Giants fans won’t be surprised to see that first-round pick David Wilson ranks 11th in the NFL in preseason rushing yards (118 on just 20 carries). They probably could guess that Victor Cruz is among the top 10 in preseason receptions (sixth overall with 11 catches).
But not every preseason performance makes headlines, and because of that, some players are still flying under the radar on the eve of the final preseason game. Some of the following players may be well known, but they’re not necessarily getting the attention for what they’ve done in the first three preseason games:
DT Linval Joseph: One of the brightest candidates for a breakout season, Joseph will be counted upon heavily in 2012. While he only has seven preseason tackles, Joseph has been consistently drawing double teams and is still significantly impacting opposing offensive lines. Chris Canty (knee, PUP) is out until at least Week 7 and Marvin Austin is still battling back problems. But even though Joseph and veteran Rocky Bernard aren’t the biggest names on the defensive line, they may have been playing the best football through three games. When asked how the pair had done in his place, Canty said it’s like “watching the varsity defense versus the J.V. offense -- they’re dominant.”
DE Matt Broha: A sack in his first two games and two tackles in his third is the right way for Broha to make an NFL team. He might not be able to break the Giants’ 53-man roster, but he’s putting some valuable game film together and some team is going to bite. With his size (6-4, 255) and skills, he could probably play outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme as well.
K Lawrence Tynes: The five-year, $7 million deal Tynes signed with the Giants following his first Super Bowl performance has turned out to be a bargain, and this preseason has only reinforced that truth. He’s hit all six of his attempts (long of 45 yards), but his kickoffs have been precise. Tynes doesn’t have the leg to kick it out of the end zone every time, but he places kickoffs perfectly, which gives the coverage unit an excellent chance to make a play.
LB Spencer Paysinger: He’s on the roster bubble at the moment, but there’s no denying that the former undrafted free agent is a much better player in his second season. Paysinger has 15 tackles in three games and has looked confident in practice. Jacquian Williams is seeing more time at strongside linebacker these days, so Paysinger has worked behind Keith Rivers. Of course, Michael Boley (hamstring) will be healthy at some point and then the question remains: Will Paysinger be sacrificed for roster space?
TE Martellus Bennett: Bennett makes news during every media availability session, but his actual performances have gone somewhat unnoticed. So far he has seven catches for 49 yards and one touchdown, but that’s just the numbers. The real reason for excitement is the way he and quarterback Eli Manning have looked together. Like Kevin Boss and Jake Ballard before him, Bennett gives Manning a big target with excellent hands and the ability to absorb a hit.
OT Sean Locklear: It’s not easy to move in on an offensive line that’s coming off a Super Bowl win, but Locklear has looked good while filling in for Will Beatty (back). Beatty practiced on Monday, but that’s no guarantee he’ll be back for the season opener on Sept. 5. Good thing the Giants have a veteran like Locklear who had the ability to learn the offense in a hurry.
Follow the Giants and Alex Raskin @CBSSportsNFLNYG and @AlexRaskinNYC.
