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Giants Defensive Back Named NFL's 'Most Improved' at His Position By The Athletic

Julian Love had his best NFL season yet, earning "Most Improved" honors from The Athletic at the safety position.

Patricia Traina

Giants Defensive Back Named NFL's 'Most Improved' at His Position By The Athletic
Giants Defensive Back Named NFL's 'Most Improved' at His Position By The Athletic /
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New York Giants safety Julian Love has come a long way since being selected in the fourth round of the 2019 draft out of Notre Dame.

Initially buried on the depth chart as a rookie--he played in 15 games with five starts but just 39 percent of the defensive snaps, those coming in the second half of his first season--Love has consistently put his high football intelligence on display by being able to fill a variety of roles in the Giants defense under different defensive coordinators.

This season, Love finally earned a full-time starting job, playing in 95 percent of the defensive snaps and having himself the best year of his career. In 16 games played--he didn't play in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Eagles when head coach Brian Daboll decided to sit most of his starters--Love finished as the Giants team leader in tackles (124) and recorded two interceptions, five pass breakups, and six tackles for a loss.

That production was enough for Nate Tice of The Athletic to name Love as the most improved player at the safety position.

Love showed glimpses of intelligence and playmaking ability over the first three seasons of his career. An aggressive Giants defensive attack under Wink Martindale helped Love hone in on those flashes and become a more consistent player without sacrificing any of his dynamic ability.

Martindale asks his defenders to do quite a bit in his blitz scheme. Love’s versatility as an aware pass defender who’s also a willing and able tackler (six TFLs) let Martindale use him as needed as the Giants’ defensive staff attempted to get their best players on the field.

Love is set to be an unrestricted free agent next month. The Giants had preliminary talks with his agents over the bye week, but no deal on an extension was reached, and talks were put on hold. With the uncertainty regarding quarterback Daniel Jones, the team's top free agent priority, and the franchise tag, it remains to be seen if the Giants will have enough money to bring Love back on a new deal.

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Patricia Traina
PATRICIA TRAINA

Patricia Traina has covered the New York Giants for 30+ seasons, and her work has appeared in multiple media outlets, including The Athletic, Forbes, Bleacher Report, and the Sports Illustrated media group. As a credentialed New York Giants press corps member, Patricia has also covered five Super Bowls (three featuring the Giants), the annual NFL draft, and the NFL Scouting Combine. She is the author of The Big 50: The Men and Moments that Made the New York Giants. In addition to her work with New York Giants On SI, Patricia hosts the Locked On Giants podcast. Patricia is also a member of the Pro Football Writers of America and the Football Writers Association of America.

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