New York Giants roster rankings: Nos. 10-1

We have reached the top 10 of our 2020 New York Giants roster power rankings. I’m sure many of you are going to argue that I’ve gotten this all wrong, but these are subjective and easy to argue about. There is really no right and wrong. Just opinion to be discussed, debated, disagreed with.

Anyway, here’s the top 10.

Nos. 10-1

10. G Kevin Zeitler — Zeitler is the Giants’ best offensive lineman. He would probably be higher than No. 10 if he wasn’t a guard.

9. S Jabrill Peppers — We can argue all day about just how good Peppers is or what his ceiling is. Thing is, he’s this high on the list because of how important he is to the Giants, how much they have riding on him considering that he was part of the Odell Beckham jr. trade, and the fact that he seemed to be emerging as a defensive leader before being injured a season ago. The only thing really separating him from being elite is a lack of interceptions or game-changing plays.

8. WR Golden Tate — When I made this list I questioned having Tate this high. Shoot, I ended up with the Giants’ three top wide receivers all in the top 10, and all ahead of tight end Evan Engram. Reality is, Engram is probably more talented than any of them. He has to stay on the field and prove it, though. As for Tate, he’s been really good for a really long time and he’s still productive.

7. DT Dexter Lawrence — There were fans who wondered why the Giants drafted a 342-pound interior tackle No. 17 rather than a pass rusher or even an offensive tackle a year ago. Lawrence spent his rookie season showing everyone why. If he shows improvement as a pass rusher he will move into the top 5 on this list, and he might earn Pro Bowl consideration.

6. WR Darius Slayton — Had a ridiculously good rookie season for a fifth-round draft pick who came into the league with questions about his hands and his route-running versatility. If his development continues the “but the Giants don’t have a true No. 1 wide receiver” stuff will go away.

5. LB Blake Martinez — He’s been a tackling machine the past few seasons, and that’s part of why he’s here. He is also here because of what the Giants expect him to be — the best quarterback of their defense that they have had since Antonio Pierce.

4. CB James Bradberry — The former Carolina Panthers cornerback is incredibly important to the 2020 Giants. He will almost certainly shadow opposing No. 1 receivers. A pro known for his work ethic and study habits, he will also be asked to set an example for the multitude of young cornerbacks he will share the field with.

3. WR Sterling Shepard — If all of the Giants’ receivers, including Shepard, stay healthy there may end up being one or two — like Slayton or Engram — who outproduce Shepard. This is a guy who is important to the Giants, though. Part of that is ability and consistency on the field, and part of that is leadership and locker room presence off of it.

2. RB Saquon Barkley — He is, by far, the best player on this roster. I’m certain some of you will question why he isn’t No. 1, and you can easily argue that he should be.

1. QB Daniel Jones — So, why is Jones No. 1? Easy. When it comes right down to it, quarterbacks are more important than running backs. The development of this young franchise quarterback is absolutely the most important thing for the Giants. If Jones doesn’t turn out to be what they think/hope he will become over the next couple of years then the franchise is back to square one.