Jevon Holland poised for big year in Giants' new defense

Safeties have always played a major role in John Harbaugh's defenses over the years. That is why Jevon Holland, whom the New York Giants signed last year to a three-year, $45. 3 million deal last spring, will be a pivotal player for Big Blue this season.

Holland did not open many eyes with his play last year in Shane Bowen's system and could be in for a big season under new coordinator Dennard Wilson. The Giants' defense is much more like that of the one Holland played in Miami under Anthony Weaver, who, like Wilson, coached under Harbaugh in Baltimore. "It's completely different from last year, and then the year before that, with Weaver, he was from the Ravens, so there are similarities," Holland told reporters this week at the Giants' OTAs.

"But just the way it's called, the rhythm of the coach, it's all different. " Holland, who is in his sixth NFL season at just age 26, is a fungible player. He can play any style but is most effective when used properly.

Last season, there was a lot of newness on the Giants' defense, which led to breakdowns and huge plays by the opposition. "I feel like we're kind of in the same like two-high. At this point, I've had so many different defenses that I don't think like one defense is like fitting my strength.