New York Giants: 5 Things They Are Counting On

Dec 6, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Landon Collins (26) during the 2014 SEC Championship Game against the Missouri Tigers at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Liles-USA TODAY Sports.

2. Landon Collins Starting As A Rookie:

The Giants are hoping that Landon Collins is successful in his rookie season because they really don’t have a better man for the strong safety job. Collins is a great athlete but he has to become a great strong safety at the NFL level. He has the versatility to do it all as a strong safety. This being said the defense he played in at Alabama limited him to being a box safety. Its not a label that Collins is comfortable with and its not one that I am comfortable with. He can do so much more.

It will be interesting to see how much the Giants let Collins do in his rookie season. The Giants may play him in a limited role like he had at Alabama to get him acclimated to the NFL. Collins figures to help both the run defense and the pass defense. He is a tough player who hits like a hammer.

What if Collins struggles as a rookie. The strong safety position has been a tough position to get results from in the draft. Look at the disappointing Matt Elam of the Baltimore Ravens. Look at Calvin Pryor of the New York Jets. There are growing pains as a defensive back in the NFL. If Collins goes through this, the Giants will become frustrated quickly.

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