3 Prospects the New York Giants could target if they trade back in the draft

Andrew Booth Jr., Cornerback

Clemson’s Andrew Booth Jr is among the best cornerbacks in this year’s class. While he isn’t seen on the same level as LSU’s Derek Stingly or Cincinnati’s Ahmad Gardner yet, he has the potential to produce at a similar level to them in his first year.

This past season, Booth played the biggest role yet of his college career. He played in 578 total snaps, surpassing his previous high of 333. He finished the season with a 78.4 PFF grade, the highest of his three years at Clemson.

This past season Booth recorded 37 total tackles, three tackles for loss, three interceptions, and five defended passes. He did this while playing in a Clemson defense that did not necessarily use him in a way that fully utilized his skills.

It is highly believed that Booth will be able to excel in a defense that relies on either man or zone coverage. Throughout last season, Booth registered just 65 snaps in man-coverage and 266 in zone.

Defensive coordinator Wink Martindale has a long history of relying on playing man-coverage and sending an array of blitzes. If he implements a defense like this next season, Booth will still have an opportunity to succeed. His nearly 6’5 wingspan will allow him to keep up with whoever he lines up against, regardless of the defensive scheme implemented.

Booth has achieved much of his success in the secondary through his speed and aggressive playstyle. He is much stronger than he looks and can lay a big hit on whoever he is going after. While he has just one full season of being a starter, he was able to hold his own against a gauntlet of quality receivers last season.

His most notable game last season came against an elite Georgia team. He was on the field for 59 total snaps and was lockdown the entire game. He allowed three receptions on four targets but they totaled for just one yard.

Booth has a skill set that can translate directly to the NFL and could quickly play a big role in the future of this Giants team. The potential that comes with a player of his caliber is exciting, especially when considering just how good he could become.