The Giants will be looking at some new faces at the safety position with only Xavier McKinney and Julius Love returning in 2022 that were here on opening day in 2021. GM Joe Schoen decided to release fan favorite Logan Ryan and allowed Jabril Peppers to test the free agent market and in return; the rookie GM added three players via the draft and UDFA phase. Let’s take a look at the current safeties on the Giants roster.
- Julian Love: Since being drafted in 2019, Love was the Giants swiss- army knife playing at both safety and cornerback. Love will be asked to take on a larger role as a starter and there are some doubters who believe he is better suited in his previous role.
- Xavier McKinney: McKinney turned the corner in 2021 and is primed to have a break-out season in 2022 with hints of Pro Bowl honors. McKinney will benefit from Wink Martindale’s defensive system.
- Dane Belton: Belton enjoys playing physical and he should fit in nicely in what DC Wink Martindale likes to do with his safeties. Expect Belton to line up in the box in many packages and also blitzes as well. Belton could eventually push Love for more playing as the season progresses.
- Henry Black: Black has been with the Green Bay Packers since entering the NFL and will join the Giants to compete for a roster spot 2022. Aside from showcasing his ability in the secondary, Black will need to also enough ability on special teams to earn a roster spot. If not, he could be placed on the practice squad or likely be released.
- Trenton Thompson: Thompson had decent numbers at the combine and possesses good instincts. Thompson should get a strong hard look for final roster considerations, but he will have fierce competition throughout training camp. If Thompson fails to make the team, he should be one of the 16 players placed on the practice squad.
- Yusuf Corker: Corker faced many talented receivers in the SEC conference and fared well with the Wildcats. Corker was rated higher by many scouts than Dane Belton coming into the draft and he should be a strong consideration to make the final roster. It’s going to be a very interesting battle between him and Thompson for that final spot, if the Giants decide to only carry four safeties on the opening day roster.
- Jarren Williams: Williams performed well in the 2nd half of last season and GM Joe Schoen re-signed the young CB very early in the off season; which makes you wonder if Schoen values Williams more than we think. Williams will be asked to move to safety to compete for a roster spot.
Will GM Joe Schoen stand pat and go with the safeties on the current roster? Or will he look at the waiver wire should a certain safety become available. The Giants will more than likely keep four safeties on the 53-man roster to start the season and possibly place one on the practice squad. We should see a very competitive training camp among this group and aside from Love and McKinney, the final two spots could be determined on the final cuts.