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5 breakout stars to watch for New York Giants in 2020

By Russell S. Baxter

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 09: David Mayo #55 of the New York Giants argues a no call with back judge Terrence Miles #111 during the fourth quarter after a Philadelphia Eagles touchdown at Lincoln Financial Field on December 9, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Philadelphia defeats New York in overtime 23-17. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 09: David Mayo #55 of the New York Giants argues a no call with back judge Terrence Miles #111 during the fourth quarter after a Philadelphia Eagles touchdown at Lincoln Financial Field on December 9, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Philadelphia defeats New York in overtime 23-17. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 29: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Michael Thomas #31 and David Mayo #55 of the New York Giants in action against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium on December 29, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Philadelphia Eagles defeated the New York Giants 34-17. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 29: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Michael Thomas #31 and David Mayo #55 of the New York Giants in action against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium on December 29, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Philadelphia Eagles defeated the New York Giants 34-17. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

1. LB David Mayo

It’s a player the Dave Gettleman was familiar with during his days with the Carolina Panthers. Back in 2015, the club used a fifth-round pick on Texas State University linebacker David Mayo, was the main backup behind perennial Pro Bowler Luke Kuechly for many years.

Last offseason, the steady performer opted for free agency and signed with the San Francisco 49ers. But he did not make the final roster and went on up being picked up by Big Blue last September.

He would go on to play in all 16 games and make a career-high 13 starts. Mayo tied for second on the club with 80 tackles, two passes defensed and a fumble recovery. The five-year pro added a pair of stops on special teams.

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According to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), only three players in the league graded out higher than the 6-foot-2, 245-pound performer this past year. Of course, the Giants’ defense has a long way to go and hopes to improve under new coordinator Patrick Graham, as well as head coach Joe Judge.

Gettleman went onto re-sign Mayo to a three-year, $8.4 million contract extension (via Spotrac) in advance of free agency. And he could emerge as the leader of what will be another revamped defensive unit.

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