Andru Phillips could be key part of Giants secondary rebuild

In free agency, the Giants lost young star safety Xavier McKinney after the second-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft signed a four-year deal worth $67 million in free agency. To replace his lost production. the Giants drafted Minnesota All-American Tyler Nubin in the second round. But the work in the secondary on Day 2 did not end there.

Cordale Flott is entering year three with the franchise, but the former third-round selection had a poor year two finishing the with a 53.3 PFF grade. Flott owned a high miss tackle rate through two seasons in the NFL, does not have great size (6-1, 175), and allowed a 64.5 percent catch rate last season. The Giants need improvement in coverage. Andru Phillips will be given a chance to find a role for new defensive coordinator Shane Bowen sooner rather than later.

But nickel isn’t the only position open in the secondary.

The Giants spent a first-round on Maryland cornerback Deonte Banks, and the second-year pro has one position outside locked up. On the other side, there is a spot wide open. Former undrafted free agent Nick McCloud will have a chance to secure a starting position with his third year in the franchise, but expect Andru Phillips to also get a long look there.

Over the last two drafts, the Giants have spent three picks in the first three rounds to upgrade the secondary. Deonte Banks was a starter in year one. Tyler Nubin is a likely starter in year one. Andru Phillips will be given a chance to make an impact at two positions.

The Kentucky product spent the 2023 season as a starter outside who shifted inside to slot cornerback when the Wildcats went into subpackages. That positional versatility will likely be valued heavily by a rebuilding Giants defense.

Expect Andru Phillips to play a significant role at MetLife Stadium in year one. The Giants have snaps to fill in the secondary. The rookie is stepping into a great playing time situation despite slipping into the third round.