New York Giants’ 5 Most Irreplaceable Players Heading Into 2015 NFL Training Camp

New York Giants’ 5 Most Irreplaceable Players Heading Into 2015 NFL Training Camp

By Matt Turner

July 17, 2015

New York Giants’ 5 Most Irreplaceable Players Heading Into 2015 NFL Training Camp

Odell Beckham Jr New York Giants — On July 30, the New York Giants will begin training camp. It’s been a fairly eventful offseason for Big Blue from the free agent additions, the return of players from injuries, the loss of players to injuries and one bizarre off-the-field incident. With everything turning out the way it has, here are the five most irreplaceable Giants heading into training camp.

On July 30, the New York Giants will begin training camp. It’s been a fairly eventful offseason for Big Blue from the free agent additions, the return of players from injuries, the loss of players to injuries and one bizarre off-the-field incident. With everything turning out the way it has, here are the five most irreplaceable Giants heading into training camp.

5. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie New York Giants

5. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie New York Giants — Although many are expecting big things from Prince Amukamara this year, the fact is he has played a full season just once in his four years in the league. When Amukamara missed eight games last year, DRC held his own despite playing through an injury. His talent and leadership will really need to stand out this season, especially with the loss of former captain Antrel Rolle.

Although many are expecting big things from Prince Amukamara this year, the fact is he has played a full season just once in his four years in the league. When Amukamara missed eight games last year, DRC held his own despite playing through an injury. His talent and leadership will really need to stand out this season, especially with the loss of former captain Antrel Rolle.

4. Josh Brown

Josh Brown New York Giants

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4. Josh Brown

Josh Brown New York Giants — Yes, the kicker gets some love. Last year Brown connected on 24-of-26 field goals and, more importantly, he was 9-for-9 from 30-39 yards. The reason that’s so crucial now is because PATs were moved to the 15-yard line, meaning they’re now a 32-yard shot as opposed to the 17-yard chip shots that they used to be.

Yes, the kicker gets some love. Last year Brown connected on 24-of-26 field goals and, more importantly, he was 9-for-9 from 30-39 yards. The reason that’s so crucial now is because PATs were moved to the 15-yard line, meaning they’re now a 32-yard shot as opposed to the 17-yard chip shots that they used to be.

3. Johnathan Hankins

Johnathan Hankins New York Giants

3. Johnathan Hankins

Johnathan Hankins New York Giants — Hankins started all 16 games in his second season in 2014 and showed tremendous promise. He recorded seven sacks, three passes defended and 51 tackles. For reference, Ndamukong Suh posted 8.5, three and 53, respectively. With Jason Pierre-Paul’s health in question, Hankins becomes the most dominant force on the defensive line.

Hankins started all 16 games in his second season in 2014 and showed tremendous promise. He recorded seven sacks, three passes defended and 51 tackles. For reference, Ndamukong Suh posted 8.5, three and 53, respectively. With Jason Pierre-Paul’s health in question, Hankins becomes the most dominant force on the defensive line.

2. Odell Beckham Jr.

Odell Beckham, Jr. New York Giants

2. Odell Beckham Jr.

Odell Beckham, Jr. New York Giants — It was extremely tempting to put OBJ first, but defenses will know a lot more about the young WR heading into 2015 so it will be interesting to see how he responds. He couldn’t turn the Giants into a winner last year but did manage to make them relevant if not exciting. If he plays 16 games he could be in line for a monster season. The questionable health of Victor Cruz and up-and-down play of Rueben Randle makes him so vital to the offense.

It was extremely tempting to put OBJ first, but defenses will know a lot more about the young WR heading into 2015 so it will be interesting to see how he responds. He couldn’t turn the Giants into a winner last year but did manage to make them relevant if not exciting. If he plays 16 games he could be in line for a monster season. The questionable health of Victor Cruz and up-and-down play of Rueben Randle makes him so vital to the offense.

1. Eli Manning

Eli Manning New York Giants

1. Eli Manning

Eli Manning New York Giants — The fact of the matter is Eli is a two-time Super Bowl MVP; that has to come first. He posted one of his best seasons last year with 4,410 passing yards, 30 TDs and 14 INTs. Entering the second year of Ben McAdoo’s offense can only lead to better numbers. If both Beckham and Cruz are healthy, Manning could thrust himself into the “elite” category again. Without him, this team is nothing.

The fact of the matter is Eli is a two-time Super Bowl MVP; that has to come first. He posted one of his best seasons last year with 4,410 passing yards, 30 TDs and 14 INTs. Entering the second year of Ben McAdoo’s offense can only lead to better numbers. If both Beckham and Cruz are healthy, Manning could thrust himself into the “elite” category again. Without him, this team is nothing.

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