Grading The Units: Defensive Backs

What had long been a weakness for the Giants’ franchise has transformed into a sturdy, if not spectacular unit.  For years, Giants fans had murmured sentiments similar to “if only we had a secondary, we’d be set.”  Well The Giants have slowly added to their barren secondary to create a deep defensive backfield with considerable upside.

During the 2007 NFL playoffs, something curious happened; former second round pick Corey Webster , who was already a bust in the mind of some fans, suddenly turned into the shut down cornerback the Giants had been missing.  This, coupled with the play of rookie Aaron Ross, seemingly turned the Giants’ secondary into a unit that actually put an iota of fear into opposing offensive coordinators.

Although Ross has never regained his rookie form, in part due to nagging injuries, Webster has remained a legitimate starting cornerback.  His performance may have peaked in that 2007 Super Bowl run, but he still gives the Giants a very good cornerstone of their secondary.

Another former second round pick, Terrell Thomas, has improved every season and has solidified the Giants’ cornerback core opposite Webster.  An argument can even be made that he has surpassed Webster and become the team’s best defensive back.  He was the Giants’ best defensive back last year and a definite pro-bowl snub.

Despite having an above average pool of cornerbacks, the Giants drafted another one when Prince Amukamura fell into their laps.  Amukamura is a big, fast addition that immediately adds depth, and he should see the field in nickel or dime situations.  Although his selection likely signals a future parting with Webster, Thomas or Ross, for now it equals the deepest CB core in the NFL.

When safety Gibril Wilson left via free agency, the Giants drafted Kenny Phillips fromMiamito fill the hole.  Phillips showed flashes of brilliance and looked on his way to become a perennial pro bowler in the near future.  Unfortunately, an arthritic knee made him miss his sophomore season, and has sapped him of his explosiveness.  He looked good at times last season, but his abilities are a mystery moving forward.

Antrel Rolle was a high priced free agent signing that has certainly brought swagger (possibly too much) to the Giants, and he lived up to his reputation as a pro-bowler.  Or perhaps it was his reputation that landed him in the pro bowl.  While Rolle was a definite step up for the Giants at safety, he often took poor angles, sometimes going for the interception and instead allowing a big play.  He is a good player, but he needs to raise his game over the next few seasons to justify the enormous contract.

Grading The Units: Defensive Backs ... - Giants Football Blog

What had long been a weakness for the Giants’ franchise has transformed into a sturdy, if not spectacular unit.  For years, Giants fans had murmured sentiments similar to “if only we had a secondary, we’d be set.”  Well The Giants have slowly added to their barren secondary to create a deep defensive backfield with considerable upside.

During the 2007 NFL playoffs, something curious happened; former second round pick Corey Webster , who was already a bust in the mind of some fans, suddenly turned into the shut down cornerback the Giants had been missing.  This, coupled with the play of rookie Aaron Ross, seemingly turned the Giants’ secondary into a unit that actually put an iota of fear into opposing offensive coordinators.

Although Ross has never regained his rookie form, in part due to nagging injuries, Webster has remained a legitimate starting cornerback.  His performance may have peaked in that 2007 Super Bowl run, but he still gives the Giants a very good cornerstone of their secondary.

Another former second round pick, Terrell Thomas, has improved every season and has solidified the Giants’ cornerback core opposite Webster.  An argument can even be made that he has surpassed Webster and become the team’s best defensive back.  He was the Giants’ best defensive back last year and a definite pro-bowl snub.

Despite having an above average pool of cornerbacks, the Giants drafted another one when Prince Amukamura fell into their laps.  Amukamura is a big, fast addition that immediately adds depth, and he should see the field in nickel or dime situations.  Although his selection likely signals a future parting with Webster, Thomas or Ross, for now it equals the deepest CB core in the NFL.

When safety Gibril Wilson left via free agency, the Giants drafted Kenny Phillips fromMiamito fill the hole.  Phillips showed flashes of brilliance and looked on his way to become a perennial pro bowler in the near future.  Unfortunately, an arthritic knee made him miss his sophomore season, and has sapped him of his explosiveness.  He looked good at times last season, but his abilities are a mystery moving forward.

Antrel Rolle was a high priced free agent signing that has certainly brought swagger (possibly too much) to the Giants, and he lived up to his reputation as a pro-bowler.  Or perhaps it was his reputation that landed him in the pro bowl.  While Rolle was a definite step up for the Giants at safety, he often took poor angles, sometimes going for the interception and instead allowing a big play.  He is a good player, but he needs to raise his game over the next few seasons to justify the enormous contract.

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