The New York Giants have been lauded for their pass-catchers, but their secondary may be just as good…if not better.
It would be difficult to dispute Pro Football Focus ranking the New York Giants the best secondary in the NFL considering this unit featured first time Pro Bowler and first team All-Pro safety Landon Collins, cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie who was named second team All-Pro, and cornerback Janoris Jenkins who was named to his first Pro Bowl and receives second team All-Pro honors.
The Giants secondary also includes second-year cornerback Eli Apple, who is expected to make huge strides this season, and two talented safeties in Andrew Adams and Darian Thompson, who will be competing to be the starting free safety.
But as talented as the Giants secondary is, it may not be the most talented unit on the Giants.
That distinction could go to the Giants receiving core, which consists of three time Pro Bowler and superstar Odell Beckham Jr., six-time Pro Bowler Brandon Marshall, Sterling Shepard who’s expected to have a big second season, and first round draft pick Evan Engram.
Many feel that, with the additions of Marshall and Engram, the Giants now have the best pass catchers in the league.
Athletes love to compete — and although the physical contact between these two units will be limited during training camp, they will be trying to pose their skill and will on one another for bragging rights and pride.
It will be intriguing and exciting for fans to see in training camp, as DRC may be matched up against OBJ, or Jenkins trying to cover Marshall, or if any of the Giants safeties are able to cover the speedy Engram.
All while competing against one another; they will be making each other better which will pay dividends in the regular season.
No matter which secondary the Giants offense is preparing for this upcoming season, they won’t be as deep and as talented as the secondary they go up against every day at practice. The same can be said when the Giants secondary is preparing for opposing offense this season.
When you consider that NFL teams throw the ball around 60% of the time, this gives the Giants a huge advantage over their opponents and should make them the favorites in the NFC.
A strong case can be made that each unit will have at least two players make the Pro Bowl this season.
As for which unit is better, we’ll have to watch training camp to find out.