New York Giants: 2016 Rookies progress report

Darian Thompson and Nat Berhe

Different year, same story.

With the New York Giants looking stacked at the safety position, Darian Thompson and Nat Berhe are facing the same battle they did last year. Thompson has been making a name for himself so far in OTAs after coming off of season-ending ankle surgery in 2016. Berhe had an injury-plagued 2016 as well with concussion problems, but is back and ready to compete. But will their efforts be enough to compete with Andrew Adams and Duke Ihenacho for the starting spot opposite of Landon Collins?

Prior to his 2016 injury, Thompson was the favorite to start next to Collins. This time around, it is not that easy for the team to come out and guarantee that, as Adams shined while filling in for Thompson in 2016. Despite the uncertainty and frustration, Thompson still looks back on his time spent on the sidelines as beneficial to his growth, per Giants Wire:

"“It was extremely frustrating, but at the same time, I got to learn a whole lot last year. So I kind of look at it as a redshirt year in college, and I just took that time to better myself as a player and as a teammate to get ready for this year coming up.”"

Berhe is going to have the most obstacles to overcome in his attempts at the position, with safeties coach Dave Merritt focusing particularly on his tackling style. Changing something so crucial to Berhe’s success at the position is not going to be easy, but due to his concussion issues, Merritt believes it is crucial to “take the head out of it”, per the NY Daily News.

The extent to which doing so will effect his game is yet to be seen, but the change is needed in his case and is largely being taught and accepted around the league. Hopefully, the time Berhe takes to adapt to this new style will not hinder his chance at locking down that role at safety.