Breaking Down The Giants' Safeties: 2024 Analysis & Latest NY Giants News and Rumors

2 Giant Goofballs: A NY Giants Podcast

First up, let’s talk about the Giants' safeties for the 2024 season. Tyler Nubin, the 22-year-old second-round pick from Minnesota, had an impressive 2023 season with 53 tackles, 5 interceptions, and an 89.2 PFF grade over 12 games. The big question is whether he can adequately replace Xavier McKinney. Is it fair to hope for that level of performance from him, and will there be a learning curve?
Jason Pinnock, who turns 25 in June, was a fifth-round pick by the Jets in 2021. He’s coming off a solid season with 85 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 2 sacks over 16 games. Can he improve in his second season as a full-time starter? Many see him as a jack of all trades but master of none. Is he a long-term answer at the position?
Jalen Mills, a 30-year-old veteran, was a seventh-round pick by the Eagles in 2016. He played 17 games last season, recording 45 tackles and a modest 59.1 PFF grade. With 106 games and 83 starts primarily at cornerback, what does he have left in the tank? Does his age make him less likely to make the team, or can he serve as a mentor for the young DBs?
Dane Belton, 23, was a fourth-round pick in 2022 from Iowa. Last season, he saw a reduction in playing time, recording 33 tackles and 2 interceptions. Can he secure more game time and reach his potential this year?
Gervarrius Owens, a 24-year-old seventh-round pick from Houston, had limited action last year. He faces a pivotal period to earn more field time or risk being relegated to the practice squad. Can he step up, and what is his ceiling?
There are several veteran safeties available in free agency, including Justin Simmons, Eddie Jackson, Marcus Maye, Micah Hyde, Quandre Diggs, and Jamal Adams. However, unless there's an injury or poor performance in camp, the Giants should give their young safeties a chance to develop.
The Giants recently hosted Joshua Kalu for a workout. Kalu, undrafted out of Nebraska in 2018, has played corner, free safety, and slot corner during his career. He spent time with the Titans from 2018 to 2022, playing 44 games with 5 starts, all in 2022. Last season, he was on the practice squads of the Commanders and Dolphins. Kalu was previously with the Giants in 2021 but went on IR after tearing his pectoral muscle in the first preseason game. Could he add depth and versatility to the Giants' secondary?
Despite being a franchise left tackle, Andrew Thomas was surprisingly left out of PFF’s Top 10 Tackles list. Last season, he allowed just 4 sacks, 1 QB hit, and committed only 2 penalties, earning Second Team All-Pro honors for the second year in a row. He finished in the top 10 pass-blocking grades while dealing with injuries and poor play around him on the line. Thomas has yet to make a Pro Bowl, so when will he get the credit he deserves? Hopefully, his new teammates and improved coaching will help him shine even brighter.
That’s all for this episode of "2 Giant Goofballs: A New York Giants Podcast." Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with all things Giants. See you next time!

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