The New York Giants have several young players who appear due for a breakout year in 2026, but which one is primed to emerge and exceed offseason expectations more than the rest?
Pro Football Focus' Gordon McGuinness named Giants safety Tyler Nubin as New York’s breakout candidate for 2026.
Tyler Nubin put together a promising rookie season in 2024, earning a 65.8 PFF grade across 789 snaps. His overall production dipped in Year 2, though he did improve in coverage, raising his PFF coverage grade from 58.1 to 60.0. Entering his third NFL season, don’t be surprised if Nubin generates more buzz, particularly if he can recapture the level of run defense he showed as a rookie.
Nubin produced two passes defensed and seven tackles for loss last season. The Minnesota product is in a battle to start again at safety for the Giants in 2026, potentially allowing him to improve on last year’s performance and become a difference-maker on defense.
Giants defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson likes what he has seen from Nubin as a playmaker this offseason, particularly against the run and in space, and is high on his potential to be an impact player next season.
Head coach John Harbaugh’s presence in New York is expected to help Nubin, along with the rest of the defensive unit, reach the full potential of their abilities in 2026.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: New York Giants safety Tyler Nubin named a 2026 breakout candidate