Top 5 Combine takeaways: New York Giants may have QB choice
By Henry Buggy
#4 – DB Depth – Talent Can Be Found In Mid-Rounds
A report surfaced Saturday that Big Blue would transition Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie to free safety in 2018. That only leaves more questions at New York’s cornerback position.
The good thing is this year’s draft class is expected to have plenty of defensive back talent, especially in the mid-rounds. Louisville’s Jaire Alexander and Alabama’s Tony Brown were among some of the top cornerbacks to improve their draft stock. Ohio State’s Denzel Ward and Alabama’s Minkah Fitzpatrick displayed why they are projected to be top 15 picks come April.
LSU’s Donte Jackson might have moved himself into the first-round, but the G-Men will likely be looking to address their cornerback position after day one.
Alabama’s Anthony Averett, Tulane’s Parry Nickerson, Auburn’s Carlton Davis, and Western Michigan’s Darius Phillips are some cornerback prospects that could be on New York’s big board. Alexander and Brown could also be options for Big Blue.
Iowa’s Josh Jackson may have hurt his draft stock at the Scouting Combine. The Hawkeyes defensive back was considered one of the top cornerback prospects entering the event, but a 4.56-second 40-yard dash may cause some teams to hold off on selecting him in the first-round.
It would surely be a steal if Jackson fell to Big Blue at No. 34 overall, but that seems highly unlikely given his play in 2017.
The Giants have two legitimate starting cornerbacks in Janoris Jenkins and Eli Apple entering the 2018 season, making the cornerback position a priority in free agency and the draft. Gettleman may choose to pass on the top cornerback prospects in this first-round, but starting talent can be found in the mid-rounds of this year’s class.