The more I consider each player and the position they play, the more I am tempted to guess that the rookie likely to have the biggest key impact in year 1 is Darien Thompson.
It's the combination of the positional need at FS, and the game I think this kid brings and the fact that he was a full 4 year starter at Boise State and that he's known to be a study freak.
If he pans out to be a similar level pro to what he was in college and is a veritable turnover machine, he could end up being the lynchpin for Spag's D.
You are talking about a top 10 overall selection and first for the new head coach. That is a player who you want/expect to be a linchpin for the regime. In a lot of situations this is where you select your franchise QB or starting left tackle. It is not just a routine selection.
Well that was my thinking spot on. Obviously Cruz or either of the vet starting corners not playing for a stretch would change the equation. As would any of the other young safeties winning the starting FS job outright...
But it's more than that even... it's the decent chance DT has of becoming the signal caller for the back seven on D. Either starting game 1 or even ascending to that role later in the season.
It's a heady responsibility WRs and CBs don't have under any circumstances.
Perkins into the running back rotation
Allen possible starter at TE.
Goodsen has a chance to be one of the top 3 LBers.
Thompson although less likely, also has a chance to be starting FS.
Any or all might be the answer
B.J. GOODSON is going to make an immediate impact. I predict he's starting opening day, predict that with the revamped DL, this kid is going to have the space, speed, mobility and most importantly the block shedding POWER and tackling ability to turn a glaring weakness into a team strength.
Thompson is a nice safety, and I think he, Bennet and Apple tremendously upgrade the defensive backfield, but we full well know that both Bennett and Thompson are burnable and will give up some big plays - I don't see 'big play' weaknesses in Goodson's game.
I'm pretty psyched for the season. And pretty confident that this was Reeses' best draft by a mile.
Time will tell.
By the start of the 2018 season we'll have an idea of whose Giants career will carry the most impact. That guy will be the 'most important' pick.
Most critical and most likely to succeed.
Quickest Impact: Sheppard; even if Cruz is healthy he'll get plenty of targets, and defenses won't really have a choice but to cover him 1 on 1.
Perkins would be my second most likely but someone will have to get hurt before he sees much playing time.
Apple--more longer term and complementary to the secondary, this year. If he doesn't get too many penalties, he should help as a really good contributor.
Carl in CT : 6:03 am : link : reply
Is always your first rounder (this year top 10). You can't miss on that one!
At #10 You would expect an Impact but with Apple
we may not see an Impact this year ...
With that said Its Thompson followed by Sheppard .
Thompson Needs to Start and Fill the Gaping whole
that can Change Our back 7 immensely .
Collins can Focus on his Best Position SS .
If the Pass Rush is above average than we
should see a significant Uptick in Turnovers .
Sheppard is kind of a No-Brainer with Cruz
being a Question Mark and the Loss of Randle .