Pat Shurmur’s final season with the New York Giants resulted in a 4-12 record. Joe Judge replaced him, and he will need these five players to be great in 2020.
When you only win four games the whole season, it indicates the roster needs improvement. A lot of it.
Dave Gettleman has been trying to achieve this task the best he can for the New York Giants. After a nice free agent period, followed by filling must needs via the draft, the Giants will need these five players to step up and be great this upcoming season.
5. James Bradberry, CB
Addressing the defense, especially the secondary, was a necessity for the Giants this offseason. In 2019, Gettleman used three draft picks on cornerbacks — Deandre Baker in the first, Julian Love in the fourth and then Corey Ballentine in round six.
Playing that many rookies, and having to trade a disgruntled veteran in Janoris Jenkins, meant the defense would get worse before it got better. In 2019, the team’s defense allowed the fifth-most passing yards (4,225 yards), eighth-most passing scores (30) and picked off just 10 passes.
Gettleman drafted in the secondary again this draft, but he also signed former Carolina Panthers corner James Bradberry to a large deal in free agency.
Bradberry inked his name on the dotted line with a three-year, $43.5 million deal this offseason. Around $32 million is guaranteed. That is a steep price and an expensive contract. One that needs to be proven worth the price in 2020.
Last year, Bradberry had a career-high three interceptions. He rated as a decent overall corner as well. He will add depth and experience to the team’s defensive back group.
For that reason, and his contract total, Bradberry needs to perform well in 2020. If he can play well, the rest of the secondary can fall into order.