4 NFL Draft regrets that could haunt the NY Giants in 2024

3. Reaching for CB Andru Phillips in the third round

After not bringing back Adoree’ Jackson in free agency and missing out on a handful of premier defensive backs, cornerback was one of the top needs for the G-Men defense this upcoming season. NY selected Kentucky’s Dru Phillips at No. 70 overall, a spot much higher than his pre-draft projection. 

Phillips improved tremendously in his redshirt junior year, recording 47 tackles, five pass break-ups, and no interceptions for the Wildcats. Still, taking him that early was unexpected and left some Giants fans feeling unsure. He never caught an interception in college and lacks game experience.

Standing at 6-0, the UK product is expected to see snaps in the slot and as an outside corner in his rookie season. He is versatile and should pair well with fellow young CB Cor’Dale Flott, but NY is still left without a true CB2 on the outside to stand opposite of Deonte Banks.

Phillips could turn out to be a terrific addition by the front office in the long term, yet it will likely require him a few years to do so. There is a good chance Schoen winds up regretting this pick if one of the higher-rated CBs that were available in the draft pans out and Phillips does not.