In his end of the 2010 season press conference New York Giants General Manager Jerry Reese specifically addressed his disappointment with the team’s safety play.
“We have to make more plays on the back end. We gave up too many explosive plays on the back end of the defense and we’ve got to get that corrected,” Reese said.
The Giants surrendered 10 pass plays of 40 yards or more in 2010 — only seven teams gave up more. Question is, what do they do about it? Reese spent tons of money on free-agent safety Antrel Rolle a year ago, and 2008 first-round pick Kenny Phillips returned from a knee injury to play every game in 2010. Plus, there was veteran Deon Grant.
So, do the Giants need better players? Or, do they just need better play from the guys they have? Most likely, the latter.
If the Giants address the safety position in the draft they will likely be looking for a “box” safety, a guy who can play down at the line of scrimmage in passing situations. Grant often filled that role in 2010 and he may leave via free agency — leaving a hole in Perry Fewell’s defensive scheme.
Analysis: This is said to be a weak safety class, but it would hardly be a surprise if the Giants try to add depth here — especially in the later rounds.