New York Giants Expecting Big Things From Newly Acquired Safety Jabrill Peppers

The New York Giants acquired Jabrill Peppers in the Odell Beckham Jr. trade.
Dec 15, 2018; Denver, CO, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive back Jabrill Peppers (22) reacts in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at Broncos Stadium at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Giants essentially replaced Pro Bowl caliber safety Landon Collins with third-year swiss army knife Jabrill Peppers. While the two have completely different styles of play, it seems to be a clear swap at the position.

Peppers is a speedy jackknife type of athlete with the skill-set to cover receivers while also play the run, while Collins played the run predominantly and struggled in coverage. I can imagine defensive coordinator James Bettcher making Peppers his utility man that can play several positions.

In additional to Jabrill’s clear-cut skills, he’s also a premier return man, something the Giants have lacked greatly in recent years. They recently cut Quadree Henderson, a promising return specialist who fractured his shoulder in 2018.

Coincidentally, Peppers will take No. 21, Collins’ old number.

How will the New York Giants utilize Peppers?

The 23-year-old dynamic player will be featured in an interesting role. In 2017, he was placed at free safety where he struggled being far from the ball. He was primarily a ball-hawk due to his blazing speed, but he likes to be in the thick of hit, making tackles and being a part of the action.

“I would predict he can be their Swiss Army knife, but he does have a position,’’ Carl Banks, the former Giants linebacker, told The Post. “He has the ability to do so many things because of his athleticism. It comes down to him learning the defense and having a grasp of what to do. You can put on the film and see he’s a football player.’’

Peppers will pair up with Antoine Bethea in the backfield, working off the veteran and learning from his experience. I expect to see the younger of the two play close to the line of scrimmage and cover tight ends on occasion. The Giants have had extreme trouble against tight ends in recent years. Collins played a big part in that deficiency, but Peppers should help alleviate some of the concern, despite being less talented in stopping the run.

https://twitter.com/Giants/status/1105934931027509248

Nonetheless, the Giants will receive great value from Peppers at a fraction of the cost the Washinton Redskins dropped for Collins – 6 years, $84 million.