As the NFL gears up for the 2026 season, two standout players from the New York Giants have earned recognition on ESPN's prestigious Top 100 Players list. Defensive end Brian Burns and left tackle Andrew Thomas have both secured spots, highlighting their impressive performances and potential impact on the upcoming season.
Brian Burns, who finished the 2025 season with an impressive 16.5 sacks, was ranked as the 81st-best player in the league according to ESPN's projections. His remarkable performance not only placed him second in the NFL for sacks but also earned him a second-team All-Pro designation. Burns has established himself as one of the premier edge rushers in the league, and with new Giants head coach John Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson at the helm, expectations for his continued success are high.
In the 2026 season, Burns is projected to achieve 11 sacks and two forced fumbles. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses will be crucial, especially as he benefits from a more robust coaching structure and the development of teammates like Abdul Carter, which may reduce the number of double-teams he faces. "He does so many things well, he's going to excel," Harbaugh stated, underscoring the confidence in Burns' abilities to build upon his career-best performance.
Burns' signature statistic from last season is particularly telling; his 16.5 sacks marked the highest total for a Giants player since Jason Pierre-Paul achieved the same number in 2011. This historical context adds weight to Burns' accomplishments and sets the stage for what could be a record-breaking season if he approaches or exceeds the 20-sack mark.
On the offensive side, Andrew Thomas has also made the list, projected as the 82nd-best player in the NFL for 2026. After struggling with injuries in previous seasons, Thomas enters this year fully healthy and ready to showcase his skills. His 92.3% pass block win rate over the past three seasons ranks fifth among all left tackles, demonstrating his effectiveness in protecting the quarterback.
Thomas's ability to perform at a high level has been evident, and he was one of only three offensive tackles to rank in the top 15 for both pass block win rate and run block win rate last season. His performance is expected to remain strong as he continues to play at his peak, contributing significantly to the Giants' offensive line.
Notably, both Burns and Thomas were absent from ESPN's Top 100 list in 2025, making their inclusion this year a testament to their growth and the strides the Giants have made as a team. With the 2026 NFL season on the horizon, the Giants will look to these two players to lead the charge and elevate the team's performance on the field.
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