2018 NFL Mock Draft: 5-Round New York Giants Mock 1.0

With the 34th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, the New York Giants select … Mike Hughes!

The Giants made a pair of offseason decisions that necessitate this selection. After cutting Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Big Blue needed to fill a hole at cornerback and when they cut Dwayne Harris, they needed to address their return game. Hughes fills both needs with one pick.

Hughes is a physical outside corner with ball skills. He disrupts routes with a strong press and has no problem getting his hands on the ball (four interceptions and 11 pass breakups in 2017). Hughes is also an incredible return man. He returned two kickoffs for touchdowns and one punt for a touchdown in 2017.

The Giants have been searching for a difference-making return specialist for years. They thought they finally had one when they signed Harris but he returned just one kickoff for a touchdown in three seasons with Big Blue.

New York has a talented No. 1 corner in Janoris Jenkins but the other side of the field is a bit of a question mark. After moving on from DRC and having Ross Cockrell sign with the Carolina Panthers, the Giants are left with Eli Apple as a starting outside corner. Apple was the 10th overall pick just two years ago but he’s had a shaky start to his NFL career. He’s been an issue in the locker room and his on-field play has been very inconsistent. Dave Gettleman is giving Apple a clean slate but the Giants have to add more talent to their cornerback room.

Hughes could compete with Apple for a starting spot in 2018 and, at the very least, return kicks and punts for Big Blue.