New York Giants: Post-draft defensive backs breakdown

The New York Giants secondary has undergone a complete makeover after the draft. This team is clear it wants versatile athletes who can make plays all over the field.

The New York Giants defensive backfield is an area where they focused most of their attention this offseason. Letting Landon Collins walk away for no compensation and sign with Washington was a move that puzzled most fans as he was considered one of their best players on defense.

The current unit’s versatility will allow defensive coordinator James Bettcher the freedom to run different schemes that include his defensive backs rushing the passer. With the addition of some potential shutdown corners to line up opposite of Janoris Jenkins, this defensive secondary could be better than most fans expect.

Strong coverage men in Big Blue’s pass defense will force quarterbacks to hold onto the ball longer and allow their inexperienced pass rushers to get into the backfield and wreak havoc.

Anyone who watched the G-Men over the past few seasons knows that the Jackrabbit, Janoris Jenkins is a top-shelf cover corner. Additionally, the team returns Grant Haley and Michael Thomas who respectively stepped in for the injured Collins and Eli Apple who was traded midseason to New Orleans.

While both played significant time last season, Haley and Thomas will likely slip on the depth chart. Sam Beal is also back after missing all of his rookie season. In a freak accident, the cornerback suffered a season-ending shoulder injury before training camp. It’s unsure if his coverage ability will translate to the NFL, but the team is very confident in him.

Additionally, the Giants team brought in veteran Antoine Bethea who is by far the oldest player in the backfield. He will likely start alongside Jabrill Peppers who was acquired in the infamous Odell Beckham Jr. trade with the Cleveland Browns. It’s easy to see there is plenty of depth among the defensive backs.