Know Your Giants: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie

Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

Hello Giants fans, it’s time for another edition of Know Your Giants. Last time around we got to know: Damontre Moore (click).

These days it’s always important to remember that football is entertainment. The NFL men in uniform are living-breathing human beings with real feelings. Never forget that… ever. Except of course for when you’re thinking of Giants players. They’re of course killer machines sent from the future to win Lombardi’s and demonstrate dynasty’s to the unwashed masses, while simultaneously making fun of their feelings.

Keeping that nonsense in mind. We’re aware Giants Nation really doesn’t know DRC very well yet outside of Philly green, so we need some basic questions answered:

• Who is he?
• Why did the Giants sign him?
• Is he going to make an impact?
• What must Big Blue Nation know about this new Giants defender?

Who is he?

It seems like young DRC has been in the NFL forever. But that doesn’t really tell us who Dominique Reshard Rodgers-Cromartie really is. I can tell you basic information, like the fact that DRC went to Tennessee State University and balled out of control. Or I can give you a snippet from a truly excellent overview from CBSSports:

"Not since Aeneas Williams terrorized receivers at Southern University (1987-90) has a Division 1-AA cornerback dominated like Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.Thrust into the starting lineup midway through his freshman campaign, the speedy defender has shown exceptional shutdown ability and displayed the natural hands needed to excel as an interceptor. He also excelled as a kickoff returner and saw action as a receiver during his senior campaign.In 39 starts for the Tigers, opposing quarterbacks completed just 55 of 161 passes (34.16%) thrown in Rodgers-Cromartie’s immediate area. He intercepted 11 of those throws, deflected 25 and held the opposition to a miniscule 3.54 yards per pass attempt, the best of any collegiate defensive back over the last three seasons."

That article will give you an opportunity to read all you need to know about the mans college career. I can boast that DRC is capable of running an official 4.29 40 time and did so at the NFL combine in 2008. Perhaps I can mention that DRC was a first round draft pick, or that his cousin is fellow NFL player, Antonio Cromartie.

But mostly Big Blue, know that DRC is a football player. This is a man that has recorded 226 NFL level tackles and 103 passes defended in six seasons of action, on three different teams: Arizona Cardinals (’08,’09,’10), Philadelphia Eagles (’11,’12),  and the Denver Broncos (’13).

No matter the situation and team, DRC  is a player that uses his speed and his natural athleticism to make plays. He’s dressed for 92 games and started 75, so know he’s experienced. Overall, I’d say DRC is a gifted CB that should improve the New York Football Giants defense working along side the Prince of New York.

Why did the Giants sign him?

Back in March, Terrell Thomas and Aaron Ross were free agents (and nearing the end of their football roads) and DRC was one of the best available CB’s on the market.

To many analysts, the idea of pairing Prince Amukamara and DRC was a no-brainer. Even players in New York, like prior FA signing Walter Thurmond and Giants safety Antrel Rolle were on board with the idea. Here’s the first paragraph from this ESPN article from March trumpeting Rolle’s role in the GIANT addition:

"EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Four weeks ago, at the New York Giants‘ first player availability of the offseason, Walter Thurmond boasted that the team’s secondary could be better than the Seahawks’ Legion of Boom, and Antrel Rolle said Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie could be the best cornerback in the NFL."

Any time you can add a player that has your team already talking best in the NFL, you should be weary, yet excited. The Giants achieved this with DRC.

Is he going to make a team changing impact?

Thus far in his career, DRC has made an impact with every team he’s been on. He’s scored 5 TD’s in the NFL and has 19 career INT’s. Over the years, Rodgers-Cromartie hasn’t missed a lot of games and is known around the league as one of the best at his position.

Before a defense gels, it’s hard to say how exactly his impact will be felt. But a player like DRC has proved his worth already with three different teams. He’s the prototypical large corner that scouts are thinking of in their minds when they’re tirelessly looking through collegiate defenders for the answer to the NFL’s pass happy movement.

DRC has talent, defensive range and should be a perfect compliment to a New York secondary that is going to look a lot different than in 2013.

What must Big Blue Nation know about this new Giants defender?

To know Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie is to know that you’re getting a football weapon on defense. There’s a reason the Jints gave him a GUARANTEED:$13,980,000 on a 5 year $35 million deal (Spotrac). That reason is simple. DRC is one of the best in the NFL.

Know that while the Denver Broncos didn’t have the best defense in 2013, as showcased by Eli’s brothers meltdown in the Super Bowl beat down, DRC was one of the bright spots. He played to a Pro Football Focus grade of 11.5 in coverage and 12.9 overall. Know that the Giants added a play maker worthy of your New York Football Giants fandom. Know that Rodgers-Cromartie is going to treat you to some special moments in Giants blue — stuff like this below, minus the terrible orange uniforms, plus Giants battle armor.

Credit: Giants.com