Top 5 Giants Breakout Candidates for 2025 NFL Season

New York Giants' Potential Breakout Stars in 2025

The New York Giants are gearing up for an exciting 2025 NFL season, with several players poised to make significant leaps in their performance. Let's take a deep dive into the top five breakout candidates for the Giants this year, examining their potential impact on the team's success.

1. Deontay Banks - Cornerback

Deontay Banks, the Giants' first-round pick from the 2023 NFL Draft, tops our list of breakout candidates for the 2025 season. Despite a somewhat disappointing start to his NFL career, there's still immense potential for Banks to emerge as a key player in the Giants' secondary.

Banks' NFL Journey So Far

Banks' rookie season in 2023 showed glimpses of promise:

• He held his own against top receivers like Terry McLaurin
• Performed well in high-pressure situations, such as the Monday night game against the Green Bay Packers

However, his advanced analytics tell a different story:

• Coverage grade of 48.6 (on a scale of 1 to 100)
• Allowed completion percentage of 57.6%
• Gave up 644 yards and 4 touchdowns
• 12.2 yards per catch allowed
• NFL passer rating against of 84.7

Unfortunately, Banks' performance seemed to regress in 2024:

• NFL passer rating against rose to 124.7
• Reception percentage allowed increased to 67.1%
• Allowed more yards and touchdowns in one less game

Why Banks Could Break Out in 2025

Despite these setbacks, there are several reasons to believe Banks could have a breakout year in 2025:

1. Reduced Pressure: The Giants' signing of Pulson Adbo as CB1 allows Banks to naturally slide into the CB2 role, potentially facing less challenging matchups.
2. Natural Talent: Banks still possesses the athleticism and skills that made him a highly-regarded first-round pick.
3. Experience: With two years of NFL experience under his belt, Banks should be better prepared for the challenges of professional football.
4. Defensive Synergy: If Banks can elevate his game, the Giants' secondary could become formidable, with strong safeties in Javon Holland and Tyler Nuben complementing the cornerback duo.

2. Theo Johnson - Tight End

Former Penn State tight end Theo Johnson enters his second NFL season as a prime breakout candidate for the Giants in 2025.

Johnson's Rookie Season

Despite having his rookie season cut short due to injuries, Johnson showed flashes of his potential:

• 29 catches for nearly 350 yards
• Scored a memorable touchdown, showcasing his athleticism and strong hands

Why Johnson Could Break Out

Several factors point to a potential breakout year for Johnson:

1. Physical Attributes: At 6'6" and 264 lbs, Johnson is an imposing physical presence with excellent athleticism.
2. Team Confidence: Reports suggest the Giants organization is very high on Johnson's potential.
3. Russell Wilson Factor: The addition of quarterback Russell Wilson, known for his deep ball prowess, could benefit Johnson's playing style.
4. Athletic Profile: Johnson's combine performance put him in the 99th percentile for relative athletic score among tight ends.
5. Opportunity: As the projected full-time starter, Johnson will have ample chances to make an impact.

Areas for Improvement

For Johnson to truly break out, he'll need to focus on:

• Becoming a more fluid route runner
• Improving his overall football IQ
• Staying healthy for a full NFL season

3. Jaylen Hyatt - Wide Receiver

Jaylen Hyatt, entering his third NFL season, is a player the Giants hope will finally realize his potential in 2025.

Hyatt's NFL Journey

Hyatt's NFL career has been a rollercoaster so far:

• Solid rookie year: 23 catches, 373 yards, 16.2 yards per catch
• Disappointing sophomore season: Only 8 catches for 62 yards

Why Hyatt Could Break Out

Despite the setback in his second year, there are reasons to believe Hyatt could have a breakout season:

1. College Pedigree: Hyatt was a Biletnikoff Award winner in college, showcasing his ability to perform at a high level.
2. Flashes of Brilliance: In his rookie year, Hyatt had several standout performances, including a crucial role in the comeback win against Arizona.
3. Russell Wilson Connection: Wilson's deep ball accuracy could unlock Hyatt's potential as a deep threat.
4. Opportunity: With changes in the Giants' offense, Hyatt may find more opportunities to showcase his skills.

Keys to Success

For Hyatt to break out, he'll need to:

• Regain the explosiveness he showed in college
• Build a strong rapport with Russell Wilson
• Consistently create separation from defenders

4. Tyler Nuben - Safety

Second-year safety Tyler Nuben is poised for a potential breakout season in 2025.

Nuben's Rookie Season

Nuben's rookie year was cut short due to injury, but he showed promise when on the field:

• Demonstrated versatility in various defensive schemes
• Performed well against the run

Why Nuben Could Break Out

Several factors point to a potential breakout year for Nuben:

1. Versatility: Nuben can play multiple roles in the secondary, from single-high safety to in-the-box defender.
2. Ball Hawk Potential: In college, Nuben led his team in interceptions for three consecutive years.
3. Learning Opportunity: Playing alongside veteran Javon Holland provides Nuben with a chance to learn and grow.
4. Defensive Scheme Fit: The Giants' defensive strategy may allow Nuben to play to his strengths more effectively.

Areas for Improvement

For Nuben to truly break out, he'll need to focus on:

• Increasing his ball production at the NFL level
• Becoming more aggressive in creating turnovers
• Staying healthy for a full NFL season

5. Malik Nabers - Wide Receiver

While Malik Nabers already had an impressive rookie season, there's potential for him to elevate his game even further in 2025.

Nabers' Rookie Season

Nabers had a standout rookie year despite challenging quarterback situations:

• 109 receptions
• 1,200 yards
• 7 touchdowns
• 7 catches of 20+ air yards

Why Nabers Could Reach New Heights

Several factors suggest Nabers could become an elite NFL receiver:

1. Deep Threat Potential: In college, Nabers was known for his ability to take the top off defenses.
2. Russell Wilson Connection: Wilson's deep ball accuracy could unlock Nabers' full potential as a vertical threat.
3. Natural Talent: Nabers possesses the speed, route-running ability, and hands to be a top-tier NFL receiver.
4. Opportunity: As the Giants' clear WR1, Nabers will have plenty of chances to showcase his skills.

Potential for Greatness

If everything clicks for Nabers in 2025, we could see:

• 1,500+ receiving yards
• 12-15 touchdowns
• Consideration as one of the NFL's top receivers

Other Potential Breakout Candidates

While these five players stand out as the top breakout candidates for the Giants in 2025, several other players could also take significant steps forward:

• John Michael Schmitz: The center could solidify the offensive line with improved play.
• Tyrone Tracy: The wide receiver might carve out a larger role in the offense.
• Jordon Riley: The defensive lineman has the potential to become a disruptive force.

Conclusion

The New York Giants have several players with the potential to break out in the 2025 NFL season. From Deontay Banks shoring up the secondary to Malik Nabers potentially becoming an elite receiver, these players hold the key to the Giants' success. If even a few of these breakout candidates reach their potential, the Giants could be a formidable team in the upcoming season.

As training camp approaches and the season draws near, all eyes will be on these players to see who can take that next step and become a true difference-maker for the New York Giants in 2025.

Article created from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-hy6ihKDh8