5 under-the-radar NY Giants players who can help this team get back on track
This is a very crucial year for the New York Giants in 2024. After missing the playoffs in 2023 and an offseason filled with so much drama that was put on full display from the first episode of Hard Knocks, Big Blue is looking for much better results for the upcoming season. With the return of a hopefully healthy Daniel Jones, as well as the addition of first-round pick at wide receiver Malik Nabers and moves on the defensive side of the ball, many are wondering if the Giants did enough to compete in the loaded NFC East.
It’s safe to say there’s pressure on Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen to get this team back on track. In order for that to happen, though, the under-the-radar players will need to step up for this squad as well:
5. OG Jon Runyan Jr.
The Giants offensive line has been a mess for years and whenever it seems like things may finally have been fixed, it all comes crashing down. However, guard Jon Runyan Jr. might be the exact player New York needs to fix their offensive line, especially on the inside.
Big Blue picked up Runyan this offseason on a three-year, $30 million contract and after the Giants led the NFL in sacks allowed by a wide margin, Runyan could be a great fit this year and beyond. Runyan spent his first three seasons in the NFL with the Green Bay Packers and throughout his time in the NFC North, the guard allowed just three sacks. According to Pro Football Focus, his pass-block efficiency was 97.9, which was just a tick below the league average of 98.1. That pass block efficiency was better than any Giants offensive lineman last season.
The G-Men have not had a stable offensive line for quite a while and signing Runyan is a great start as Big Blue tries to fix something that has been broken for years. After giving up 85 sacks in 2023, adding a guard like Runyan will hopefully help protect Jones and finally give him enough time to work his magic.
