Training camp is drawing near and the worst time of the year is slowly coming to an end. With the New York Giants ready to embark on another hopeful run toward the Lombardi Trophy, I will analyze the team and present my top 10 players on the Giants’ roster. Rookies have been excluded as they have no body of work yet in the NFL to use.
No. 9: Prince Amukamara
Position: CB
Age: 24
Number of Seasons with the Giants: Three (drafted in 2011)
2012 in Review: Prince Amukamara’s career did not begin without a hitch. After being selected 19th overall by the Giants in 2011, he battled a variety of injuries to start each of his first two NFL seasons. Despite this, the former Nebraska Cornhusker had a pleasant second season in New York. Among the team’s cornerbacks, he was easily the top performer, showing flashes of the first-round potential that made the G-Men fall in love with him.
In 2012, Amukamara appeared in 13 games, recording 53 tackles and one interception. Pro Football Focus notes that he was one of the sole bright spots amongst the Giants’ secondary. Only former Pro Bowler Champ Bailey of the Denver Broncos averaged fewer yards per coverage snap than Amukamara in as many snaps played. He averaged 0.86 yards per coverage snap in 434 played.
Outlook for 2013: With longtime No. 1 cornerback, Corey Webster, on a steady decline, the Giants need Amukamara to step up and prove that he can be the top guy. He has shown flashes as a shutdown corner for New York, but he is still struggling when trailing receivers down the field. He must improve his ball skills.
The Giants would love to see Amukamara’s interception numbers improve. History says that will not be likely, however… he had five interceptions in 2009 at Nebraska but zero in the other three seasons of his collegiate career.
It’s worth pointing out that much of his lack of production in the interception department came as a result of opposing quarterbacks being fearful of throwing his way. Even as he continues to prove himself as a top-flight shutdown corner, this makes it more clear why he simply does not rack up the turnover numbers.
The Giants’ secondary needs Amukamara on the field. Without him, they could crumble to bits behind the dwindling star that is 31-year-old Webster, as well as the rest of the questionable group of cornerbacks on the team.
Fortunately, this cornerback is healthy for the first offseason of his NFL career. He is progressing and developing into the star corner that New York is so hopeful he can be. This coming season will be his greatest yet.
Louis Musto is a reporter and sports talk host for the Sports Journey Broadcast Network. You can follow him on Twitter @LouisMusto.