Bradberry gives Giants one CB; seeking another

A couple of months ago, the New York Giants seemed to be set at one cornerback spot and with plenty of choices at the other.

Things have changed. Part of it is due to the coronavirus pandemic and the other part is problems off the field.

As the Giants and new coach Joe Judge get ready for their first training camp practice on Monday, the one certainty is recent free agent signee James Bradberry will be one of the cornerbacks. The former Carolina Panther is one of the best in the league and gives New York a lock-down guy.

Giants special teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey spent time in Carolina with Bradberry, who was signed to a threeyear, $43.5 million contract.

“A good man, works his tail off, very quiet and unassuming,” McGaughey said. “He has a workmanlike mentality. He comes in, he does his job. He’s like a little church mouse in the room. You won’t even know he’s there.”

The other side is wide open.

DeAndre Baker, the last of three first-round picks last season and a starter most of the year, is facing armed robbery charges in Florida. His status for the season is unsure. Sam Beal, who showed some promise last season, opted out because of the virus.

New York thought it had a veteran lined up to take the other cornerback spot but a deal with Ross Cockrell fell through this week. He played with Bradberry in Carolina.

The options left are Darnay Holmes, a fourth-round draft pick out of UCLA, Corey Ballentine, a sixthround pick from last year who had two starts, Grant Haley, a backup the past two seasons, and second-year player Julian Love, who looked good late in five starts at safety.

The Giants also have a number of free agents in camp.

Judge said it isn’t necessary to add another veteran cornerback.

“Our priority is just to develop the players we have on the roster and look for any talent available on the street,” Judge said Wednesday. “I don’t care if it’s a first-year player or a 10thyear player. We’re looking for good players who can help build this program.”

Bradberry, who is learning Pat Graham’s defense like everyone else, doesn’t seem to be worried.

“All we can do is worry about the guys we have in the room,” said Bradberry, who defended 47 passes with eight interceptions in his first four NFL seasons. “It’s next-man up mentality around here. Look at the room, we have a lot of ability. We are going to get the job done no matter what they asked us to do.”

Judge said the Giants planned to cross-train their defensive backs so cornerbacks and safeties may be used to give opponents different looks.