Ben McAdoo proved in his rookie head coaching season that he has no problem putting Giants rookies on the field.
So this weekend’s three-day rookie minicamp in East Rutherford, beginning Friday, offers a first glimpse at the youngsters who may become major Big Blue factors immediately in 2017 – and at third round pick Davis Webb, Eli Manning’s potential heir apparent at quarterback.
Here are the Daily News’ early picks for the rookies who will make the biggest impact for the Giants this fall:
1. Wayne Gallman, Clemson, running back (fourth-round pick, 140th overall)
The Giants had an NFL-low six rushing touchdowns in 2016. Six! Wayne The Train, as they called him back at Death Valley, had 17 in his third and final college season and 30 combined in his two years as a full-time Tigers starter. His versatility as a receiver gives the Giants insurance behind veteran Shane Vereen, who lost most of 2016 to a torn triceps. Gallman has to work on his pass protection and contribute on special teams. But I believe he’ll see important carries as Paul Perkins’ primary backup, most importantly at the goal line, as McAdoo seeks to make his offense meaner and more physical at the line.
2. Evan Engram, Ole Miss, tight end (first-round pick, 23rd overall)
Engram’s stats won’t be the only measure of the effect he has on the Giants’ offense. Jerry Reese’s hope is that his presence and vertical, downfield threat allows McAdoo to open up the playbook and affords Odell Beckham Jr. more room to operate. But Manning has a history of exploiting defenses over the middle when he’s had excellent options at tight end (Jeremy Shockey, Martellus Bennett) and in the slot (Victor Cruz, Steve Smith), and if Engram puts in the special teams work to earn his stripes, he should be on the field often as a downfield threat that Manning will target.
3. Adam Bisnowaty, Pittsburgh, offensive tackle (sixth-round pick, 200th overall)
Your guess is as good as mine how this season shakes out on the offensive line. But whether it’s Bisnowaty or undrafted free agent Chad Wheeler or UDFA Jessamen Dunker, McAdoo is going to have some better depth options. These are players who also have nasty streaks on the field, which is what the coach wants. Reese made the rare move of a draft trade on the final day to surrender his seventh round pick to move up in the sixth and take Bisnowaty. The Giants know this is an area of need and this training camp will be a knock-down, drag-out of a competition for spots on a roster that could turn into playing time. I’ll take Bisnowaty to get on the field sometime as a rookie at a position that will have a lot to do with the team’s success.
4. Dalvin Tomlinson, Alabama, defensive tackle (second-round pick, 55th pick)
Tomlinson is set up for success playing alongside Damon Harrison for coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. My prediction is that he works out fine but, as a rookie going through growing pains, doesn’t quite match the value brought last season by Johnathan Hankins. Hankins, while not a weekly game-changer, did block a field goal returned for a touchdown by Janoris Jenkins to save the Giants in a Week 2 home opener win over New Orleans. And while Hankins may be replaceable, the Giants will miss him at times, even with Tomlinson’s pedigree out of ‘Bama and help on the line from three vets (Olivier Vernon, Harrison and Jason Pierre-Paul).
5. Davis Webb, California, quarterback (third round, 87th overall)
Webb may never even dress for a game, given McAdoo’s plan to basically redshirt him while either Geno Smith or Josh Johnson backs up Manning. But Webb is going to prepare as if he’s going to play. He is known for being a hard worker, a quick learner and a leader to whom teammates respond. I’m not saying he’s going to become the backup this season, but I don’t think it’s impossible, and I also think Webb’s presence alone has changed the dynamic, in the quarterback room and in the locker room for good.
