New York Giants: One low-key defensive back is climbing the roster

The New York Giants underwent their first intrasquad scrimmage of the 2020 off-season on Friday. With the defense and offense both facing off against one another, we got to see some of the players in action. Despite Xavier McKinney and Ryan Connelly sitting out due to rest purposes, according to head coach Joe Judge, plenty of players earned an opportunity to showcase their abilities.

Fourth-round pick Darnay Holmes recorded an interception on a diving play over Golden Tate near the boundary, and Julian Love showed out once again in a safety role. However, low-key defensive back Dravon Askew-Henry emerged as a dark-horse contender for a roster spot.

Henry had previously played for the Pittsburgh Steelers but was released and joined the XFL and the New York Guardians. When the XFL went under, the Giants signed Henry to the contract in hopes of extracting his potential this year. On Friday, he recorded two pass breakups, building upon his early success in camp.

How can Dravon Askew-Henry make the New York Giants’ roster?

As a player capable of playing cornerback, Henry could sneak his way onto the roster in that way. Currently, the Giants have Corey Ballentine, Holmes, Prince Smith, and Askew-Henry as potential suitors for the CB2 position. Of course, I would be remiss not to mention Julian Love, who has the ability to play corner, having started there during his collegiate career with Notre Dame.

There’s no question that Dravon has the genetics to go along with his talent. His cousin is former All-Pro cornerback to Darrelle Revis. With Askew-Henry possessing the natural ability and instincts to be a quality NFL player, hopefully, a Patrick Graham lead defense can find ways to maximize his abilities.

With a bevy of young secondary players fighting for a roster spot, it will take an extremely impressive camp to cement a spot on Judge’s no-nonsense team. Nonetheless, he has started off strong.