New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz took the National Football League by storm last season with 82 catches for a single-season, team-record 1,536 yards. Is there another breakout player hidden on this year's Giants' roster? Here are five players to watch when the team breaks camp.
David Douglas (WR) -- This one is a longshot. However, like Cruz, Douglas joined the Giants as an undrafted free agent. Furthermore, he has impressed coach Tom Coughlin with a strong training camp . Douglas, who played four years at Arizona, finished his collegiate career with 1,542 yards and 11 touchdowns. He's not guaranteed a roster spot at this point, but keep his name in mind.
Domenik Hixon (WR) -- Hixon could see an increased role in the offense with the offseason departure of Mario Manningham to the San Francisco 49ers. The often-injured Hixon could flourish in the Giants' pass-happy offense, especially with the focus on Cruz and Hakeem Nicks. It remains to be seen if the Giants want to use him mostly at receiver or on special teams, where he has more experience.
Marvin Austin (DT) -- Austin hasn't played in a meaningful football game in two years, but the second-round pick out North Carolina in 2011 has massive upside. He was a beast in college before missing his senior season for violating NCAA rules. Then, his rookie season was erased due to a pectoral injury. The Giants are deep at defensive tackle, but Austin is healthy and has something to prove.
Jacquian Williams (LB) -- Williams, a sixth-round pick out of South Florida, showed sideline-to-sideline coverage and strong tackling ability in his rookie season. He appeared in all 16 regular season games and recorded 78 takedowns. Williams bulked up in the offseason, adding 20 pounds of muscle to his 6-foot-4 frame. A bigger, stronger Williams can be a run-stopper or drop back in coverage.
Prince Amukamara (CB) -- Amukamara, last year's first-round draft pick out of Nebraska, missed the first few weeks of last season with a broken foot. He was rusty upon returning to the lineup and his contributions were minimal. However, a fresh start and opportunity may be all he needs in 2012. An injury to projected starting cornerback Terrell Thomas has opened the door for Amukamara to start.
Which one of these under-the-radar Giants will have the biggest impact in upcoming season? Is there another sleeper on the team you had in mind? Let me know in the comments section below!
Adam Martini is a freelance sports writer who proudly wears his Rodney Hampton jersey on Sundays during the football season. He grew up in Queens, N.Y. rooting for the Giants despite being surrounded by Jets fans. Adam follows back Giants fans on Twitter @PegCitySports.
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