Boise State Safety Darian Thompson
Safety was a disaster for the Giants last season. They went all in onDevin McCourtyin free agency, but he returned to the New England Patriots. The Giants did not seem to have a backup plan, as they allowed veteransAntrel Rolle,Stevie BrownandQuintin Dempsto leave as free agents, leaving an inexperienced group behind.
The Giants tried to fill the hole with second round pickLandon Collins, but he was exposed at times as his coverage skills are lacking. He plays the run well, but alongside other hard hitters and box safeties such asBrandon Meriweather,Cooper TaylorandCraig Dahl, Collins was forced into coverage and it was ugly.
The Giants add a safety that is more comfortable playing in a centerfield role, and is a playmaker in Darian Thompson. Thompson set a Mountain West Conference record with 19 interceptions in his career, and has the instincts to play the same role at the next level. His style will fit well next to Collins, as the two play different brand of safety.
The selection makes sense for the Giants, as the value and need were both there. The Giants continue to still try hitting on safety in the draft, so maybe Thompson will turn out better than recent picks such as Taylor,Nat Berhe,Bennett Jacksonand Mykelle Thompson.
Could Thompson finally break that bad streak at safety for the Giants? He has a chance to, and will compete for a starting spot right from the get go.
Grade: B+
Next: Fourth Round Grade
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