Heading into the 2016 season, New York Giants fans are optimistic about the team’s chances in a relatively weak NFC East. While the Giants have not had much success over the past few seasons, the team invested heavily during free agency in an effort to reload quickly. The Giants should be a significantly different team because of the moving pieces and the coaching change. That being said, this article will highlight five bold predictions for the 2016 New York Giants season.

2016 New York Giants Bold Predictions

1. Sterling Shepard Will Record 1,000 Receiving Yards as a Rookie

Sterling Shepard has done nothing but impress his teammates and coaches so far. With Odell Beckham Jr. drawing most of the attention, Shepard should have success as the team’s second option. He is a well-rounded receiver who is ready to make an impact immediately. If he can quickly learn the playbook and limit mental mistakes, he will be a dynamic rookie. Rueben Randle, the receiver with the second-most receiving yards last season, compiled almost 800 yards in 2015 despite his lack of effort and persistent mental mistakes. Shepard should be able to top his performance easily and compete for the Offensive Rookie of the Year Award.

2. Eli Manning Will Throw Less Than 10 Interceptions

Eli Manning hasn’t thrown less than ten interceptions in a season since his rookie year, where he played in only nine games. He threw exactly ten in 2008, but he damaged his reputation badly in 2013 after throwing 27 interceptions. However, he bounced back during his first two seasons in Ben McAdoo’s offensive scheme, throwing 14 interceptions in each season. He is coming off one of the best seasons of his career and the addition of Shepard should only increase his production.

Some of Manning’s interceptions were caused by Randle running an incorrect route or refusing to fight for the ball while others were generated because he had to force the ball to Beckham Jr. after the other receivers failed to create separation. Both of these issues should be alleviated in 2016. Randle’s departure from the team should decrease Manning’s interception total and the supporting cast will certainly be better in 2016. Shepard is the main addition, but Victor Cruz could also make a difference, as he is finally scheduled to return to the field. If he can make an impact, Manning will have three legitimate receivers for the first time in a while.

3. Olivier Vernon Will Make His First Pro Bowl

Some players earn large contracts and then slack off because they only care about money. Olivier Vernon is not one of those players. He is a hard-working player who wants to live up to the lofty expectations and return the Giants defense to glory. His 2015 performance deserves more credit than his sack total would suggest. While he only recorded 7.5 sacks, he consistently pressured quarterbacks, often barely missing out on sacks. He finished the year with 81 quarterback pressures, which was the second-most among 4-3 defensive ends.

Pro Football Focus rewarded him for these efforts with an overall grade of 92.5, which was good enough for the third-highest grade among edge defenders. While he earned a large contract because of his pass rushing abilities, he is definitely a well-rounded player. Vernon could certainly have a season similar to Chandler Jones’ 2015 Pro Bowl season. Jones recorded 31 tackles and 12.5 sacks last season, which is definitely within Vernon’s range. Look for him to continue his success from the second half of 2015 into 2016. The Giants pass rush will be significantly improved in 2016, and Vernon will be one of the major reasons.

4. Darian Thompson Will Record Five Interceptions as a Rookie

Darian Thompson is competing with Nat Berhe for the starting free safety position, but expect Thompson to earn the spot. Berhe has been given numerous chances and hasn’t capitalized, so it’s time for a new player to step in. The Giants used a third-round pick to land Thompson, and his ball skills are impressive enough to warrant a starting position immediately.

Thompson has the most career interceptions in Mountain West history, recording 19 over four seasons. With an aggressive style of play, Thompson will probably make some mistakes as a rookie and allow a few touchdowns, but he should get his fair share of interceptions as well. Five interceptions is definitely a bold prediction for a rookie, but it is possible for a player with soft hands like Thompson. Landon Collins will be able to move to his natural strong safety position, so look for the young duo to be much better than the Giants putrid safety combinations in 2015.

5. Donte Deayon Will Assume the Nickel Cornerback Duties

Donte Deayon, a teammate of Thompson’s at Boise State, signed with the Giants as an undrafted free agent this off-season. Like Thompson, he displayed impressive ball skills in college, compiling 17 interceptions during his career. His size is the only thing holding him back, as he has the talent to succeed in the NFL.

Deayon projects as a nickel cornerback, which is something the Giants certainly need. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Janoris Jenkins, and Eli Apple all do their best work on the outside, and Trevin Wade was mediocre at best last season in the nickel role. This is probably the boldest prediction on this list, as Deayon will have to fight just to obtain a roster spot, but he has what it takes to make the team. While it’s highly unlikely that he starts the season as the nickel corner, look for him to impress the coaching staff in practice and take over for a struggling Wade at some point during the season.

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