There is nothing secondary about the resources applied to the Giants' defensive backfield in recent years.

Joe Schoen has selected seven defensive backs in three drafts so far as general manager. He has taken one in each round, with the exception of the fifth, and two in the third.

In the past two years alone, the Giants have used picks in the first (cornerback Deonte Banks), second (safety Tyler Nubin), and third (nickel cornerback Dru Phillips) rounds to create a young nucleus. It was then surrounded this offseason by the big-ticket signings of Paulson Adebo and Jevón Holland, two veterans known for their instincts and ball skills.

"The ability to take the ball away is something we struggled with last year in terms of creating turnovers," Schoen told Giants.com. "Both of those guys have a history of taking the ball away and they both have instincts. Obviously, Nubin had 13 interceptions at Minnesota. You've got guys back there now who have really good ball skills. I have a lot of faith in our defensive line that if we can create some leads during the season, those guys can pin their ears back. Then have guys on the back end that can take the ball away, are instinctive, route-savvy, and also good tacklers.

"The other part of that is Adebo and Holland, Tae Banks, Dru Phillips, Nubin, all those guys are under contract. They will be with each other for the next three years. Tae, as well, if we do his fifth-year option. So, there's a young core, a nucleus, along with Dexter [Lawrence] being under contract for three more years and [Brian] Burns for four. You're starting to see the continuity part of it come to fruition. And we're at a point that you draft or sign guys, they can be together for an extended period of time, which I think is important."

Below is a look at the state of the secondary with the draft just days away:

2024 GAME-BY-GAME STARTERS

THE NEWCOMERS

CB Paulson Adebo

Adebo, 6-1 and 192 pounds, started 51 of 52 games for the New Orleans Saints over his first four NFL seasons. His career numbers include 251 total tackles, 43 passes defensed, 10 interceptions, seven tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.

Adebo had three interceptions in just seven starts last season before he suffered a broken femur.

In 2023, Adebo had a career year statistically with 76 tackles, four interceptions, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. His 18 passes defensed were also third-most in the league that season.

A third-round draft choice out of Stanford in 2021, Adebo started all 17 games as a rookie and finished with 63 tackles (54 solo), three interceptions, eight passes defensed, and three special teams stops. He became only the fifth Saints rookie to have at least three interceptions, joining Robert Massey (1989), Sammy Knight (1997), Marshon Lattimore (2017), and Marcus Williams (2017).

Since 2021, the Saints have given up the fewest passing touchdowns, second-lowest completion percentage and passer rating, and 10^th-fewest net passing yards.

Prior to the NFL, Paulson was a two-time All-Pac-12 selection and led the nation in pass breakups as a sophomore in 2018. He was college teammates with Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke.

S Jevón Holland

Holland spent the first four seasons of his career with the Miami Dolphins after being selected in the second round (No. 36 overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft. The 6-foot-1, 205-pound safety has played in 60 games with 57 starts and has totaled 301 tackles (219 solo), five sacks, nine tackles for loss, 10 quarterback hits, five interceptions, 25 passes defensed, five forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, and one defensive touchdown.

Holland was named to the Pro Football Writers of America's All-Rookie Team after he registered 69 tackles (48 solo), 2.5 sacks, three tackles for loss, seven quarterback hits, two interceptions, 10 passes defensed and three fumble recoveries in 2021.

Prior to the NFL, Holland played collegiately at Oregon. As a true freshman in 2018, he recorded five interceptions in 13 games for the Ducks. The following season, he added another four interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown, to go with 66 total tackles (40 solo), including five tackles for loss. Holland was named second-team All-Pac-12 by the Associated Press for his 2019 performance. The young safety then opted out of the shortened 2020 season and declared for the NFL Draft.

CB Nic Jones

The former Chief signed with the Giants shortly after the Super Bowl. Originally selected in the seventh round (250th overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft, Jones appeared in 10 regular-season games and four in the postseason with Kansas City. Prior to the NFL, he played in 37 games at Ball State (2019-22) and received the program's John Hodge Award as its most outstanding freshman in 2019.

THE NEW COACHES

Marquand Manuel

Position: Secondary Coach/Pass Game Coordinator

Manuel is entering his 13th season coaching in the NFL and first season as the Giants secondary coach/pass game coordinator.

Manuel spent the last four seasons (2021-2024) as the defensive backs/safeties coach for the New York Jets. From 2022-24, the Jets defense ranked in the top five in fewest passing yards allowed per game, including the second-best mark in the NFL in 2023 (168.3). Manuel guided a safeties group in 2024 that recorded 10 interceptions, the second-most in the NFL.

Before his time with the Jets, Manuel was the defensive backs coach for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2020.

Manuel served as the defensive coordinator of the Atlanta Falcons from 2017-18 after spending the 2015 and 2016 seasons as the secondary coach/senior defensive assistant on staff. During his time as the defensive coordinator, Atlanta had two players (OLB Deion Jones and FS Keanu Neal) voted to the 2017 Pro Bowl.

While on Atlanta's staff in 2016, Manuel made a coaching appearance in Super Bowl LI after helping lead Atlanta to an 11-5 regular season record, an NFC South Division title and a first-round bye in the playoffs.

Manuel began his NFL coaching career as a special teams assistant with the Seattle Seahawks in 2012. He later was named a defensive assistant in 2013 and then an assistant secondary coach in 2014. In his three seasons in Seattle, the team appeared in two Super Bowls, including Super XLVIII, when Seattle defeated the Denver Broncos, 43-8.

A sixth-round selection (181st overall) by the Cincinnati Bengals, Manuel played eight seasons (2002-09) in the NFL. He played in 116 games (58 starts) and totaled 332 tackles, 16 passes defensed and two interceptions. Manuel played for the Bengals, Seahawks, Packers, Panthers, Broncos and Lions.

A native of Miami, Fla., Manuel has two children, Madison and Marquand II. He played college football at Florida from 1998-2001. While at Florida, he earned his bachelor's degree in criminology and law.

COACHING CAREER

2025: New York Giants - Secondary Coach/Pass Game Coordinator

2021-24: New York Jets - Defensive Backs/Safeties

2020: Philadelphia Eagles - Defensive Backs

2017-18: Atlanta Falcons - Defensive Coordinator

2015-16: Atlanta Falcons - Secondary Coach/Senior Defensive Assistant

2014: Seattle Seahawks - Assistant Secondary

2013: Seattle Seahawks - Defensive Assistant

2012: Seattle Seahawks - Special Teams Assistant

Jeff Burris

Position: Cornerbacks Coach

This is Burris' second stint in the NFL after working as the assistant defensive backs coach with the Miami Dolphins from 2013-15.

Burris joins the Giants' staff after spending the 2024 season as the co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach at Louisiana Tech. Under Burris' guidance, the Bulldogs allowed the fewest passing yards per game (172.8) and the second-fewest points per game (21.0) in Conference USA.

From 2021-23, Burris mentored the cornerback group at Louisiana. Every season Burris was on staff, the Ragin' Cajuns appeared in a bowl game and in 2021, Louisiana totaled a program-record 13-win season and captured the Sun Belt Conference Championship. That season, Louisiana's defense allowed the third-lowest completion percentage in the nation (53.1%) and the 11^th-fewest points per game (18.3).

Burris first coached at Louisiana Tech from 2018-20, where he mentored two future NFL draftees in L'Jarius Sneed and Amik Robertson. In Burris' three seasons with the Bulldogs, they made three consecutive bowl appearances and posted a 10-win season in 2019.

In 2017, Burris served as the defensive backs coach at Northern Iowa following one year as a defensive analyst at Notre Dame, his alma mater, in 2016.

Burris' first job in the NFL was as a defensive assistant for the Miami Dolphins from 2013-14, before he was named the assistant defensive backs coach in 2015. While Burris was on staff, defensive back Brent Grimes made three consecutive Pro Bowls and had the third-most passes defensed (44) and fourth-most interceptions (13) in the NFL during that three-year span. In 2015, Reshad Jones joined Grimes at the Pro Bowl after recording a career-high five interceptions and 10 passes defensed.

Before his time with the Dolphins, Burris spent one season at UMass (2012) and with the Sacramento Mountain Lions of the United Football League in 2011. In both positions, he oversaw the cornerbacks.

A first-round selection (27th overall) by the Buffalo Bills in the 1994 draft, Burris spent 10 seasons in the NFL. After four seasons in Buffalo, Burris played four seasons for the Indianapolis Colts (1998-2002) and two seasons for the Cincinnati Bengals (2002-03). Across his 10-year career, Burris played in 144 games (120 starts) and recorded 529 tackles, 101 passes defensed, 19 interceptions, six forced fumbles, 5.0 sacks and three fumble recoveries.

A native of Rock Hill, S.C., Burris played four seasons at Notre Dame (1990-93) on both sides of the ball, primarily seeing action at defensive back. Burris is married to the former Lisa Dian.

COACHING CAREER

2025: New York Giants - Cornerbacks

2024: Louisiana Tech - Co-Defensive Coordinator/Safeties

2021-23: Louisiana - Cornerbacks

2019-20: Louisiana Tech - Defensive Backs

2018: Louisiana Tech - Cornerbacks

2017: Northern Iowa - Defensive Backs

2016: Notre Dame - Defensive Analyst

2015: Miami Dolphins - Assistant Defensive Backs

2013-14: Miami Dolphins - Defensive Assistant

2012: UMass - Cornerbacks

2011: Sacramento Mountain Lions - Defensive Backs

THE RETURNEES

CB Deonte Banks

Career: 29 G, 29 GS

2024 Snap Count: 788 defense

CB Dru Phillips

Career: 14 G, 6 GS

2024 Snap Count: 616 defense, 26 special teams

S Tyler Nubin

Career: 13 G, 13 GS

2024 Snap Count: 790 defense, 106 special teams

CB Cor'Dale Flott

Career: 39 G, 23 GS

2024 Snap Count: 667 defense, 49 special teams

CB Art Green

Career: 9 G

2024 Snap Count: 46 defense, 207 special teams

CB Tre Hawkins III

Career: 20 G, 4 GS

2024 Snap Count: 82 defense, 20 special teams

CB Dee Williams

Career: 13 G

2024 Snap Count: 6 special teams

S Anthony Johnson Jr.

Career: 21 G, 4 GS

2024 Snap Count: 21 defense, 113 special teams

S Raheem Layne

Career: 13 G, 1 GS

2024 Snap Count: 22 defense, 10 special teams

THE DEPARTURES

The Giants parted ways with cornerback Adoree' Jackson and safety Jason Pinnock, who combined to start 78 games over the past four seasons with the team. Jackson signed with the Eagles as he begins his ninth NFL season with his third different team, and Pinnock joined the 49ers. Meanwhile, Isaiah Simmons, Elijah Riley, Greg Stroman Jr., and Divaad Wilson remain free agents.

THE PROSPECTS

The top five cornerbacks in the 2025 NFL Draft, according to NFL.com's Bucky Brooks:

1. Travis Hunter, Colorado
2. Will Johnson, Michigan
3. Shavon Revel Jr., East Carolina
4. Benjamin Morrison, Notre Dame
5. Trey Amos, Mississippi

"The 2025 cornerback class is loaded with ballhawks and playmakers on the perimeter. Travis Hunter was a dynamic two-way player at wide receiver and cornerback in college, though I previously explained why I think he should start his pro career as a CB with a small package of plays as an offensive specialist. The Heisman Trophy winner is effective in man coverage, boasting natural instincts as a cover corner on the island, but I believe he is a ballhawk who could truly thrive in a "see ball, get ball" scheme that allows him to play with vision on the quarterback. Will Johnson is a polished cover corner with a loaded toolbox that enables him to shine in any system. As an experienced man-to-man corner with effective bump-and-run and shadow skills, the Michigan standout is a Day 1 starter with the potential to develop into an elite pro. Despite suffering a season-ending knee injury last September, Shavon Revel Jr. intrigues evaluators looking for a ballhawking corner with size and length. The ECU product is a ball magnet on the perimeter with the skills to shrink passing windows for quarterbacks attempting to make throws outside the numbers. As a battle-tested cover corner, Benjamin Morrison is a bump-and-run specialist with lockdown potential. The Notre Dame product overwhelms wideouts with his size, strength and skills as a nose-to-nose defender on the perimeter. Trey Amos is a tantalizing prospect due to his size, athleticism and scheme versatility. The Ole Miss star is an explosive playmaker with the skills to lock up in man-to-man and the instincts to make splash plays in zone coverage."

Brooks' top five nickelbacks:

1. Jahdae Barron, Texas
2. Maxwell Hairston, Kentucky
3. Jacob Parrish, Kansas State
4. Quincy Riley, Louisville
5. Alijah Huzzie, North Carolina

"The 2025 draft class features a collection of explosive cover corners with the skills to smoothly transition to the slot. Jahdae Barron won the Jim Thorpe Award, given to the top defensive back in college football, after exhibiting stellar coverage skills all over the field. As an instinctive ballhawk with outstanding vision and ball skills, he has a knack for making plays in crucial moments. Maxwell Hairston excels as a "vision and break" corner with superb instincts and awareness. The Kentucky standout flashes outstanding diagnostic skills and short-area quickness, jumping short and intermediate routes within his area. Jacob Parrish's aggressive bump-and-run technique and sound cover skills should make the move to the slot an easy transition. The Kansas State standout possesses the speed, quickness and agility to mirror dynamic pass catchers out wide or between the hashes in one-on-one matchups. Quincy Riley is a versatile player with the ability to excel inside or outside in coverage. As a twitchy athlete with outstanding anticipation, he can hold his own in one-on-one matchups, utilizing shadowboxing techniques or traditional back-pedaling methods to force tight-window throws within his area. Alijah Huzzie is a natural slot corner with sticky man-to-man skills and solid instincts. The North Carolina product specializes in mugging wideouts at the line with a polished mirror-and-match technique that showcases his superior quickness, balance and body control."

Brooks' top five safeties:

1. Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina
2. Malaki Starks, Georgia
3. Xavier Watts, Notre Dame
4. Jaylen Reed, Penn State
5. Sebastian Castro, Iowa

"The 2025 safety class features several high-IQ defenders with superb instincts, ball skills and tackling ability. Nick Emmanwori is a five-star talent with a rare combination of tools, toughness and technical skills. The South Carolina star dazzles as an athlete while also displaying a refined game that should make him a star in a scheme that enables him to roam freely between the hashes. Malaki Starks is a throwback safety with an enforcer's mentality and cornerback skills. The Georgia standout displays exceptional range and awareness roaming the middle of the field as a designated playmaker with box and deep-middle responsibilities. Xavier Watts is a smart defender with superb instincts and awareness. He can thump with the best in the business, but also displays the range and anticipation to excel in coverage. Jaylen Reed is a crafty slot defender with superb instincts, awareness and diagnostic skills. The Penn State product makes plays within the box as a read-and-react defender with spectacular blitz skills. Sebastian Castro is a talented technician with flawless fundamentals. As an instinctive defender with a nose for the ball, the Iowa product could swiftly become a quality NFL starter."