Brandon Boykin fire shots at New York Giants cornerback Walter Thurmond

The New York Giants made a major effort to revamp their shoddy secondary this offseason by signing a number of players in free agency, including former Eagles cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. But DRC wasn't the one to make a bold proclamation on the first day of New York Giants offseason workouts.

That player was former Seattle Seahawks cornerback Walter Thurmond.  Thurmond was no doubt part of talented Seattle secondary which ranked at the top of the league. Thurmond surely doesn't lack confidence, as you can see:

There's no doubt Thurmond is a talented player. But best slot cornerback in the league? Well, I think there might be a certain Eagles cornerback who has something to say about that...

Shots fired.

Boykin has every right to talk when you consider the six interceptions he had in 2013 were second most in the NFL despite only playing 51% of the Eagles' defensive snaps. Last season Thurmond had... one. And that was the first and only interception of his entire 4 year career!

But how about pass deflections? Boykin has recorded 22 in his career. Thurmond has recorded.. 15. The tackling numbers give the Eagles' slot CB the edge as well. According to PFF, Brandon Boykin made 38 tackles, 12 stops, 2 assists, and only missed 1 tackle in 2013. Thurmond made 25/13/1 and missed... 5

So with that said, is there anything else you'd like to add, #22?

Long live the Boyking.

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Update: SB Nation Giants blog Big Blue View weighs in. And Thurmond responds...

But "Boykins" sets him straight.