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New York Giants Landon Collins Named Breakout Player By Pro Football Focus

By Kenneth Teape

Oct 23, 2016; London, United Kingdom; New York Giants strong safety Landon Collins (21) intercepts a pass as Los Angeles Rams tight end Lance Kendricks (88) pursues during game 16 of the NFL International Series at Twickenham Statdium. The Giants defeated the Rams 17-10. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2016; London, United Kingdom; New York Giants strong safety Landon Collins (21) intercepts a pass as Los Angeles Rams tight end Lance Kendricks (88) pursues during game 16 of the NFL International Series at Twickenham Statdium. The Giants defeated the Rams 17-10. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Giants safety Landon Collins landed in the No.1 spot of Pro Football Focus breakout players list.

The New York Giants had a strong 2016 season. They finished the regular season with an 11-5 record, qualifying for the postseason for the first time since 2012. The defense was a big reason for the turnaround this season for the Giants.

The Giants’ defense went from one of the worst units in the NFL in 2015 to one of the best in 2016. Their spending spree in free agency was a big reason why. They added some big time talent in Olivier Vernon, Damon Harrison, and Janoris Jenkins along with re-signing Jason Pierre-Paul. Add that to some leftover talent, such as Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, and the talent was increased in a big way.

Arguably the biggest improvement came from another holdover in Landon Collins. The Giants had high hopes for Collins when they traded up to select him with the first pick in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft. Collins was known as a hard-hitting safety at Alabama and a difference maker in the running game.

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He flashed some of that potential at times during his rookie season, but overall he struggled. He was exposed on a weekly basis in the passing game as the Giants put a lot on his plate. Without a veteran to lean on, Collins looked lost at times.

Collins put in the work during the offseason and came back for his sophomore season as a different player. He made a huge turnaround, becoming an impact defensive player for the Giants and one of the best safeties in the NFL in the 2016 season.

His turnaround was so great, Pro Football Focus actually named him their No.1 breakout player of 2016. Collins was No.1 on their list of breakout players in 2016, and rightfully so. Here is what Pro Football Focus had to say about Collins’ 2016 season.

"This time a year ago, it looked like the Giants had wasted a high second-round draft pick (that they traded up for) on Landon Collins. He appeared to be lost as a free safety within New York’s defense, completely uncomfortable with the role that put him deep in space and away from the action. This season, Collins was moved closer to the line of scrimmage; since the change, he has been an all-action player as the Giants’ strong safety, making the PFF All-Pro first team and compiling a strong case for Defensive Player of the Year. Collins ended the season with five picks, four sacks, five pass breakups, over 100 solo tackles and eight more defensive stops than any other safety in a truly outstanding season."

Collins received an excellent overall grade of 92.1, which was the third highest mark for a safety in 2016. The Giants changed their gameplan for Collins and it worked out well. He was put into a better position to succeed and he certainly made the most of that.

Getting closer to the line of scrimmage enabled Collins to play the run aggressively, something he excels at. He improved greatly in his coverage skills and was a legitimate playmaker for the Giants this season.

As Pro Football Focus mentions, he is a legitimate contender for the Defensive Player of the Year award. He put up numbers that are unheard of for a safety and helped lead a major turnaround for the Giants defense.

Next: New York Giants Secondary Ranked Well By Pro Football Focus

At 23 years old, Collins is not even yet in his prime. This should be only the beginning for what looks like a very promising career at the backend of the Giants defense.

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