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New York Giants’ Donte Deayon: Undersized NFL Cornerback Big On Talent And Hard Work

By Evan Graziano

Dec 31, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Boise State Broncos cornerback Donte Deayon (5) stands on the field during the first quarter against the Arizona Wildcats in the 2014 Fiesta Bowl at Phoenix Stadium. The Broncos won 38-30. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Boise State Broncos cornerback Donte Deayon (5) stands on the field during the first quarter against the Arizona Wildcats in the 2014 Fiesta Bowl at Phoenix Stadium. The Broncos won 38-30. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports /
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Among the reserves looking for a chance at a roster spot with the New York Giants is Donte Deayon, an undrafted corner out of Boise State who stands at third in career interceptions for the Mountain West Conference behind only Giant teammate Darian Thompson and Ravens All-Pro safety Eric Weddle.

By the time the 2016 regular season commences, the Giants could feature as many as eight new starters on defense that did not start the week one game against the Cowboys in 2015. After an offseason to revamp and retool the defensive unit, almost every position group will feature a new starter. The cornerbacks may be the most heavily invested group, and with a first round pick and two high-end free agents leading the pack, it is easy to overlook the reserves and backups who may ultimately have to contribute.

Donte Deayon’s production is unquestioned, but what remains to be seen is whether the 5’9, 150 pound corner can make his presence felt on an NFL field. So far this offseason, Donte has done just that. He has made coaches, teammates, and the media go on notice after intercepting two passes during OTAs this week, returning one for a touchdown.

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    • Deayon’s college coach, Bryan Harsin, noted the big plays are nothing new for the former Bronco. Via Big Blue Kickoff Live:

    "“There’s not a guy that I’ve been around with a bigger heart that plays and makes plays. He’s a guy that’s very talented.” The praise kept coming for Deayon, and what he lacks in size he makes up for with a work ethic, confidence, and consistent play that cannot be accounted for with stats and analytics.”"

    The Giants currently have three solidified starters at the position, and a rash of unprovens behind them. Pro Football Focus ranked the Giants’ cornerbacks as the ninth best unit in the league. If his play continues and he shows to be a film room junkie and dedicated worker, Deayon may find himself on the final roster come September.

    In an interview with Big Blue View, Deayon expresses his tenacity in the film room and how the hours put in off the field are just as important as those on the field. When it comes to watching film, Deayon explains, “I take pride in it now. This is your job. What else am I going to spend my time on?”

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    This temperament could prove vital for his future with the team.  He has the mindset and ability to stick with the Giants.  It is now the work he chooses to put in that will make the difference and might ultimately lead to a Boise State reunion in the defensive backfield.

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