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Which 5 NY Giants are most vital to the defense?

By David Solow

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 04: Blake Martinez #54 of the New York Giants celebrates a tackle with teammate Leonard Williams #99 during the second half against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on October 04, 2020 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 04: Blake Martinez #54 of the New York Giants celebrates a tackle with teammate Leonard Williams #99 during the second half against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on October 04, 2020 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) /
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Adoree’ Jackson #25 of the Tennessee Titans (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
Adoree’ Jackson #25 of the Tennessee Titans (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /

NY Giants’ 4th Most Essential Defender: Adoree’ Jackson

Position: No. 2 Corner

Positional Value: Tier 4

What makes him a great defensive player?: 

In Jackson’s last three complete seasons (2017-2019), the speedy corner had the 8th highest PFF outside coverage grade. Jackson’s ability to stick to speedy receivers in man-to-man will allow Patrick Graham to blitz more and improve the overall upside of an emerging defense.

Jackson can better stick to some of the NFC East’s shifty receivers like Terry McLaurin and Ceedee Lamb. The big FA addition is also a willing tackler. Adoree’ Jackson received a big contract this offseason because he is a bonafide starting outside cornerback, which is not easy to find.

Since Gettleman has taken over, the NY Giants have drafted eight cornerbacks:

2018- Sam Beal

2019- DeAndre Baker, Julian Love, Corey Ballentine

2020- Darnay Holmes, Chris Williamson

2021- Aaron Robinson, Rodarius Williams

Despite all of the draft capital that has been spent on the position, Gettleman went out and gave a big contract to Jackson. Adoree’ isn’t a luxury for this defense. He was needed.

How would the NY Giants fare without him?

The defense ranked in the top 10 last season with Issac Yiadom and Ryan Lewis playing a majority of the CB2 snaps. Occasionally Graham can overcome weak play from one of his outside corners by switching up his scheme and using different types of zone coverages.

At the same, it would not be ideal to rely too much on zone coverages again. The better quarterbacks in the NFC will be able to pick it apart as Kyler Murray did in a pivotal late-season matchup.

Rodarius Williams and Aaron Robinson should give the Giants better depth at CB, but without Adoree’, the NY Giants could struggle. The team has emphasized coverage over pass-rush, and they can’t afford to lose one of their top coverage guys.

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