New York Giants

Prince Amukamara is challenging Eli to throw his way in OTAs

Published Jun. 9, 2015 11:29 a.m. ET

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The New York Giants are getting a more confident version of Prince Amukamara during OTAs, and so far, they like what they see. Since entering the NFL as a first-round draft pick, Amukamara has flashed elite pass coverage potential at times, but injuries have continued to be his downfall. The only season he played in all 16 games was in 2013. After missing eight games in 2014 with a torn biceps injury, Amukamara is finally ready to prove that the flashes of excellence we have seen can be repeated over the course of a full regular season.

“I definitely feel like I have the potential, but I can’t say that I am elite,” Amukamara said after Monday’s voluntary workout, per CBS Sports. “Number one, I don’t have the stats to prove it, and two I don’t have the money to prove it. Number three, I don’t have the accomplishments, the Pro Bowls. It does give me satisfaction, knowing that I know I just have to put it on film so other people know.”

With Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie fully healthy again and competing in practice like he played during the 2013 regular season with the Denver Broncos, Amukamara has been a favorite target during OTAs of quarterbacks Eli Manning and Ryan Nassib. Amukmara has predictably taken that very personally. During Monday's seventh OTAs practice, Amukamara undercut a couple of Manning's underneath pass routes and baited Nassib into a throwing an interception to him on a similar route.

“It seemed that every time Eli was coming toward my side I was taking it personal,” Amukamara said. “I have felt like it has been like that all the OTAs.”

His excellent coverage on the underneath routes has forced the Giants' quarterbacks to essentially overthrow the ball on purpose to avoid making a costly mistake. Head coach Tom Coughlin has taken notice.

He has been enticing people to try to throw it over his head because he has broken on the underneath stuff very well,” Coughlin said, per CBS Sports.

Amukamara's teammate and veteran defensive lineman Cullen Jenkins has noticed Amukamara's increased focus and dedication after having the game he loves taken away from him for an extended period in 2014.

“Sometimes when you lose it or it gets taken away from you, you get that chance to appreciate how much you love it and enjoy being out there,” Jenkins said. “You want to make sure you are giving it your all and that doesn’t happen again.”

Before his injury, Amukamara racked up a career high three interceptions and earned high marks from Pro Football Focus in 2014. According to their game charters, Amukamara graded out strong in pass coverage and run defense. Despite missing eight games, he finished as one of Pro Football Focus' 25 best cornerbacks overall. He will look to join Rodgers-Cromartie as one of the league's best starting cornerback tandems in 2015.

(h/t CBS Sports)

Photo Credit: Brad Mills/USA TODAY Sports