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7 Players That New York Fans Shouldn't Give Up On Yet

By Daniel Friedman
» More Columns

Rushing to judgement is something we're all guilty of doing at one point or another. It's human nature to react to that which we see, even if we haven't necessarily taken adequate time to properly assess the situation. And in New York, fans expect results. So if you're not getting the job done, you're going to get criticized -- whether you're a 10-year veteran or a rookie. Here are seven players you should perhaps hold off on judging:

7. David Wilson, Giants

David Wilson
David Wilson #22 of the New York Giants celebrates in the end zone after scoring a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium on October 6, 2013. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Very talented kick returner/running back who is dealing with injuries and struggling even more to find holes in the defense thanks to the Giants' useless offensive line. He's still young and still has time before he's deserving of the "bust" label.

6. Kirk Nieuwenhuis, Mets

Kirk Nieuwenhuis
Kirk Nieuwenhuis (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Always hits well with the big club but never seems to stick around. I don't quite get it, but I still think there's a future for him in the majors.

5. Matt Donovan, Islanders

Matt Donovan
Matt Donovan (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Donovan moves the puck and skates very well. He has the skills but needs to be more confident and consistent. It's too early to throw in the towel on him -- far too early.

4. Adam Larsson, Devils

Adam Larsson
Adam Larsson (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

The best defenseman in his draft year, Larsson's development has been slow and steady. He's been scratched, demoted and moved around an awful lot, but defensemen take time to come into their own.

3. Kyle Wilson, Jets

Kyle Wilson
Kyle Wilson (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

Sure, he makes a lot of mistakes, but he's also gotten better with each passing game. I think Wilson's going to be a good corner -- these things don't happen overnight.

2. Travid d'Arnaud, Mets

Travis d'Arnaud
Travis d'Arnaud (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

How many people gave up on this kid? He wasn't particularly good during his first stint with the Mets this season, but he's hitting the ball quite well ever since being called back up. His defense needs work, but what ballplayer doesn't have things to work on when he's young? You can't expect him to be an All-Star from day one, folks.

1. Geno Smith, Jets

Geno Smith
Jets quarterback Geno Smith (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)

Smith is very talented, but raw. One thing's for sure -- he has a cannon for an arm and he doesn't get fazed by adversity. Will he be a star? I don't think so. But give him a couple of years and I think you'll see him become a good quarterback in this league.

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