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New York Giants: Darian Thompson Fills Huge Void in Secondary

By Maurice Moton

Jun 6, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants safety Darian Thompson (27) intercepts a pass intended for New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) during organized team activities at Quest Diagnostics Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 6, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants safety Darian Thompson (27) intercepts a pass intended for New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) during organized team activities at Quest Diagnostics Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New York Giants may have solved their safety issues with third-round pick Darian Thompson. Why is his skill set so important for a rebuilding secondary?

New York Giants safety Darian Thompson intercepts pass during organized team activities.
Jun 6, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants safety Darian Thompson (27) intercepts a pass intended for New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) during organized team activities at Quest Diagnostics Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports /

As a mid-round pick, New York Giants safety Darian Thompson won’t garner much attention as an immediate impact player. However, he possesses the tools to fill an overlooked need in the secondary.

In the previous season, New York struggled with injuries and poor deep coverage. Giants’ fans still agonize over the interception that escaped safety Landon Collins’ grasp as he hit the ground in Week 10 against the New England Patriots. According to Pro Football Focus, he graded a below average 42.7 in pass coverage.

Related Story: New York Giants: Reaction To ESPN’s Biggest Hole To Fill

Along with Collins’ shortcomings, the Giants placed multiple defensive backs on injured reserve during the previous season. Nat Berhe and Bennett Jackson had the opportunity to start at free safety, but both players missed the entire 2015 season. Safety Mykkele Thompson also sat out his entire rookie campaign due to injury.

The Giants front office signed Brandon Meriweather off the scrap heap, and he started 12 games. In December, the team released and re-signed him within about a week. The coaching staff shuffled Craig Dahl and Cooper Taylor into the lineup to patch the void at safety.

In April, the Giants selected Thompson in the third round. Before the draft, his stock fluctuated month to month. He impressed coaches at the Senior Bowl, but NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks labeled him a combine loser.

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Fortunately for Thompson, he had a reason for his poor showing.

NFL.com’s Gil Brandt reported the safety dealt with a stomach illness during the combine and redeemed himself at Boise State’s pro day.

When scanning Thompson’s collegiate numbers, he’s clearly a ball-hawking type safety, which the Giants desperately need alongside Collins.

According to KTVB’s Will Hall, who reports for a local media outlet in Boise State, the 6’1”, 213-pound safety set a Mountain West Conference record in interceptions with 19 for his career:

Despite the ups and downs through the draft evaluation process, Thompson compiled enough impact plays to attract teams searching for a prospect who can play centerfield, adjust to opposing offenses and create turnovers.

Head coach Ben McAdoo confirmed the stats and added insight on his third-round pick’s communication skills in the secondary:

"He hasn’t backed down from the communication part of things. He also has a nose for the football whether it’s picking the ball off or being able to scoop and score. He showed that today and that part of game comes natural for him."

Based on the McAdoo’s early assessment, the rookie sounds like the perfect complement to Collins. Training camp will further set Thompson apart from his competition, or Berhe will use his experience to tighten the gap.

During a post-OTA press conference via the team’s official website, Berhe seemed confident in his ability to put himself in position to compete for a starting spot after missing his second season.

More ny sports: New York Giants: OTA Notes, Analysis

Realistically, Thompson offers more versatility at free safety. In combination with his ball-tracking skills, he can also deliver hits playing downhill. He logged 8.5 tackles for a loss and two forced fumbles in his senior year.

Nonetheless, the Boise State product must translate his gaudy stats and skill set into an impressive showcase beyond practices in shorts.

Heading into training camp, familiarity with the defensive scheme gives Berhe an early edge for the starting spot in Week 1. Though, Thompson’s natural abilities should land him atop the depth chart in September.

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