Giants use Day 2 of draft to bolster underrated defense

After filling a major offensive need by selecting LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers during Thursday's first round, the New York Giants used the second day of the 2024 NFL Draft to bolster their defense.

On Friday, the Giants added two key pieces to their secondary, drafting Minnesota safety Tyler Nubin with the 47th overall selection and Kentucky cornerback Andru Phillips at pick No. 70.

Nubin, the best prospect at his position in this year's class in the eyes of most analysts, was the first safety selected in the 2024 NFL Draft. The former Golden Gopher was a first-team All-Big Ten selection last season, collecting 53 tackles, one sack, four pass breakups and five interceptions, the sixth-most in the nation. He leaves Minnesota as the program's all-time leader in interceptions (13), and his ball-hawking skills make him an ideal replacement for Xavier McKinney, who signed with the Packers in free agency.

Phillips, on the other hand, isn't a defensive back capable of forcing turnovers at the rate Nubin does, considering he didn't record an interception in four seasons with the Wildcats. However, his experience in zone coverage and effectiveness as a run-stopper make him a solid fit for new DC Shane Bowen's scheme. Last season, the 5-foot-11, 190-pounder racked up 47 tackles, 1.5 for loss, five pass breakups and 23 defensive stops, the most among SEC cornerbacks, per Pro Football Focus.

The Kentucky product also offers plenty of versatility, so there's no guarantee he'll play opposite 2023 first-round pick Deonte Banks as a rookie. In all likelihood, Phillips will spend the early part of his career in a rotation with CBs Cor’Dale Flott, Darnay Holmes and Tre Hawkins III in various packages until his role becomes clear while pitching in on special teams. 

Although the Giants defense finished 26th in points allowed and 27th in yardage allowed last season, the unit had more talent than its rankings suggest. Over New York's final seven games last season, it allowed the seventh-fewest passing touchdowns (eight), 10th-fewest points (141) and 12th-fewest passing yards (1,656).

Having added two-time Pro Bowl edge-rusher Brian Burns through a trade with Carolina earlier this offseason to pair with All-Pro DT Dexter Lawrence II and edge-rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux, New York arguably has the best defensive line in the NFL.

New York's imposing defensive front will only make life easier for its intriguing new additions to the secondary. If Nubin, in particular, lives up to his potential, don't be surprised if the Giants rank inside the top 10 in multiple defensive categories this season.