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NFL rumors: Ranking NY Giants’ 5 biggest needs and free agents to fill them

By Matt Lombardo

DETROIT, MI - SEPTEMBER 13: Allen Robinson #12 of the Chicago Bears looks on during the second quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on September 13, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - SEPTEMBER 13: Allen Robinson #12 of the Chicago Bears looks on during the second quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on September 13, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) /
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NY Giants
Los Angeles Rams cornerback Troy Hill (Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports) /

4. Cornerback

Despite the Giants boasting a burgeoning defense, among its most glaring deficiencies remains at cornerback.

James Bradberry will make his first Pro Bowl and had the type of season that puts him in the mix to be named a first-team All-Pro. But, it isn’t apparent whether there is a starting caliber cornerback capable of starting on the opposite side of the field currently on the Giants’ roster.

Some evaluators and executives across the league will contend that cornerback is the second-most vital position on a championship caliber roster. If the Giants’ defense is going to take the next step, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the organization dip back into the free agency well this offseason and target a cornerback in the early rounds of the 2021 NFL Draft.

Might the Giants strike gold in free agency for the second consecutive offseason?

Top free agent targets

William Jackson

A former first-round pick, Williams has never quite lived up to his potential in Cincinnati, and could benefit from a change of pace. This season, Jackson held opposing quarterbacks to an 86.4 passer rating when targeting him and intercepted a pass while garnering a 72.4 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus, so he’s hitting free agency at the right time. Might the Giants be able to pair two of the top cornerbacks available in consecutive offseasons in a new look secondary in 2021?

Chidobe Awuzie

Some of Awuzie’s best performances have come in zone schemes, which might make him an ideal fit for the Giants’ secondary. This season, Awuzie intercepted one pass in 37 targets but only allowed 25 completions. He might not break the bank, but he might be able to start on the outside for the Giants.

Troy Hill

Hill has the kind of versatility to play outside or in the slot, that seems to fit the profile of cornerbacks the Giants covet. This season, Hill intercepted two passes while garnering a 70.8 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus. Quarterbacks produced a meager 79.7 passer rating when targeting him, and he allowed just 47 catches in 84 targets. That kind of consistency is exactly what the Giants need to perhaps put the secondary over the top.

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