New York Giants 2020 Rookie Final Grades | Gettleman’s Best Draft?

New York Giants 2020 Rookie Class

OT Andrew Thomas C+

Round 1, Pick 4

3 penalties 10 sacks allowed

Andrew Thomas came out as the best tackle in my opinion out of the 2020 NFL draft and according to Dave Gettleman and the Giants, they felt the same way. We later found out after the end of the 2020 season that Thomas had a left leg injury that was bothering him all year that made him undergo surgery after week 17. But that doesn’t mean he should be graded on a curve. Andrew Thomas definitely finished strong but I had to give a C+ grade. As a tackle drafted well above any other tackle in the 2020 Draft, Thomas failed to separate himself from the rest and prove he was the best tackle available at the 4th overall pick. Thomas certainly had his ups and downs. Posting up a top tackle grade according to PFF of 87.1 vs the Seattle Seahawks which is classified as an elite grade and then allowing 5 sacks to Hasson Reddick and the Arizona Cardinals. Thomas showed plenty of upside that has Giants fans excited for 2021.

S Xavier McKinney: B+

Round 2, Pick 36

25 tackles (14 solo), 1 TFL, 1 PD, 1 Int

This grade is definitely on a slight curve. Xavier McKinney in his time playing with the Giants should be graded as an A. But the sample size is just way to small to be giving him a grade that high. Starting 4 of the 6 game he played McKinney only played in 209 snaps and his first couple of games, was barely utilized due to his injury and the Giants’ staff wanting to just ease him in. His best game in my opinion had to be Week 17 vs the Cowboys. 4 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 PD (could have been an INT) , and an INT. McKinney was all over the field and could have finished with 2 INTs in the game which would have came in 2nd place on the team to James Bradberry’s 3. McKinneys interception helped seal the game for the Giants in their win vs Dallas, that had serious playoffs implications.

OT Matt Peart: B

Round 3, Pick 99
0 Penalties 2 Sacks allowed

I’ll be honest. I thought Matt Peart would have been a day 1 starter but Cam Fleming did a good job for the most part at RT. However Joe Judge wanted to make sure his potential RT of the future gets some reps in a season that is meant for development. However they were able to get Peart some playing time they did. Now I thought he should have started towards the end of the season being that Fleming is not part of the future and Peart is supposed to be. Peart saw time at both right and left tackle and even started a game at left tackle over Thomas when Andrew Thomas was being disciplined for violating team policy. In his time as a swing tackle, it was clear every time he stepped on the field the Oline played better. I had to give Peart a B although he wasn’t a starter and didn’t get much playing time, I think that’s more of a coaching decision than a performance thing.

CB Darnay Holmes: C

Round 4, Pick 110
30 tackles (23 solo) 5 PD, 1 Int

Darnay Holmes had tons of hype and high hopes coming into his rookie campaign. Coming out of UCLA this guy was a combine warrior receiving praise from Bucky Brooks, Michael Robinson and the great Deion Sanders. All on NFL Network. Holmes played outside corner at UCLA but it was a unanimous thought that Holmes place in the NFL was the slot. Going into the regular season Holmes stood out as possibly the best defender the team had to offer as he was receiving constant praise from analysts and beat writers during his practices. But during the season he came back to earth. He had his fair share of success and struggles. Holmes found his home in the slot like we all assumed but had trouble with contact throughout the season. Holmes totaled 2 DPIs, 2 Holding and 1 illegal contact penalties. It’s clear he is going to start 2021 with tennis balls on his gloves.

OG Shane Lemieux: D+

Round 5, Pick 150
3 penaties, 5 sacks allowed

Before the season began, the big question was “Where will Shane Lemieux play” as most of us had thought Shane was drafted to be a center. As Nick Gates was the clear winner of that position it meant Shane was going to be bench player as a guard. Lemieux didn’t get playing time earning it, rather when Will Hernandez caught COVID, he was promoted to starting guard. His collegiate tape translated well to his tape in the NFL. A nasty and physical run blocker and a pass blocker that lacked any technique. Shane Lemieux kept leaving us wanting more as we thought his excellent run blocking ability meant he could be capable of learning to be a capable pass protector but that might not be the case.

EDGE Cam Brown: C+

Round 6, Pick 183
12 tackles (8 solo), 1 FF, 3 QB Hits

Cam Brown made the permanent switch from off ball backer to a primary edge rusher in the NFL and I think it worked out for the best. Very fast off the edge. Not very strong but can be an issue if he beat you off the line. He found himself getting some pressures and was invovled in other players making a play on the quarterback on a depleted EDGE rushing unit later in the season. He never started and didn’t get much playing time but there’s not to much to ask from a 6th rounder so good on you Cam Brown.

EDGE Carter Coughlin: B-

Round 7, Pick 218
17 tackles (13 solo), 2 TFL, 2 QB Hits 1 sack

Carter Coughlin had a better season than fellow draft pick than Cam Brown and had more playing time. Coughlin remains to impress me because there isn’t a particular physical attribute that Coughlin is good at but his football IQ and mental awareness continues to help him compete as an undersized pass rusher. I could definitley see this kid being a dependable rotational guy, should everything go right in his development.

ILB TJ Brunson: D-

Round 7, Pick 238

TJ made the team but only saw time on special teams. He made a bit of a name of himself in training camp but that quickly died down. He was not expected to make the roster so it’s a plus that he made the 53.

DB Chris Williamson: F

Round 7, Pick 247

Chris Williamson is someone I thought had a chance on this young defense. As a guy that looks to be versatile to play slot corner and safety I thought he would at least make the roster as a special teamer. But it turned out he didn’t so unfortunatly there’s nothing other way to grade this pick but to give an F. Best of luck to Chris.

ILB Tae Crowder: A

Round 7, Pick 255
57 tackles (34 solo), 1 FR, 1 TD, 1 Sack, 3 TFL, 3 QB Hits

Yes a 7th round pick received an A grade. What do you think when you think of Mr. Irrelavent? Certainly Tae Crowder broke the mold of the name and found him self being anything but irrelevant. That doesn’t mean he needed to be a star on the team or break records. This man not only made roster but got significant playing time stepping in for an injured David Mayo. Tae Crowder found himself starting 6 games and also has made some key plays in games like the fumble for a TD vs Washington. Great value for the pick!

– KidBlue