Is Malik Nabers the Only Giant Worth Drafting?

  

 

New York Giants 2025 Overview

Schedule

 

Wins

 

Play Calling

 

Key Additions

• Russell Wilson
• Jaxson Dart
• Jameis Winston
• Cam Skattebo

 

Key Departures

• Daniel Jones
• Drew Lock

 

Notable Coaching Changes

• None

 

Russell Wilson

Bottom Line: Russ a Nice QB3 for Superflex

Wilson projects as the Giants’ Week 1 starter, but consider him a poor bet to last the entire season under center. View the 36-year-old as only a QB3 in superflex formats.

2024 Summary

Wilson's Fantasy Production Nearly Hit Career Lows

Wilson started 11 games for the Steelers. In those, he tallied:

• Three top-12 fantasy finishes
• Seven between QB13-QB24
• One outside the top-25

The former Bronco ultimately finished with 19.6 fantasy points per game, the second-lowest tally of his career (only ahead of 2022). He still finished a respectable QB15 in points per game.

Wilson got there on the back of 225.6 passing yards and 1.45 passing TDs per game. He added two TDs and 14 yards per game on the ground.

Passing Efficiency Proves Just OK; Rushing Declines

Among 32 QBs with 300+ dropbacks, Wilson ranked:

• 10th in adjusted completion rate
• 14th in yards per attempt
• 15th in fantasy points per dropback
• 18th in Pro Football Focus passing grade

Wilson tied a career low with 3.6 yards per carry. Only eight of his rushing yards came on designed attempts, per PFF.

Steelers Lacked Helpful Pass Volume

Pittsburgh wanted to run the ball under OC Arthur Smith.

The Steelers ranked 28th in pass rate and 26th in pass rate over expected. They finished 29th in pass attempts.

This pass-catching group simply wasn’t deep behind George Pickens, as Pat Freiermuth, Calvin Austin, as Najee Harris finished second through fourth in targets.

Wilson also sat behind Justin Fields for the first six games. A calf injury cost the veteran practice reps in training camp and early in the season. Solid play from Fields kept Wilson on the bench longer than expected, too.

Wilson stayed off the injury report as a starter, but the multi-week calf issue could explain his lack of rushing usage.

Wilson Remains Durable

Beyond the calf issue, Wilson last missed time with a 2022 concussion.

2025 Expectations

Giants Opt for Quantity Over Quality in QB Hunt

Wilson signed a one-year, $10.5 million deal with the Giants. They added QB Jameis Winston in free agency and traded up for Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart in Round 1 of the NFL Draft.

Team insider Connor Hughes writes that the team “genuinely” believes Wilson can “play well, elevate those around him and make the Giants a competent club this year.” Hughes also believes that in a “perfect world,” Dart wouldn’t see the field until 2026.

We’ll see on both fronts. If the Giants are out of the playoff mix late in the season, it’s reasonable to expect at least a few starts from the rookie. Entering the summer, though, Wilson is atop the depth chart.

This Supporting Cast Looks Oddly Familiar ...

The Giants didn’t make any notable additions here.

Instead, they’ll look for Malik Nabers to take a step in Year 2. At only 21, he posted an impressive 109-1,204-7 line on a dysfunctional squad.

Darius Slayton returned on a multi-year deal. The 28-year-old adds a downfield element to this unit and makes for an interesting fit with Wilson, who remains a competent downfield passer.

Wan’Dale Robinson certainly doesn’t offer much downfield. His career average depth of target (5.3) suggests he’ll remain a catch-and-run asset.

Up front, the Giants added depth pieces like OTs James Hudson and Stone Forsythe. Overall, the offensive line projects as average at best.

Russ to Learn His Fifth Offensive System in Five Years

HC Brian Daboll and OC Mike Kafka once instilled optimism. Daboll’s credited with helping Josh Allen overcome a bumpy NFL start to become an elite passer. Kafka, meanwhile, came from the Andy Reid coaching tree, having spent several seasons as Patrick Mahomes’ QB coach/pass-game coordinator.

Even in New York, we saw some signs of life. The duo helped guide Daniel Jones to a promising 2022 that included a highly efficient 80.1% adjusted completion rate. That mark led 36 qualifying QBs.

The problem is that Jones regressed from there. Even as a team, the Giants have ranked bottom five in dropback EPA and success rate in each of the past two seasons.

A mid-season firing remains in play here. At a minimum, recent history suggests there’s no reason to upgrade Wilson based on his offensive infrastructure.

Jaxson Dart

Cam Skattebo

Bottom Line: Backfield Split Lowers Fantasy Floor

Skattebo should at least force a committee approach with Tyrone Tracy. Toss in New York’s shaky offense, and the rookie’s best rostered as a RB4.

2024 Summary

Small-School Gem Turned Legit Pro Prospect

Skattebo showed pro potential at small-school Sacramento State, particularly in 2022. He earned All-American honors on the back of 1,743 total yards and 10 total TDs.

After a quiet 2023 at Arizona State, Skattebo’s production rebounded last fall. He set or tied career highs across the board with:

• 293 carries
• 1,712 yards (5.8 YPC)
• 21 TDs
• 44 catches
• 543 yards (12.3 YPC)
• 3 TDs

He ranked top five nationally in rushing yards and rushing TDs.

Arizona State's Offense Depended on Skattebo

Skattebo was a no-doubt workhorse in 2024.

His 293 carries ranked third in the nation. He also handled a hefty 69.2% of Arizona State’s RB attempts. For context, only eight NFL RBs hit that mark last season.

A Power Back ... With WR Skills? 

Skattebo thrived most consistently with his power.

Among 31 RBs with 200+ carries, the 219-pounder ranked:

• second in Pro Football Focus rushing grade
• fourth in PFF Elusive Rating
• seventh in yards after contact per attempt
• eighth in yards per carry

He made the most of his targets, too. Skattebo averaged a WR-like 1.95 yards per route run and a huge 13.0 yards after catch per reception.

Skattebo Avoided Injury Bug

Despite a bruising style, Skattebo missed only one game at Arizona State (shoulder, November 2024).

2025 Expectations

Expect Training Camp to Decipher His Role

Skattebo won’t be handed anything as a Round 4 rookie. He came off the board eighth among RBs.

But when it comes to Year 1 opportunity, he landed in a promising spot.

The Giants return second-year RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. after a solid rookie year. He notched 830 yards and five TDs on 192 attempts. He added 38-284-1 as a pass catcher.

Tracy’s advanced metrics weren’t so strong, though. He ranked 48th out of 50 qualifiers in rushing success rate, 41st in explosive run rate, and 40th in EPA per rush.

We tentatively expect a near-even split here, at least to open the year. Team insider Connor Hughes wrote that he wouldn’t be “surprised” if Skattebo handled third-down work. That’d certainly supply some extra reception upside for the rookie.

Giants Still Sport Questions at QB, O-line

WR Malik Nabers is an offensive building block. He’ll at least help keep some defensive attention away from the run game.

QB Russell Wilson also projects as a noticeable upgrade on New York’s 2024 passers. But we’ll sell the veteran as anything beyond a league-average starter.

Plus, there’s always the chance that Round 1 pick Jaxson Dart gets the starting nod before season’s end, despite the Giants' preference for him to sit and learn.

Question marks extend to the O-line. LT Andrew Thomas missed all but six games last year with a foot injury. He missed time in 2023 as well. If he can stay healthy, it would supply a huge boost to this ground game. Thomas is easily this unit’s most impactful lineman.

Elsewhere, the Giants lack standout starters. Expect average to below-average play from a unit that ranked 26th in ESPN’s run block win rate a year ago.

Be Skeptical of the Coaching Staff

We don’t yet know if HC Brian Daboll or OC Mike Kafka will call plays. Last year, Daboll took back play-calling duties from Kafka.

Regardless, there’s not much to love here. Daboll’s units have finished 8th, 16th, and 23rd in rush attempts since earning the job.

His offenses have scored 3+ TDs in only 11 of 51 games (21.5%) over the past three seasons.

Tyrone Tracy

Bottom Line: Competition for Touches Got Tougher

The Giants signaled that they want to reduce Tracy’s load with the selection of Cam Skattebo in Round 4. Tracy’s likely part-time role -- on a suspect offense -- supplies an RB3/flex outlook.

2024 Summary

From Round 5 Pick to Useful Fantasy Asset

Tracy was among the surprise rookie performers of 2024.

Across 17 games, he totaled 839 rushing yards and five TDs. He added 38 catches, 284 yards, and one additional score.

The fifth-round pick finished RB26 in total PPR points; 31st in points per game. He recorded four top-12 fantasy finishes and five between RB13-RB24.

Tracy’s four worst weekly finishes were RB59, RB66, RB43, and RB51. Each one surfaced across New York’s first four games, before his role spiked.

Rookie Quickly Passed Imported Veteran

Tracy entered the season in a backup role. He handled only 12 carries over his first four appearances.

But when Devin Singletary suffered an early-season groin injury, Tracy handled lead back work and never looked back.

This was the backfield split after Singletary returned from injury in Week 7:

• Tracy
  • 145 carries
  • 39 targets
• Singletary
  • 57 carries
  • 13 targets

Efficiency Metrics Expose Tracy's Imperfections

Boosted volume was key, as Tracy typically didn’t win on efficiency.

Among 47 RBs with 90+ carries, Tracy ranked:

• 28th in Pro Football Focus elusive rating
• 33rd in rush yards over expected per attempt
• 35th in PFF rushing grade
• 35th in yards after contact per attempt

His marks underwhelmed in the passing game, too. Among 37 RBs with 30+ targets, he ranked:

• 29th in yards per route run
• 35th in PFF receiving grade

Ball security will be another area to watch. He tallied four fumbles on 230 total touches.

He Overcame A Rocky Supporting Cast

Tracy entered fantasy lineups despite a rough supporting cast.

The Giants ranked 30th in total yards and 31st in scoring. Daniel Jones, Drew Lock, and Tommy DeVito combined to throw for just 182.6 passing yards per game. Collectively, they went 3-14 with a -142 point differential.

Up front, the Giants ranked 26th in ESPN’s run block win rate. A foot injury limited LT Andrew Thomas – New York’s best lineman – to six games. He’s at least on track to be 100% for Week 1.

HC Brian Daboll and OC Mike Kafka piloted a unit that ranked 14th in offensive plays, 14th in pace, and 15th in neutral pass rate.

Tracy Dodged Major Injury

Tracy was carted off from a training camp practice due to an ankle injury. Surprisingly, he wound up missing only a couple days of practice.

In-season, Tracy overcame a concussion and ankle injury to play all 17 games.

2025 Expectations

Giants Add Legit Backfield Competition

Expect a shared backfield after the selection of Round 4 RB Cam Skattebo. His college profile showed a powerful runner with excellent receiving ability.

Now, he didn’t break out until his final college season. But the 2024 was truly special:

• 293 carries
• 1,712 yards (5.8 YPC)
• 21 TDs
• 44 catches
• 543 yards (12.3 YPC)
• 3 TDs

And consider this tidbit on Skattebo from team insider Connor Hughes:

Don’t be surprised if he ends up as the team’s third-down back. He’s a capable blocker, but very good as a receiver out of the backfield. His dad was a 6-5 wideout and used to drill him on the fundamentals of route running, Skattebo said. He might be the Giants' most talented receiving back.

Neither Skattebo nor Tracy was particularly effective in pass protection last season, but that may prove to be the deciding factor on third downs.

QB Play Should Improve, But O-Line Still Looks Iffy

Tracy’s offensive environment looks marginally better in 2025.

Russell Wilson arrives to stabilize the QB room. His days of top-tier play are long gone, but his performance in Pittsburgh shows that league-average play is possible.

If Wilson falters, the Giants have talented fallback options in Jameis Winston and rookie Jaxson Dart.

The Giants return all five starters along the O-line. They struggled in spurts last season, hurt by 11 missed games from LT Andrew Thomas. He’s coming off Lisfranc (foot) surgery in October.

New York also struggled to get passable play from former Round 1 OT Evan Neal, who’ll attempt to earn a starting spot at guard.

At bottom, the O-line isn’t a position of strength entering training camp.

Giants Return Underwhelming HC-OC Tandem

We don’t yet know if HC Brian Daboll or OC Mike Kafka will call plays. Last year, Daboll took back play-calling duties from Kafka.

Regardless, there’s not much to love here. Daboll’s units have finished 8th, 16th, and 23rd in rush attempts since earning the job.

His offenses have scored 3+ TDs in only 11 of 51 games (21.5%) over the past three seasons.

Malik Nabers

Darius Slayton

Bottom Line: Slayton's Ideal as a Late Best Ball Pick

Slayton earned a multi-year contract in March, locking him into a starting spot. Still, a downfield role figures to continue making him a volatile fantasy piece. He’s a more desirable pick in best ball formats.

2024 Summary

Slayton Rarely Provided Lift to Fantasy Lineups

Slayton totaled 39 catches, 573 yards, and two TDs in 16 games. He recorded 40.1% of his yardage and 35.8% of his catches in only two games.

The lopsided production led to an inconsistent fantasy season.

Slayton’s 6.9 PPR points per game marked a three-year low. Meanwhile, he finished only four weeks at WR36 or better (with one right at WR36).

Deep Balls Remained a Theme, But What About the Target Share?

Slayton continued to see a sizable dose of downfield looks. Nearly 22% of his targets came on deep balls, per Pro Football Focus. That was in line with 2023 (22.4%) but ahead of 2022 (15.7%).

Slayton’s overall target volume certainly underwhelmed. He finished third on the Giants in targets behind Malik Nabers and Wan’Dale Robinson.

Slayton’s target share: Only 14%, his lowest figure since 2021.

Efficiency Metrics Proved Underwhelming

Among 58 WRs with 70+ targets last year, Slayton ranked:

• 10th in yards per catch
• 39th in yards after catch per reception
• 55th in catch rate
• 55th in PFF receiving grade
• 55th in drop rate
• 56th in yards per route run

Slayton’s downfield role helps explain the yards per catch, YAC per reception, and catch rate numbers. But overall, his efficiency metrics dipped compared to his career averages.

Bottom-Barrel QB Play Destroyed the Offense

Daniel Jones, Drew Lock, and Tommy DeVito combined for a 61.9% completion rate and 6.0 yards per attempt. They averaged 190 yards and .88 TDs per game.

The Giants also finished 30th in total yards and 31st in points. New York slotted seventh in pass rate (63%) but just 23rd in pass rate over expected.

Injuries Only Added to Team's Adversity

Slayton suffered two concussions but missed only one game. He played through thumb and groin injuries.

The veteran has missed only two games over the past three seasons.

2025 Expectations

Giants Commit to Veteran with New Deal

In March, Slayton signed a new three-year deal with $22 million guaranteed.

He’ll remain in a secondary role for an offense with alpha Malik Nabers.

Wan’Dale Robinson also returns to eat up slot targets. And there’s at least a chance highly athletic TE Theo Johnson earns a larger role in Year 2.

Despite the hefty contract, Slayton appears most likely to retain a low-volume, downfield role.

New QB Group Bolsters Passing Outlook

Russell Wilson is expected to start the season under center. Wilson’s a willing downfield thrower, making him an interesting fit for Slayton’s deep speed.

Consider this: In 2024, Wilson ranked second among 46 qualifiers in adjusted deep ball completion rate (56.0%, per PFF). 13.7% of his passes traveled 20+ air yards, ranking 11th in the same sample.

But will Wilson last the entire season? Probably not. New York added Round 1 QB Jaxson Dart and veteran gunslinger Jameis Winston in free agency.

The Giants reportedly want Dart to sit and learn for the entire 2025 season. But we know how plans can change once games begin.

Same Scheme, Same Role?

Slayton returns for his fourth season in the Brian Daboll-Mike Kafka offense.

In 49 career games with that pairing, Slayton has garnered a mediocre 4.5 targets per game. We’re not expecting a noticeable uptick in usage ahead of his age-28 season.

Theo Johnson

Bottom Line: Star Johnson as a Deep-League Sleeper

Johnson has the athletic tools and starting role to supply a potential breakout. While the passing game figures to struggle, Johnson makes for an intriguing late-round stash – especially in TE-premium formats.

2024 Summary

Surprise Retirement Leads to Immediate Role

Darren Waller retired last summer, helping Johnson tally 29 catches, 331 yards, and one score in 12 games.

The Round 4 rookie still finished just 37th among TEs in PPR points. He slotted 34th in points per game.

Johnson never truly became a startable fantasy asset. He posted one top-12 fantasy line, with four others between TE16-TE20.

Johnson Seemed to Find His Stride ... Then Disaster

Among Giants TEs, Johnson saw a team-best 76% route rate and 60.7% snap rate.

Most of his 3.6 targets per game came in the short range. Only one showed up in the red zone.

The 6’6, 264-pounder saw an average depth of target of only 6.9 yards, per Pro Football Focus. Only three of his targets (7%) traveled 20+ air yards, while four arrived behind the line of scrimmage.

Johnson was at least trending up before suffering a season-ending foot injury. He saw target counts of 6 (24% share), 6 (19%), 6 (20%), and 5 (17%) over his final four games.

His Underlying Metrics Show Room For Growth

Johnson’s efficiency metrics proved underwhelming.

Among 43 TEs with 30+ targets, Johnson ranked:

• 10th in yards per catch
• 38th in catch rate
• 39th in PFF receiving grade
• 40th in yards per route run
• 43rd in drop rate

Offense Set Him Up to Fail

QB play crippled this offense.

Daniel Jones, Drew Lock, and Tommy DeVito combined for a 61.9% completion rate and 6.0 yards per attempt. They averaged 190 yards and .88 TDs per game.

The Giants also finished 30th in total yards and 31st in points. New York slotted seventh in pass rate (63%) but just 23rd in pass rate over expected.

Surgery Required to Fix Season-Ending Foot Injury

Johnson missed the final five games with a Lisfranc (foot) injury. He underwent surgery in early December.

2025 Expectations

Giants Signal Faith in Johnson

The Giants drafted TE Thomas Fidone in Round 7. They return veterans Daniel Bellinger, Chris Manhertz, and Greg Dulcich.

But expect Johnson to stick in a starting role. He brings the size (6’6, 260) and athletic ability (9.99 Relative Athletic Score) to get an extended look as a pass catcher.

There’s a chance he finishes third on the team in targets, behind WRs Malik Nabers and Wan’Dale Robinson.

Uncertain QB Play Adds Risk to Fantasy Outlook

New York projects to trot out at least two QBs in 2025.

Russell Wilson will be the Week 1 starter barring a major surprise. He was OK with Pittsburgh in 2024, posting a 63.7% completion rate and 7.4 yards per attempt. While his play clearly improved from a disastrous 2023 in Denver, Wilson remained far from the Pro Bowl level we saw in Seattle.

Jameis Winston and Jaxson Dart round out the depth chart.

Winston’s risk-taking tendencies can boost his pass catchers. In six games with Winston last year, David Njoku posted finishes of TE7, TE15, TE6, TE31, TE2, and TE2.

Dart is unlikely to be a difference-maker as a rookie. GM Joe Schoen said in March that the Round 1 pick has a “long way to go” in his development. ESPN’s Jordan Raanan believes the Giants want Dart to sit behind the veterans all season.

One Last Shot For the Daboll-Kafka Duo? 

The Giants brought back HC Brian Daboll and OC Mike Kafka. 2025 marks their fourth -- and perhaps final -- season together.

In 2024, the team funneled a league-low 11% target share to TEs.

New York ranked 13th in 2023 (22%) and 27th in 2022 (17%). It's reasonable to expect some volume rebound, provided Johnson makes strides in Year 2.

Johnson Nearing a Breakout Age

Our historical aging curves show that, on average, fantasy TEs peak at age 25.

Johnson turned 24 back in February. But he has a chance to take a statistical jump given the opportunity in front of him.

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