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New York Giants: 9 notable position battles worth watching

By Henry Buggy

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 19: The New York Giants enter the field against the Kansas City Chiefs before their game at MetLife Stadium on November 19, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 19: The New York Giants enter the field against the Kansas City Chiefs before their game at MetLife Stadium on November 19, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /
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DENVER, CO – OCTOBER 15: Tight end Jeff Heuerman #82 of the Denver Broncos catches a touchdown pass while being defended by free safety Andrew Adams #33 and Ross Cockrell #37 of the New York Giants during the fourth quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on October 15, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. The Giants defeated the Broncos 23-10. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – OCTOBER 15: Tight end Jeff Heuerman #82 of the Denver Broncos catches a touchdown pass while being defended by free safety Andrew Adams #33 and Ross Cockrell #37 of the New York Giants during the fourth quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on October 15, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. The Giants defeated the Broncos 23-10. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /

#2 – Free Safety

The Giants have multiple questions to answer on the defensive side of the ball ahead of the 2018 regular season. Arguably the biggest starting spot up for grabs is at the back end of Big Blue’s defense.

The Giants have multiple options to start alongside Landon Collins at free safety. Darian Thompson is likely the frontrunner, but the 2016 third-round pick is also not a lock to hold onto the starting role.

Thompson started all 16 games in his second season with the Giants. He recorded 75 tackles, six passes defended, and one interception but struggled mightily in coverage.

The G-Men gave up big play after big play in 2017. They are looking to solidify the back end of their defense under a new coaching staff.

Thompson will have plenty of competition to hold onto the starting free safety position. Andrew Adams, Michael Thomas, and undrafted free agent Sean Chandler will all be vying for the starting role.

Adams has shown promise through his first two seasons. Despite joining the Giants as an undrafted free agent, he earned Pro Football Focus’ third best grade among rookie safeties in 2016.

Thompson, on the other hand, has earned “poor” grades in each of his first two seasons.

The Giants also signed Thomas to a two-year contract this offseason. The former Miami Dolphins special teams ace has plenty of experience at free safety. He also spent the past five seasons under Big Blue’s new defensive backs coach Lou Anarumo.

New York’s free safety position battle is probably the most exciting to watch this offseason because Thompson, Adams, and Thomas all have a chance to earn the starting role.

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