The New York Giants have been ranked fourth in ESPN’s latest assessment of NFL teams with the most promising talent under the age of 25. The ranking, compiled by ESPN’s Aaron Schatz, highlights a strong group of young players who have contributed significantly over the past two seasons.
Schatz’s article points to wide receiver Malik Nabers, outside linebackers Abdul Carter and Kayvon Thibodeaux, and quarterback Jaxson Dart as key contributors. “The Giants’ young talent includes a strong core with the four players named above, as well as a long tail of underperformers who still have the potential to develop into key starters,” Schatz wrote. “Dart, this year’s first-round pick, turned 22 in May. He’ll be throwing to Nabers, who ranked an incredible sixth in the ESPN receiver tracking metrics as a 21-year-old rookie! Wan’Dale Robinson is in the slot at age 24, while starting tight end Theo Johnson is also 24.”
Defensively, Thibodeaux enters his fourth season without turning 25 until December. Carter was selected third overall in this year’s draft at age 21. The secondary includes safety Tyler Nubin and cornerback Deonte Banks, both aged 24, along with slot cornerback Dru Phillips at age 23.
Last season saw several rookies play important roles for the Giants. Nabers led with a record-setting campaign among receivers. Nubin finished second on defense for total tackles despite missing time late in the season. Phillips received high marks from Pro Football Focus for his performance at cornerback. Offensively, Theo Johnson and running back Tyrone Tracy showed potential that could translate into bigger contributions this coming season.
Schatz noted other younger players expected to take on more responsibility: “In terms of young players who could still blossom, the Giants will try 24-year-old former first-round pick Evan Neal at guard this season,” he said. “Deep threat Jalin Hyatt is still 23, while tight end Daniel Bellinger, who started eight games last season, is 24. Cornerback Cor’Dale Flott and safety Dane Belton are both in their fourth NFL seasons and combined to start 16 games in 2024. Flott doesn’t turn 25 until next August, while Belton turns 25 in December.”
According to ESPN’s rankings, only the Houston Texans, Seattle Seahawks, and Washington Commanders placed higher than New York on the list of teams with top talent under age 25; Chicago Bears rounded out the top five.
