5 breakout stars to watch for New York Giants in 2021

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 13: Quarterback Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals throws an incomplete pass while under pressure from linebacker Tae Crowder #48 of the New York Giants on fourth down and goal in the first quarter of the game at MetLife Stadium on December 13, 2020, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /

These five players could take a huge step forward for the Giants in 2021.

2020 was an interesting year for the New York Giants, who started the season 0-5 and ended up barely missing the playoffs despite not having Saquon Barkley after Week 2. New York actually could have won the NFC East and hosted a playoff game if the Philadelphia Eagles didn’t take a dive in Week 17, a move that cost head coach Doug Pederson his job.

The finishing kick was good for the Giants, but they still went just 6-10 and will have to play better to make the playoffs against a more difficult group of opponents in 2021. Getting internal improvement from some of the young players will be key and these five Giants are prime candidates to take a huge leap forward for Joe Judge’s team.

5. New York Giants breakout stars – LB Tae Crowder

Crowder, New York’s seventh-round pick in 2020, started the season primarily as a special teamer before earning more reps on defense. The Giants ended up starting Crowder next to Blake Martinez at the inside linebacker position and he contributed nicely, racking up 57 tackles, a sack and a fumble recovery for good measure.

Paying two inside linebackers a ton of money in today’s NFL doesn’t make sense so it would help New York significantly if Crowder can build on his strong finish to the season and establish himself as a bonafide starter. Crowder is just 24 years old so there is every reason to believe that he can become an anchor in the middle of the New York defense for years to come.

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