The New York Giants’ 2024 draft class and subsequent undrafted free agent group are turning heads this summer. The six draft picks are all slated for key roles in their first seasons and several free agents will either make the 53-man roster or be retained on the practice squad.
In Saturday’s preseason game against the Houston Texans, the Giants saw both ends of the spectrum as their celebrated first-round pick, LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers, put on a show on offense and free agent defensive tackle Elijah Chatman dropped some jams with his always-revving motor.
Retired offensive lineman and current NFL analyst, Brian Baldinger, took a look at both players after the game and came away impressed.
.@Giants @Malik_Nabers makes every catch look easy using a variety of acrobatic skills #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/NZgw4icxOe
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) August 18, 2024
“Special player,” Baldinger said of Nabers. “Been doing it all camp long.”
.@Giants #ElijahChatman just chased down an NFL RB 45 yards on nothing but hustle & desire. Nothing creates a bigger BUZZ than elite effort. And he has been popping all camp. @CarlBanksGIII #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/FK2EDiYC1c
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) August 18, 2024
“The greatest hustle play I’ve seen in three weeks of preseason football,” Balinger said of Chatman. “45 yards downfield, Elijah Chatman chased him down. They’re going to jump up and down in the film room . . . when they watch Chatman make that play. That’s an amazing hustle play.
Baldy also took a moment to praise the Giants’ offensive line.
.@Giants the offensive line provided A LOT of clean pockets for @Daniel_Jones10 to make one good throw after another. Shaky start but strong finish from this offense #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/dgwN33qpVv
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) August 18, 2024
The rest of the Giants’ draft class is rocking it. Safety Tyler Nubin, cornerback Dru Phillips, and linebacker Darius Muasau all possess the high-level skills to be solid NFL players.
Running Back Tyrone Tracy Jr. and tight end Theo Johnson will both factor into the offense as rookies this season.
Other free agents besides Chatman that could end up sticking with the Giants are running back Dante Miller, defensive back Alex Johnson, linebacker Ovie Oghoufo, and offensive lineman Jake Kubas.