Giants’ third-year cornerback could take a leap in 2024

The New York Giants could have themselves a solid defensive option at the cornerback position in 2024, as third-year corner Cor’Dale Flott could be primed to have a breakout year in 2024.

Cor’Dale Flott began to take strides in 2023

Flott had a strong second NFL season last year, recording one interception (the first of his career), a career-high 36 tackles, and allowing a completion percentage of 59.6% on targets he defended.

His aggressiveness and tenacity could pay huge dividends for New York, as outside of Deonte Banks, they received lackluster production from the secondary in 2023. In Week 1 last season, the starting corners were Banks and Tre Hawkins II on the outside, and Adoree’ Jackson in the slot. Banks is the only one of those three projected to start this season with Jackson no longer under contract and Hawkins demoted.

Flott could play a huge role in the Giants’ defense in 2024

To address the poor secondary play as well as the loss of Xavier McKinney in free agency, the Giants drafted two defensive backs in this year’s draft, one of which was Kentucky cornerback Andru Phillips who was taken 70th overall in the third round. This upcoming season could feature Flott in the starting lineup in Week 1. He could possibly be the most experienced corner in the group if Phillips starts alongside him, even at the young age of 22.

Flott said that working with Banks and Giants’ secondary coach Jerome Henderson this summer has helped him grow confidence as a young player still adapting to the NFL:

“We are two different types of corners,” Flott said (h/t GiantsWire). “So, with this transition, Tae, learn from him and his press techniques. Nickel, you’ll be five yards off rather up on the line and also use the sideline as a corner, too. Just taking notes basically from each guy and the other veterans in the room and that’s what I’ll continue to do.”

As OTAs continue, this provides a good opportunity for Flott to refine his game and make strides as a player. With a new defensive coordinator in Shane Bowen for the 2024 season, Flott could suddenly become a key piece to the Giants’ secondary if he continues to make improvements heading into next season.