there’s tight end Evan Engram, who has to break out one of these years. Maybe this is the year. Will Hernandez could have a bounce back season at left guard. If quarterback Daniel Jones can make a Dak Prescott-like jump, he could sneak into the picture.
There are several defensive players that might jump out. Newly signed free agents cornerback James Bradberry and linebacker Blake Martinez could have banner seasons. Then there’s defensive linemen Leonard Williams and Dexter Lawrence, two highly regarded players. Is this the season Jabrill Peppers breaks out? And what about rookie safety Xavier McKinney? How good will he be?
On special teams, Rosas had a down season in 2019, but a return to his Pro Bowl form of two seasons ago can get him back on the roster. The Giants have a lot of potential on special teams, especially in the coverage and return areas where there will a slew of players looking to make their mark.
My prediction for the Pro Bowl are Barkley, Lawrence and Engram but I wouldn’t be surprised if they had a few more as their fortunes will see a sharp reversal upward this season.