Three New York Giants have placed in Pro Football Network’s Top 100 Players of 2023.
Running back Saquon Barkley (No. 99), left tackle Andrew Thomas (No. 45) and defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (No. 27) were the three named by PFN analyst Dalton Miller.
On Barkley, who was named to his second Pro Bowl in 2022:
The NFL and many of its fans seem to agree that running backs aren’t necessarily difference-making enough to pursue long-term, high-dollar contracts. Barkley is known for his unparalleled elusiveness at 230 pounds and the explosiveness he possesses in a straight line when he opens up his stride. Barkley has always been a bit boom or bust in his rushing style, which is partially why he sits in the middle of the pack in yards per carry while being second in 15+ yard runs.
On Thomas, a 2022 Second-Team All-Pro selection:
Thomas was one of the best left tackles in the NFL a season ago and has the ability to pursue that crown over the next decade, although it won’t be easy with the number of talented tackles in their mid-20s.
Two seasons ago, Thomas figured it out, and by last season, was well in form. He’s allowed only five sacks over the past two years after allowing 10 as a rookie, a time that is well behind him now. New York will hope Evan Neal sees the same progress in 2023.
On Lawrence, who received both Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors last year:
Lawrence is freaky. At 6-foot-4, 340 pounds, one would expect to see Vince Wilfork 2.0 on the field. But despite being a nose tackle in appearance (and alignment, most often), Lawrence is far from simply being a space eater. What makes each of these players special is the wholeness of their games. Lawrence finished second in total pressures, but what may be most impressive are the over 850 snaps he played at his size.
What keeps him from ranking above the next two players is consistency throughout the course of their careers so far. But if Lawrence replicates his 2022 production in 2023, it’ll be hard to argue against him.
All three players were first-round picks by the Giants and are 26 or younger. All three are in different stages in their career, however.
Barkley, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft, is going through a very public contract dispute with the club at the moment and could conceivably skip games this year,
Lawrence, selected 17th overall by the Giants in 2019, was inked to a four-year, $87.5 million extension by the team in May.
Thomas, the youngest of the group at 24, was the fourth overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft. His fifth-year option for 2024 was exercised by the Giants this offseason but a long-term extension could be right on its heels.
