:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/34861847/20131208_jla_usa_517.0.jpg)
The New York Giants added several veteran cornerbacks during the offseason. Where does that leave Charles James? Let's look at the second-year corner as we continue our player-by-player profiles of the 90-man roster that will report to training camp for the Giants on July 21.
2013 Season In Review
James impressed the Giants enough as an undrafted free agent out of Charleston Southern to land a spot on the practice squad. He ended up joining the 53-man roster and appearing in 12 games, mostly as a gunner on special teams. He played only two defensive snaps. On special teams he was involved in six tackles, but also missed four tackles, finishing with a -4.6 grade from Pro Football Focus.
2014 Season Outlook
Things looked sort of bleak for James after the Giants signed Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Walter Thurmond and Zack Bowman, brought back Trumaine McBride and drafted Bennett Jackson. After spending offseason practices being the Giants' most notable defensive back, however, there is no way you can count James out in the fight for a spot on the 53-man roster. The four-game suspension of third-year man Jayron Hosley also improves James' chances.
Despite his impressive offseason, James said "I never feel like I've done all I can do. I feel like I've left something out there."
James did admit he feels "light years ahead" of last season that he "felt like I showed I can play in this league" with his performance during offseason practices.
James added that he tries not to think about the Giants' obvious depth at corner.
"I just try to focus on me. That's the business," James said. "You never know why they are bringing in this guy or that guy. Once you get into counting numbers and how do I fit in that's where you go wrong. I just worry about being the best player I can possibly be."
It will, however, be a numbers game for James. There seems to be a good chance that the numbers will come up in James' favor, especially if he continues his strong play once training camp begins.