Leading up to the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft on April 27, we’re going to see countless guys linked with the NY Giants for their first-round pick. While plenty of Big Blue supporters are hoping for a wide receiver to be taken at No. 25 overall, don’t forget that Joe Schoen could target an interior offensive lineman or cornerback as well.
At cornerback, one player to keep an eye on would definitely be South Carolina standout Cam Smith. In its most recent NFL Mock Draft, CBS Sports has the SEC CB hearing his name called by the Giants late in the first round.
South Carolina CB Cam Smith is a player for Giants fans to keep an eye on
"“The run on cornerbacks has already occurred, but New York still gets one of the premier options in my opinion,” CBS’ Josh Edwards wrote. “Cam Smith showed a lot of progress from last season to this year, but also showed great athletic qualities at the NFL Combine.”"
Smith looked sharp at the NFL Combine and he clearly turned the heads of Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll. According to insider Pat Leonard, the Giants met with Smith ahead of the South Carolina Pro Day and they took him out to dinner for a private meeting. They wouldn’t do that if they didn’t have interest in him potentially having a Big Blue future.
Last season for the Gamecocks, Smith posted 27 total tackles, one interception and five pass deflections. Checking in at 6-1, 190 pounds, he’s got good size for a corner his age, but he’ll surely need to hit the weight room a bit at the next level. However, the potential is there and the Giants like his game.
When NY is on the clock at No. 25, it could all come down to the best player available being the one they go with. A lot of people are focused on a WR1 for Schoen and the Giants, but someone like Smith would make a ton of sense as well.
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