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New York Giants: Andrew Adams shouldn’t be lost in the shuffle

By Maxwell Ogden

Aug 27, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants defensive back Andrew Adams (33) returns an interception against the New York Jets during the second half at MetLife Stadium. The Giants won 21-20. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 27, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants defensive back Andrew Adams (33) returns an interception against the New York Jets during the second half at MetLife Stadium. The Giants won 21-20. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Giants safety Andrew Adams put forth an excellent effort in 2016. He shouldn’t be lost in the shuffle during his second NFL season.

The New York Giants have an uncanny ability to strike gold with undrafted free agents. The shining examples are Victor Cruz, who went undrafted in 2010 and set franchise records as a receiver, and Emlen Tunnell, who went undrafted in 1948 and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1967.

As the 2017 NFL regular season nears, a third former undrafted free agent will have an opportunity to solidify his place as a member of the organization.

New York entered 2017 under the impression that Darian Thompson would work alongside Landon Collins at safety. Unfortunately, Thompson, a 2016 third-round draft pick, suffered an injury just two games into his promising career.

In his place, Adams proved more than capable of thriving at free safety—and that’s created quite the conundrum for the Giants.

Following the 2016 season, Pro Football Focus rated Adams as the No. 39 safety in the NFL, with quality grades in both run and pass coverage. He competed at a high level and provided an invaluable combination of physicality and playmaking ability.

He finished his rookie year with 46 tackles, five passes defended, and an interception that he returned for 19 yards to set up a scoring play in a 28-23 win over the Philadelphia Eagles.

After starring for the Connecticut Huskies in college, Adams has become one of the more intriguing players on the roster. Thompson was the more established commodity coming out of college, but Adams has made a statement of his own.

Moving forward, the Giants will have a decision to make—one that shouldn’t leave either player lost in the shuffle.

Adams has the ability and upside to become a starting-caliber player alongside Collins. Thompson may prove to be the better player, but if Adams’ work ethic remains consistent, he should be involved long-term.

In 2017, Adams and Thompson shouldn’t be fighting for one job; both should receive the opportunity to continue playing for Big Blue.

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Andrew Adams created the foundation for a career with the New York Giants during the 2016 season.

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