Tag: Andru Phillips

Giants injury report: Dru Phillips, Adoree’ Jackson continue to sit out

New York Giants CB Dru Phillips (calf) and CB Adoree’ Jackson (calf) are unlikely to play on Thursday night against the Dallas Cowboys.

The New York Giants returned to the practice field on Tuesday ahead of a Week 4 game against the Dallas Cowboys. Similar to the day prior, they were limited to a walkthrough.

Before practice, head coach Brian Daboll met with reporters and revealed that cornerbacks Dru Phillips and Adoree’ Jackson would again sit out with calf injuries. However, Daboll said, neither is expected to land on injured reserve (IR).

Daboll also expressed optimism that fellow cornerback Nick McCloud, who has missed the previous two games with a knee injury, would return on Thursday night.

Little else on the injury report changed.

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

Did not participate: CB Dru Phillips (calf), CB Adoree’ Jackson (calf)

Limited participant: DL Dexter Lawrence (foot), DB Nick McCloud (knee), LB Micah McFadden (back), WR Darius Slayton (thumb)

Full participant: OL Jermaine Eluemunor (thumb), OL John Michael Schmitz (neck)

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Should the Giants be concerned with their young secondary?

The New York Giants have to be concerned about their young secondary after getting schooled by the Jets in a joint practice this week.

The New York Giants came into training camp excited to see what their young secondary is made of. After a joint practice with the New York Jets this week, they should be realizing they might be in for a rough ride.

The Jets torched the Giants in both short and deep drills to the degree that members of the Giants’ beat pool had to call out the carnage.

The Giants, who were visiting the Jets in Florham Park for the one-day joint practice, had no answers for the Jets’ pitch-catch tandem of quarterback Aaron Rodgers and wide receiver Garrett Wilson. The Giants’ starting cornerback duo of Deonte Banks and Nick McCloud were beaten early and often.

From Charlotte Carroll of The Athletic:

With the crowd loving the moment and chanting Wilson’s name, Rodgers imitated putting a crown on Wilson’s head. Rodgers finished 16-of-22 in 11-on-11 periods.

Wilson torched the Giants secondary, including one play where he was so open that it was difficult to tell which Giants defender was supposed to be covering him. Coverage on Wilson varied between Deonte Banks and McCloud, but Wilson found success regardless.

With Flott sidelined, McCloud has taken first-team corner reps opposite Banks. But after getting burned by Wilson, the Giants put in Tre Hawkins for the final two-minute drill period. Banks was targeted repeatedly on the drive, but on the final play of the drill, Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard beat Hawkins for a touchdown.

The Flott that Carroll is referring to is Cor’Dale Flott, who the Giants were hoping would take over the outside corner role across from Banks. Instead, he’s been hobbled by a quad issue and McCloud is stepping into the role. Hawkins, who flashed last year, is in the mix but hasn’t done enough for the Giants to trust him again.

The Giants drafted two players they hope will step up and become solid pros in slot corner Dru Phillips and safety Tyler Nubin.

It will take time for the young group to gel. Right now, the growing pains are tough for the long-suffering Giant fans to watch.

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Day 2 rookie CBs thrived in the Lions vs. Giants preseason game

Day 2 rookie CBs thrived in the Lions vs. Giants preseason game, with Detroit’s Ennis Rakestraw and New York’s Andru Phillips shining

The rain-soaked preseason opener between the Detroit Lions and host New York Giants on Thursday night didn’t feature much offense. New York prevailed 14-3 in a game where the two teams combined for under 500 total yards and 29 first downs.

Bad offense was a big factor, but a couple of rookie cornerbacks taken on Day 2 of the 2024 NFL Draft also played a part in the defensive dominance. It was a brilliant night for Lions second-rounder Ennis Rakestraw and Giants third-round pick Andru Phillips.

Rakestraw, from Missouri, started at outside cornerback and provided lockdown coverage. The one reception he allowed, to speedy Jalin Hyatt, showed Rakestraw’s ability to terminate post-catch yardage with a brilliant open-field stop on third down. His coverage directly led to Detroit’s interception in the game, too.

Phillips started in the slot, and the third-rounder from Kentucky was also very impressive in coverage. He ceded just one short reception. Where Phillips stood out was in run defense. This is artwork for a rookie:

Both Phillips and Rakestraw have ramped up their play in recent practices, with Phillips scoring a great INT in joint practices between the two teams during the week. They’re proving worthy of considerable playing time as rookies in crowded secondaries with their squads.

Giants’ Dru Phillips leaning on vets to help slow the game down

New York Giants rookie cornerback Dru Phillips is hoping the game slows down for him but he has no choice but to learn his craft quickly.

The New York Giants are banking on their young secondary to come together quickly this season and third-round pick Andru Phillips is one of the players they have high hopes for.

Phillips, who was selected 70th overall out of Kentucky in this year’s NFL draft, is more known for his physical play as an inside defender than as an outside corner.

Thus far in training camp, the Giants are lining Phillips up inside in the slot and in packages, per veteran beat reporter Art Stapleton:

Rookie Dru Phillips got his first extended looks at nickel corner with 1st team. Had been in with 1s in dime with Nick McCloud in the slot. Phillips had a PBU in breaking up screen to Wan’Dale Robinson

Phillips, who showed good penetration in the box on Monday, was asked after practice how he thought the team’s first padded practice of training camp went.

“I love it,” he said. “Any time you can play football and put the pads on, it just clicks something different inside most people, like me. It just amplifies it a lot more. I had so much fun out there today.”

The pro game is so much faster than the college game and rookies sometimes experience a shock to the system when they first hit an NFL practice field. Phillips has been no different.

“It’s been so fast, especially with the talent of guys, you’re in a new level, and the efficiency and the attention to detail is so much higher,” he said. “There’s so much going on, especially with the nickel, at one time, it’s like, bam, bam, bam, bam, bam, but in like two seconds.

“You’ve got to think, make a play, move on, and try also to be in the right spot to make a play. Yeah, it’s faster, but it’s going to slow down eventually. I’m just taking my time and learning everything.”

Things can’t get too slow with fellow rookie Malik Nabers lining up at wide receiver. Nabers has been exceptional so far in camp.

“That kid is a baller,” Phillips said of Nabers. “I’ve been running some reps and just trying to emphasize the details. But you’re going to go see a guy like Malik every week of the season. So, going against him in a practice is — now I know what to expect. . . It’s great work every day.”

Phillips also spoke about the amount of information a young player has to process in just a short period of time. He’s working through it with the help of his veteran teammates.

“I want to be a perfectionist, but I’m always so fast, my mind is always moving every part of the day,” he said. “I’ve got to do better at some things, they make me be better. Bobby (Okereke) and J-Pin (Jason Pinnock), every single play they are in my ear like, ‘We need to hear you, you got to say this, you got to say that.’ It’s things I need to learn where eventually, they don’t have to tell me, but I’m getting there and I’m just happy that each day is getting better.”

Phillips mentioned two other veterans — Nick McCloud and Isaiah Simmons — who have helped him navigate his way through the process in his first week.

“Those two guys, they’re older,” said Phillips. “They’ve been doing it, especially Nick. He teaches me so much. Anytime I have a question, I go ask him. He’s been nothing but a great leader and role model for me.”

Simmons is a linebacker by trade but the Giants are using him as a defensive back as well this summer. Phillips was asked if he ever saw a nickel as big as Simmons.

“No,” he said. “In the spring, I was looking at him and thinking, ‘How is he going to do this?’ He’s just so big but you see him out there covering guys like (wide receiver) Wan’Dale Robinson and whatnot. It’s surprising. But he’s a freak of nature and he’s blessed for the talents that he’s got.”

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Do Giants have one of NFL’s worst defenses headed into 2024 season?

Matt Holder of Bleacher Report believes the New York Giants have the NFL’s second-worst defensive unit entering the 2024 season.

The New York Giants parted ways with defensive coordinator Wink Martindale early in the offseason, replacing him with Shane Bowen.

Under Bowen, the Giants will move away from their heavy blitz style and will rely more on their ability to create an organic pass rush and zone coverage.

That will put a lot of pressure on a young secondary, who are now without cornerback Adoree’ Jackson (free agent) and safety Xavier McKinney (Green Bay Packers).

It’s for those reasons that Matt Holder of Bleacher Report believes the Giants have the second-worst defense in the NFL entering the 2024 season.

Personnel-wise, the Giants have a strong defensive line after trading for Brian Burns to go along with Dexter Lawrence and Kayvon Thibodeaux. However, the team’s secondary has more questions than answers.

Last year’s first-round pick, Deonte Banks, struggled as a rookie by allowing a 57.6 completion percentage when targeted and posting a 48.6 coverage grade, according to Pro Football Focus. However, Banks projects as New York’s top cornerback heading into 2024.

Third-year pro Cor’Dale Flott projects to be the other starting outside corner, while rookie third-rounder Dru Phillips is expected to man the nickelback position. Also, the Giants lost safety Xavier McKinney in free agency, and another rookie, Tyler Nubin, will likely take McKinney’s place in the lineup.

That makes for a very young defensive backfield in the Big Apple, so some struggles should be expected this fall.

Holder’s concerns are justified. Even given the upside of Deonte Banks, Andru Phillips and Tyler Nubin, all three players are a long way off from reaching their ceiling. The same can be said for Cor’Dale Flott, who was a third-round pick in 2022.

Aaron Robinson is also expected to return, but it’s anyone’s guess what he’ll bring to the table. And the signing of Tre Herndon, while solid, certainly doesn’t push the group over the top.

The Giants’ secondary could be a weakness but if the front seven is able to disrupt things, at least it will take some of the pressure off.

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Giants NFL Draft grades: Andru Philips, CB, Kentucky 70th overall

Giants NFL Draft grade for selecting Kentucky CB Andru Phillips in the third round

The New York Giants have made a massive effort to forge what is quickly becoming one of the NFL’s most talented defenses over the last two seasons, and in this draft that made even more steps to improve it. With the selection of Kentucky cornerback Andru Philips the Giants add some more of that young talent to their secondary.

Philips projects as a potential immediate starter either outside as a boundary corner or inside as the Giant’s nickel corner. With veterans Nick McCloud and Darnay Holmes on the roster, Philips will have to battle it out and find his natural role at the next level and try to take a starting spot in his rookie season.

A fundamentally sound corner, who has NFL level speed, and plenty of physicality in his game, Philips brings excellent value in the third round to a New York team that could put him out on the field right away. With plenty of upside despite his lack of interception in college, Philips is a terrific pick this late into the draft class.

Grade: A

Giants sign Andru Phillips to rookie contract

The New York Giants have signed third-round cornerback Andru Phillips to his rookie deal.

The New York Giants continued getting their 2024 NFL draft class under contract this week, signing third-round cornerback Andru Phillips to his rookie deal.

Phillips joins wide receiver Malik Nabers and running back Tyrone Tracy as those who have signed.

The 5-foot-11, 190-pound Phillips is expected to come in and play nickel corner — his preference — while Cor’Dale Flott shifts to the outside.

“I can play both, but preferably the nickel position,” he told reporters during rookie minicamp. “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.”

Art Stapleton of USA TODAY reports that Phillips’ rookie contract is for four years and worth $5.995 million.

With Phillips now under contract, the only remaining members of the rookie class without a deal are safety Tyler Nubin, tight end Theo Johnson, and linebacker Darius Muasau.

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Giants will give Cor’Dale Flott opportunity to win CB2 job

New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll is “confident” in Cor’Dale Flott, who will have the opportunity to win the CB2 job.

The New York Giants selected Kentucky defensive back Andru Phillips in the third round of the 2024 NFL draft to bolster their secondary, which is in flux after cutting ties with Adoree’ Jackson and Xavier McKinney.

Phillips is more suited for the slot and the nickel than he is out on the boundary, a situation head coach Brian Daboll touched upon during his Saturday media session at the team’s second day of rookie minicamp.

The Giants were in need of an outside corner and Phillips could help by forcing the team to play him in the slot and move Cor’Dale Flott to the boundary.

“I’ve got a lot of confidence in Flott,” Daboll told reporters.

He then explained how the ‘nickel’ corner has become almost a permanent role on many defenses rather than a sub-package one.

“The game is mostly 11 personnel. There’s some that people run some other, but heavy, heavy 11. I would say heavy sub on defense, almost three-quarters of the game for the most part is played that way,” he said. “It’s a hybrid position. You have to be able to do a good job in the run fits, you’ve got to be able to cover man-to-man, tackle well, be physical. It’s a very important position.”

Phillips is perfect for the nickel role while Flott, who is taller with more length, can make the shift outside with more ease. Phillips is also a more physical player who can help with tight ends and the run.

There are so many coaches that play multiple receivers that you need to be able to match that on the defensive side.

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Giants’ Andru Phillips prefers playing nickel corner

New York Giants rookie Andru Phillips is willing to play any position the team needs but admits he prefers playing nickel corner.

The New York Giants selected Kentucky defensive back Andru “Dru” Phillips in the third round of the 2024 NFL draft in an ongoing effort to beef up their secondary.

The Giants plan on deploying the 5-foot-11, 190-pound Phillips in several roles. They entered the draft in need of a physical outside corner. Phillips is certainly physical enough, but he may not fill the bill on the outside.

“Every defense is specifically unique,” Philips told reporters on the first day of the Giants’ rookie minicamp on Friday. “So, this one, some different techniques to what I do down at nickel. Just got to pick up on it. The faster I get it, the easier it’s coming. I’m just in the playbook trying to study and make sure I get everything right.”

But when push comes to shove, Phillips says he favors playing in packages.

“I can play both, but preferably the nickel position,” he said. “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.”

Phillips added that there is “so much going on at that nickel.”

“I like being in control a lot of times. You get to communicate more. You’re involved in the run game as well as the pass game. A lot of times on certain down distances you know that ball is coming to you. I’m trying just to make as many plays as possible,” he said.

The Giants could very well stick with Phillips in the slot and at nickel and move another one of their young defensive backs such as Cor’Dale Flott or Tre Hawkins III to the outside.

One thing is for sure: The Giants are getting a gamer — a physical player — in Phillips.

“I take a lot of pride in it. It’s probably one of the top things about who I am,” Phillips said of his physical style. “I know I’m (not) the 6’4” corner, but you’ve got to make up for it in some ways. I’ve always known that. It was one thing I never shied away from my whole life.

“I was that one kid, I was going — as a little kid I was just a daredevil. I just want to go do whatever… It just comes from who I am as a person. I don’t want to shy away from anything and that’s from anybody or any circumstance. It’s kind of just second nature.”

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PFF: Giants’ Andru Phillips best pick in third round of 2024 NFL draft

Pro Football Focus lists cornerback Andru Phillips as the best third-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft.

The New York Giants are widely regarded as having conducted a successful draft in late April.

General manager Joe Schoen made six picks and addressed multiple areas of need, most notably selecting a true No. 1 wide receiver with Malik Nabers in Round 1. But he’s drawn praise for several other picks as well.

Running back Tyrone Tracy has been the focus of much hype and tight end Theo Johnson has also warranted some attention.

Trevor Sikkema of Pro Football Focus recently broke down his best picks from each round and honed in on cornerback Andru Phillips in Round 3 as a steal.

PICK 70. NEW YORK GIANTS: CB ANDRU PHILLIPS, KENTUCKY

The Giants drafted Deonte Banks in the first round of last year’s draft and now add more youth to that group early in the third round this year. His career-best 23 defensive stops led all SEC cornerbacks in 2023, and his 72.9 PFF coverage grade was also the best mark of his career.

The issue facing Phillips and the Giants is the uncertainty of where he’ll play. Schoen left the door open for him to play outside but also suggested moving him inside and allowing Cor’Dale Flott to swing out alongside Deonte Banks.

The Giants need another outside cornerback capable of locking down opposing wide receivers and if Phillips can become that player, Schoen did find himself a steal in Round 3.

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