New York Giants: Secondary Outlook after Sam Beal Injury

Coming into the 2018 season, the New York Giants roster seemed like a pretty solid group with a plethora of star talent.

Going into the offseason, many felt the New York Giants biggest issues (RB, OL, ILB/OLB) were a necessity to address.

Obviously, Saquon Barkley has been talked about and the position has seen to be resolved.

The additions of Nate Solder, Patrick Omameh and Will Hernandez look to solidify the revamped line completely.

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Finally, the trade for Alec Ogeltree at middle linebacker, and the athleticism of Lorenzo Carter will help. A James Bettecher guy was brought over in free agency in Kareem Martin.

But, one of the most important positions in football right now is on the outside at secondary, in particular the cornerback.

With every team now playing with a very horizontal scheme and spread offenses, the secondary needs to be very big and athletic with the ability to tackle in open space.

The Giants again have some star talent at this position in Landon Collins at safety and Janoris Jenkins at corner.

But, the depth at these positions was in question at the start of the season and was not addressed much by the front office.

The cornerback position was not addressed in the draft at all.

Instead, the franchise brought in cornerback Sam Beal out of Western Michigan through the supplemental draft.

According to Draftanalysis.com, Sam Beal was rated by scouts as a possible first round talent:

"“Beal displayed consistent improvement in his game over the past two seasons and was recently graded as a potential first-round selection by a number of scouts this spring. He possesses the measurables and athleticism to eventually start on Sunday, but he needs a lot of work on his game. At the very least, Beal should be able to line up in nickel packages this fall while contributing on special teams.”"

Yet, the New York Giants gave up a third-round pick in next year’s draft and Beal will not participate this season due to a shoulder injury sustained in practice.

So, what now for the Giants at cornerback?

After Jenkins, Eli Apple is looking for a bounce back season. The former first round pick still has great talent but must put it together as he is slated as the Giants number two cornerback to start the season.

William Gay was brought in as a veteran guy to help give depth at the position. He is a 33-year-old corner who hopefully can stay healthy and play a good nickel corner for the Giants.

After the top three it looks like there will be a positional battle in training camp for the squad.

A guy who played a little last season Donte Deayon will be fighting with other players for the depth at the position.

Obviously, there is not that much depth at the position so the Giants might have to look into free agency for some insurance.

A familiar face in Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie has been talked about. A 26-year old in Bashaud Breeland formerly with the Washington Redskins is also available.

There are definitely options in free agency.

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But with training camp here, and the pre-season only two weeks away, the Giants secondary is relatively thin and one injury can really hurt this team’s chances at stopping the pass game.

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