Fifth-Round – Western Michigan CB Darius Phillips
The G-Men add some youth to their secondary at the start of the fifth-round. New York seems likely to hold onto Eli Apple in 2018. But that doesn’t mean Gettleman won’t bring in any competition.
New York’s new general manager selected Western Michigan offensive lineman Taylor Moton in the second-round of last year’s draft with Carolina and now adds a Broncos prospect to Big Blue’s roster.
Phillips may be one of the most overlooked prospects among cornerbacks, but Kiper does list him as the 10th best player at his position.
Over the past three seasons, Phillips has recorded 127 tackles, 35 passes defended, 12 interceptions, 13 tackles for a loss, four forced fumble, and has scored five defensive touchdowns.
Walter Football projects the Western Michigan prospect to be selected anywhere from the fourth to sixth-round. Phillips would also bring some much-needed competition to New York’s special teams as a potential kickoff and punt returner.
The Giants finished among the five worst teams in the NFL in 2017 in terms of return yards on both kickoffs and punts. Phillips scored six touchdowns on special teams during his collegiate career.