New York Giants’ Hidden Gem? This Second-Year Star Is Poised For a Massive Leap

General manager Joe Schoen and the New York Giants took some big swings to rebuild the defense this offseason.

Signing veteran defensive backs Jevon Holland and Paulson Adebo were critical investments to fortify a young and underachieving secondary. Choosing Abdul Carter No. 3 overall, out of Penn State, in the 2025 NFL Draft wasn’t just taking the best available player but an attempt to build the league’s most feared pass rush.

This was, after all, a unit that finished 24th in total defense while only 12 teams allowed more than the Giants’ 24.4 points per game during the 2024 campaign.

However, even amid a makeover in the secondary, one young player could be primed to make a big leap in 2025.

According to ESPN’s Seth Walder, second-year safety Tyler Nubin is the x-factor to watch across the Giants’ roster.

“Despite being a rookie,” Walder writes for ESPN. “Nubin led all defensive backs in run stop win rate last season among those with at least 50 qualifying plays. Now, he’ll be paired with Jevon Holland, an experienced safety who had success in Miami. If Nubin takes another step, Holland meets expectations and cornerback Paulson Adebo succeeds in his first season in New York, you can start to see how the back end of this defense could come together.”

New York building a veteran defensive backs room around Nubin could be a catalyst for the former University of Minnesota standout and second-round draft choice to take a big step this upcoming season.

Tyler Nubin Already an Ascending Star for Giants

Luke Hales | GettyNew York Giants safety Tyler Nubin could play his way into an expanded role on defense in 2025.

Nubin may already have the traits of developing into a building block caliber player for the Giants’ defense.

Despite only playing 13 games as a rookie, before suffering a season-ending foot injury, Nubin posted 98 total tackles, one pass breakup, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery on his way to becoming New York’s second-leading tackler.

Nubin is a player on the rise, in a defense looking for more consistent playmakers to emerge. A year allowing eventual All-Pro safety Xavier McKinney to walk via free agency, the Giants may have their next young defensive back to build around already emerging into a starring role.

Giants’ Russell Wilson, Malik Nabers Getting in Extra Work

GettyRussell Wilson during a New York Giants practice session.

When the Giants’ offense takes the field for training camp, quarterback Russell Wilson and Malik Nabers will be looking to build on some extra work the pair has put in over the spring and summer.

Beyond reps in OTAs and minicamp earlier this spring, Nabers was part of a passing camp put together by Wilson in recent weeks.

Nabers, who caught 109 passes for 1,204 yards and seven touchdowns in 15 games, as a rookie, was a legitimate and strong drawing card for Wilson this offseason.