New York Giants: Kerry Wynn, Orleans Darkwa latest rookies to shine
By Ryan Disdier
This New York Giants draft class might be the best in team history.
Odell Beckham, Andre Williams, Weston Richburg and Devon Kennard have all received the majority of the attention from the media. We all know about Beckham (click here, here and here) and Williams, Richburg has been solid and Kennard was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week. Running back Orleans Darkwa and defensive end Kerry Wynn are the two latest rookies to emerge for the New York Giants.
Both players are un-drafted rookies and both players have started to find a nice spot on their respective sides of the ball.
Darkwa was signed from the Miami Dolphins practice squad, and he’s seen his snap count increase due to injuries to Peyton Hillis, Michael Cox and Rashad Jennings. Although Darwka certainly won’t be leading the league in rushing anytime soon, it’s very possible he could have a spot on the Giants in the future.
What makes Darwka so valuable is his versatility. A quick, shifty runner, Darkwa saw the most playing time (20 snaps) of his young career against the St. Louis Rams. The Tulane product scored his first touchdown, and provided some key blocks during Odell Beckham’s two touchdowns. Darkwa’s presence on passing downs speaks volumes, as it shows his worth as a pass blocker. Darkwa’s touchdown was an impressive one, as he was able to keep his feet and scamper in from 12-yards out.
Wynn also saw the most playing time (53 snaps) of his career due to Damontre Moore‘s ejection from the game in the first half. Wynn would end up capitalizing on his opportunity by securing his first career interception. Wynn also had his first solo sack against the Rams, as well as his first fumble recovery. It’s good news for Wynn, who is now starting to find his footing in a crowded defensive line. The 6-foot-5, 264-pound rookie has all of the physical tools to succeed, and he seems to have the right attitude as well.
When asked about the interception by Giants.com, Wynn said: “I actually had that happen to me in college. A ball flew up in the air and I was close to it. I go up for the ball and it actually hits me right in the face mask, so I was just trying to make sure that didn’t happen.”
Wynn also spoke about his game-ending fumble recovery. “It felt good to just put a stamp on the game,” Wynn said. “We got to walk away with another win.”
Although Wynn, who wears former Giant Osi Umenyiora’s old number, still seems a little bit starstruck, his recent strong performances will help him find a spot in the rotation for 2015. The same goes for Darkwa. With Peyton Hillis’ days in New York likely coming to an end, Darkwa could fit in nicely as a change-of-pace running back that the Giants direly need. Unlike Jennings and Williams, Darkwa possesses sub-4.5 speed, and he’s an elusive runner.
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Head coach Tom Coughlin spoke to the media about both rookies. “Orleans Darkwa is a young man who impressed us very much right away when he came to us,” Coughlin said. “Kerry impressed us all the way,” Coughlin said about the rookie out of Richmond. “You never hear the guy say much, he just plays hard and loves to play.”
Sunday’s season finale against the Philadelphia Eagles will serve as another chance for these two talented rookies to showcase their abilities. Wynn will likely get more snaps, but Darkwa has earned some extra playing time, especially on passing downs.
These two un-drafted rookies are making the 2014 New York Giants draft class even better, and the G-Men certainly have a lot of young pieces to work with in the offseason.