The New York Giants have a fearsome starting cornerback duo with the Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie signing, and there is plenty of depth as well.
The New York Giants doubled down on free agent cornerbacks by signing Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Walter Thurmond.
Rodgers-Cromartie played on a one-year deal with the Denver Broncos, and he had perhaps the best season of his career. The Pro Bowl cornerback excelled in coverage, despite the Broncos’ struggles on defense.
However, Rodgers-Cromartie has been known to underachieve at times, particularly in Philadelphia. This makes his five-year, $35 million contract a cause for concern.
Thurmond played as the primary nickel corner with the Seattle Seahawks, and he showed great coverage skills. However, his tackling needs improvement. The Giants signed him to a one-year deal, so the Super Bowl champion will look to prove that he is worthy of a long-term contract.
Thurmond will continue as a nickel corner with Prince Amukamara starting opposite Rodgers-Cromartie. He emerged as the one of the best corners in the NFL by allowing just two touchdowns. He also showed great run support and finished with 76 tackles.
Trumaine McBride would be a roster lock if he were healthy, but he is still recovering from hip surgery. His return would provide excellent depth at corner since he showed promise while making 10 starts as the No. 2 corner.
Zack Bowman is expected to make the roster since he can contribute on special teams, and he is a capable backup at corner with starting experience. Charles James is also quietly making a push for a roster spot since he can serve as the Giants’ punt returner.
Since there is a wide load of talent at cornerback on the Giants, they may choose to keep six. Anyone who does not make the roster would instantly find a place on another team. The pass defense figures to be dangerous with reliable starters and solid backups.
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