New York Giants: 2016 Player Of The Year Awards

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Nov 6, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants free safety Andrew Adams (33) and linebacker Keenan Robinson (57) tackle Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jordan Matthews (81) during the second half at MetLife Stadium. The Giants defeated the Eagles 28-23. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive Rookie of the Year: Andrew Adams

The battle for Defensive Rookie of the Year came down to a pair of defensive backs: Andrew Adams and Eli Apple. Both showed flashes of brilliance in 2016, and both had stretches during which they struggled.

Though Apple was selected as a first-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, it was the undrafted rookie who earned Defensive Rookie of the Year honors.

When starting free safety Nat Berhe suffered a concussion in Week 3, Adams was thrust into a starting role. Darian Thompson saw the occasional play, as well, but Adams played 755 snaps for a New York Giants team that relied upon its defense for all forms of success.

In the face of adversity, Adams responded by recording 46 tackles, an interception, and five passes defended during his 13 starts in 2016.

Pro Football Focus graded Adams at 79.4, which places him as the No. 39 ranked safety in the NFL. He was strong against the run and solid in coverage, and although playing alongside Landon Collins undoubtedly helped, Adams pulled his weight.

For a player whom most didn’t expect to make much of an impact, Adams turned out to be one of Jerry Reese’s best acquisitions in 2016.

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