The New York Giants' 2024 season has been a bleak one, but rookie cornerback Dru Phillips is proving to be a rare bright spot. With an 84.6 Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade, Phillips has not only cemented himself as the top-graded cornerback in the NFL this season but has also given Giants fans a glimpse of hope in a year desperately lacking in positives.
The third-round pick has consistently impressed, showcasing skills well beyond his years. Against the Carolina Panthers in Munich, Phillips delivered one of his best performances yet, earning PFF Rookie of the Week honors for Week 10.
While the stat sheet only credited him with four tackles, his impact was far greater. He allowed just six yards on five targets in coverage, posted four defensive stops, and delivered the kind of lockdown performance that has made him the centerpiece of the Giants' secondary.
Dru Phillips: The Unlikely Cornerstone of the Giants’ Defense
Phillips’ rise to the top of the NFL’s cornerback rankings has been nothing short of remarkable. Through 10 weeks, he boasts the highest PFF grade of any cornerback in the league, surpassing even seasoned veterans like Jalen Ramsey. His production speaks for itself:
- NFL’s Top Graded Cornerback: 84.6 PFF grade
- Zone Coverage Master: 90.7 grade, the best among Giants defenders in coverage schemes
- Defensive Playmaker: Six tackles for loss, two forced fumbles (tied for the team lead), and 43 total tackles
The highest-graded CB in the NFL this season:
— PFF NY Giants (@PFF_Giants) November 21, 2024
🔒 Dru Phillips - 84.6 pic.twitter.com/YmH7oNE1no
What makes Phillips’ success even more impressive is the adversity he’s overcome. After a rough stretch against the Steelers and Commanders, in which he allowed 11 completions on 11 targets and missed three tackles, Phillips took responsibility for his struggles. “I have to grow up,” he said after the Washington game.
Since then, he’s done exactly that. His bounce-back performance against Carolina wasn’t just a statement - it validated his potential to anchor this defense for years to come.
Phillips’ skill set extends beyond coverage. He’s proven to be an asset in run defense, ranking fourth on the team behind Dexter Lawrence, Brian Burns, and Azeez Ojulari. His ability to diagnose plays and make tackles in the open field has been invaluable to a Giants defense that has struggled with consistency.
Defensive coordinator Shane Bowen has leaned on Phillips’ ability to excel in zone coverage, a scheme that has often highlighted the rookie’s natural instincts and ball skills. With two forced fumbles and a knack for game-changing plays, Phillips is already showing signs of being a defensive cornerstone.
While the Giants' season may be a lost cause, Dru Phillips is a shining reminder that the future isn’t entirely bleak. If his growth continues on this trajectory, Defensive Rookie of the Year and even Pro Bowl honors could be within reach. For now, though, Phillips is letting his play do the talking - and it’s speaking volumes.