*Giants' insider John Schmeelk gives five bold predictions for the 2017 Giants' rookie class:Â *
It's really easy to predict that Evan Engram will lead all tight ends in catches this season. But is that really any fun? Nah. Instead, here are five bold predictions for the Giants rookie class. I'll probably be wrong, but that's the point of being bold isn't it? Here we go:
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1. Dalvin Tomlinson will play a higher percentage of snaps than Evan Engram.
The Giants have a number of other tight ends on the roster, including last year's sixth-round pick Jerell Adams, Will Tye and newly signed free agent Rhett Ellison. At defensive tackle opposite Snacks Harrison, on the other hand, the Giants have only Robert Thomas and Jay Bromley on the roster besides Tomlinson. The presence of those other tight ends and the Giants' three top wide receivers (Odell Beckham Jr., Sterling Shepard, Brandon Marshall) won't make it necessary for Engram to be on the field for a huge majority of the offensive snaps. In heavy run situations, the Giants can use other players that have better blocking skills. Tomlinson, on the other hand, has a great chance to be the primary three-technique in running situations and could be a pass rush option at nose tackle in second- and third-and-long situations. He should be a big part of the defensive line rotation.
2. Avery Moss will be a big part of Steve Spagnuolo's rotation by midseason.
Multiple independent draft experts have gushed to me about Moss' skillset. At 264 pounds, he has the size and strength to stop the run and move inside as an interior rusher in passing situations. One draftnik even gave me a Justin Tuck comparison, although that might be a bridge too far. He has the versatility for Steve Spagnuolo to move him all over the formation. As a 22-year-old fifth-year senior, he has a real chance to be an interior pass rusher of consequence this year.
3. Adam Bisnowaty will be the only backup in the offensive line group with experience playing pro offense-style left tackle.
Adam Bisnowaty was a four-year starter at left tackle at Pittsburgh and played in a pro-style offense, which should make his transition to the NFL a little smoother. I would expect him to make the roster and be a backup along with Brett Jones (center and guard experience) and Bobby Hart or DJ Fluker (right tackle and right guard experience). It could make Bisnowaty a vital backup unless the Giants are willing to move Justin Pugh to left tackle in case of an Ereck Flowers injury.
4. Wayne Gallman will have more touchdowns than Paul Perkins.
As of right now, the Giants don't have a true big power back on the roster. Orleans Darkwa is the closest thing, but Gallman is a more skilled runner. It would not shock me if he is used as an option instead of Paul Perkins in goal-to-go situations. He is 215 pounds and can run with power between the tackles a little better than Perkins can.
5. Davis Webb will start a preseason game.
From Jerry Reese's and Ben McAdoo's comments after the draft, it isn't difficult to figure out that Davis Webb will be the third quarterback this season behind Eli Manning and either Geno Smith or Josh Johnson. I believe the Giants will have their backup quarterback selected before the fourth preseason game, and they will give Davis Webb an entire game to show what he can do against the Patriots on August 31. It will provide some much-needed juice for an otherwise boring final preseason game.