NY Giants: Evaluating all of the rookies’ 2019 seasons
“Young Pups In The Secondary” – CB Julian Love, CB Corey Ballentine, CB DeAndre Baker
After drafting Daniel Jones with their first pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, it’s important to note that the NY Giants spent their next five picks on defensive players to shore up the lack of depth on that side of the football.
Unfortunately for the Giants, a hole-riddled secondary paired with an injured linebacker unit and an ineffective pass-rush prevented the defense from performing well. In fact, the defense was exceptionally bad, as they finished the year in the top three for total points allowed (451) while also giving up a staggering 1,061 yards from scrimmage, ranking the defense number five for most yards allowed per game.
Among the biggest deficiencies for the Giants defense in recent years has been their exceptionally poor secondary. This is part of the reason, if not the main reason that the Giants’ front office spent three of their eleven total draft selections last offseason on Cornerback help in the first, fourth, and sixth rounds.
Starting with CB DeAndre Baker, the Giants selected their first corner of the 2019 Draft with the 30th overall pick in the first round. One thing I am sure most Giants fans have been hearing about this rookie out of the University of Georgia, however, is that we need to be patient.
In 16 games this season, he recorded a total of 61 combined tackles without much else to show, other than being highly criticized for his lack of hustle and blame for allowing too much space between himself and other teams’ receivers. However, in listening to his teammates, they believe in his abilities and the sky is the limit for this kid.
The Giants’ next cornerback selection was Notre Dame’s Julian Love in the 4th round. Once Jabrill Peppers was placed on IR, Love was able to showcase his talents. In his brief time as a starter through 15 games, Love had 36 combined tackles, 1 forced fumble, and an interception.
Finally, the Giants took CB Corey Ballentine the 6th round. While he appeared in 13 games this season, he only started two of them. With a new coaching staff coming in, it will be interesting to see how they utilize this young talent and maximize his abilities.