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New York Giants Draft Preview: Cornerback

By Kenneth Teape

Oct 24, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive back Jalen Ramsey (8) prepares for a game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 24, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive back Jalen Ramsey (8) prepares for a game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Will the New York Giants take a cornerback during the 2016 NFL Draft? We break down their current situation at the position heading into the draft and the likelihood of one being selected.

The New York Giants had a strong start to their offseason with a spending spree to start free agency. But, if the Giants want to truly have a great offseason, they will need to find some success in the NFL Draft beginning Thursday. The Giants have a few holes remaining that they would like to fill, and the draft will afford them that chance.

For this article and others to follow, we will break down the current outlook by position for the Giants, and how much of a need it will be heading into the 2016 NFL Draft. The eighth position we will take a look at is cornerback.

Current Depth Chart:

Starters: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Janoris Jenkins

Backups: Trevin Wade, Tramain Jacobs

The Giants secondary struggled mightily last season. Beyond Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, they had no consistent performers. Prince Amukamara was solid, but was not on the field enough as he battled injuries throughout his Giants’ tenure and signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars as a free agent.

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The Giants had very little in the way of depth behind their starters, as Trevin Wade was forced into more playing time along with Jayron Hosley, and Trumaince McBride. The results were disastrous, as the Giants allowed the most passing yards in the NFL last season at 4,783 and 31 touchdowns, the second worst mark in franchise history.

While other things factored into the poor defensive effort in the passing game, such as a nonexistent pass rush, the lack of talent at cornerback played a big part. This makes cornerback one of the biggest needs for the Giants heading into the draft.

They made a big splash by signing Janoris Jenkins away from the St. Louis Rams at the start of free agency, but just by looking at the depth chart it is evident they could use more help. A slot cornerback is of need, as the Giants do not currently have anyone that projects as a slot corner. It could be what they look for in the 2016 NFL Draft, but they need depth in general at cornerback.

Unfortunately for the Giants, the value does not necessarily match up with their draft slots. With the 10th overall pick, it would be tough to imagine the Giants landing a cornerback. Jalen Ramsey is the top rated option, but could go as high as No.3. It would be shocking if he fell to the Giants at No.10, but if he slips past the Dallas Cowboys at No.4, the Giants could be interested in moving up and selecting Ramsey.

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But, moving up in the draft, especially in the first round, is no Jerry Reese‘s MO. Because of that, if the Giants are to address their need at cornerback it will probably come later on in the draft. Could the Giants trade back with a team like the Tennessee Titans, who are looking to move up?

Landing at No.15 would put the Giants more in the range for a player such as Vernon Hargreaves III of Florida, William Jackson III of Houston or Eli Apple of Ohio State. All would fill a need if the Giants move back, and would represent better value at 15 than 10.

If the Giants do not select a cornerback in Round 1, there may still be some talent available on Day 2. Artie Burns of Miami is someone moving up boards, but he could be available in Round 2. Kendall Fuller of Virginia Tech is someone else to keep an eye on in Round 2, while Cyrus Jones could fit right into the lineup as the Giants’ slot corner right from the start and someone that could be had in Round 3.

Next: New York Giants Seven-Round Mock Draft

Cornerback is clearly a need for the Giants even with Jenkins being signed to be paired with Rodgers-Cromartie. The likelihood of the Giants selecting one is very high, and a near certainty. They have only four currently on the roster, and could come away with multiple ones during the draft and the undrafted free agent class afterwards.

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