New York Giants corner Dru Phillips exceeded expectations as a rookie, and he's earned praise for his contributions in Year 1.
The New York Giants’ 2024 NFL Draft class may have saved general manager Joe Schoen’s job.
They didn’t land a franchise quarterback (and three may have gone after their sixth-overall pick), but receiver Malik Nabers is a superstar, and several starters emerged in later rounds. Day 2 saw new starters in safety Tyler Nubin and corner Dru Phillips. On Day 3, tight end Theo Johnson quickly took Daniel Bellinger’s job and running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. became a piece of the Giants’ long-term plans.
New York outperformed its modest expectations here, albeit somewhat thanks to the opportunities that come with a poor roster.
Among those who truly ran with their starting jobs was Phillips, who started Week 1 in the slot and held the job the rest of the way.
On Wednesday, Pro Football Focus listed Phillips as the Giants’ most underrated player, and he seems poised for a breakout after his promising rookie season.
“Phillips was thrust into a key role as a rookie, manning the slot and playing more than 600 defensive snaps in a potential sink-or-swim scenario for the third-round pick out of Kentucky,” Jonathan Macri wrote. “To Phillips’ credit, he performed at a high level despite missing some time with injuries, finishing with a 77.5 PFF overall grade — a top-10 mark for the position.
“Phillips was one of just eight cornerbacks to rank in the top 25 in PFF coverage grade (75.8) and PFF run-defense grade (78.1) in 2024 and one of just three (Cooper DeJean and Kyler Gordon) to do it while spending the majority of his snaps in the slot, where his run-defense skills come into play more often.”
Phillips wasn’t overly productive as a rookie, forcing two fumbles and an interception. If he takes a step forward at the catch point, the sky's the limit.
In Year 1, Phillips made it clear that he is willing to get his hands dirty against the run. To do so while also holding his own in coverage is impressive, perhaps more so given the instability around him.
Armed with a better supporting cast and an offseason to further digest defensive coordinator Shane Bowen’s defense, the best could very well be ahead for the most exciting third-round pick of Schoen’s tenure.
