25 Questions in 25 Days

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25 Questions in 25 Days: Overlooked storyline

Jul 18, 2025 at 10:20 AM

Matt Citak

Managing Editor, Giants.com

Giants.com is counting down to the start of 2025 Giants Training Camp with 25 questions in 25 days.

5) What is one storyline not getting enough attention?

Matt Citak: The Giants' defense garnered plenty of buzz over the last few months. However, most of the excitement has revolved around the front four and the pass rush. This shouldn't come as a surprise following the addition of Abdul Carter to the likes of Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and of course, Dexter Lawrence. Those four should combine to form an elite pass rush that could wreak havoc on opposing offenses. But due to these pieces up front, it seems as if the team's secondary is getting completely overlooked heading into training camp.

The Giants are happy with the way their 2024 rookie class performed in their first NFL season. While Malik Nabers' record-setting's campaign was the highlight of last year, the performances of safety Tyler Nubin and cornerback Dru Phillips, their Day 2 picks, were also very encouraging. Nubin finished second on the team with 98 total tackles despite missing the final four contests. Not only that, but prior to his season-ending injury in Week 13, the young safety missed only two defensive snaps through the first 12 games of the season. Nubin made an impact in the secondary despite not registering an interception, something he was known for during his days at Minnesota. He played 440 snaps in coverage, where he allowed just 19 receptions for 204 yards and zero touchdowns, according to Pro Football Focus. As for Phillips, the slot cornerback registered 71 total tackles (46 solo), seven tackles for loss, one sack, two forced fumbles and one interception across 14 games. Following the season, PFF named Phillips among its top 15 rookies and the second-best corner behind only Philadelphia's Cooper DeJean. Not only that, but the analytics website also had Phillips as its seventh-best cornerback overall.

With a year under their belt, both of these players would have been enough to expect a step up in the play of the secondary. But when you also add in the signings of cornerback Paulson Adebo and safety Jevón Holland, it's difficult to understand why the unit isn't drawing more excitement heading into the season. Adebo has started 51 of 52 games over the last four seasons, and after recording a total of 10 interceptions and 43 passes defensed, the 25-year-old has developed the reputation of being a ballhawk. The 6-foot-1, 192-pound corner has at least three interceptions in three of his four seasons, and in 22 games across his last two campaigns, he has seven picks to go with an impressive 28 passes defensed. He was able to rack up three takeaways in just seven games last season before a broken leg cut his season short, while his 18 pass breakups in 2023 were the third-most in the league. Meanwhile, Holland has played in 60 games with 57 starts across his first four seasons with the Dolphins. His career totals include 301 tackles (219 solo), five sacks, nine tackles for loss, 10 quarterback hits, five interceptions, 25 passes defensed, five forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, and one defensive touchdown. More importantly, Holland has been one of PFF's top safeties in coverage over the past few seasons. His presence in the defensive backfield should provide a boost to everyone else in the secondary.

Not only should Adebo and Holland provide a big boost to the secondary on the field, but they should also help the team in the locker room. The two veterans will serve as leaders to Nubin, Phillips, Deonte Banks, Cor'Dale Flott and the rest of the team's secondary, a group that leans towards the younger side. As of now, Adebo is the oldest of the group, and he just turned 26 a couple of weeks ago. The unit has an opportunity to grow and develop together, a storyline that does not seem to be getting nearly enough attention.