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The defense of the Giants has had a blatant weakness in recent seasons.
While the former Giants were safe, Landon Collins competed in three Pro Bowl tournaments in his first four seasons, before signing as a free agent with the Washington Redskins in March; rotation next to him safely did not fail to be up to the task.
Curtis Riley was a disaster in the cover and often took the wrong angle against the receivers of opponents at the summit of last season. Andrew Adams and Darian Thompson both showed promise and many limitations in 2017.
Enhanced security has been a bit of a revolving door of mediocrity.
Enter the fourth round of the rookie and the old half-corner of Notre Dame, Julian Love.
It did not take long for Love to take a liking to the safety and coaching skills of the Giants.
During one of the first full-practice practice sessions on Friday, Love returned to free safety where he did a good job tracking down the deep balls and offering top coverage against fast receivers. like Darius Slayton.
"It does not surprise me," said Love on Saturday about the suggestion that safety would be his best asset. "I think my skills could be similar to those of a [safety]. I am intelligent, physical and have a field reach. I was surprised but I was not there.
Choosing Love in the fourth round of last weekend's NFL draft is just one of the many moves the Giants have made to become younger – and better – at cornerback this season, after finishing # 23 against the pass last year.
After Grant Haley played the game at a high level in the second half of last season and the Giants picked Sam Beal in the extra draft last summer with the choice of the first round DeAndre Baker and the sixth Corey Ballentine tour with Love at the corner.
Meanwhile, the Giants' response to safety after a disappointing season with Curtis Riley was to recruit self-starter Antoine Bethea, 34, which could allow the former outstanding Notre Dame player to immediately contribute to Security.
Love was among the most prominent members of the 2019 cornerbackers' class after producing a total of 63 tackles, one interception and 16 interruptions as a junior at South Bend.
However, he slipped to the third day of the repechage, at least in part because of his 4.54-yard 40-yard lead that was not among the top 15 cornerbacks at the February NFL Combine.
Although he may run out of speed to play the cornerback, Love thinks that if asked, his skills would help him make a smooth transition to safety after drawing rep from multiple games against the Army's three-option offensive over the last three seasons.
"I think I'm smart," said the love. "I can lead a defense, learn to be more vocal in the field, and playing fast and playing for free is what would be good for safety."
Matt Lombardo can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @ MattLombardoNFL
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