Tom in Connecticut: Are there any players returning from last season that you see improving due to the change in coaching staffs?
There are two position groups: the offensive line and defensive backfield. Before I continue, I need to be clear this shouldn't be taken as a criticism of last year's staff. They worked extremely hard to get their players ready to play. Both defensive back and offensive line are technique heavy position that require great chemistry within the unit for it to be successful.
Offensive line coach Marc Colombo is extremely intense, and all reports from Dallas indicate he is an excellent coach. He also played right tackle at a high level in the NFL, which will help him connect to the current players. I expect him to instill a toughness and physicality in the unit that mimics the way he played.
Given the quality of the Dallas lines he coached and played for, I also expect him to improve the individual technique and chemistry. If I had to pinpoint one player in the group, it would be Will Hernandez, who could take a big jump in his third season as a road grating run blocker.
In the defensive backfield, coach Jerome Henderson played cornerback under Bill Parcells with the Patriots and has been a coach in the NFL since 2007. He has a lot of young players to groom. In addition to getting them used to a new scheme, I expect him to instill the importance of being dependable and assignment sound. I also want to see how he impacts the individual play of young returning Giants cornerbacks DeAndre Baker, Sam Beal and Corey Ballentine.
Alec in Florida: What under the radar player on the Giants do you think has the chance to have a career year?
There are so many options since the team is full of young players. I already mentioned Will Hernandez and the young cornerbacks in the previous answer, so I will look elsewhere.
I am going to go with a player entering his fourth season: Jabrill Peppers, who has all the athletic ability in the world but has not fully realized his potential so far in his career. He was used in a myriad of ways by Gregg Williams in his two years with the Browns and was taken off the field too often. Last year, he had to learn a new system before injuring his back at the end of November.
I have faith that this coaching staff will be able to figure out a way to use him that allows him to be a playmaker in the run and pass games. I would expect to see him around the line of scrimmage more frequently. Peppers is a student of the game, and it is only a matter of time that shows up on the field, given his athleticism.
View photos of Giants safety Jabrill Peppers.
New York Giants free safety Jabrill Peppers (21) celebrates during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019 in Foxborough, Mass. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants free safety Jabrill Peppers (21) runs against the Chicago Bears during the first half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
New York Giants free safety Jabrill Peppers (21) in coverage during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Monday, Nov. 4, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. Dallas won 37-18. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants S Jabrill Peppers (21) during a week 9 game against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants free safety Jabrill Peppers (21) in coverage during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Monday, Nov. 4, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. Dallas won 37-18. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants defensive back Jabrill Peppers (21) waits for the snap during an NFL game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019 in Chicago. The Bears defeated the Colts 19-14. (Greg Trott via AP)
New York Giants Media Day Photography Shoot.
New York Giants free safety Jabrill Peppers smiles while listening to a question at a news conference during NFL football mini camp at the team's training facility Tuesday, June 4, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) returns a punt during an NFL football game against the New York Giants Sunday November 24, 2019 in Chicago (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants defensive back Jabrill Peppers (21) defends during an NFL game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019 in Chicago. The Bears defeated the Colts 19-14. (Greg Trott via AP)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) drops into coverage during a NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday Nov. 10, 2019 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Jets defeated the Giants 34-27. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
New York Giants defensive back Jabrill Peppers (21) in action on defense during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Monday, Nov. 4, 2019 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Cowboys defeated the Giants 37-18. (Joe Robbins via AP)
New York Giants free safety Jabrill Peppers (21) in coverage during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Monday, Nov. 4, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. Dallas won 37-18. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
S Jabrill Peppers (21) at New York Giants Training Camp 2019 at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) tackles Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Pollard (20) during an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 4, 2019, in East Rutherford, NJ. The Cowboys defeated the Giants, 38-17. (James D. Smith via AP)
New York Giants free safety Jabrill Peppers (21) in coverage during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019 in Foxborough, Mass. New England won 35-14. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) looks to make a tackle during a Monday Night NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys Monday November 4, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus via AP)
Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten (82) is tackled by New York Giants free safety Jabrill Peppers (21) during an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 4, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. Dallas won 37-18. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants free safety Jabrill Peppers plays against the Detroit Lions during an NFL football game in Detroit, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
New York Giants free safety Jabrill Peppers (21) defends during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019, in Foxborough, Mass. The Patriots defeated the Giants, 35-14. (Ryan Kang via AP)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) before an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals Sunday October 20, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus via AP)
Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Pollard (20) is tackled by New York Giants free safety Jabrill Peppers (21) and free safety Antoine Bethea (41) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 4, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants free safety Jabrill Peppers (21) runs around the edge as Arizona Cardinals offensive tackle D.J. Humphries (74) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. Arizona won 27-21. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants free safety Jabrill Peppers (21) in coverage during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. Arizona won 27-21. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants free safety Jabrill Peppers watches against the Detroit Lions during an NFL football game in Detroit, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
New York Giants free safety Jabrill Peppers (21) defends during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019, in Foxborough, Mass. The Patriots defeated the Giants, 35-14. (Ryan Kang via AP)
New York Giants free safety Jabrill Peppers (21) celebrates after the team scored a touchdown during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019, in Foxborough, Mass. The Patriots defeated the Giants, 35-14. (Ryan Kang via AP)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday September 22, 2019 in Tampa, Fla. ( Tom DiPace via AP)
A detail view of New York Giants free safety Jabrill Peppers' jersey during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019 in Foxborough, Mass. New England won 35-14. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook is stripped of the ball for a fumble by New York Giants free safety Jabrill Peppers (21) during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) returns an interception for a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins Sunday September 29, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) poses for a photo during a portrait shoot on Thursday, May 30, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Rob Tringali via AP)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) is sacked by New York Giants' Markus Golden (44) as Jabrill Peppers (21) closes in during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) talks to his teammates following an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins Sunday September 29, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants free safety Jabrill Peppers (21) and linebacker Markus Golden (44) take down Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Peyton Barber (25) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)
Washington Redskins running back Wendell Smallwood (34) is tackled by New York Giants defensive back Grant Haley (34) and free safety Jabrill Peppers (21) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants free safety Jabrill Peppers (21) reacts during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) returns an interception for a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins Sunday September 29, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants defensive back Jabrill Peppers (21) looks on during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019 in Tampa, Fla. The Giants defeated the Buccaneers 32-31. (Joe Robbins via AP)
New York Giants' Jabrill Peppers, right, intercepts a pass intended for Washington Redskins' Jeremy Sprinkle (87) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants free safety Jabrill Peppers (21) defends during an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Bills defeated the Giants, 28-14. (Ryan Kang via AP)
New York Giants free safety Jabrill Peppers (21) looks on during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys beat the Giants 35-17. (Cooper Neill via AP)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) during NFL training camp on Friday August 2, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants free safety Jabrill Peppers celebrates his touchdown with Giants fans during the second half of an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) during NFL training camp on Friday August 2, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants S Jabrill Peppers (21) during a week 9 game against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants free safety Jabrill Peppers (21) returns a punt during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys beat the Giants 35-17. (Cooper Neill via AP)
tNew York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday September 8, 2019 in Arlington,Texas. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) during NFL training camp on Friday August 2, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants free safety Jabrill Peppers (21) celebrates a defensive interception during NFL training camp on Thursday July 25, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) poses for a photo during a portrait shoot on Thursday, May 30, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Rob Tringali via AP)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) poses for a photo during a portrait shoot on Thursday, May 30, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Rob Tringali via AP)
New York Giants free safety Jabrill Peppers (21) carries the ball during a NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) poses for a photo during a portrait shoot on Thursday, May 30, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Rob Tringali via AP)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) poses for a photo during a portrait shoot on Thursday, May 30, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Rob Tringali via AP)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) poses for a photo during a portrait shoot on Thursday, May 30, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Rob Tringali via AP)
New York Giants' Jabrill Peppers speaks during a news conference at the NFL football team's training camp in Thursday, July 25, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) poses for a photo during a portrait shoot on Thursday, May 30, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Rob Tringali via AP)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) poses for a photo during a portrait shoot on Thursday, May 30, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Rob Tringali via AP)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) poses for a photo during a portrait shoot on Thursday, May 30, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Rob Tringali via AP)
New York Giants S Jabrill Peppers (21) during a week 9 game against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) poses for a photo during a portrait shoot on Thursday, May 30, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Rob Tringali via AP)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) poses for a photo during a portrait shoot on Thursday, May 30, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Rob Tringali via AP)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) poses for a photo during a portrait shoot on Thursday, May 30, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Rob Tringali via AP)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) poses for a photo during a portrait shoot on Thursday, May 30, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Rob Tringali via AP)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) poses for a photo during a portrait shoot on Thursday, May 30, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Rob Tringali via AP)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) poses for a photo during a portrait shoot on Thursday, May 30, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Rob Tringali via AP)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) poses for a photo during a portrait shoot on Thursday, May 30, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Rob Tringali via AP)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) poses for a photo during a portrait shoot on Thursday, May 30, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Rob Tringali via AP)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) poses for a photo during a portrait shoot on Thursday, May 30, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Rob Tringali via AP)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) poses for a photo during a portrait shoot on Thursday, May 30, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Rob Tringali via AP)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) practices during OTA practice on Monday May 20, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) poses for a photo during a portrait shoot on Thursday, May 30, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Rob Tringali via AP)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) poses for a photo during a portrait shoot on Thursday, May 30, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Rob Tringali via AP)
New York Giants S Jabrill Peppers (21) during a week 9 game against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
S Jabrill Peppers (21)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) poses for a photo during a portrait shoot on Thursday, May 30, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Rob Tringali via AP)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) walks to the field before a week 8 regular season game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on Sunday October 27th, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan
New York Giants Media Day Photography Shoot.
S Jabrill Peppers (21)
New York Giants S Jabrill Peppers during week 2 game against the Buffalo Bills in East Rutherford, NJ
S Jabrill Peppers (21)
New York Giants S Jabrill Peppers (21) during a regular season week 4 game against the Washington Redskins at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants S Jabrill Peppers (21) during a regular season week 3 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James in Tampa, FL.
Fantennial concert and event at MetLife Stadium
S Jabrill Peppers (21) at New York Giants Training Camp 2019 at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants RB Saquon Barkley & S Jabrill Peppers during a regular season week 3 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James in Tampa, FL.
New York Giants vs New York Jets Pre-Season Game at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
a boogie wit da hoodie performs at New York Giants Fantennial Kickoff Party
New York Giants OTA #2 at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ
S Jabrill Peppers (21) at New York Giants Training Camp 2019 at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ
S Jabrill Peppers (21) at New York Giants Training Camp 2019 at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants vs New York Jets Pre-Season Game at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) at preseason week 1 game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
S Jabrill Peppers (21) at New York Giants Training Camp 2019 at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants Media Day Photography Shoot.
New York Giants Media Day Photography Shoot.
New York Giants Media Day Photography Shoot.
Wayne in Connecticut: What will the Giants inside and outside linebacker corps look like?
We've talked frequently about the Giants' edge rushers, who will be outside linebackers in the base defense before becoming pass rushers in a four-man front. I expect that group to be a combination of Kyler Fackrell, Lorenzo Carter, Oshane Ximines and perhaps Markus Golden if he re-signs over the summer.
Blake Martinez will be the team's starting MIKE linebacker and will likely be on the field for all three downs. Who the second inside linebacker ends up being will be the product of a summer competition. Ryan Connelly, the Giants 2019 fifth round pick, is recovering from a torn ACL he suffered last September. The Giants re-signed David Mayo, who was very productive against the run last year. The Giants also drafted two inside linebackers in the seventh round, TJ Brunson and Tae Crowder.
It will be interesting to see who earns the role of second nickel linebacker and stays on the field on most passing downs. It is possible they shift Peppers to linebacker and play Julian Love and Xavier McKinney at safety in those situations for a small nickel or big dime personnel group with three cornerbacks, three safeties, and one linebacker instead of a traditional 4-2-5 alignment. I'm curious to see how defensive coordinator Patrick Graham decides how to use this unique group of players.
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