Darnay Holmes is Quietly Maturing into a Quality NFL Corner
It hasn't been all peaches and cream for Giants rookie cornerback Darnay Holmes, but through it all, he's stayed focus and is making progress toward becoming a better player for the Giants.
Holmes, the Giants' fourth-round draft pick out of UCLA, has been heavily involved in the defense in the early going, playing an average of 41.6% of defensive snaps through the first five games, where he's line up predominantly in the slot.
Holmes was even listed as a starter last week, yet he saw his largest defensive snap count yet with 50.
"It’s been a blessing to see the progression I’m making," Holmes said. "It’s just me being able to take on the coaching points, being able to diagnose things, being able to communicate more.
"I’m actually seeing that. It’s actually running off in my play. I’m playing more confidently because I know what I’m doing. I know what I can anticipate. Pretty much just watching film, I feel like I’m more free-flowing."
For Holmes, earning these reps haven't come without adversity.
One example came in Week 3 against the San Francisco 49ers when Holmes committed a critical illegal contact penalty against wide receiver Trent Taylor on a third and long. The penalty extended the drive and allowed San Francisco to cash in with a touchdown.
It was Holmes' first and only penalty of the year as he's been penalty-free in the two games since, where he's made several big plays along the way.
"Right when [the official] picked the flag up, it was over with," Holmes said of his penalty. "It really wasn’t something that I allowed to linger in my mind. I learned from that experience. It was a blessing I learned from that experience early on."
Against the Cowboys, Holmes recorded his first half a sack and defended two passes, including one to Dallas rookie wide receiver CeeDee Lamb in the end zone.
And despite the larger overall workload in the past two games, Holmes has still given up fewer receptions to opposing receivers than he did in his first three games in fewer snaps.
According to Pro Football Focus, over Holmes's first three games, he played an average of 48% defensive snaps while giving up an average of four receptions on 5.3 targets for 48.3 yards per game.
In his last two games, Holmes has played an average of 67% of defensive snaps while cutting his receptions allowed down to an average of just 2.5 on 3.5 targets for 23.5 yards per game. He also has yet to give up a touchdown this season.
"At the end of the day, it’s me versus my man. Just go out there and compete to the fullest," Holmes said. "I always go out there with the mindset of I’m going to allow God to allow the situation to flow the way that it’s supposed to flow.
"I’m not going to try to dictate things or try to really give the experience I want to give. I’m going to go let things go the way it’s going to go. I know I am going to be at peace because I put my best foot forward that play and that rep."
For Holmes, his talent and work ethic have gone a long way in his improved performance, but guidance from his coaches and veteran teammates has impacted him as well.
Defensive coordinator Patrick Graham has struck a sound balance between coaching Holmes in the right technique while ensuring that Holmes has enough freedom in his playstyle to play to his strengths on the field.
"[Graham] definitely allows us to go out there and play freely," Holmes said. "He always makes sure we’re not robots. He definitely gives us that coaching and those tips to make sure we play faster so our instincts do flow and are shown. Coach Graham is a guy who is going to make sure he coaches you hard."
Meanwhile, veteran cornerback James Bradberry, one of PFF's highest-graded defensive backs in the NFL this season, has been a critical presence in Holmes' efforts to adjust his game to the pro level.
Along with veterans Jabrill Peppers, Logan Ryan, and Nate Ebner, Bradberry has served as a resource for Holmes for things both on and off the field.
"I can ask [Bradberry] anything," Holmes said. "Day in and day out, I’m his right-hand man. We talk to each other. We pretty much talk about personal things, and he pretty much helps me navigate through life.
"As a rookie, you need someone right there in your corner. I have [Bradberry], Jabrill, Logan, Nate--there are so many guys who are willing to give a helping hand. It’s just a blessing to have them."
With the Giants cornerback situation changing seemingly every week, a young nickel corner's progression like Holmes is undoubtedly refreshing and gives the team long-term confidence and versatility with the position group.
