The New York Giants are a team looking to bounce back during the 2018 NFL season. The storied franchise had a forgettable season last year with the team winning only three games as they dealt with numerous injury issues, a head coach that was ultimately fired, and Eli Manning being benched for the first time in his career.
Despite all their struggles in 2017, New York upgraded their backfield with the addition of rookie Saquon Barkley and will have perennial Pro Bowl wideout Odell Beckham Jr. back healthy. Although New York is poised for a potential bounce-back year, Giants legend Lawrence Taylor believes the team needs a leader and Beckham might fit the bill.
“The team needs a leader. He can be a team leader,” Taylor told NJ Advance Media in a 1-on-1 interview during a fundraising event for the O.J. Anderson Scholarship Foundation.
“I don't think he's a team leader yet. But he can be a team leader with the ability he has and all the different things he can do with the football. I think this year he will not only be a good player, he'll be a team leader.”
There's no question Beckham is one of the most talented players in the NFL today. The 25-year-old is a bonified superstar and the current face of the franchise, but there have been questions about his maturity and whether off-the-field issues would derail his career.
However, if Beckham does mature and becomes the leader Taylor believes he can be, the sky is the limit for the star wide receiver.
Last season, Beckham played only four games before being ruled out for the season with a fractured ankle. He caught 25 passes for 302 yards and three touchdowns.