The New York Giants did address the cornerback position in this year’s draft. Except, they drafted a guy who preferably wants to play the slot position. You know what that means: bring Adoree’ Jackson back.
Andru Phillips was selected in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft by Big Blue. It wasn’t a bad pick. Pro Football Focus calls the selection the best in round three. The former Kentucky product brings physicality, quick feet, and knows how to make plays on the ball (23 “stops” last season, which led all SEC cornerbacks).
However, it was clear Phillips would be a guy who would play the slot or nickel position. After all, it has always been his preference since his days as a Wildcat.
“When I went to Kentucky, I always wanted to play nickel the whole time. I didn’t really get an opportunity until my junior year. Once I got the opportunity I kind of like — I embodied it. I felt like it’s who I was. That’s what I did best, so I went all in on it. It carried over here, so I’m out here playing nickel now.”
Andru Phillips on the nickel position
So, we’re back to square one. The Giants have a lack of options at outside cornerback. Cor’Dale Flott will likely get the first crack at the CB2 job opposite of Deonte Banks. But, the Giants should bring Adoree’ Jackson back.
A Miserable 2023
Adoree’ Jackson was not himself last season. The 28-year-old finished with a 48.6 PFF grade, ranking him among the worst in the league. His coverage grade? 45.9. Terrible.
The grade makes sense. He had 11 missed tackles, just one interception, and quarterbacks had a passer rating of 98.3 when targeting him. To make matters worse, he allowed 13.9 yards per reception (career-worst numbers across the board).
Should we re-sign Adoree’ Jackson? 🤔
— evin (@KayvonOjulari) December 26, 2023
pic.twitter.com/GlgfD7oFpo
Like many players on the Giants’ defense, Jackson had a better 2022 season. This was evident by his 72.2 PFF grade (among the best) and a 71.5 coverage grade. Though he didn’t have any interceptions, he held quarterbacks to an 85.3 rating when throwing his way. He did miss seven games.
His best year as a Giant was no doubt in 2021 (80.9 coverage grade), shutting down wideouts and allowing just a 73.4 passer rating when targeted.
So, Why Should They Bring Him Back, Despite His Bad Play?
For starters, he is familiar with the team’s current defensive coordinator. He and Shane Bowen go back to their days in Tennessee, where the cornerback started his career. Though Bowen was the outside linebackers coach during Jackson’s time there, the reunion would still be nice.
Second, you can expect a bounce-back year from Jackson. He’s still relatively young and capable of being a cornerback that can handle tough assignments. Though he may not be the CB1 that he used to be (that title belongs to Deonte Banks), that makes things even better considering it will be less on his shoulders. Though Bowen’s defense may involve less man coverage, he will be able to handle his own because of his use of hands and ability to contest catches easily. His decent speed will help him in zone coverage, of course.
Finally, at this point in time, he won’t cost much. Considering what he was in 2023, he shouldn’t cost more than the one-year, $7 million contract PFF predicted for him back in February. It will be a prove-it deal.
Sure, there are options like Xavien Howard and Stephon Gilmore out there. The question is if the Giants will be able to afford one of them.
Considering Adoree’ Jackson’s familiarity with the team, he may be the best option.
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