Cornerback Julian Love had an impressive showing at New York Giants rookie camp this past week, which could lead to him playing multiple positions this season.
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY—New York Giants defensive coordinator James Bettcher covets defensive backs that can play multiple positions. Case in point is Tyrann Mathieu, who Bettcher coached during his time with the Arizona Cardinals from 2013-2017 when he was linebackers coach and eventually defensive coordinator.
Mathieu lined up all over the field for Bettcher and was arguably the most valuable member of his defense. For his efforts, he was voted First-Team All-Pro by the Associated Press in 2015.
The 5-foot-9, 185-pound Mathieu was taken by the Cardinals in the third round of 2013 draft. The Giants are hopeful one of their mid-round selections in this year’s draft can have similar success.
In the fourth round (108 overall), the Giants drafted Notre Dame cornerback Julian Love. Just as the case with Mathieu, Love possesses the talent to have been drafted much earlier.
In his three years with the Fighting Irish, the 5-foot-10, 195-pound Love registered 176 tackles, five interceptions (two of which were run back for touchdowns) and two forced fumbles.
Last week at Giants rookie minicamp, the thought was Love would play in the nickel corner while the Giants third first-round pick (30th overall), cornerback DeAndre Baker, would play on the outside. Love did play nickel corner but he also played on the outside as well as free safety, showing that he can be a versatile component in Bettcher’s defense.
Love spoke with the media over the weekend about playing different positions at rookie camp.
“I moved around quite a bit yesterday and today between practices. Wherever they need me, I will play. Working on some nickel, a little safety and a little corner. Just trying to be able to do it all at this point.”
Love will be one of the most intriguing players to keep an eye on throughout the spring at OTAs and minicamp, and then again in the summer, once training camp opens. His talent and versatility will lead to some interesting position battles at nickel corner and possible at free safety.
