2012 Draft Impact

by Madhops on Feb 20, 2012 8:16 AM EST

If there is one thing that the 2011 season taught us it is that the power of a draft is often not seen until 1-2 years down the line. Consider these major contributors to the 2011 NYG Success:

Jason Pierre Paul – Strong rookie season. Breakout 2011

Linval Joseph – Played sparingly rookie season. Anchored center of the d-line in 2011.

Victor Cruz – IR rookie year. If I need to explain 2011 to you then you are on the wrong site.

Jake Ballard – Practice squad as a rookie. Emerged as an impact player at the TE position in 2011 essentially saving the Giants bacon as Travis Beckum (literally) fell flat on his face when given the chance to take over the position.

So the 2010 draft produced 3 players who emerged as pro-bowl caliber in 2011 after mostly inauspicious starts.

With that in mind let’s look at the 5 players from the 2011 draft class who could be set to break out in 2012.

Prince Amukamara – Comparison to current Giant – none – I would love for the Prince to emerge ala JPP or Victor Cruz as a big time shutdown corner in his second year. It seems like he has the tools. But, assuming, or even predicting he will is too much to ask for. Instead let’s hope that he can successfully replace Aaron Ross. If he can do this, and the Giants bring back Tryon, and TT at the corner positions, I’ll love our speed and depth.

Marvin Austin – Comparison to current Giant – Linval Joseph. Austin will be 2 years removed from playing a real game of football. Just as Linval didn’t get a chance to play much in 2010 Austin missed all of this year with a torn pectoral. Look for him to contribute in 2012 much like Anvil as he (likely) takes over for Rocky Bernard. He has the skill set to be a quality lineman for the Giants in 2012.

Jerrel Jernigan – Comparison to current Giant – Mario Manningham. Take a look at Manningham’s rookie season stats…

Games Rec YDS TD

8 4 26 0

And now his 2nd season stats…

Games Rec YDS TD

14 57 822 5

The Giants need Jernigan to make a similar leap as I have a sneaking suspicion that MM will be getting overpaid elsewhere (although with Al Davis gone I could be wrong). Wide receivers typically take a year to come into their own so I don’t think it is a stretch to see Jernigan putting up similar numbers to what Manningham did in year 2.

Jaquan Williams – Comparison to current Giant – Ahmad Bradshaw. This is a stretch b/c they are on different sides of the ball but here are the similarities. Ahamad saw significant playing time in his rookie season. He was a late round pick. He contributed to a Super Bowl win with his play during his rookie season.

However, when you compare his statistics from his rookie season…

Attempts YDS TD Rec YDS TD

23 190 1 2 12 0

To year two…

Attempts YDS TD Rec YDS TD

67 355 1 5 42 1

It is clear his playing time grew significantly and he was able to become a very valuable player, if not a full time starter. I see Williams in a similar light. He was very productive in specific situations in this being his rookie season. Look for a nice jump heading into year 2. In fact I see both he and my next highlighted player Mark Herzlich – as possibly leading Jerry Reese to move Kiwi back to end in 2012 and ultimately trading away Osi in a move to free up cap space to sign Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks to long term deals.

Bonus player – Mark Herzlich – Comparison to current Giant – Jake Ballard. Once again I will reach across the line of scrimmage to make a comparison. Ballard did not get a chance to contribute in 2010 but made a big leap in 2011. I think Herzlich may do the same. Both players lack traditional speed. But like Ballard, I believe Herzlich has great intangibles and a nose for being in the right place at the right time. Look for him to earn significant PT in 2012 and be especially effective on specials and at stopping the run from the strong side of the defense.

One thing is for certain. A 2011 rookie will have a big impact in 2012. Let’s hope it is all the guys listed above and more as we set our sites on a repeat in the season to come.

FanPosts are written by community members. This is simply a way for community members to express opinions too long to be contained in a comment.

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ha...

Victor Cruz – IR rookie year. If I need to explain 2011 to you then you are on the wrong site.

Good piece…Love the comparisons

"Everybody talks about a dynasty. OUR dynasty starts today." -Michael Strahan (before Super Bowl 42)

by nywins46 on Feb 20, 2012 1:57 PM EST reply actions

Well, is someone going to cover that or not?

This is not the 2007 team.
2011 NYG will have their own legacy.

by BB1156 on Feb 21, 2012 3:45 AM EST up reply actions

Who is this Victor you speak of?

is he related to Tom?

"Am I not destroying my enemies when I make friends of them?"
-Abraham Lincoln

"Let me explain something to you. Um, I am not 'Mr. Lebowski'. You're Mr. Lebowski. I'm the Dude. So that's what you call me. You know, that or, uh, His Dudeness, or uh, Duder, or El Duderino if you're not into the whole brevity thing."
-Jeffery Lebowski, The Dude

by sweatyguido on Feb 21, 2012 9:42 PM EST up reply actions

If you do not know that by now then there is no need to tell you. Lol

This is not the 2007 team.
2011 NYG will have their own legacy.

by BB1156 on Feb 22, 2012 1:22 AM EST up reply actions

penelope

You PLAY to WIN the GAME.
Dear Tebow, please let the Giants beat the Patriots.

by Simms-McConkey on Feb 22, 2012 10:16 AM EST up reply actions

ah, i see the resemblance

Since everyone and their grandma have a mock draft, i guess i'll do one too
1st Rd: Micheal Floyd, WR Norte Dame, 2nd Rd: Dontari Poe, DT Memphis, 3rd Rd: LaMicheal James, RB Oregon, 4th Rd: Keenan Robinson, OLB Texas

by sweatyguido on Feb 22, 2012 10:48 AM EST up reply actions

Ballard and Cruz

weren’t drafted, but the point about breakouts is well-taken. And there are more than these. I think Da’Rel Scott or Andre Brown could be your Bradshaw comparison. I think Petrus is going to be a starter. James Brewer could be a starter. The list goes on.

And going back to the 2009 draft, Barden will hopefully follow the Amani Toomer path – didn’t do much the first few years, then became a star. He’s got it in him, but needs to make big strides this offseason.

by Pink Flamingo on Feb 20, 2012 3:03 PM EST reply actions

True they weren't drafted

But I would count them as people from the draft class since 2010 was the first season they were NFL eligible.

I don’t have a ton of optimism regarding Brown and Scott. Brown seems to lack a burst and I don’t think Scott has great balance or vision. Coming out of high school Scott was one of the top rated running back prospects entering college but he was generally considered a disappointment. He’s got the speed though so he could definitely prove me wrong.

Will lightning really strike twice?

by Madhops on Feb 20, 2012 5:19 PM EST up reply actions

The X Factor

is our system. When we keep guys, especially late round or UDFA guys, we tend to develop them. They get better, they learn their role. I think both Da’Rel or AB35 could have started for us in a pinch this year.

Brown actually looked very quick in the preseason – Coughlin thought he looked faster than when they drafted him. How much better will he be next year with a full offseason program and camp, another offseason for the Achilles to fully heal, and a greater grasp of the offense? (Not to mention a RING).

On most teams, the practice squad is kind of a joke. We’re actually developing guys that contribute.

by Pink Flamingo on Feb 20, 2012 5:26 PM EST up reply actions

Good post by the way. Good job putting this together.

This is not the 2007 team.
2011 NYG will have their own legacy.

by BB1156 on Feb 21, 2012 3:46 AM EST up reply actions

Thanks!

Tried to look at it from a different angle.

Will lightning really strike twice?

by Madhops on Feb 21, 2012 11:15 AM EST up reply actions

If Scott does not have the vision

Then just get him outside and let him run. They should be looking for him to take Ware’s spot.

My QB has 2 rings. Well, 3 if you want to get technical.

2012 NYG mock - 1: Dwayne Allen TE, 2: Brandon Boykin CB/RS, 3: A.J. Jenkins WR, 4: Vick Ballard RB, 5: Neiko Thorpe S, 6: Rishard Matthews WR/RS, 6: Blake DeChristopher G/T, 7: BPA

by ct17 on Feb 21, 2012 4:39 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

I'm just excited with the young players

we have on this team. The LB’s, Prince, Scott,Petrus, Brewer, JJ. Maybe even Ramses “Im kinda soft” Barden will do something and not be the next Sinorice “Im made of glass” Moss. This Austin Kid could be huge upfront, with him and anvil there we could have some serious strength in the middle for the next 5 years.

Tommy Boy twice in 4 years you still can't score more than 17 points. I guess when you dont have an illegal DVD of our defense it makes it much harder now don't it?

by NYG86-90-07-11 on Feb 22, 2012 12:34 PM EST up reply actions

Nice post hops

Die hard Giants fan since wide Right! I was 6...

I'm down wit JPP
Yea you know me

Win Ugly.
-Eli Manning for MVP

by wangstu13 on Feb 21, 2012 7:03 AM EST reply actions

Amazing that we won the SB

with so little rookie contributions. With a little more luck injury-wise, the Giants will get added contributions from both sophomores and rookies this year. It’s one of the reasons I’m not so worried about the cap situation.

by Pool Messi on Feb 21, 2012 9:39 AM EST reply actions

I thought we had plenty of rookie contributions

Jacquain Williams played a ton, Amukamara played well in the playoffs similar to Aaron Ross in 2007.Also I’d say the dude that set the receiving record for the Giants was basically a rookie. In any other sport Cruz would be considered a rookie. Ballard was basically a rookie as well

Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows

by Rorschach44 on Feb 21, 2012 11:08 AM EST up reply actions

plus the infusion of youth on the special teams

really made a difference.

You down wit JPP?
I got 99 problems but a Vick ain't one!

by Flynner on Feb 21, 2012 5:14 PM EST up reply actions

very true

All those late-round LBs (and tyler sash) were huge in special teams. It kind of surprises me that you don’t see late-round picks used on DBs and LBs more just so you can get those guys running down field and hitting people in kick coverage.

I’m very optimistic for Prince next year, I think he will be a breakout star. It also doesn’t hurt that Ross, despite being serviceable enough to help us win a SB, was extremely inconsistent and sometimes downright awful. The bar is pretty low. We would all like to see TT get back to his old self and be a starter, though.

Go Giants!
Arguing on the internet is like running in the Special Olympics. Even if you win, you're still retarded.

by rich316 on Feb 22, 2012 3:08 AM EST up reply actions

I do not understand the Cruz one...

Explain it.

Nets Mets Giants All day Every day.
Beware the Lopez
NY Giants Tribute

by netsareboss on Feb 21, 2012 5:39 PM EST reply actions

If you do not understand by now then there is no need to tell you.

This is not the 2007 team.
2011 NYG will have their own legacy.

by BB1156 on Feb 21, 2012 8:17 PM EST up reply actions

I am the x-factor!

Sike I’ll go with Petrus..maybe Herz

OK, how many bad teams before 32 will reach for "need" so some beast drops right in our laps

In the end whoever has the longest arms and or does more backflips will be our 1st rounder...and he will dominate!

Like in the 1st: Glenn,Konz,Allen,Barron,maybe U-Smelly..
2nd: Brandon Washington,Fleener
3rd:Hope Polk or a sweet OL or DB falls to us

Draft 3 OL's and sign Tony G.

Jerry Reese for President 2012..let's make that happen!

by Shaunthegiant on Feb 21, 2012 6:13 PM EST reply actions

Tight End Christian Hopkins from the practice squad...

May step up in 2012.

by scarlet knight on Feb 21, 2012 8:43 PM EST reply actions

"Chris Hopkins"

Interesting video – Hopkins used to go by “Chris” – so if you want to look at some of his scouting reports, etc., that’s one way to find him.

I dug up this crappy video on YouTube – you can see he’s got athletic ability and moves well:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WsmJtfRyqfA

by Pink Flamingo on Feb 21, 2012 10:30 PM EST up reply actions

In JR we trust

He looks impressive to me.

by NYGFan777 on Feb 21, 2012 11:01 PM EST up reply actions

I need clarification on Cruz too....LOL

by sexyscottish on Feb 21, 2012 8:55 PM EST reply actions

If you do not understand by now then there is no need to tell you.

This is not the 2007 team.
2011 NYG will have their own legacy.

by BB1156 on Feb 22, 2012 1:22 AM EST up reply actions

Im rooting for this guy DePalma to win a roster spot.

by NYGFan777 on Feb 21, 2012 11:30 PM EST reply actions

I might push Marvin Austin down

I have some recollection of him being … #15 on the big board somewhere and dominating a senior bowl type game.

However, you have to give him a year of play to get acclimated. Being out all year is not the same ass having a rookie year.

That said, I would replace him with Da’Rel Scott. Unless B-Jake takes a good pay cut, Ware will look to be our 3rd back this year.

You PLAY to WIN the GAME.
Dear Tebow, please let the Giants beat the Patriots.

by Simms-McConkey on Feb 22, 2012 10:18 AM EST reply actions

But we just got Scott last year. We still have to develop him and he may be ready to go in his 2nd year.

This is not the 2007 team.
2011 NYG will have their own legacy.

by BB1156 on Feb 22, 2012 6:52 PM EST up reply actions

yeah, this is his second year.

He got on the field, got his feet wet.

By training camp 2012 he should get a chance to see a … bigger package. His package could keep growing throughout the season if he performs well.

Austin, unless he has an amazing return from his long layoff, will be the lowest DT on the depth chart. Reasonable to think if we stay healthy and carry 4 DTs, that he would get at best 10% of the snaps.

Then again, he could just be a destroyer, beast out in camp, … and be our 3rd DT behind Canty?

You PLAY to WIN the GAME.
Dear Tebow, please let the Giants beat the Patriots.

by Simms-McConkey on Feb 22, 2012 6:57 PM EST up reply actions

We have to wait and see what happens.

This is not the 2007 team.
2011 NYG will have their own legacy.

by BB1156 on Feb 22, 2012 7:26 PM EST up reply actions

no we don't

Great Scott! (Doc was talking about the emergence of Da’Rel in 2012!

You PLAY to WIN the GAME.
Dear Tebow, please let the Giants beat the Patriots.

by Simms-McConkey on Feb 22, 2012 7:36 PM EST up reply actions

Haha

This is not the 2007 team.
2011 NYG will have their own legacy.

by BB1156 on Feb 25, 2012 2:59 AM EST up reply actions

We will juggle it we will jiggle it

This is not the 2007 team.
2011 NYG will have their own legacy.

by BB1156 on Feb 22, 2012 9:38 PM EST reply actions

Now I know what the BB in your sig name stands for.

Ernie Accorsi to Wellington Mara upon drafting Eli Manning, "This kid id going to win you a championship, and he's going to win you more than one."
Ernie is the Man(ning)

by tommy d. on Feb 23, 2012 9:30 AM EST up reply actions

Haha BB in my nic stands for Big Blue 11=Simms 56=Taylor

This is not the 2007 team.
2011 NYG will have their own legacy.

by BB1156 on Feb 23, 2012 9:48 PM EST up reply actions

I know! :-)

But today, for the above comment, it’s Big Boobs. :-)

Ernie Accorsi to Wellington Mara upon drafting Eli Manning, "This kid id going to win you a championship, and he's going to win you more than one."
Ernie is the Man(ning)

by tommy d. on Feb 24, 2012 5:25 PM EST up reply actions

Lol

This is not the 2007 team.
2011 NYG will have their own legacy.

by BB1156 on Feb 25, 2012 2:57 AM EST up reply actions

luv the Jwil

Brought some speed and coverage ability to the LB position. Giants usually have been drafting slow 3-4 neandrathal types. All of whom disappointed to some extent.

by lueeluee on Feb 23, 2012 10:01 AM EST reply actions

mario was a 50% reception kind of guy. he was hit or miss if he even catch or run the right route. I would love to have him back but we need to sign some others.

"They got a big-mouthed coach, a big mouth and a big-bellied coach that talks too much and now it's finally time to shut up- Brandon Jacobs

by Giantstep on Feb 26, 2012 7:18 AM EST reply actions

Yes Jwill and Scott

Scott reminds me a little of Cruz. Great preseason than hidden away. Jwill was a starter and really contributed to the defensive surge to the title. JJ reminds me of Moss fast but frail.

by lueeluee on Mar 1, 2012 3:18 PM EST reply actions