In recent seasons, the New York Giants have made a decent amount of moves to address cornerback. Unfortunately, they have struggled to add stars to the position.
Outside of CB1 Adoree' Jackson, the Giants have a lack of proven talent at cornerback. In an expanded role in 2022, Darnay Holmes struggled at times. Alongside him, Aaron Robinson was limited to just two games on the season after suffering a knee injury.
One of the few bright spots at cornerback came in Cor'Dale Flott. In his first season, Flott took the field in 11 total games. Now heading into year two, his role will likely grow significantly.
With the NFL Draft approaching, the Giants have several needs to address. This includes cornerback. In the first round, they could have their pick of playmakers, whether it be at wide receiver, defensive line, or cornerback. But depending on how they approach the 25th pick, cornerback could be a position they attack on day two. Here's four players for fans to keep an eye on:
4. Tyrique Stevenson, Miami
Over his four collegiate seasons, Tyrique Stevenson developed into an all-around talent at the cornerback position. Unfortunately, in a loaded cornerback class, he could see himself slipping into the later rounds.
Stevenson spent his first two collegiate seasons at Georgia. Over this time, he appeared in 19 games, recording 31 solo tackles, 47 total tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack, and 10 defended passes. Following a strong 2020 season, Stevenson opted to head to Miami. In his first season with the team, he found success. While appearing in 11 games, he recorded 29 solo tackles, 43 total tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, four defended passes, and one interception.
Heading into 2022, Stevenson played arguably his best football yet. He finished the season recording 25 total tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, seven defended passes and two interceptions. Stevenson excelled at Miami with his physical playstyle. While standing at 6-0 and 198 pounds, he can keep up with even bigger pass-catchers.
With how heavily the Giants defense leans on man coverage, Stevenson could be an option. He has already made a career out of excelling in man coverage and has a style of play that could complement what this defense has already become.
3. Clark Phillips III, Utah
Utah's Clark Phillips III is not the biggest cornerback in this year's class as he comes in at 5'9" and 184 pounds, but few players attack the game as he can. Over three seasons at Utah, Phillips looked to be one of the nation's most aggressive playmakers. In total, he appeared in 31 collegiate games, recording 83 solo tackles, 110 total tackles, five tackles for loss, one forced fumble, 21 defended passes, nine interceptions, and four touchdowns.
In each of his first two seasons, Phillips showed just how good he could be. But in Year 3, he took his game to new heights. He finished his final season at Utah recording 16 solo tackles, 24 total tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack, six defended passes, six interceptions, and two touchdowns.
Clark Phillips III vs Jordan Addison🍿
— PFF College (@PFF_College) December 3, 2022
pic.twitter.com/LZpp9ZkiAN
Phillips finished the 2022 season with a PFF grade of 85.4. Over 385 coverage snaps, he was targeted 65 times. In total, he allowed 41 receptions for 511 receiving yards and four touchdowns. In addition, opposing quarterbacks had a 68.4 passer rating when targeting him. Phillips has the potential to continue to grow his game and could do just that in this system.
2. Julius Brents, Kansas State
Julius Brents could very well be one of the more underrated cornerbacks in this year's class. While spending two seasons at Iowa, and another two at Kansas State, Brents developed into a strong talent at the position. Now heading into the NFL, he could be set to make an impact early in his career. Brents spent the first three seasons of his collegiate career at Iowa. Over this stretch, he appeared in seven games, totaling nine solo tackles, 17 total tackles, four defended passes and one interception.
Following his transfer to Kansas State in 2021, Brents took his game to a new level. In 2021, he appeared in 13 games. He finished the season recording 41 solo tackles, 49 total tackles, three tackles for loss, two defended passes, and one interception.
INTERCEPTED!@KStateFB comes up with the big time defensive play to get the ball back down 10 pic.twitter.com/TowTF7QFoy
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 2, 2021
After his breakout campaign in 2021, Brents followed it up with an even stronger 2022 season. While setting career highs in nearly every category, he looked elite. In total, he recorded 45 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, one forced fumble, four defended passes and four interceptions.
If the Giants are looking to add a big cornerback to the secondary, Brents would be just that. At 6'4", he is one of the taller corners in this year's class. With this size, he has often given opposing wide receivers problems. Along with this size, he has speed that makes him difficult to beat.
At his size, some believe that Brents could also make the move to safety if needed. With this versatility, and his ability to impact the game, he could be a potential option for a Giants secondary that is in need of depth.
1. Kelee Ringo, Georgia
Over his two years as a starter in the Georgia Bulldogs' secondary, Kelee Ringo developed into a true playmaker in the secondary. While displaying elite speed, he played a key role in one of the nation's best defenses.
During the 2021 season, Ringo burst onto the scene. He still made his presence felt in a defense full of NFL-caliber playmakers. Over 14 games, he recorded 34 total tackles, 26 solo tackles, one tackle for loss, one sack, eight defended passes and two interceptions.
In 2022, while the Georgia defense lost several major contributors, Ringo once again put together a strong campaign. As Georgia won their second straight National Championship, he recorded 37 solo tackles, 42 total tackles, two tackles for loss, seven defeded passes, two interceptions, and one forced fumble.
Kelee Ringo with the HUGE INT for the Dawgs 🐶
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 5, 2022
(@GMC) pic.twitter.com/XNJkZWlARV
Coming in at 6'2" and 207 pounds, Ringo has the size to keep up with even bigger wide receivers. His physical playstyle could be the ideal fit for this Wink Martindale-led defense.
In addition to his size, Ringo has elite speed that elevates his game. At the combine, he recorded a 4.36 40-yard dash. With his blend of size and speed, he has the tools to make an impact from Day 1. Pairing him alongside Jackson could give the Giants a quality cornerback duo heading into 2023.
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