NFL Draft: Cornerbacks New York Giants should target if James Bradberry traded

A potential need at cornerback could lead to the New York Giants using one of their top-50 picks to address the position, especially if James Bradberry is dealt

With heavy speculation regarding what the New York Giants will do with veteran cornerback James Bradberry, there is a chance that they may have a need at the position soon. If so, the draft could be the perfect time to address the need for a cornerback.

While the Giants may choose to use their first-round picks on the offensive and defensive line, which is arguably their two biggest needs, a day-two pick could be used to add a rookie cornerback.

This possibility, paired alongside the depth in the cornerback class, could lead several talented corners on the board in round two, or even beyond. The New York Giants hold the 36th pick and five total picks within the first 81 selections.

With a potential Bradberry trade still on the horizon, the New York Giants could look to add even more picks within the first 100 selections of the draft.

But which rookie corners could the New York Giants potentially add to their defense during the 2022 NFL Draft? 

Kaiir Elam, Florida

Florida’s Kaiir Elam was one of the best corners in college football last season. He recorded 23 tackles, one interception, and five forced incompletions, all while being targeted just 35 times throughout ten games in 2021. He finished the season allowing just 18 receptions and 185 total yards.

Elam was able to play at a high level consistently while facing some of the best receivers in the nation in the SEC. Arguably, his most notable game last season came against Alabama.

He was targeted seven times, which was the second-most passes thrown his way all season long. He allowed just two receptions for 36 yards and also broke up two passes. He did this while going up against arguably one of the best receiving duos in the nation in Jameson Williams and John Metchie.

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At 6-2 and 196 pounds, Elam has the size to go up against any receiver. The physicality that he plays with, paired alongside his speed, could allow for Elam to develop into a true lockdown corner. His recent 4.39 40-yard dash showed a glimpse of how well he can move when on the field.

The biggest flaw in Elam’s game is his issue with penalties. He recorded seven penalties in 10 games last season. This flaw could prove to be detrimental to his success if it follows him to the NFL.

Elam has the skill set to slide directly into the starting lineup on this defense. The blend of size and speed, paired with his ability to keep up with any receiver could lead to him finding success early and often in his career.

Kyler Gordon, Washington

There is a case to be made that Washington cornerback Kyler Gordon is one of the most athletic players in this year’s draft class. Coming in at 6’0 and 200 pounds with a near 6’3 wingspan, Gordon has solid size for the position. His elite speed when on the field, and pure ability help him keep up against nearly anyone lined up across from him.

Outside of just being known as an athlete, Gordon built a solid reputation for himself while playing at Washington. Both he and his partner in the secondary, Trent McDuffie could be top-40 picks in April’s draft.

Gordon developed at a quality rate in all four of his years at Washington. 2021 served as the best season of his career. He played nearly 800 snaps on defense, almost doubling his previous high for a season.

This larger sample size showed both improvements and substantially as Gordon was put into different positions along the secondary. He spent the majority of his time as the outside corner, but also logged 144 snaps in the slot.

In the 29 games that Gordon appeared in, he recorded 97 tackles, four tackles for loss, two interceptions, and 12 broken-up passes.

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Gordon was targeted just 40 total times last season, even with being the CB2 on the Washington defense. There was just one game where he was targeted double-digit times.

According to PFF, Gordon finished the season with a coverage grade of 89.6 and a defensive grade of 87.2. Both totals were the best of his career.

Apart from a few technical issues, Gordon is a sound corner. He has been critiqued for his ability to keep up with some of the game’s faster receivers. But overall, he is a solid player who should be able to make an impact early in his career.

Roger McCreary, Auburn

Auburn’s Roger McCreary is a technically sound cornerback prospect. He can handle his own against any competition and plays all-around good football.

While at Auburn, McCreary was challenged weekly. As a three-year starter, he played in 39 career games. In this time, he was targeted a total of 183 times. He also recorded 135 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, six interceptions, and 30 defended passes. He also posted PFF grades of 89.7 in coverage, 90.6 in pass rush, and an 89.9 overall defensive grade. His success in different areas further proves how versatile and effective he is when on the field.

When watching McCreary, there is little to critique in terms of his actual play. Many people believe his biggest issues are all size-related. While he is 6-foot and 190 pounds, his wingspan has led some to worry. His wingspan is on the smaller side for the corner position. But he has shown countless times why this shouldn’t be an issue as he has often played well against bigger receivers.

McCreary excelled in man coverage while at Auburn. While the Giants may not run a ton of man with their new defensive scheme, he has also shown promise in the slot. If the Giants are willing to take a gamble on a cornerback prospect, McCreary could be a great fit. There is a chance that he develops into a high-quality player early in his career.