The best mid-round cornerback draft targets for the New York Giants
By John Makuch
If the New York Giants aim to add a cornerback during the middle-rounds of the 2022 NFL Draft, there are several prospects who could fit. The Giants are in a position where they need cornerback depth, especially if they are to trade their start corner, James Bradberry.
Adoree’ Jackson has been solid but injury concerns have been there in his career, as well as with other depth pieces in this lineup. This is where days two and three of the NFL Draft come in, where not every pick has to be the next franchise star.
Depth is the need, and there are a plethora of options in the mid-rounds of the draft this season that will be able to come in and be good and immediate depth. Cornerback is not a position that the Giants are looking to take with either of their top ten picks, but they are likely to select one anywhere from the third to the seventh round.
The New York Giants must draft a top mid-round cornerback in 2022 NFL Draft
The difference between being a great general manager vs a good general manager is the ability to consistently select solid mid-round players. General manager Joe Schoen will have the chance to show if he is great, especially in this deep draft.
Here are the top mid-round cornerback prospects the Giants should target during the NFL Draft.
New York Giants Draft Target: Tariq Woolen
The UTSA Roadrunners had one of the most impressive seasons in college football last season, and Tariq Woolen was a huge part of that. After converting to a wide receiver, Woolen showed that he had the athleticism and skill to make an impact in the secondary. At the NFL combine, he ran a blazing 4.26 40-yard dash time with a 6’4 405 pound frame.
UTSA used him in press coverage as well as breaking up the run, but he has had his struggles with zone coverage. In college, he was able to make up for his lack of technique with his raw athleticism, so the transition to the NFL could be tough, but worth it if a team works with him correctly.
He still needs the time to perfect his skills and learn the position, but his potential and athleticism have had his stock rise much higher than expected. The Giants could look to pick him up in the third or fourth round, and they would be getting one of the best projects in the entire draft.