Who should the NY Giants target in the 2nd round of the NFL draft?

Ashtyn Davis: FS, California

Why would he be a good value for the Giants in the 2nd round? Davis possesses versatility, toughness, physicality, and every other adjective Joe Judge emphasized during his introductory press conference. The safety from the University of California has top-notch speed to cover the deep half of the field and fill the free safety need for the NY Giants. Davis also has experience covering wide receivers out of the slot, which could help solve another weakness for the Giants’ defense.

What does he excel at? The former Pac-12 champion in the 110-meter hurdles is a football guy that happened to be good at track. He can process plays quickly, has the ability to cover receivers in man-to-man from the slot, and he can even contribute on special teams as a gunner with impressive straight-line speed. Coaches at Cal even used him to blitz off the edge, where he was effective getting after the quarterback.

Davis’ ability to play deep half safety is what coaches might like the most. He displays good short area quickness, and can cover a lot of ground when supporting cornerbacks in coverage. His speed and physicality can make receivers hesitate when running over the middle of the field.

Why the Giants might hesitate: Davis struggles with run support, especially when he is playing up close in the box. While he is a very physical player that can deliver big hits, he is not always reliable when it comes to making sound tackles.

Personal excitement level if drafted: (8/10) Davis just seems like a Joe Judge type of player. He does not make plays on the ball or tackle as well as Winfield, but he is tough and smart. If Winfield is gone by pick #36, I would be rooting for the Giants to pick Davis.

Likelihood he will fall to #36: (9/10)