New York Giants training camp is descending upon us quickly, and as usual, we are previewing each unit on the roster before the players hit the practice field on July 23.
Today, we take a look at the cornerbacks, a group that has performed less than satisfactorily in recent years. General manager Joe Schoen has been making changes each year with the unit, but he’s still not quite done.
Here’s a quick preview.
Coaching staff
Shane Bowen (defensive coordinator), Marquand Manuel (secondary coach/pass game coordinator), Mike Adams (assistant), Jeff Burris (unit coach)
Manuel comes over after four years as the Jets’ secondary coach and has a long coaching resume in the league, including a stint as the defensive coordinator down in Atlanta with the Falcons. Burris is a former NFL cornerback-turned-coach who has worked mainly in the college ranks. Adams, another former NFL player, is entering his second season with the Giants.
Starters
Paulson Adebo (LCB), Deonte Banks (RCB), Dru Phillips (nickel/slot)
Banks, a former first-round pick, took a big step backward in his second season. The Giants need him to get right if they plan on stopping anyone this year. Adebo is an underrated player whom Schoen targeted quickly in free agency this offseason. Phillips had a solid rookie season, and the team hopes he can grow into an expanded role in the future.
Depth and reserves
Cor’Dale Flott, Tre Hawkins III, Art Green, Nic Jones, Dee Williams, Korie Black (R), O’Donnell Fortune (R)
Flott has been effective in spurts but has no interceptions in 39 games played. Hawkins has not developed as the team has hoped and Green is a promising player they are giving a shot. The others are all vying for roster spots this summer, although Black is going to get a longer look as he is a 2025 draftee.
Outlook
This is a thin unit unless someone comes along and has a breakout in camp. They added Adebo, which helps, but Banks came close to punching his ticket out of town after having his effort questioned by coaches and teammates last year. He has a lot to prove this summer, but has already displayed a renewed commitment to the game.
Phillips may end up being a stalwart for them, and his presence could force them into more five-DB packages.
There’s a lot of unproven talent in this room, and Schoen might have to scan the waiver wire for help this season.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: New York Giants training camp preview: Cornerbacks
Reporting by John Fennelly, Giants Wire / Giants Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
