New York Giants putting too much faith in Goodson, Apple?
By Henry Buggy
New York Giants general manager Dave Gettleman has addressed some of the team’s biggest weaknesses in his first offseason.
He has brought a sense of new life to the organization with his draft selections and has filled some of Big Blue’s most pressing needs in free agency. The additions of Nate Solder, Saquon Barkley, Will Hernandez, Alec Ogletree, Kareem Martin, and Lorenzo Carter will immediately help New York compete in the NFC East this upcoming season.
But the New York Giants will also be relying on multiple players to step up in 2018. On the defensive side of the ball, linebacker B.J. Goodson and cornerback Eli Apple are expected to take on significant roles.
Both players have struggled through their first two seasons. Goodson has had trouble staying on the field due to injuries. Apple has had both on and off the field concerns.
While Gettleman was able to address some of the team’s biggest weaknesses this offseason, there was only so many issues he could fix after a 3-13 season.
Rebuilding the offensive line and acquiring players that fit James Bettcher’s defense was the priority. The Giants also addressed the team’s lack of depth at multiple positions, including cornerback.
At the same time, Gettleman failed to add legitimate competition for starting roles at inside linebacker and cornerback.
Big Blue Counting on Apple & Goodson
The Giants filled other needs first, leaving Goodson and Apple starting roles.
New York Giants
Gettleman did acquire Ogletree through a trade with the Los Angeles Rams, and he did bring in competition for the nickel cornerback position. But that still leaves both Apple and Goodson at the top of the depth chart.
Goodson is expected to play alongside Ogletree at inside linebacker. He earned the starting middle linebacker role last season but was limited to just seven games.
The fourth-round pick out of Clemson is excited about Big Blue’s new defense and is looking forward to the opportunity this upcoming season, via NJ Advance Media.”
"“I feel great. It was very frustrating, for the most part, not being able to finish with the guys I started with. But last year was last year, I love what we are doing. I love what Coach Bettch has brought. I don’t like to speak in predictions, but I like the direction things are headed.”"
The Giants could always look to add another inside linebacker before training camp. For now, the job is clearly Goodson’s to lose.
The Giants also have just over $8 million in cap space for the 2018 season, according to Over the Cap. They have yet to sign three of their draft picks, including Barkley.
Gettleman chose not to focus on inside linebacker in the draft or sign someone that could compete with Goodson in free agency. Ray-Ray Armstrong, Mark Herzlich, and Calvin Munson will be vying for the backup spots behind Ogletree and Goodson.
At cornerback, Apple is looking to make the most of his clean slate. Big Blue’s 2016 first-round pick has the talent to be a starting cornerback in the league but has to be more consistent.
From Week 6 to Week 10 last year, Apple held opposing quarterbacks to just 9-of-19 when throwing into his coverage, according to Pro Football Focus.
The Giants have plenty of depth in their defensive backs corps. Gettleman added cornerbacks Curtis Riley, William Gay, Aaron Davis, Grant Haley, Teddy Williams, and B.W. Webb to the roster this offseason. Donte Deayon is also looking to take on a bigger role in his third year in the league.
But just like Goodson, the starting role is Apple’s job to lose. He’s Big Blue’s best option to start opposite Janoris Jenkins.
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The Giants might be putting too much faith in both Goodson and Apple. Then again, New York’s front office and coaching staff had to evaluate the team’s most pressing needs this offseason. Clearly, a No. 2 cornerback and second starting inside linebacker weren’t at the top of their list.
That should give a boost of confidence to both Apple and Goodson this upcoming season. But both players also know they play under a microscope in the Big Apple. They will be judged for their performances on the field. Just like Gettleman will be criticized for believing in them too much or praised for seeing the potential others could not.