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New York Giants’ Young Safeties Poised To Take Next Step

By Evan Graziano

Jun 6, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants safety Darian Thompson (27) intercepts a pass intended for New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) during organized team activities at Quest Diagnostics Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 6, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants safety Darian Thompson (27) intercepts a pass intended for New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) during organized team activities at Quest Diagnostics Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 16, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants safety Mykkele Thompson (33) participates in practice during minicamp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Steven Ryan-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 16, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants safety Mykkele Thompson (33) participates in practice during minicamp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Steven Ryan-USA TODAY Sports /

Mykkele Thompson

Mykkele Thompson was drafted in 2015 out of Texas, where he played the center field safety role and recorded 1 interception and 2 pass break ups in his final season.  An offensive stand out in high school, Thompson made the switch to defensive back and appeared in 52 games and made 31 starts in 4 years as a Longhorn.

After trading up for Landon Collins in the 2nd round, the Giants selected their second safety of 2015 in the 5th round.  Thompson’s selection addressed what Landon Collin’s could not; a true free safety who exhibited range and speed despite his exclusion from the combine.

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During last season’s preseason, Thompson suffered a season ending Achilles injury and again, another safety was relegated to IR. This season, Thompson is looking to find a spot on the Giants final roster.  During an interview with Giants.com, Thompson spoke about his injury following a year off the field. “It’s a little sore now and then, but I believe I’m 100 percent. I’m just happy to be out there with the guys.” Despite missing last year, he explained that off field work and staying involved with defensive game planes is just as important as on field work.

The competition is vital for not only distinguishing the best players, but for allowing the group to grow as a unit.  “We’re all out here working for a job and doing the best you can do. The competition is great. You can do nothing but appreciate that someone is trying to make you better,” Thompson said through Giants.com.

After missing his entire rookie season, Thompson will look to build on his promising 2015 camp and another offseason of engagement and familiarity.  There are certainly spots available for Thompson, and with another solid camp, a safety role could be in his future with the Giants.

Next: Nat Berhe, 2014; R5 P#152

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