New York Giants: A way-too-early look at 2019 NFL Draft targets

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GLENDALE, AZ – JANUARY 01: Linebacker Te’von Coney #4 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in action during the BattleFrog Fiesta Bowl against the Ohio State Buckeyes at University of Phoenix Stadium on January 1, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. The Buckeyes defeated the Fighting Irish 44-28. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Te’von Coney, Linebacker, Notre Dame

The New York Giants did a lot to address the defensive side of the ball last weekend, but general manager Dave Gettleman still failed to address the middle linebacker position at any point in the draft. New York is making a big transition to a 3-4 base scheme and that kind of defense requires playmaking middle linebackers to be successful.

Alec Ogletree, who was acquired via trade with the Los Angeles Rams, showed last season that he’s capable of being a difference-maker in a 3-4 scheme. B.J. Goodson, on the other hand, has yet to show that he’s capable of making a difference and is better suited for a 4-3 scheme.

There may be some character issues when it comes to Te’von Coney, but you can’t deny how talented he is. A tackling machine with a relentless motor and the athleticism to effectively drop back into coverage when called upon to do so, the Notre Dame product has the perfect skill set to man the middle of a 3-4 defense. Coney also possesses the rare versatility to play outside linebacker.

If correctly utilized by defensive coordinator James Bettcher, Coney could be a dangerous defensive weapon that would give opposing offensive coordinators nightmares.

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