New Giants Jevón Holland, Paulson Adebo bring ‘recipe for excellence’ to defense

New Giants Jevón Holland, Paulson Adebo bring ‘recipe for excellence’ to defense

In a span of less than 24 hours, the Giants added their two best defensive backs.

Both are 25 years old and both should be entering their prime.

Safety Jevón Holland and cornerback Paulson Adebo enter a room with three returning starters in the secondary all under the age of 24.

If this blend of youth and talent is legit, the Giants will be set on the back end of their defense, now and for years to come.

“That’s a recipe for excellence,’’ Holland said Thursday. “It’s a group of guys that are going to be able to build with each other, create a community amongst each other, and rely on each other when we’re out there on the field. Communication makes the defense flow smoothly. To be able to know the guy next to me, knowing who they’re playing with and being able to communicate easily, makes the job a lot easier. I think that would help us fly around and make plays and be free on the field.’’

Holland arrived from the Dolphins on a three-year deal worth $45.3 million.

Adebo came from the Saints on a three-year deal worth $54 million. Both filled big needs.

The Giants last season struggled to locate a legitimate second cornerback to line up with Deonte Banks, who endured a rough second NFL season. The Giants wanted to upgrade at one safety spot and they did not pursue Jason Pinnock, who left in free agency for the 49ers.

Banks, 24, needs to pick up his performance and effort.

New Giant Jevón Holland said communication will be key for Big Blue's secondary.
New Giant Jevón Holland said communication will be key for Big Blue’s secondary. Noah K. Murray / New York Post

Two 2024 draft choices, safety Tyler Nubin, 23, and cornerback Dru Phillips, 23, were second- and third-round picks, respectively.

Phillips graded out as one of the NFL’s top slot corners and Nubin was second on the team in tackles with 98 despite missing the final four games with an ankle injury.

Just like that, the Giants have a young nucleus in their defensive backfield. Holland has 57 career starts and Adebo has 51. So, they have been around and know what to expect.

Paulson Adebo said he is looking to bring his
Paulson Adebo said he is looking to bring his “experience” to the Giants’ secondary. AP

“Yeah, absolutely,’’ Adebo said. “I think any time you can come in and bring experience, that’s great. I have some experience. So, if there’s something that I know, I’ll be very willing to be able to share that knowledge and share that wisdom and at the same time be willing to learn. Coming into a new organization, seeing how things are done and adapt accordingly.’’

Both newcomers will see friendly faces in their new locker room.

Adebo was a college teammate of Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke and called him “Like my OG when I came in at Stanford. We’ve got a real good relationship. We hang out. We talk football. Talk about ways to better ourselves on the field. That was a good relationship for me to have coming into this organization.’’

Holland was at Oregon with edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux, who put the full-court press on to get Holland to the Giants with a barrage of texts and calls.

“It’s going to be fun,’’ Holland said. “Every time we’re around each other, it’s always laughs. I’m really looking forward to running that back.’’

A day after re-signing Greg Van Roten, the Giants brought back Aaron Stinnie, another veteran guard. Stinnie, 31, is a seven-year NFL veteran. He started three games for the Giants in 2024.

Related Posts

Shannon Sharpe makes first public appearance since ESPN firing as he presents brother with Hall of Fame jacket

Shannon Sharpe makes first public appearance since ESPN firing as he presents brother with Hall of Fame jacket

Shannon Sharpe made his first public appearance since his ESPN firing on Friday night, as he helped induct his brother into the Pro Football Hall of Fame….

Travis Kelce gushes over Taylor Swift with rare public statement about his superstar girlfriend

Travis Kelce gushes over Taylor Swift with rare public statement about his superstar girlfriend

A smitten Travis Kelce described girlfriend Taylor Swift as a ’20/20′ in a rare public comment about the songstress this week. Kelce recently went Instagram official with Swift…

Travis Kelce stuns NFL fans with telling transformation that hints retirement could be closer than ever

Travis Kelce stuns NFL fans with telling transformation that hints retirement could be closer than ever

NFL fans have been left stunned by Travis Kelce’s brand new look which he debuted at the Chiefs training camp this week.  In recent months, there had…

NFL WAG reveals brutal reality of the league after her husband’s shock release in wake of horrific neck injury

NFL WAG reveals brutal reality of the league after her husband’s shock release in wake of horrific neck injury

An NFL WAG has revealed the brutal reality of the league after her husband was released by his team during his recovery from a broken neck.  It…

Washington Commanders move step closer to .7bn DC stadium… but Donald Trump threat still looms large

Washington Commanders move step closer to $3.7bn DC stadium… but Donald Trump threat still looms large

The Washington Commanders have received the green light to build a new $3.7billion stadium in DC – despite Donald Trump’s threat to scupper those plans if they…

Missouri couple claim their newborn baby’s name has NOTHING to do with Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift after ‘attention-seeking’ backlash

Missouri couple claim their newborn baby’s name has NOTHING to do with Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift after ‘attention-seeking’ backlash

Robert Dillon and Haley Richardson naming their newborn baby Kelce Taylor-Grace Dillion caused a stir online, with the parents claiming their choice had nothing to do with…