The nice part about the New York Giants' secondary is that it's offered them flexibility. Between Paulson Adebo, Dru Phillips, Deonte Banks, and Greg Newsome, they have their fair share of cornerback options that ensure they don't have to immediately throw Colton Hood into the fire.
The Giants have high hopes for the second-round rookie, but have been content to let him develop a bit before getting to make his presence felt. He played just six snaps in the 28-20 win over the Dallas Cowboys, but he could be in line for more given the current injuries in the cornerback room.
Hood got snaps in the opener because both Banks and Newsome got injured and eventually returned. If they're not back to 100% by Monday night, the rookie will suddenly become a crucial part of the game plan.
Colton Hood will be in for a major test if he has to start on Monday night
Since the Giants don't play until Monday Night Football, their first practice of the week wasn't until Thursday--and all three starting cornerbacks were on the opening injury report. Adebo didn't practice and is headed to the injured reserve, and Banks and Newsome were limited.
With Adebo out, Hood will be the third outside corner involved in the rotation, and will likely start on the boundary of two of the three are out. And if that happens, he'll face a fairly difficult test again on primetime, but this time, they will be headed to Inglewood to face the Los Angeles Rams.
The 21-year-old getting his first taste of extended NFL action is one thing, but the Rams are a pretty daunting matchup. Having to slow down Davante Adams and Puka Nacua is not for the weak, but if Hood plays well, he'll start to prove to John Harbaugh that he deserves even more playing time.
That's two of the most dangerous receivers in the NFL--and arguably the league's best WR duo. Adams led the NFL in receiving touchdowns last season, Nacua is always near the top of the stat sheet, and the Rams are looking to rebound after a brutal opener in Australia. So if the G-Men are forced to turn to Hood and he can hold his own with either of them, that's proof of his upside.
The Giants drafted the Tennessee product expecting he'd be a long-term fixture within their secondary, and it's early, but they have yet to see that. This will be Hood's first chance to display the upside we saw from him over the summer in the regular season--and there's no sidestepping that.
If the New York Giants are dealing with injuries to Paulson Adebo, Deonte Banks, and Greg Newsome II (even if they aren't serious), Colton Hood has a chance to prove why they took a chance on him with the 37th pick once he gets his moment in the spotlight.
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