Giants Now: NFL.com touts Tyler Nubin’s football IQ

NFL.com touts Tyler Nubin’s football IQ

After missing some time at the start of training camp, rookie safety Tyler Nubin returned to practice late last week. While he’s only been on the field for a few practices so far, Nubin’s football intelligence has been evident.

NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein recently released his top Defensive Rookie of the Year candidates heading into the preseason, in which the Giants’ second-round pick was listed as the “dark-horse candidate.”

“Nubin was a four-year starter at Minnesota and his tape is filled with the consistent anticipation and instincts one might expect from a player with so much experience,” wrote Zierlein. “His recognition talent and ball skills give him a chance to make plays on the football at a high enough rate to make his way into the DROY conversation.”

Nubin played in 55 games for Minnesota and set a program-record with his 13 interceptions, including 12 across the last three years. He also registered over 50 total tackles in each of the last three seasons.

Pro Football Focus awarded Nubin a 90.1 coverage grade in 2023, which was the highest mark among all Power Five safeties. He also held opposing quarterbacks to a 39.6 passer rating last season.

The 6-foot-1, 199-pound safety was named Second-Team All-American and First-Team All-Big Ten for his 2023 performance. His five interceptions were tied for the sixth-most in the FBS.

“I think Tyler Nubin has a great head on his shoulders,” linebacker Bobby Okereke told the media last week. “Obviously, he’s been out, but you can feel his presence. He’s a vocal guy. He’s a smart guy.”