10 Most Indispensable New York Giants: Three Honorable Mentions

Here are our three honorable mentions before we get to the top indispensable New York Giant.

Graham Gano, K

Height: 6-foot-2 | Weight: 202 lbs.
College: Florida State | NFL Exp: 14
Career Stats: 70-74 XP, 89-97 FG during 3 years with Giants.

Graham Gano has been the most consistent scorer during his time with the Giants. He was seventh in field goal percentage in 2022, and over his three-year stint with the Giants, he has hit more 50-yard field goals (20) than any other three years in his 13 NFL seasons.

Why He's Indispensable

He is so valuable because the team knows that as long as they get past the 40-yard line, they will likely walk away with three points. That allows them to play more aggressively from that point on.

What Happens if He's Missing?

There is a reason so many teams are still looking for a kicker; they are not easy to come by. So losing Gano would leave the Giants scrambling to find someone to be as consistent and clutch as he has been.

Final Thoughts

Gano had the best years of his career in New York, and it should continue. The improvements in the offense could mean shorter opportunities and automatic points for the team. Everyone would rather score touchdowns, but the comfort that he provides can not be undersold.

Evan Neal, RT

Height: 6-foot-7 | Weight: 360 lbs.
College: Alabama | NFL Exp: 2
Career Stats: 13 starts, 737 offensive snaps, 6 false start penalties

After being drafted in 2022 with the seventh overall pick, the thought was that Neal would be an immediate force on the Giants' offensive line. Unfortunately, Neal had a rough rookie season. Neal surrendered seven sacks and numerous pressures. That poor pass-blocking performance overshadowed his positive run-blocking skills.

Why He's Indispensable

The Giants desperately need Neal to realize his full potential as a bookend to left tackle Andrew Thomas. And look no further than Thomas on how he could make a quantum leap from year one to year two. If Neal can have a legitimate improvement as a pass blocker, he could unlock the full potential of the passing game.

What Happens if He's Missing?

If Neal went out, it would cause the consternation felt by Giants fans for many seasons. The other tackles on the team are the reason that Neal was a necessity in the draft. The answer is likely not on the roster if Neal's struggles continue and moves must be made.

Final Thoughts

There's no reason to believe that Neal will not improve in his second season and thus make the entire offense better because of it. Neal will continue to make the Giants a run force and, with improved pass blocking, will give Daniel Jones more time to operate and push the ball downfield.

Top 10 Indispensable Players

Azeez Ojulari, OLB

Height: 6-foot-2 | Weight: 249 lbs.
College: Georgia | NFL Exp: 3
Career Stats: 18 starts, 13.5 sacks, 20 QB hits, 63 tkls, 4 FF, 3 PD

Ojulari exploded onto the scene in 2021 as a rookie. He was drafted in the second round with the 50th pick. In his first season, he started 13 games, college 49 tackles, and a team-leading eight sacks.

He also had 13 quarterback hits, second only to veteran defensive lineman Leonard Williams. He was on pace to be a breakout star in 2022 with the addition of the fifth overall pick Kayvon Thibodeaux, but he was riddled with injuries.

Why He's Indispensable

In 2022 Ojulari only made five starts, but he accounted for 5.5 sacks. That number was second to Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence who recorded 7.5 sacks. Those numbers point to an elite-level pass rusher. If Ojulari can be on the field for a full season, he could be a double-digit sack guy and a mid- to high-teens double-digit sack guy.

Since 2014 when Jason Pierre-Paul recorded 12.5 sacks, there have only been two double-digit performances. Markus Golden had 10 in 2019, and Leornard Williams had 11.5 in 2020. The Giants would love to find a consistent sack artist, believing he could be that man.

What Happens if He's Missing?

If he is missing, the Giants will become what they were last season: a decent middle-of-the-pack sack-by-committee team. That keeps them from becoming a dominant force as a pass-rushing unit. Even if Kayvon Thibodeaux improves, which is to be expected, without Ojulari, you can't get that elite explosiveness from both edges.

Final Thoughts

The defense has a chance to be an elite unit, but everything needs to work out. An elite-level pass rush is critical to Coach Wink's offense, and having two would be fantastic.

With all of the additions to this defense on the back end, at linebacker, and with others who have improved, it shapes up for Ojulari to have a big season and take this defense to the top. Without him, it will feel like this defense is still missing a piece of the puzzle.

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