New York Giants: Grading the 2018 rookie class

The New York Giants had some bright spots despite a disappointing 5-11 record last year. Here we grade the rookie class of 2018 for Big Blue.

It was a rough 2018 season for the New York Giants. Big Blue was expected to battle for a NFC playoff spot but a 1-7 start quickly doomed their chances. The G-Men limped home with a 5-11 ledger and finished last in the NFC East.

With that being said, there were some bright spots. Rookie halfback Saquon Barkley was spectacular, plain and simple.

While we are on the subject, let’s take a look back at the rookie class of 2018 for the Giants and post a grade for each player:

Saquon Barkley, RB, First Round (No. 2 pick)

What can you say? The Penn State product enjoyed one of the finest rookie campaigns in team history. He was named to the Pro Bowl after finishing with 2,208 yards from scrimmage, 91 receptions and a team-record 15 touchdowns as a rookie.

Barkley is already one of the most dynamic players in the NFL with his combination of speed, power, balance and game-breaking ability. Just imagine how good he would be if he played behind a better offensive line. Wow. The Bronx native has Hall of Fame skills. Hopefully he can remain healthy. Grade: A+

Will Hernandez, G, Second Round (34th overall)

I thought the Giants got excellent value when they drafted the 6-3, 330-pounder from UTEP. However, Hernandez struggled out of the gate, as did the entire Big Blue offensive line. The good news is Hernandez performed much better over the second half of the season as New York’s line finally started to play better as a unit. Hernandez’ ceiling is very high — although he has short arms, he’s a powerful road grader with Pro Bowl potential. Grade: C+

Lorenzo Carter, LB, Third Round (66th overall)

The University of Georgia product started just two games for the G-Men but played in 15 of their 16 contests. He was used in sub packages and finished third on the squad with four sacks. Carter added 43 tackles (including seven for loss) and tied for first in QB hits with Kareem Martin (10). He was drafted to pressure the quarterback and he showed flashes that he can do exactly that. Grade: C

B.J. Hill, DT, Third Round (69th overall)

Hill started 12 games as a rookie and was a pleasant surprise. The former North Carolina State standout recorded 5.5 sacks (ranked second on the team) and chipped in with 48 tackles (six for loss) and eight quarterback hits. His arrow is pointing up and he will be counted on moving forward to help pressure the opposing signal-caller. The Giants need all the help they can get in that regard. Grade: B-

Kyle Lauletta, QB, Fourth Round (108th overall)

When the G-Men got off to their brutal 1-7 start, sports radio blew up with fans wondering if the “Richmond Rifle” should start in place of “Over the hill” Eli Manning. Well, Manning ended up starting all 16 games and Lauletta was subject to mop-up duty only. The 6-3, 221-pounder appeared in just two games and failed to complete a pass in five attempts with one interception. His future with Big Blue is very uncertain right now. Grade: F

2019 NFL Mock Draft: Kyler goes No. 1. dark. Next

R.J. McIntosh, DT, Fifth Round (139th overall)

At the NFL Combine last year, the University of Miami product was diagnosed with a thyroid condition that limited him to just six games in 2018. He missed the entire off-season program last year which didn’t help. McIntosh had just five tackles and one QB hit. Based on his medical condition, there really is not enough of a resume here to give McIntosh a true overall grade. Grade: Incomplete

Home/New York Giants