When the New York Giants selected the safety of Alabama Xavier McKinney with the 36th overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft, it was a stinging accusation that Julian Love was not what they were looking for in a starting safety.
Love had started the last five games of his rookie season last year in place of the injured Jabrill Peppers and flashed some of that fourth-round ability that the Giants saw during his days at Notre Dame.
Apparently that was not enough to keep her from writing about him. When McKinney fell into the lap of the Giants in Round 2, they quickly picked him up and never looked back. Now comes the reality of the competition between Love and McKinney in training camp.
Love had barely played on defense before coming into action after Peppers got hurt. It took him a few minutes to get his legs under him, but then he started figuring things out. He has been building on that experience ever since.
“It was crucial,” Love told reporters Friday night about his short stint as a starter. ‘I was just trying to stay ready when my time would come. Of course, it came in Chicago. I just tried to step on the plate for our team to help us succeed, help guys grow and move forward. I think my whole mind was ready to stay, and it always is. Stay ready, stay conscious, and be ready to go. ”
And that’s what Love is doing this summer. He is aware that the team has big plans for McKinney and his role, whatever that may be, will be diminished by McKinney’s presence. Love, however, is a team player, and knows if he plays well enough, the Giants will find a place for both.
‘I taught Xavier a little. As a person, I was excited to have him as someone sitting next to me, ”Love said. “Next to me in terms of being a friend, being a brother on the team. When he was lined up, I just thought, ‘Wow, that’s great fireworks for us.’ I had heard about him, I know how he is as a person, as a player, how he prepares. I think this is what we needed here. I was excited when he got that call. ”
Love has great perspective regarding his situation. He is helped by his ability to play both corner and safety, although he will probably not be used as an outside back soon. The Giants love his versatility and if he’s not a starter at safety, coming Week 1 against Pittsburgh, he will surely be used in sub-packs as a lock corner.
“My mindset is always where they want me, I will play,” he said. ‘I’ve spent my whole life running positions around in the defensive backfield. It is no different now. No matter where I am or how old I am, I am always ready to play something. I’m excited to do that. I just want to be a ball player, that’s coming down to it. “
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