There are many reasons to let pessimism fester if you’re the New York Giants, but nothing gets accomplished while looking backwards. Accordingly, the team should find optimism in several of their young players — quarterback Daniel Jones, running back Saquon Barkley, defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence and so on.
While their talent is obvious, there is some talent littering the roster that isn’t quite as obvious. Or, in the case of defensive back Julian Love, talent we just didn’t get to witness until the season neared its end.
Recently, Pro Football Focus broke down a list of players for non-playoff team who can offer up some optimism going into 2020, and Love made the cut.
New York Giants: S Julian Love
Love only played three snaps prior to Week 12, but he played 405 snaps down the stretch and performed well in the run game and in coverage. Love finished with a 70.5 overall grade, good for sixth on the defense, while lining up in the box, over the slot, and at free safety. The former cornerback showed that he can be a versatile piece in the secondary.
In 15 games, Love recorded 37 tackles, six stuffs, three passes defensed and one interception while lining up all over the field — from linebacker to safety to cornerback.
As PFF alludes, Love has proven himself to be an extremely versatile player who offers a lot to the Giants defense. He’s a unique puzzle piece that can be used all over the board, and he’s only just now beginning to scratch the surface of his talent.
