Replacing Xavier McKinney at safety won’t be easy for Giants

There has been a change in leadership at safety for the New York Giants. In contrast to Wink Martindale, the new defensive coordinator Shane Bowen is putting the unit in a more split-safety-oriented scheme.

Xavier McKinney, a current Green Bay Packer and former New York Giant, would work well under Bowen’s system. The Giants, however, were unwilling to offer McKinney what the Packers had offered—a four-year, $67-million contract with $23 million guaranteed. GM Joe Schoen countered that setback by adding veteran Jalen Mills and selecting Tyler Nubin in the second round. There is a good case to be made for the Giants’ improvement or decline, which we address here.

The Giants’ defensive change will likely result in more two-read coverages and fewer single-high defenses. This means the safeties have less responsibility in terms of space — less centerfield — but more reading and reacting.

Read, react, and attack should have been Tyler Nubin’s motto in Minnesota. He broke the record for Golden Gophers’ interception leader in college with 13 interceptions. He understands timing, has excellent eyes, and is solid in run support. He also understands Bowen’s defense’s verbiage, which should make for a smoother transition.

The addition of Mills doesn’t engender excitement, but he can act as a veteran mentor to Nubin, Jason Pinnock, and Dane Belton — all 25 years old or under. Mills is 30 and has extensive experience as a safety and overhang defender with the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles.