Grading the New York Giants’ Secondary in 2020

The New York Giants have done a lot to try to fix their secondary through the NFL Draft and Free Agency. Most positions in their Secondary are filled by young players, the oldest starter being 26-year-old James Bradberry IV, who just signed a three year, 43.5 dollar deal with 32 million guaranteed with the New York Giants this past Free Agency period. 

Here are grades for each position:

CB1: James Bradberry IV: A-

The definition of a shutdown Corner, James Bradberry has spent four years with the Carolina Panthers shutting down the Superstar WRs of the NFC South. Against Julio Jones, Michael Thomas (2019 Recieving Yards Leader), Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, he has allowed just a 62.8 catch percentage while holding five of the league’s best to just 356 in 2 games played each. Additionally, he held their QBs to a 1:2 TD:INT Ratio. He can truly shutdown an entire side of a field, but the only factor holding his grade from an A or even an A+ is the fact that he’s done this all in one system. If he can adjust to the Giants’ New DC, Patrick Graham, the Giants have a relatively young shutdown CB1. 

CB2: DeAndre Baker: D+

This is an extremely fluid situation. There is a lot of legal concern clouding the future of DeAndre Baker, and although it appears that he will be exonerated, it drags down my grading for him. Without the legal trouble, I would probably bump him up to a C+ or B-. Despite being a first rounder, Baker struggled mightily in his rookie season. In part, mostly, to his attitude. He was reported to be sleeping during meetings, and not knowing the playbook. As a result, he looked lost most of the year, but he started to clean it up near the end of the season. If he can continue to progress like he was at the end of the 2019 Season, Baker and Bradberry will be a great 1-2 punch at Corner. 

Slot CB: Julian Love/Darnay Holmes: B

There will be competition between Sophomore Julian Love and 4th Round Rookie Darnay Holmes for the slot corner job. Currently, Love is penciled in as a starter, but depending on what Patrick Graham wants to do with his safeties (Love played excellently at FS and SS last year), Holmes could find himself starting in the slot. Holmes, regarded by some as worthy of a 2nd Rounder, slipped to Pick 110, where the Giants were happy to select him. Both could be game-changers for Big Blue’s secondary, and could shut down slot WRs. 

SS: Jabrill Peppers: A 

The face of the G-men’s defense, acquired in the OBJ trade. Peppers had a good first season with Big Blue, and although it was cut short by injury, he did not look out of place. A safety that can produce a big play, Jabrill is easily the best graded position in this secondary. He is versatile, as he can play up top and in the box stuffing runs. Jabrill is the Giants best player in their secondary, and possibly on their defense. 

FS: Xavier McKinney: B

It’s hard to give him an A just yet, however this second round rookie should be graded as an A after the season. A player just as versatile as, if not even more than his new partner, Jabrill Peppers, Patrick Graham should have fun scheming around these two young Studs. McKinney was great at Alabama, and was graded by PFF as a Top 10 Defensive player coming into the NFL Draft. 

Overall, the Giants’ Secondary is really young and has tons of potential. Some players such as Corey Ballentine and Sam Beal were omitted because they are not penciled as starters, but also have tons of potential.