Entering a contract year, Adoree’ Jackson is showing off his versatility.
The Giants’ top cornerback has taken more practice reps in the slot than on the perimeter this training camp in comparison to last year.
Though he spent some time inside last season, Jackson looks primed to see an increased workload in the slot amid the emergence of rookie corners Deonte Banks and Tre Hawkins III.
Being able to effectively alternate between both spots is a trait shared only by the top cornerbacks in the NFL.
Though it’s unlikely the Giants will extend Jackson before the end of the season, the club is presumably more intrigued by the 27-year-old as he continues to add to his repertoire.
“I know [there’s] been talks about it,” Jackson said after practice at Quest Diagnostic Training Center on Tuesday, confirming that there have been conversations between the Giants and his agent about a new deal. “But at the end of the day, I mean, God took care of it before, and I know he’ll do it again. So I’m not really worried about what’s going on, just control what I can control.
“That’s my attitude, how I show up to work and how I go out there and compete every day. I know everything will fall into place.”
Of the 347 coverage snaps he logged last season, Jackson played 40 in the slot.
He was targeted eight times and allowed just three receptions for 10 yards, which equates to a passer rating of 45.8.
Jackson said he feels like free-agent cornerback Logan Ryan, who played a role in recruiting him to New York two years ago, noting that the former Giant can also play both outside and inside.
Jackson added that he understands how to be selfless and is willing to do whatever it takes to help the Giants win.
Tactical adjustments aside, the USC product harped on the need to breathe and reset when switching from the perimeter to the slot in the secondary.
The other key, he said, is to maintain communication with everybody on defense in order to ensure everybody is on the same page.
Wink Martindale was noncommittal when asked about keeping Jackson in the slot full time, but the defensive coordinator appeared encouraged by the possibility of having that versatility at his disposal.
“Just because of his coverage skills, No. 1, his speed, his athleticism,” Martindale said of what makes Jackson successful in the slot. “Everything that made him our No. 1 corner last year, he still has. I think when you go into these games, in any sub package, you want to play your three best corners. Right now, those are our three best corners.
“There’s nothing set in stone yet, you know what I mean? We’ll see how it works out.”
This will be Jackson’s second season as the Giant’s No. 1 cornerback, a role that eluded him for his first five years in the NFL.
The Giants are probably comfortable with waiting to see how this season plays out for Jackson before making any decisions.
Jackson is certainly helping his case by showing some versatility, but the numbers he’s put up in New York are still lacking compared to his first two seasons with the Titans.
In 10 games last season, Jackson defended seven passes, forced one fumble and recorded 51 total tackles.
He has just three interceptions in his entire career, but any sort of improvement in that area paired with increased reps in the slot should bode well for Jackson in his upcoming contract negotiations.
“Ever since I’ve known Adoree’, I’ve knew that he could play anywhere,” safety Xavier McKinney said Monday. “It doesn’t matter where you put him. You won’t see a drop-off. It’s not surprising — it’s not anything that surprises me at all, or any of us. But he’s done an extremely good job of being aware and being able to make those switches and also having the smarts to do that because it’s not easy to do, but he’s able to do it.”