After the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, everyone is talking about “The Ohio State guys,” I’m of course talking about Arvell Reese, Caleb Downs, Carnell Tate, and Sonny Styles, who are all projected to be first-round picks in next month’s NFL Draft.
The NFL Combine featured 11 former Buckeyes from last year’s team hoping to improve their draft stock. All these players would improve the Giants’ roster; this is a deep class at several positions, so New York could look to upgrade in many areas.
While the chances of the G-Men drafting one of Ohio State’s top prospects with pick No. 5 are significant, there are some other former Buckeyes that we should not be sleeping on that Big Blue could steal later in the draft, who may also already have interest in playing in New York.
Davison Igbinosun could be coming home on day two of the NFL Draft
I’m referring to former Ohio State defensive back Davison Igbinosun, who is expected to be a day two draft pick and falls just outside the top ten of cornerback prospects. The 21-year-old is originally from Union, New Jersey, about 16 miles down the road from MetLife Stadium.
The New Jersey native told the media at the NFL Combine that he met with the Giants and really enjoyed his time talking with them. “Growing up in New Jersey, of course, I had dreams about playing for the home team,” Igbinosun said.
The interesting thing about that comment is that Igbinosun referred to the Giants as his “home team,” with no mention of the Jets at all. Although the 21-year-old was young at the time, I guess you could say that he was really inspired by both the Giants' Super Bowl runs in ‘08 and ‘12, and who wouldn’t want to play for a coach like John Harbaugh?
Last season at Ohio State, Igbinosun had 52 total tackles (28 solo), two interceptions, and six passes defended. He also participated in the Combine, running a 4.45-second 40-yard dash, a 34” vertical jump, and a 10’ broad jump.
While the 21-year-old’s stats don’t necessarily jump off the chart, he’s expected to be a backup on whatever team drafts him and could be much-needed depth on the Giants’ roster with an opportunity to compete for a spot in training camp.
Big Blue’s cornerback room currently consists of Paulson Adebo, Deonte Banks, and Dru Phillips, as Cor’Dale Flott is set to become a free agent. Adding another defensive back would be beneficial, and Igbinosun could be just that for them.