New York Giants: Could The Secondary Rock in 2015?

By Chris Schisler | May 20, 2015

The 2015 New York Giants are determined to become better defensively and a strong secondary could help them accomplish that goal. With the addition of Landon Collins as the strong safety and two great cornerbacks in Prince Amukamara and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie the Giants look for success in the back end of their defense.

Rodgers-Cromartie is one of the most underrated cornerbacks in the NFL. In his seven year career he has picked off 21 passes, five of which he returned for a touchdown. He averages three interceptions per season. Rodgers-Cromartie is a reliable veteran cornerback who will play big for the Giants in 2015.

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Amukamara, who was the Giants 2011 first round draft pick is starting to look like the player the Giants thought he could become. He only played in 8 games in the 2014 season and wound up with three interceptions. Amukamara has struggled with injuries his entire career but he looks pretty good when he can stay on the field.

The Giants drafted Collins to be their strong safety. Collins is a physical player who excels in the tackle box but has great versatility outside of it. Collins will play a role much like Kam Chancellor of the Seattle Seahawks.

He will be the enforcer that blows up passing plays in the short and intermediate passing routes. Collins has good speed and athletic ability and with his high football IQ, he can play deep in coverage. Collins will be a leader of the defense and he will dominate against the run and the pass.

Nov 15, 2014; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Landon Collins (26) at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

The free safety position looks to be an open competition between Cooper Taylor and Nat Berhe. At this point, I give the edge to Nat Berhe. Berhe has the potential to be a real ball hawk. I think the perfect complement to an aggressive strong safety like Collins is an aggressive free safety like Berhe.

The biggest question mark for the secondary is who will take the nickel cornerback spot. This will be an interesting positional battle to watch in the preseason. Former Raven Chykie Brown would be the Giants, incumbent at the position, but I have reservations about him being the nickel cornerback.

Brown plays the man and not the football, making him a pass interference liability. He is overly physical and he uses contact as a way not to get beat deep; when you never really turn your head for the football that is a problem.

Brown took over for Trumaine McBride after he injured his thumb. McBride is the most experienced player at this position and he could very well be the front runner. It wouldn’t be surprised if Taylor ends up moving to nickel cornerback position.

Other than the question mark at the nickel spot, the secondary looks like it will do well in 2015. The pass defense should also be helped by improved pass rush. I expect the Giants defense to rack up two things, sacks and interceptions.

Next: New York Giants: Could Giants Use Hybrid Defense?

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