The New York Giants have a position battle brewing on defense. Despite having veteran Adoree’ Jackson and rookie Deonte Banks established as the team’s starting cornerbacks on the boundary, the slot corner job is still up for grabs.
Among the candidates for the position is 2021 third-round pick Aaron Robinson. He’s struggled with injuries throughout his career, but could a healthy Robinson see a resurgence this season and land the nickel corner role?
Could Aaron Robinson steal the Giants’ slot CB job?
The Giants traded up to draft Robinson in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Since then, however, Robinson has struggled to get on the field due to injuries. Robinson has played in only 11 games across his first two seasons.
In 2022, Robinson only appeared in two games for Big Blue, totaling six combined tackles and one tackle for loss. Robinson suffered both a partially torn ACL and a partially torn MCL in Week 4 of the regular season, leaving him sidelined for the year.
Entering this offseason, there is hope for Robinson to earn himself a role in the Giants’ defense. When healthy, Robinson can provide the defense with added length and physicality that is otherwise absent.
Robinson was an excellent run-defender during his collegiate career. According to PFF, he posted 80+ run defense grades in each of his final two seasons at UCF. The 6-foot-1, 193-pound corner totaled 69 total tackles and 6.5 tackles for loss in those two seasons.
During his time with Big Blue, Robinson has spent much of his playing time split between the wide and slot corner positions. His size and physicality give him the ability to play outside, however, Robinson’s best chance to play in 2023 will be from the slot.
With an extra defensive back on the field in the nickel personnel, Robinson could boost the Giants’ run-defense ability from the nickel corner spot. With OTAs around the corner, if he can have a successful summer of practices, Robinson could have himself a year-three resurgence and earn a spot in the lineup.