New York Giants are leaning on top 3 safeties to set the tone on defense

New York Giants, Xavier McKinney, Jabrill Peppers
Anthony Rivardo (edit)

2.) Julian Love

Love is an exciting young player who has the potential to develop into a nice rotational option for the Giants on defense. He played at both free safety and strong safety in 2019, giving him a bit more diversity in his game. He is also capable of filling in at cornerback and in the slot if need be, as the Giants begin to take a more utilityman approach with their second-year player out of Notre Dame.

Love is considered a safety, but he played 176 naps in the box, 129 at slot corner, and 77 at three safety in his rookie season. He played well against the run and dropped back into coverage efficiently to start his career. Pairing him with McKinney and Peppers could give the Giants a fantastic three-headed monster moving forward.

His ability to diagnose plays and stop the run showed off last year and his ability to attack the ball carrier in run support increased his value exponentially at strong safety. In three safety looks, we can expect Julian to play close to the line of scrimmage against the run and to rush the passer. Both Peppers and McKinney can do the same, which will give Patrick Graham the advantage of unpredictability.