New York Giants’ Young Safeties Poised To Take Next Step
Darian Thompson
The youngest and most intriguing choice for starting free safety for the Giants in 2016 is this year’s 3rd round draft choice Darian Thompson. His last three seasons at Boise State, Thompson did not miss a start and set a conference record for career interceptions with 19. He was a two time, all conference player and has already shown a knack for not only playing his position, but exhibiting leadership.
He took first team reps throughout the spring and caught the eye of defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. “‘Thompson, I thought, was barking out,’ defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo said at the time. ‘That’s the first thing I look for in a safety. Will you be loud? Are you not afraid to make a mistake?'” Thompson exhibited that during his reps at mini-camp and OTA’s. He also showed off his play-making ability, recording a few interceptions and forcing a takeaway on an interception of Eli Manning.
Paired with Landon Collins, another 22 year old with plenty of potential ahead of him, Darian Thompson could complete the reconstruction process of the Giant’s safety position. An article on the possibility of this paring was written on this site about a month ago, and highlights what could be “the best young safety duo in the NFL.” Of course, these are lofty expectations for a player who struggled in his first season and another who has yet to take a snap in the NFL, but with more experience and an improved pass-rush, the back end certainly stands to improve.
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Until camp starts and players are practicing and hitting, there can be little said about how this pairing will adjust to playing together and manning a now revamped secondary. An expansive look at Thompson’s pedigree and playing ability can be found here, and his film shows not only a ball hawk but a tenacious run defender who’s over aggressiveness can lead to missed tackles. But, as the past few years have shown, a play making deep end safety can mean the difference between a defense and an effective defense. And recently, the Cowboys draft board was leaked, revealing Darian Thompson as high as 50th on their board. As the 71st pick, the Giants might have a steal on their hands with an extremely talented and underrated player.
Right now, the safeties on the roster, and Darian Thompson in particular represent a positive trend for the future of the Giant’s defensive unit. Whether it’s Thompson or one of the other safeties currently on the roster, a group of young, hungry competitive players is the most likely recipe for success. With the overhaul that has been the 2016 off season for the Giants, the safeties are poised to once again be the last line of defense for a formidable defense.