Each NFL team has a group of players you just cant live without. Enclosed is the 2013 New York Giants : “TOP 10” Player Power Rankings according to their importance to their team and winning.
10. Prince Amukamara (CB) – The NY Giants draft experts were surprised to see the Nebraska corner back fall into their laps on draft day(2011). Since then the corner-back has worked his way into becoming the #1 corner on the team. Prince is not flashy, but he is a physical corner with good ball skills. He will most likely match up on the opponents #1 receiver. Expect 5 interceptions.
9. Mathias Kiwanuka(DE) – The jack of all trades is back at his natural position. Kiwi is now the full time starter opposite of Justin Tuck. The former Boston College star is a big strong end that doesn’t give up much ground in the trenches and can still get after the quarterback. While his predecessor was ONLY occupied with a sack, Kiwi will play the run and force the QB to throw. Having played linebacker, he also has great hands for scrapping. Expect 80 tackles and 7 sacks.
8. Will Beatty(LT) – Will Beatty has come a long way from Connecticut, maybe not in physical miles but in technique and ability. The long wing span of Beatty gives him great leverage on the quick, speed rushers, yet his 6′ 6″ 315 lbs. frame bodies up nicely with the big boys. Eli Manning was one of the “least” sacked QB’s in the league due to Beatty’s play.
7. Antrel Rolle(FS) – Can you say “unselfish”? Free Safety, Antrel Rolle has become one of the most important players on the team by playing anywhere that is needed. He is a true leader on defense, plays physical every Sunday and can still make a game breaking play. While Giant fans wished he was allowed to be the “ball hawk” they signed from Arizona, his tackling skills are a good trade off. Rolle lead the team in tackles for 2012 & 2011.
6. David Wilson(RB) – the 1st rd. pick looks to be everything the Giants had hoped for as they searched for a dynamic game breaker. If allowed, Wilson could easily be the best returner in the game; however, as the 2013 season progresses Wilson will make his mark as the featured back for the Giants. As he gains experience, so will his patience. Tiki Barber dropped 10k from scrimmage as a patient runner.
5. Chris Snee(RG) – The trenches have been dominated for the last 7 years by right guard Chris Snee. The constant pro, No. 76 has gone about his business blasting open holes for the likes of Derrick Ward, Brandon Jacobs, Ahmad Bradshaw, Andre Brown and David Wilson. The pro bowl guard from Boston College still has great footwork and the strength to keep Eli Manning upright. Even at 31, Chris Snee is still irreplaceable.
4. Victor Cruz(WR) – What can you say about Victor Cruz that hasn’t been said or written? His crisp route running separates him from most slot receivers. His speed from the bottom of the route, to the top of the route, to the yards he obtains “after the catch”, is fantastic. He is worth every dollar the Giants gave him and No. 80 needs to stay healthy for the Giants to win.
3. Justin Tuck(DE) – If healthy Justin Tuck dominates…a top 7 defensive end. The captain plays the run, gets double teamed and never takes a play off. With the new additions of Jenkins, Patterson & Rodgers the pressure up the middle of the field will be vastly improved. This will single up Tuck to do what he does best. Damonte Moore will also help that youthful spark. Tuck’s leadership is 2nd to none and can play down inside when needed.
2. Hakeem Nicks(WR) The receiver has had…flashes of greatness. Nicks is a good character guy who can take over a game, yet he misses too many minutes with an long list of injuries. The receivers best attribute is his 5xl sized hands. He rarely drops passes and he has deceptive speed. Giant fans may hate to hear this but, Hakeem Nicks is very close in skill to NFL Hall of Famer, Michael Irving.
1. Eli Manning(QB) – Eli Manning came as advertised. He makes all the hard throws with ease and leads this team by example. His game does suffer when Nicks is injured, however his 8 year streak of 3000 + yards and 20 TD’s in a season leads the NFL. 2012 hurt Eli’s “geek stats” last year; however, he still remains 6th best QB in the NFL.
Craig J. Santucci | Senior Editor NY Giants Rush