Giants Free Agency Round-Up: Defense
By Felix Davila
Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
Defensive Back: CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB Walter Thurmond III, CB Zackary Bowman, CB Trumaine McBride (re-signed), S Quintin Demps, S Stevie Brown (re-signed)
Possibly the most improved and transformed position on the roster, the Giants totally reshaped and bolstered their secondary by adding not just talent, but talent with starting and playoff experience. Adding DRC was the most high profile addition thus far and he brings shutdown corner material. Thurmond is an intriguing addition considering he had starting experience and solid slot play for the Seahawks.
Walter Thurmond has spent 70.8% of his career coverage snaps in the slot. He's allowed 0.93 yds/snap and 0 TDs on those plays.
— Pete Damilatis (@PeteDamilatis) March 16, 2014
Bowman brings starting experience from Chicago and McBride being re-signed keeps a corner that displayed good upside last season. Including Prince Amukamara, the Giants now have five starting caliber corners, something that has been overlooked in what is a pass heavy league.
At safety, the Giants brought back their defensive playmaker from 2012 in Stevie Brown, after an ACL injury prematurely ended his 2013 season. If he returns to form, that would be a handsome addition next to Antrel Rolle. Quentin Demps, who was presumably added to be the return man on the roster (averaged a league second best 30.1 yards a return last season), also brings starting experience with four interceptions last year and six starts for Kansas City.
If the Giants health remains intact headed into this season, their secondary could be one of the best and deepest in the league, rivaling the talent level of teams like Seattle and Arizona.