The New York Giants have a rather large void in the secondary, specifically at the free safety position. Third-year man Darian Thompson started in week one of the preseason, but since then he’s lost reps to new acquisition, Curtis Riley.
Riley is a transitioned cornerback, formerly of the Tennessee Titans. In his two-year career, he only amassed seven total tackles. For the Giants in 2018, he will be looking to make more of an impact, and his move to safety should give him that opportunity.
Now, Andrew Adams still has a chance at earning some serious playing time at the open position, but so far, Riley has proved to be the most reliable. Adams has been consistent throughout his career, but isn’t going to turn heads with ball-hawk tendencies like Thompson is capable of providing. He’s more of a sure tackler and average deep cover man.
Where is Darian Thompson in the battle? And why is Riley earning first team reps?
The Giants have increased Riley’s reps due to Thompson aggravating a hamstring injury suffered in the Giants’ preseason opener. This opens up the free safety job for the taking, and the former Titan is not going to let it slip from his grasp.
“I just have to keep doing things consistently, doing everything that I’m doing right now,†he said stated in regard to the competition position battle.
“I have to make sure I’m making all the right calls, can’t go out there having any of these technical errors and stuff like that. Just have to be consistent, that’s the main thing.â€