NY Giants: 5 breakout candidates for defense in 2021

No. 1 Darnay Holmes – CB

The cornerback position is the weakest link in the Giants’ defense. But, Darnay Holmes, the team’s fourth-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, showed he could help fortify that hole.

Holmes played in 12 games, starting in 5. The most impressive aspect from his rookie campaign is that Holmes led rookie DBs in targets without allowing a single touchdown.

Holmes was targeted 44 times and allowed 33 completions for 339 yards. He had five pass deflections and one interception. Opposing quarterbacks averaged a rating of 87.2 when targeting the rookie.

He found other ways to make himself useful on Patrick Graham’s defense. Holmes was sent on 23 blitzes, recording half a sack, a hurry, and a quarterback knockdown on three pressures. He finished with 30 tackles, but has some room to improve in this arena; he missed seven tackles.

With a healthy Xavier McKinney starting along the emerging Jabrill Peppers, the corner position will no doubt improve. Logan Ryan can now play his natural corner position opposite Pro Bowler James Bradberry.

But teams know if they are going to beat the Giants’ defense, they’ll need to do so through the air. And Darnay Holmes showed enough potential for fans to feel confident.

He’s unlikely to take a starting position away from Ryan or Bradberry. But pending what scheme the defense is in, or if someone misses time or needs a rest, Holmes would make for a promising option.

If you happen see Darnay Holmes on the field, expect to see him making plays.