As the New York Giants venture towards a unique feature that the NFL has to offer, the supplemental draft, we will take a look at a cornerback that might be a good fit for a thin secondary.
With Janoris Jenkins, an unproven Eli Apple, and a veteran in William Gay, all featuring on the defense, there’s certainly room for improvement in the months ahead. It’s possible the Giants choose to wait until after training camp to pick up a few cheap veterans, and I wouldn’t rule out a potential re-connection with Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, but the supplemental draft also offers a few interesting prospects.
Adonis Alexander of Virginia Tech offers reason for optimism.
Should the New York Giants consider bidding for the corner?
In three seasons (2015-18), Alexander played in 32 collegiate games, earning a modest 125 tackles, seven interceptions and 17 passes defended. Some solid stats for a player that ultimately was forced to take on a secondary draft system that is built for troubled athletes.
At 6-foot-2 and 194-pounds, Adonis has above average NFL size as a defensive back.
Official pro day workout results yesterday for @VT_Football CB Adonis Alexander:
Ht/wt: 6-2 1/4, 194
Hands/arms: 9/31
40: 4.62/4.63 (indoors/field turf)
VJ: 35.5
BJ: 10-4
SS: 4.38
3-cone: 7.19
Bench: 9Redskins DB coach Torrian Gray ran drills. Alexander had good workout.
— Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) June 21, 2018
With a solid 40-yard dash, there’s no limitations keeping Alexander back in regard to his measurables, as he could certainly become a quality starter or reserve corner on any team. Several players including Terrelle Pryor and Josh Gordon were both taken in the supplemental draft and are still currently participating in the NFL.
With Alexander’s size, he could be a stellar addition to a defense that will utilize a James Bettcher heavy blitz scheme. His mass and speed could play a part in the secondary as Bettcher likes to keep the defense unpredictable and the offense on their toes. While the former Virginia Tech corner became ineligible for the NFL draft due to poor grades, his athletic prowess remains more than adequate.
The Giants would have to give up at least a fifth-round pick and cap-space to sign Alexander. There will surely be other teams vying for his signature, but I wouldn’t rule out GM Dave Gettleman making a savvy move and picking up the troubled corner.