New York Giants: Top 10 players who need to step up in 2018
By Henry Buggy
#5 – Darian Thompson
For now, Darian Thompson is likely penciled in as New York’s starting free safety.
The 2016 third-round pick out of Boise State started all 16 games last season, but struggled in coverage and against the run. He recorded 75 tackles, six passes defended, and one interception.
The Giants have brought in competition at the free safety position. Gettleman signed special teams ace Michael Thomas to a two-year contract in free agency. Thomas brings plenty of experience to New York’s secondary, starting 25 games for the Miami Dolphins.
Andrew Adams and undrafted free agent Sean Chandler could also be in the mix for the starting free safety role, but it’s likely Thompson’s job to lose.
The Giants are in need of improved play at the back end of their defense. They were consistently gashed by big play after big play in 2017.
Whether or not Thompson will hold onto the starting role is unknown. But he takes the No. 5 spot on this list due to Big Blue’s desperate need for improved play at free safety.