There’s a misconception going around that New York Giants defender Julian Love is a shoo-in to lock down the free safety position in 2020. However, the reality is far more problematic.
Love played in just 37% of snaps on defense last season, a majority of which came after Jabrill Peppers went down with a hip injury. The former Notre Dame cornerback player predominantly at the slot position and in a strong safety role to supplement the loss of Peppers, but his real sample size comes in the final three games of the season. Utilizing the young defender as a utility man seems to be the direction the Giants are taking with Love, and he has all of the attributes to develop into a staple on defense.
The general cornerback played in 100% of snaps in the final three games, logging 17 tackles and two passes defended. He allowed just a 65.5% completion rate against him over the course of the season, proving he’s capable in coverage. Moving forward, I believe the Giants will utilize Love as their primary cover option in the slot since the only other player they have available is Grant Haley, who’s more refined in stopping the run than matching up in coverage.
The New York Giants need Love in the slot:
Haley posted an 82.1% completion rate against him last season, but managed 43 combined tackles and four tackles for a loss on 38% of defensive snaps, a tick more than Love. Overall, Love is the better player with more potential, and his skills in coverage should be used appropriately.
Drafting a specific free safety should be a focus, as allowing Haley and Corey Ballentine to work in the slot will prove to be unfavorable in coverage. Locking down the deep part of the defensive backfield must require more attention, and Love’s inexperience playing there cannot be mis-conceptualized. Defensive coordinator Patrick Graham will hopefully be gifted with a primary free safety in the second/mid-rounds of the draft, which would be an ideal scenario for a team lacking in that area.