Barry Sanders remembers meeting Lawrence Taylor for first time
SB Nation’s Detroit Lions website recently posed a question to its followers on social media- "What is your favorite encounter with a professional athlete?" While many fans took to Twitter to answer the question, one reply in particular stood out from the pack.
Legendary Lions running back Barry Sanders posted his reply, recalling his second game as a professional which came against the New York Giants. The Giants got the best of the Lions that day, beating Detroit 24-14, but it was an encounter that occurred after the game with Hall of Fame linebacker Lawrence Taylor that truly stood out to Sanders.
Sanders played well that game, rushing the ball 12 times for 57 yards and a touchdown (4.8 yards per carry) while adding six receptions for 96 yards. He went on to win the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award that season.
Taylor responded to Sanders' tweet, praising him as one of the best running backs to ever play the game.
The best photos of Hall of Fame linebacker Lawrence Taylor, who was voted the No. 1 player in Giants history.
New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor, left, shares a laugh linebacker Pepper Johnson during the team's training camp on July 31, 1993 at Fairleigh Dickinson University in New York. (AP Photo/Kevin Larkin)
New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor (56) pressures Minnesota Vikings quarterback Jim McMahon Jan. 9, 1994 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)
New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor (56) is congregated by Mark Collins (25) and Carl Banks (58) after his interception and touchdown run on a Joe Montana pass in the second quarter on Sunday, Jan. 4, 1986 in East Rutherford, N.J. at Giants stadium. The interception helped the Giants beat the San Francisco 49 ers 49-3 in their NFL playoff game. (AP Photo/Ray Stubblebine)
FILE - In a Jan. 20, 1991 file photo New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor runs after recovering a 49ers fumble in the fourth quarter of the NFC championship game to help win the game 15-13 in San Francisco. The two teams will meet again Sunday Jan. 22, 2012 to vie for the NFC championship. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli/file)
FILE - In this Jan. 25, 1987, file phot, New York Giants defense Lawrence Taylor (56), Erik Howard (74) and Leonard Marshall (70) celebrate over Denver broncos quarterback John Elway after he was sacked by George Martin (75) for safety in the second quarter of Super Bowl XXI in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Ron Heflin, File)
Lawrence Taylor of the New York Giants forces Tampa Bay Buccaneer Quarterback Steve DeBerg to throw an incomplete pass to prevent a fourth quarter sack on Sunday, Sept. 24, 1984 game at the Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Ray Stubblebine)
LT at his Locker before his final home game 1993
New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor, dressed in shorts, heads for plane to Honolulu at Los Angeles International airport on Monday, Jan. 26, 1987. Taylor will participate in the Pro Bowl. Giants won Super Bowl Sunday with a 39-20 victory over Denver Broncos. (AP Photo/Bob Gablraith)
The defense of the New York Giants football team shown with their new poster,"The Crunch Bunch" subtitled, "The Board of De-Wreckers," in New York on Wednesday, Sept. 29, 1982. From left: Lawrence Taylor, Captain Harry Carson, Brad Van Pelt and Brian Kelly. (AP Photo/Mario Suriani)
New York Giants Lawrence Taylor, left, and Harry Carson open gifts and fan mail in the Giants locker room in East Rutherford after practice on Friday, Jan. 16, 1987. The Giants leave Sunday for Pasadena, California were they will face the Denver Broncos on January, 25 in Super Bowl XXI. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
New York Giants, from left, Lawrence Taylor, Jim Burt, Carl Banks, and Eric Dorsey pause during practice at the Giants training camp in Pleasantville, N.Y. on Monday, August 4, 1987. (AP Photo/G. Paul Burnett)
New York Giants star linebacker Lawrence Taylor is surrounded by reporters' microphones as he answers their questions during the morning press conferences on Jan. 22, 1987 in Anaheim. (AP Photo/Ray Stubblebine)
Former New York Giants head coach Bill Parcells, left, holds the Super Bowl XXV trophy while joining former linebacker Lawrence Taylor on stage during a 25 year anniversary celebration at halftime of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Former New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor waves to the crowd during a halftime ceremony of an NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Indianapolis Colts Monday, Nov. 3, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
This Oct. 25, 2009, file photo shows Football Hall of Famer and former New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor gesturing to the crowd during a pregame ceremony before an NFL football game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Mel Evans, File)
Former New York Giants Lawrence Taylor shows off his Hall of Fame ring that he received during a half time ceremony at Giants Stadium Monday, Oct. 18, 1999, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants defeated the Dallas Cowboys 13-10. (AP Photo/Ed Betz)
Former New York Giants star Lawrence Taylor talks to the crowd during half time of the Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants game at night on Monday, Oct. 10, 1994 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Taylor's old number was retired in his honor by the Giants. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
Gatorade drenched New York Giants coach Bill Parcells, right, hugs his top linebacker Lawrence Taylor after the Giants clinched the NFC Eastern championship of the NFL with a 34-17 win over the Los Angeles Raiders at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ, Dec. 24, 1989. (AP Photo/Ray Stubblebine)
Lawrence Taylor speaks to reporters during a news conference held for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's newest members in Los Angeles on Thursday, Feb. 4, 1999. Taylor, a New York Giants linebacker and the dominant defensive player of his time, was elected in his first year of eligibility. He was joined by running back Eric Dickerson, tight end Ozzie Newsome and guards Tom Mack and Billy Shaw. (AP Photo/Michael Caulfield)
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Ron Jaworski is sacked by New York Giants Lawrence Taylor for a four-yard loss during second quarter action at Philadelphia's Veterans' Stadium, Nov. 10, 1986. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)
Lawrene Taylor (56) of the New York Giants on the field at Robert F. Kennedy Stadium in Washington D.C. on December 19, 1982.
New York Giants coach Bill Parcells is carried on the shoulders of Lawrence Taylor (56) and Carl Banks (58) after winning the Super Bowl XXV in Tampa, Fla., Sunday, Jan. 28, 1991. The Giants defeated the Buffalo Bills, 20-19. (AP Photo/Ed Reinke)
New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor bites on a cigar as he signs an autograph on a football for a fan in the lobby of the team's Costa Mesa, California, hotel on Sunday, Jan. 19, 1987. The Giants arrived to begin workouts for next week's Superbowl. (AP Photo/Ray Stubblebine)
Washington Redskins Gerald Riggs tries to break free from New York Giants' Greg Jackson, on ground, as Giants' Lawrence Taylor, right, moves in to cap the play during first quarter action at RFK Stadium in Washington, Sept. 11, 1989. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
New York Giants Lawrence Taylor, (56), is hauled down by Pittsburgh Steelers center Mike Webster, (52), after recovering a fumble by Steeler quarterback Mark Malone during the third quarter of NFL exhibition game in Pittsburgh at night on Friday, August 31, 1985. The Giants won the game 24-14. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
New York Giants quarterback Jeff Hostetler rolls backward into a handstand as Lawrence Taylor (56) hugs kicker Matt Bahr after game-winning field goal in final second of NFC championship game in San Francisco, Jan. 20, 1991. Hostetler held the ball then rolled into the handstand. Giants go to Super Bowl with 15-13 victory. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)
Lawrence Taylor of the New York Giants during the Giants 19-13 loss to the Los Angeles Rams at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on September 8, 1991
Lawrence Taylor (56) of the New York Giants in action during Super Bowl XXV at Tampa Stadium in Tampa, FL on January 27, 1991. The Giants defeated the Buffalo Bills 20-19.
Lawrence Taylor of the New York Giants
Lawrence Taylor (56) of the New York Giants hits Troy Aikman (8) of the Dallas Cowboys during the Giants 15-0 win at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on December 16, 1989.
Lawrence Taylor of the New York Giants during the Giants 24-14 win over the Minnesota Vikings at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on October 30, 1989
Lawrence Taylor (56) of the New York Giants dumps Gatorade during a game from the Giants 1989 season at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ.
Lawrence Taylor (56) of the New York Giants on the sideline during a game from the Giants at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ.
Lawrence Taylor of the New York Giants during the Giants 34-17 win over the Los Angeles Raiders at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on December 24, 1989
Lawrence Taylor of the New York Giants during the Giants 35-7 win over the Phoenix Cardinals at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on September 24, 1989
Lawrence Taylor (56) of the New York Giants hits Steve Pelluer (16) of the Dallas Cowboys during the Giants 28-21 win at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on November 6, 1988.
Lawrence Taylor of the New York Giants during the Giants 28-12 win over the Kansas City Chiefs at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on December 11, 1988
Lawrence Taylor (56) of the New York Giants in action during the Giants 24-14 win over the Washington Redskins at Robert F. Kennedy Stadium in Washington D.C. on December 7, 1986.
Lawrence Taylor (56) of the New York Giants pursues Stump Mitchell (30) of the St. Louis Cardinals during the Giants 27-7 win at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on December 14, 1986.
Lawrence Taylor (56) of the New York Giants returns an interception for a touchdown during the Giants 49-3 win over the San Francisco 49ers in the Divisional Playoff game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on January 4, 1987.
Lawrence Taylor (56) of the New York Giants waits for the snap during the Giants 39-20 win over the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXI at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA on January 25, 1987.
Lawrence Taylor (56) of the New York Giants celebrates during a game from the Giants 1986 season at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ.
Lawrence Taylor (56), Gary Reasons (55) and Kenny Hill (48) of the New York Giants purées Art Monk (81) of the Washington Redskins during the Giants 17-0 win in the NFC Championship Game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on January 11, 1987.
Lawrence Taylor of the New York Giants during the Giants 17-3 win over the Washington Redskins at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on October 20, 1985..
Lawrence Taylor (56) of the New York Giants pressures Ron Jaworski (7) of the Philadelphia Eagles during the Giants 17-13 loss at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on October 9, 1983.
Lawrence Taylor of the New York Giants during the Giants 24-19 win over the Los Angeles Rams at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on November 10, 1985..
Lawrence Taylor (56) of the New York Giants in action during the Giants 17-13 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on October 9, 1983.
Lawrence Taylor (56) of the New York Giants pressures Dan Fouts (14) of the San Diego Chargers during the Giants 41-34 loss at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on October 2, 1983.
Lawrence Taylor of the New York Giants during the Giants 15-14 loss to the Washington Redskins at RFK Stadium in Washington, DC on December 19, 1982
Lawrence Taylor of the New York Giants during the Giants 23-15 win over the Minnesota Vikings at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on December 9, 1990
Lawrence Taylor of the New York Giants during the Giants 21-14 win over the Tampa Bay Bucaneers at Tampa Stadium in Tampa, FL on November 24, 1991
Giants offensive weapons ranked No. 7 in NFL by ESPN
Daniel Jones put together a solid rookie season last year, completing nearly 62.0 percent of his passes for 3,010 yards and 24 touchdowns in just 12 starts. His starts are even more impressive when considering that he did not have his full arsenal of playmakers on the field at the same time at any point during the season.
The Giants' five key offensive weapons – running back Saquon Barkley, wide receivers Sterling Shepard, Golden Tate and Darius Slayton and tight end Evan Engram – were not all on the field together for a single snap in 2019.
Despite that fact, the group is being praised for its talent and depth. ESPN’s Bill Barnwell ranked the offensive weapons for all 32 teams across the league this week, and the Giants came in at No. 7.
As Barnwell writes, "If everyone could just get on the field at one time, the Giants would be something to stress out about for opposing defenses. Daniel Jones wasn't able to get his five key weapons – Saquon Barkley, Evan Engram, Golden Tate, Sterling Shepard and Darius Slayton -- on the gridiron together for a single snap in 2019. Jones dropped back 77 times with only Shepard missing from that bunch and posted a passer rating of 100.7, 13 points higher than his season-long total.
"Slayton was the revelation of the bunch, leading the team with 740 receiving yards and eight touchdowns as a rookie fifth-round pick. The Giants don't have anybody as valuable as DeAndre Hopkns, but they are deeper one through five than the vast majority of teams and still have position-leading upside at running back and tight end with Barkley and Engram. If they just could stay healthy..."
In 13 games last year, Barkley ran for 1,003 yards on 217 carries (4.6 yards per carry) and six touchdowns, adding 52 receptions for 438 yards and two receiving touchdowns. Barkley was named Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year, NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and the FedEx Ground Player of the Year in 2018 after gaining over 2,000 yards from scrimmage with 15 touchdowns. A recent ESPN survey of league personnel ranked Barkley as the league's top running back.
Shepard played 10 games in 2019, catching 57 passes for 576 yards and three touchdowns. He was named to the Pro Football Writers Association's All-Rookie Team in 2016.
Tate played in 11 games with 10 starts in his first season with the Giants, finishing the year with 49 receptions for 676 yards and six touchdowns. The veteran receiver was named to the Pro Bowl in 2014.
Slayton played 14 games (nine starts) in his rookie campaign and had 48 receptions for 740 yards and eight touchdowns. The fifth-round pick was one of the most productive rookie wide receivers in the league last season.
Engram played in just eight games in 2019, catching 44 passes for 467 yards and three touchdowns. He was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 2017 after catching 64 passes for 722 yards and six touchdowns.
View photos of all skill position players on the Giants' 90-man roster.
RB Saquon Barkley (Ryan Kang via AP)
RB Dion Lewis (Ric Tapia via AP)
RB Wayne Gallman (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
RB Jon Hilliman (Evan Pinkus via AP)
RB Elijhaa Penny (Winslow Townson/AP Images for Panini)
RB Javon Leake (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
RB Sandro Platzgummer (allocated to Giants as part of NFL International Player Pathway Program) (via NFL International)
WR Sterling Shepard
WR Golden Tate (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
WR Darius Slayton (AP Photo/Vera Nieuwenhuis)
WR Cody Core (Margaret Bowles via AP)
WR Corey Coleman (Al Tielemans via AP)
WR Da'Mari Scott (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
WR David Sills V (Evan Pinkus via AP)
WR Alex Bachman (Matthew Swensen, New York Football Giants)
WR Austin Mack (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
WR Derrick Dillon (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
WR Binjimen Victor (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
TE Evan Engram (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
TE Kaden Smith (Kevin Terrell via AP)
TE Levine Toilolo (G. Newman Lowrance via AP)
TE Eric Tomlinson (Evan Pinkus via AP)
TE Garrett Dickerson (Evan Pinkus, New York Football Giants)
TE Kyle Markway (AP Photo/Sean Rayford)
TE Rysen John
(Matthew Swensen, New York Football Giants)
RB Saquon Barkley (26) takes part in a Week 3 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday September 22, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus, New York Football Giants)
RB Saquon Barkley (26) takes part in a Week 15 regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium on Sunday December 15, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus, New York Football Giants)
RB Saquon Barkley (26) during a Week 9 game against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ (Jack Tumen, New York Football Giants)
RB Saquon Barkley (26) takes part in a Week 1 game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on Sunday September 8th, 2019 in Arlington, Texas (Evan Pinkus, New York Football Giants)
RB Dion Lewis warms up before an NFL football game between the Titans and the Houston Texans Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
RB Dion Lewis (33) runs for yardage during an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers Sunday, Nov. 3, 2019 in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers defeated the Titans 30-20. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
RB Dion Lewis (33) before an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars Thursday, Sept. 19, 2019, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
RB Dion Lewis (33) during an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Cleveland. Tennessee won 43-13. (Aaron Doster via AP)
RB Dion Lewis warms up before a preseason NFL football game against the New England Patriots Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
RB Wayne Gallman runs the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
RB Wayne Gallman runs the ball against the Detroit Lions during an NFL football game in Detroit, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
RB Wayne Gallman Jr. (22) runs during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday Sept. 8, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Greg Trott via AP)
RB Wayne Gallman carries the ball in the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots, Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
RB Wayne Gallman (22) carries the ball during a week 17 NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday December 30, 2018 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
RB Jon Hilliman (28) during an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins Sunday September 29, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus via AP)
RB Jon Hilliman goes in motion before the snap in the first half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New York Giants running back Jon Hilliman warms up before an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
RB Elijhaa Penny runs the ball against the New England Patriots during an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019 in Foxborough, Mass. (Winslow Townson/AP Images for Panini)
RB Elijhaa Penny (39) takes part in a Week 4 regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at MetLife Stadium on Sunday October 6th, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jack Tumen, New York Football Giants)
RB Elijhaa Penny (39) during an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears Sunday November 24, 2019 in Chicago (Evan Pinkus via AP)
RB Javon Leake (20) scores on a one-yard touchdown run in the second half of an NCAA football game against Michigan in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
RB Javon Leake (20) runs with the ball during the second half of an NCAA football game against Indiana, Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
RB Javon Leake (20) runs against Purdue during the first half of an NCAA college football game in West Lafayette, Ind., Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
WR Sterling Shepard (87) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday December 1st, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus via AP)
WR Sterling Shepard runs with the ball during the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Michael Perez)
WR Sterling Shepard (87) looks on before an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Arlington, Texas. (Cooper Neill via AP)
WR Sterling Shepard (87) carries the ball in an NFL game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Monday, Dec. 9, 2019, in Philadelphia. (Margaret Bowles via AP)
WR Sterling Shepard (87) finds running room in the first half of a NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
WR Golden Tate (15) makes a catch during an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins Sunday December 22nd, 2019 in Landover, Md (Evan Pinkus via AP)
WR Golden Tate (15) runs a route during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Monday, Dec. 9, 2019, in Philadelphia. (Ryan Kang via AP)
WR Golden Tate (15) signals during an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
WR Golden Tate (15) makes a catch for a touchdown over Chicago Bears cornerback Buster Skrine (24) during the second half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
WR Golden Tate (15) plays against the Chicago Bears during the second half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
WR Darius Slayton, right, runs away from New York Jets' Nate Hairston for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
WR Darius Slayton (86) makes a catch during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday December 1st, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus via AP)
WR Darius Slayton (86) carries the ball in an NFL game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Monday, Dec. 9, 2019, in Philadelphia. (Margaret Bowles via AP)
WR Darius Slayton (86) runs to score a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Monday, Dec. 9, 2019, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Michael Perez)
WR Darius Slayton (86) runs after a catch against the Chicago Bears during the first half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
WR Cody Core (17) during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday September 22, 2019 in Tampa, Fla. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
WR Cody Core (17) during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday December 29th, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus via AP)
WR Cody Core (17) catches a pass during warm-ups prior to an NFL game against the New York Giants, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019, in Foxborough, Mass. (Margaret Bowles via AP)
WR Corey Coleman (19) returns a kickoff in action against the Tennessee Titans Sunday December 16, 2018 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
WR Corey Coleman (19) catches a pass during an NFL game against the Washington Redskins, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, Landover, MD. (Al Tielemans via AP)
WR Corey Coleman (19) runs during an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Indianapolis. (Scott Boehm via AP)
WR Da'Mari Scott (18) during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday December 29th, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus via AP)
WR Da'Mari Scott (18) walks on the field before an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
WR Da'Mari Scott (18) makes a catch before an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins Sunday December 15th, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus via AP)
WR David Sills V runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, March 2, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
WR David Sills V runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, March 2, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
WR David Sills (13) warms up before an NCAA college football game against Tennessee in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
WR Alex Bachman runs a play during the second half of a preseason NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019, in Honolulu. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
WR Alex Bachman runs against the Oakland Raiders during the first half of a preseason NFL football game Saturday, Aug. 10, 2019, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/D. Ross Cameron)
WR Alex Bachman (15) runs during an NFL preseason football game against the Oakland Raiders on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2019 in Oakland, Calif. (Ric Tapia via AP)
WR Austin Mack (11) celebrates after scoring on a 16-yard touchdown reception against Michigan in the second half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
WR Austin Mack, top, makes a catch against Oklahoma defender Robert Barnes during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 10, 2017, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Paul Vernon)
WR Austin Mack runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
WR Derrick Dillon (19) in the first half during the Fiesta Bowl NCAA college football game against UCF, Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2019, in Glendale, AZ. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
WR Derrick Dillon (19) carries in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Utah State in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
WR Derrick Dillon (19) in the first half during the Fiesta Bowl NCAA college football game against UCF, Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2019, in Glendale, AZ. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
WR Binjimen Victor, right, catches a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
WR Binjimen Victor makes a catch for a touchdown against Florida Atlantic during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019 in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Paul Vernon)
WR Binjimen Victor (9) fends off Wisconsin cornerback Semar Melvin (20) after making a catch during the first half of the Big Ten championship Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
TE Evan Engram (88) during an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins Sunday September 29, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus via AP)
TE Evan Engram (88) runs the ball during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday September 22, 2019 in Tampa, Fla. ( Tom DiPace via AP)
TE Evan Engram, right, scores a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
TE Evan Engram (88) runs the ball against the Dallas Cowboys during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 4, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
TE Evan Engram, right, leaps over Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Brent Grimes during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
TE Kaden Smith (82) runs in for a touchdown in front of Chicago Bears strong safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (21) during the first half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
TE Kaden Smith (82) runs with the ball after making a catch during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday December 1st, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus via AP)
TE Kaden Smith (82) catches a pass during warm-ups prior to an NFL game against the New York Giants, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019, in Foxborough, Mass. (Margaret Bowles via AP)
TE Kaden Smith (82) runs with the ball in the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
TE Kaden Smith (82) celebrates a touchdown against the Chicago Bears during the first half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
TE Levine Toilolo (83) warms up before an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks in Santa Clara, Calif., Monday, Nov. 11, 2019. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
TE Levine Toilolo (83) goes in motion during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2019 in Glendale, Ariz. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
TE Levine Toilolo (83) catches a pass before an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Los Angeles. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
TE Levine Toilolo (83) runs in pregame during an NFL game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday Dec. 29, 2019 in Seattle. (Greg Trott via AP)
TE Levine Toilolo (83) during an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, in Cincinnati (Aaron Doster via AP)
TE Eric Tomlinson (83) during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday September 8, 2019 in Arlington,Texas. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
TE Eric Tomlinson (83) during an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday September 15, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus via AP)
TE Eric Tomlinson runs with the football as he warms up against the Dallas Cowboys during a NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Arlington, Texas. (G. Newman Lowrance via AP)
TE Garrett Dickerson (89) during an NFL football preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, August 22, 2019 in Cincinnati. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
TE Garrett Dickerson (89) catches a pass during warm-ups prior to an NFL game against the New York Giants, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019, in Foxborough, Mass. (Margaret Bowles via AP)
TE Garrett Dickerson (89) runs with the football during an NFL preseason football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Aug. 22, 2019 in Cincinnati. (Scott Boehm via AP)
Kyle Markway runs with the ball against Vanderbilt defensive back BJ Anderson (16) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Sean Rayford)
Kyle Markway runs for yardage in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Tennessee, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Kyle Markway runs with the ball against Vanderbilt defensive back BJ Anderson (16) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Sean Rayford)
Pro Football Focus crowns Julian Love as Giants' most underrated player
Julian Love did not see extended action on defense until the second half of his rookie season, but once he got on the field, the young defensive back made the most of his opportunity.
Love had only played a handful of defensive snaps through the first 10 games of the season. He took over for the injured Jabrill Peppers in Week 12 against Chicago and recorded his first career interception and pass breakup. He went on to play at least 97 percent of the team's defensive snaps in each of the final five games of the season.
Last year's fourth-round pick finished the season with 35 tackles (28 solo), five tackles for loss, one quarterback hit, one interception, three passes defended and one forced fumble. He earned an overall grade of 70.5 from Pro Football Focus despite playing a new position.
Love saw plenty of success during his time at Notre Dame as well, earning coverage grades from PFF of 83.7 and 90.9 during his final two seasons and was named a Consensus All-American as a junior.
PFF recently praised Love for his play over the last three seasons, naming him the Giants' most underrated player while applauding his ability to get his hands on the ball.
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