Four Young Giants Poised to Rise Up In 2014

Giants football returns - finally! - after one of the most disappointing years in recent memory. It was a Giant dud of a season, filled with interceptions from Eli Manning, a decimated offensive line, a patchwork running backs unit, injuries to key players, a disappearing act by the talented Hakeem Nicks and an ineffective pass rush that produced only 34 sacks.

An unforgivable season for a proud organisation not accustomed to losing. The offseason saw a drastic overhaul on both sides of the ball, and many long-term coaches and players were released. Ben McAdoo replaces the much-derided Kevin Gilbride as offensive coordinator and has brought with him a revamped offensive staff, and Jerry Reese indulged in a shopping spree that brought in big-name free agents including Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Geoff Schwartz and Rashad Jennings.

The G-Men looked to get younger on both sides of the football, and this season a group of relatively unknown or unheralded rookie, sophomore and third year players will be thrust into the spotlight as they look to take the reigns at a host of key positions for the Giants.

David Wilson

If you were to turn the clocks back exactly one year, David Wilson would likely have been featured on many articles just like this one. Wilson may have failed to live up to his billing as a first round draft pick, but the physically gifted running back has been cleared to play by doctors, and is now operating in a scheme that that suits his talents far better than the last. Despite the arrival of Rashad Jennings and rookie Andre Williams, Ben McAdoo's west coast offense will likely utilise Wilson in the passing game, where he should feature heavily. With the potential to break off huge runs from swing and screen passes, he is certainly athletic enough to become a nightmare for defences.

Jonathan Hankins

While the departure of Linval Joseph to Minnesota was painful, the presence of Hankins means the Giants won't miss him too badly. The second-year defensive tackle from Ohio State boasts prototypical 1-technique size and in his rookie season, with limited opportunities, demonstrated he has what it takes to be a more-than-effective run-stopper. With vastly increased playing time, fans can expect Hankins to establish himself as one of the league's best run-stopping defensive tackles.

Devon Kennard

Damontre Moore could have been an option here, but the arrival of Robert Ayers makes the defensive end position a bit of a grey area, so I've opted for a more 'left-field' choice.
Only yesterday I wrote about the replacements for Jon Beason, identifying the now-injured (albeit not severely) Jameel McClain as the leading candidate for the temporary vacancy. Thankfully they may have discovered a gem in fifth round draft pick Devon Kennard. Kennard has a chance to stamp his name on the middle linebacker spot if Beason and McClain miss extended time this season, and if that situation doesn't unfold he could realistically start at either of the outside 'backer positions. Big (6'3", 251 lbs), hard-hitting and - most importantly - intelligent, the USC product has everything it takes to breakout this season.

Adrien Robinson

In the eyes of most fans and analysts, the Giants have no starting tight end. Following the loss of Martellus Bennett prior to last season and the disappointing Brandon Myers in February, there has been no clear starter at the position. In Kellen Davis, Larry Donnell, Daniel Fells, Xavier Grimble and Adrien Robinson, the Giants have five players with legitimate shots at earning the starting job, but only one has true breakout potential. Adrien Robinson was a raw prospect out of Cincinnati in 2012 (he only caught 29 passes in his entire college career) and remains an unknown quantity in his third season, but possesses all of the physical tools necessary to become an elite NFL tight end. He is easily compared to Denver's Julius Thomas which, given the enormity of the  Bronco's performance last year, is certainly a welcome one.