The New York Giants have added plenty of new faces to their secondary this offseason.
William Gay, Curtis Riley, B.W. Webb, Michael Thomas, Teddy Williams, and Grant Haley are just some of the new names in Big Blue’s defensive backs unit.
However, New York Giants general manager Dave Gettleman also didn’t make the secondary a top priority in his first offseason.
New York Giants
He undoubtedly added talent and depth at both cornerback and safety. It’s also clear the offensive line and the front-seven of the defense were the top priorities both in free agency and the draft.
The Giants also moved on from Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, leaving a significant void at cornerback. First-year head coach Pat Shurmur and newly appointed defensive coordinator James Bettcher will look to find the best combination of starters in the secondary.
As of now, Janoris Jenkins and Eli Apple are expected to be New York’s No. 1 and No. 2 starting cornerbacks come Week 1. Donte Deayon, Gay, Riley, Webb, Williams, and Haley will all be looking to earn a role on the defense or on special teams come training camp.
Veteran Mentorship
Among Big Blue’s new additions to the secondary is a 12-year veteran and Super Bowl champion, William Gay.
The 33-year-old is providing more to the Giants secondary than just a potential starting slot cornerback. He is proving to be a mentor for New York’s young defensive back corps.
Despite losing the starting slot role to second-year undrafted cornerback Mike Hilton in Pittsburgh last season, Gay continued to prove himself the ultimate teammate. He’s continued to do the same with Big Blue this offseason.
Here’s what Bettcher had to say about his new veteran corner during the team’s mandatory minicamp last week, via New York’s team website.
"“He is a pro’s pro. Everything that when we talked about having Will join us, anyone that you talk to, loves his work ethic, loves the seriousness and the professional mentality that he brings to the room. He is going to ask great questions, going to be very engaged, has done a great job with some of our younger players. And [taught] some of our guys that are three- and four-year players, about how to have longevity in this league and play at a high level. He knows what a great defense looks like from the inside and we’re excited to have him here working with us.”"
Gay joined the Giants with the hope of hoisting another Lombardi Trophy. He made it clear last season with the Steelers that he is willing to fill whatever role a team needs in order to win, via the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
"“As a teammate you want to win ball games and try to win a championship. I don’t give a dang if I’m out there or not. I’m going to be out there mentally or physically. Of course, you want to be out there physically so you can put your hand in the pile. But either way I plan on being out there.”"
Gay is the oldest member of New York’s secondary. He knows the Giants have plenty of young talent and wants to bring out the best in those players, including Apple.
Despite a rocky start, Gay still believes the sky’s the limit for the 22-year-old cornerback, via the New York Post.
"“Very athletic guy. I watched him from afar being in Pittsburgh, and then also when he was at Ohio State. You just see the things that he can do on the field.”“I’m ready to help him any type of way that I can, because I want to be in his speech when he becomes a Hall of Famer, and say, ‘I had an old guy William Gay that helped me a little bit.’”"
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The best case scenario for the G-Men is for Gay to have a career resurgence while also helping New York’s young secondary develop. At the very least, his veteran mentorship is proving to be a valuable asset.