Tag: Andru Phillips

Andru Phillips named Giants’ unsung hero of 2024

Rookie cornerback Andru Phillips was recently named the New York Giants’ “unsung hero” of 2024.

The New York Giants decided to retain general manager Joe Schoen after a disastrous 3-14 campaign in 2024 largely because of his success at the draft table last spring.

Schoen only had six selections to work with but made all of them count. The offensive players are well known (wide receiver Malik Nabers, tight end Theo Johnson, Trunning back Tyrone Tracy Jr.) but the defensive players made their mark as well.

Safety Tyler Nubin, cornerback Andru Phillips, and linebacker Darius Muasau all were major contributors on defense.

Phillips was recently identified as the Giants’ “unsung hero” for the 2024 season by Kevin Patra of NFL.com.

Schoen has taken a lot of Ls recently, but Phillips is a W. The third-round pick looks like a steal after Year 1, proving to be the Giants’ top cover man. He led Big Blue with a -7.2 target EPA and was the only New York corner with a negative EPA per target (-0.17). The Giants desperately need help on the outside of the defense heading into 2025, but they should be confident in Phillips growing in the slot gig. Between Nabers, Phillips and Tracy, the Giants’ 2024 draft class produced multiple building blocks.

Phillips, a third-round pick out of Kentucky, played in 14 games in 2024, starting three, but he was assigned basically as a slot and nickel corner with Deonte Banks and Cor’Dale Flott manning the outside spots.

Nabers, who was nominated for Offensive Rookie of the Year, is content this year’s draft class is the one that will get the Giants back on the winning track.

“We’re happy where we’re at,” Nabers said. “Continue to grow every day. A lot of things to fix, a lot of things we can look back on in our rookie year and continue to try to get better for next year. I’m happy with the group that decided to come here, that they picked. We’ve been doing a lot of great things.

“I feel like we’re all dawgs… We’ve got that mentality that we want to win. Nothing’s going to stop us from getting done what we want to get done. To have that as a group and all in one, the sky’s the limit for us, I’m happy for that.”

The Giants have not had such an impactful draft class since 2007. They won the Super Bowl that season.

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Rookie Andru Phillips named Giants’ secret superstar from 2024 season

Pro Football Focus has named rookie cornerback Andru Phillips the New York Giants’ secret superstar of 2024.

The New York Giants finished the 2024 regular season with a record of 3-14, the worst in franchise history. It was hardly the way co-owner John Mara wanted to celebrate the team’s 100th anniversary.

Most of what transpired in East Rutherford was ugly, culminating with a series of aerial protests that only relented over the final weeks due to inclement weather.

But there were some silver linings and reasons for optimism. Most stemmed from the team’s rookies, which saw the entire six-player class and some undrafted free agents make an on-field impact.

Wide receiver Malik Nabers and running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. were the most obvious success stories, but they all played their part. And one of those rookies is now receiving justified praise.

Pro Football Focus has named cornerback Andru Phillips the Giants’ secret superstar from 2024.

Malik Nabers was the headliner rookie for New York, but Phillips was great in his own right. Among qualified cornerbacks, Phillips’ 77.5 PFF overall grade ranked seventh, his 78.1 run-defense grade placed 15th and his 75.8 PFF coverage grade slotted 11th. Among all defensive rookies to play 500 or more snaps, Phillips ranked third in PFF overall grade, trailing only Jared Verse and Edgerrin Cooper. With the Giants needing more help on the boundary in the secondary, Phillips seems like a cornerstone slot man — and a gem of a pick by Joe Schoen.

Phillips, who was selected in the third round of the 2024 NFL draft, appeared in 14 games (six starts), recording 71 tackles (46 solo, seven for a loss), one QB hit, one sack, two forced fumbles, one pass defensed, and one interception.

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PFF ranks Giants’ 2024 rookie class among NFL’s best

Pro Football Focus has ranked the New York Giants’ 2024 NFL draft class and rookie free agent signings among the very best in football.

The New York Giants wrapped up the worst season in franchise history earlier this month, finishing the year with a record of 3-14.

There weren’t many reasons for celebration or enthusiasm, but there’s at least one small silver lining and a reason to be optimistic about the future: The 2024 NFL draft class and undrafted free agent signings.

After two less-than-stellar drafts, general manager Joe Schoen made the most of his six picks last April. Not only did every rookie he selected contribute, but they all started at one point and are poised to play pivotal roles in the future.

Pro Football Focus feels similarly optimistic about the Giants’ 2024 rookie class, ranking them fourth overall behind the Los Angeles Rams, Washington Commanders, and Los Angeles Chargers.

  • WR Malik Nabers: 86.7
  • CB Andru Phillips: 77.5
  • S Tyler Nubin: 65.6
  • RB Tyrone Tracy: 58.4
  • DI Elijah Chatman: 58.9
  • LB Darius Muasau: 56.8

Not much went right for the Giants in 2024, but they can take solace in the fact that their rookie class could be part of their foundation moving forward. Malik Nabers is an ascending superstar after finishing his rookie season with more than 1,200 yards and an 87.1 PFF receiving grade. Fifth-round pick Tyrone Tracy was the team’s leading rusher this season and forced 47 missed tackles combined as a runner and receiver.

Defensively, the Giants found starting-caliber players in slot cornerback Andru Phillips and safety Tyler Nubin. Phillips led the team’s qualified players with a 75.8 PFF coverage grade. Nubin contributed well in the box with a 76.0 PFF run-defense grade. New York also got decent contributions from Elijah Chatman and Darius Muasau as injuries piled up on their defensive front all season.

One strong draft doesn’t make up for two subpar drafts but at least it’s a place to build from for Schoen & Co.

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2 Giants named to PFF’s top rookies of 2024 list

Two members of the New York Giants’ 2024 NFL draft class were named to Pro Football Focus’ top 100 rookies of 2024 list.

The New York Giants concluded their 100th season last Sunday, finishing with an embarrassing 3-14 record. Despite the disappointing season, ownership has decided to retain the current regime of general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll.

One of the bright spots for the Giants this season and likely a big reason the team retained the current regime was their impressive 2024 rookie class. In fact, two of the Giants’ rookies were named among Pro Football Focus’ top 15 highest-graded rookies (and top 100 overall).

Unsurprisingly, wide receiver Malik Nabers was near the very top.

3. WR MALIK NABERS, NEW YORK GIANTS

PFF Grade: 86.7

Nabers delivered an impressive rookie season for the Giants, averaging 2.17 yards per route run and earning an 87.1 PFF receiving grade. Targeted 165 times, he hauled in 109 receptions for 1,204 yards.

Cornerback Andru Phillips was the other.

13. CB ANDRU PHILLIPS, NEW YORK GIANTS

PFF Grade: 77.5

Phillips was strong close to the line of scrimmage in his first season, earning a 78.1 run-defense grade for the Giants. He was solid in coverage, too, earning a 75.8 coverage grade and allowing just 373 yards from 335 snaps in coverage.

The Giants and Chargers are the only teams with multiple players on the list.

Nabers, of course, had a very impressive rookie season where he set several records and seems to be an absolute stud and a surefire hit for Schoen’s draft resume.

Although he cooled off a little as the season went on, Phillips had a very impressive rookie year, especially considering the Giants got him in the third round of last year’s draft.

The rookie class also included the surprising success of rookie Tyrone Tracy Jr., who surpassed 1,000 scrimmage yards on the year in the win over the Indianapolis Colts in Week 17.

Although Tracy did not have as high of a PFF grade as Phillips and Nabers, his rookie season was impressive nonetheless.

While the Giants may have had one of their worst seasons in franchise history, the performances of their rookie draft class is certainly something the Giants should feel good about moving forward.

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Two former Wildcats help the New York Giants get a win on Sunday

Former Wildcats Wan’Dale Robinson and Andru Phillips helped the New York Giants to an upset win.

The New York Giants have had a tough year. Heading into Sundays game with the Indianapolis Colts they had just two wins. Two former Kentucky football stars would help them get their third.

Wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson spent just one season at Kentucky, but had a huge year with 104 receptions for over 1,300 yards. He was a second round pick of the Giants.

Andru Phillips was a cornerback for the Cats from 2020 to 2023 and wound up being a third round pick in 2024.

Related: Deone Walker a 2nd round pick in latest NFL mock draft

On Sunday, for the Giants, both were integral to the team’s victory. Robinson had five receptions for 71 yards and touchdown. He had a couple of big catches late. Andru Phillips, meanwhile, would get his first career interception late in the game.

The Giants would win the game 45 – 33 and that would eliminate the Colts from playoff contention. As for Robinson and Phillips, it was nice to see them perform well and it looks like they could be solid players for New York going forward.

Malik Nabers lauds Giants’ rookie class: ‘We’re all dogs’

In what has otherwise been a lost season, WR Malik Nabers has found a silver lining in the 2024 NFL draft class: “We’re all dogs.”

The New York Giants will be closing in on some infamous milestones this week when they host the Indianapolis Colts this Sunday at MetLife Stadium.

A loss to the Colts would set a new NFL single-season record for home losses with nine. The Giants would be the first team to achieve that in the 105-year history of the NFL.

Since the league expanded to 17 games in 2021, 16 teams have been getting an additional home game each season, so nine home losses has only been achievable in the past four seasons.

Any franchise with such a measly output would surely be seeking to clean house at the end of the season and push the reset button. The Giants call this “blowing it up,” something they’ve avoided doing under John Mara and Steve Tisch’s watch, which began in 2005.

They might not do it this time, either. They could conceivably keep general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll and simply make changes among the rest of the staff.

They could replace Daboll but it is unlikely that Schoen will be fired. He is coming off a very strong offseason in which all six of his draft choices ended up contributing in their first seasons with the club. He also added defensive end Brian Burns vis a trade and several key offensive linemen.

But it’s the rookie class that has the team — and the players — remaining optimistic for the future.

“We’re happy where we’re at,” said wide receiver Malik Nabers, who the Giants selected sixth overall in this year’s draft. “Continue to grow every day. A lot of things to fix, a lot of things we can look back on in our rookie year and continue to try to get better for next year. I’m happy with the group that decided to come here, that they picked. We’ve been doing a lot of great things. I’m hoping that we continue to do those things throughout the year.”

Nabers has already set a franchise record for receptions by a rookie (97) and is now chasing the NFL record of 105 set by the Rams’ Puka Nacua last season.

He knows he’s not the only rookie who has made an impact this season. Safety Tyler Nubin, cornerback Andru Phillips, tight end Theo Johnson, running back Tyrone Tracy Jr., and linebacker Darius Muasau have all played valuable roles this season.

“I feel like we’re all dogs,” added Nabers. “Theo… you go through everybody. Nubin, he had a lot of broken stuff in his foot. He continued to play. Theo, he got his foot broken in the first quarter of the game, he continued to play. We’ve got that mentality that we want to win. Nothing’s going to stop us from getting done what we want to get done. To have that as a group and all in one, the sky’s the limit for us, I’m happy for that.”

This could be the start of a strong trend for the Giants. Yes, it took some time, but Schoen could be on the cusp of building something big here. He might just have the top pick in this year’s draft to work with, too.

If the Giants make a change now, they could be missing out on a chance to become winners again.

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Giants injury report: Malik Nabers remains sidelined

New York Giants WR Malik Nabers and OL John Michael Schmitz continue to miss practice and their status for Week 17 is uncertain.

The New York Giants took the field on Thursday for their second of three practices ahead of a Week 17 game against the Indianapolis Colts at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Beforehand, head coach Brian Daboll updated the status of several injured players, including wide receiver Malik Nabers, who is now nursing a toe injury.

Daboll also revealed that center John Michael Schmitz remains sidelines and that guard Greg Van Roten would take some snaps at center.

“See where they’re at (on Friday),” he said of JMS and Nabers.

With offensive line injuries a continuing problem, the Giants signed tackle Ricky Lee to the practice squad. They also re-signed defensive back Alex Cook to the reserve unit.

The Giants’ full Thursday injury report can be found below:

Did not participate: LB Micah McFadden (neck), RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (ankle), WR Malik Nabers (toe), OL John Michael Schmitz (ankle), CB Greg Stroman (shoulder/shin), S Raheem Layne (knee), DB Dee Williams (toe)

Limited participant: OL Jermaine Eluemunor (wrist), QB Drew Lock (shoulder), DT Cory Durden (shoulder), OL Greg Van Roten (knee)

Full participant: OL Austin Schlottmann (fibula), OL Aaron Stinnie (concussion), CB Andru Phillips (knee), S Dane Belton (knee), DL Jordon Riley (knee), DL Armon Watts (shoulder)

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Giants injury report: Malik Nabers, six others miss practice

New York Giants WR Malik Nabers was among seven players who would have missed Wednesday’s practice; six others would have been limited.

The New York Giants returned to practice on Tuesday afternoon in preparation for a Week 17 game against the Indianapolis Colts at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

The practice was scheduled a day early to give players off on Wednesday — Christmas Day. As a result, there was no official injury report listed on Tuesday with the present injury report serving as a projection.

Before taking their holiday break, head coach Brian Daboll spoke with reporters yesterday and attempted to look ahead as best he could.

“No. He’s not going to go today. It’s early in the week,” he said of linebacker Micah McFadden.

“I’ll just give you guys that aren’t, right now. So, (Tyrone) Tracy (Jr.), he won’t practice. Again, it’s Tuesday, so it’s a little different. (Malik) Nabers, John Michael (Schmitz Jr.), (Greg) Stroman (Jr.), (Raheem) Layne, (Cory) Durden, McFadden and Dru Phillips.”

Like the players, all of the front office staff had Wednesday off but Daboll did say quarterback Drew Lock is expected to start.

“I think Drew will be ok,” he said.

The Giants’ full Wednesday’s projected injury report can be found below:

Did not participate: LB Micah McFadden (neck), RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (ankle), WR Malik Nabers (toe), OL John Michael Schmitz (ankle), CB Greg Stroman (shoulder/shin), S Raheem Layne (knee), DT Cory Durden (shoulder)

Limited participant: CB Andru Phillips (knee), OL Jermaine Eluemunor (wrist), QB Drew Lock (shoulder), S Dane Belton (knee), DL Jordon Riley (knee), DL Armon Watts (shoulder)

Full participant: OL Austin Schlottmann (fibula), OL Aaron Stinnie (concussion)

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Giants injury report: Brian Burns expected to play vs. Falcons

New York Giants LB Brian Burns missed practice again on Thursday, joining a 21-player injury report, but is expected to play vs. Falcons.

The New York Giants took the field on Thursday for their second of three practices ahead of a Week 16 game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.

Beforehand, head coach Brian Daboll updated the status of several injured players, including linebacker Brian Burns, who he said would not practice for the second straight day but could suit up come Sunday.

“Should be ready to go for the game,” he said of Burns.

Daboll was also optimistic that quarterback Tommy DeVito, who remains in concussion protocol, would serve as QB2 against the Falcons.

“I think he’ll be available,” he said.

Meanwhile, quarterback Drew Lock, who is dealing with heel and elbow issues, made it through Wednesday’s practice okay and remains the projected starter on Sunday.

The Giants’ full Thursday injury report can be found below:

Did not participate: OL Aaron Stinnie (concussion), LB Bobby Okereke (backs), LB Brian Burns (ankle), LB Patrick Johnson (knee), CB Greg Stroman Jr. (shoulder/shin)

Limited participant: QB Tommy DeVito (concussion), CB Deonte Banks (ribs), CB Cor’Dale Flott (quad/finger), CB Art Green (shoulder), DT Rakeem Nunez-Roches (neck/shoulder), CB Andru Phillips (shoulder), OL John Michael Schmitz (ankle), RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (ankle)

Full participant: LB Dyontae Johnson (ankle), OL Austin Schlottmann (fibula), S Dane Belton (knee), DL Cory Durden (shoulder), QB Drew Lock (heel/elbow), TE Chris Manhertz (ankle), WR Malik Nabers (knee/foot), WR Wan’Dale Robinson (shoulder)

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Giants list an astonishing 21 players on injury report

The New York Giants listed an astonishing 21 players on their Wednesday injury report, including linebackers Brian Burns and Bobby Okereke.

The New York Giants returned to practice on Wednesday afternoon in preparation for a Week 16 game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.

Before taking the field, head coach Brian Daboll stepped up to the podium and spoke with reporters.

Two days after lacking clarity on the quarterback situation, Daboll revealed that Drew Lock is expected to start on Sunday barring a setback. He also expects Tommy DeVito to clear concussion protocol and serve as QB3.

“Drew should be okay,” Daboll told reporters. “(DeVito) moving through the protocol. He’ll do something today. I envision him being — I mean, who knows with concussions, but he’ll have a chance. If he is, he’ll be number two.”

Tim Boyle, who took over in Week 15, will fill the role of emergency third quarterback.

Meanwhile, Daboll revealed that linebacker Patrick Johnson will likely miss Sunday’s game with a knee issue.

The Giants’ full Wednesday injury report can be found below:

Did not participate: OL Aaron Stinnie (concussion), LB Bobby Okereke (backs), LB Brian Burns (ankle), LB Patrick Johnson (knee), CB Greg Stroman Jr. (shoulder/shin)

Limited participant: QB Tommy DeVito (concussion), QB Drew Lock (heel/elbow), CB Deonte Banks (ribs), S Dane Belton (knee), DL Cory Durden (shoulder), CB Cor’Dale Flott (quad), CB Art Green (shoulder), TE Chris Manhertz (ankle), WR Malik Nabers (knee/foot), DT Rakeem Nunez-Roches (neck/shoulder), CB Andru Phillips (shoulder), WR Wan’Dale Robinson (shoulder), OL John Michael Schmitz (ankle), RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (ankle)

Full participant: LB Dyontae Johnson (ankle), OL Austin Schlottmann (fibula)

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