The New York Giants are headed into the 2020 season with a major problem on their hands. The number two corner position is far from solidified, and they will go with a hot hand approach and move pieces around based on matchups.
With the Giants hiring Patrick Graham as their new defensive coordinator, we can expect the system to be multiple and diverse. Activating different players to match up against specific opponents is how they will attempt to sneak around, having a lack of talent at CB2.
Who are the New York Giants carrying into the regular season as options?
Currently, Big Blue has newly signed defensive back Logan Ryan, Isaac Yiadom, and Corey Ballentine as their primary options at the voided corner position. He recently released DeAndre Baker, who spent just one season with the team before allegedly holding partygoers at gunpoint and demanding their belongings. While the situation is still being investigated, the Giants want no part in his future. That is another wasted draft pick by general manager Dave Gettleman, to go along with Sam Beal, who he spent a third-round pick on during the supplemental draft in 2018.
With three options which are far from above average, the Giants will have to be creative with their scheme. Ryan can fill the position if need be, but he is getting up there in age and is better fitted in the slot or a deep safety.
Logan Ryan was open to the idea of playing any position the New York Giants need him to, including CB2:
“I’m 100 percent prepared and learning all the positions,” Ryan said. “…I think the evolution is to be a DB and study all the positions and the arts of it. … Whatever the team needs me to do from week-to-week I think gives great versatility with myself and Jabrill Peppers, Julian Love. … This is a matchup league. … The more position flexibility you have, I think gives you the ability to do more stuff on defense.”
“I told Joe when I signed up, I’m going to come in, do whatever you need me to do, whatever position that may be. Whether that requires leadership or practicing every play or taking every snap, I’m willing to do that for the team and for this city, because this is where I’m from, this is what I represent and I’m thankful for the opportunity.”
I believe that New York Giants’ head coach Joe Judge will give Logan Ryan the first crack at the starting corner position opposite James Bradberry. If he struggles, they will insert Yiadom, who is a former third-round pick for the Denver Broncos.
Realistically, Ballantine is probably the last option on their shortlist, based on his awful performance in 2019 and struggles during training camp. However, he has solid upside with his athleticism and will certainly earn reps this year at some point.