With Janoris Jenkins featuring on the New Orleans Saints after being waived by the New York Giants several weeks ago, GM Dave Gettleman will be in the market for a No. 1 cornerback. Jenkins was the de-facto top dog for the Giants before his insensitive tweets sent him to the waiver wire, and his departure left DeAndre Baker fending for himself against opposing teams’ top wide receivers.
Baker allowed a 62.1% completion percentage last season against opposing quarterbacks, which is lackluster considering Jenkins, who lacked effort on numerous occasions, logged a 53.8% completion percentage. Having a top corner is a necessity for a Giants team with a weak secondary and robust interior defensive line.
Gettleman will surely be looking to inject more talent into the cornerback, linebacker, and pass-rusher positions. Luckily, he has $80+ million in cap space and plenty of draft capital to utilize in his quest to correct the wrongdoings he implemented on the defense.
Here are two cornerbacks the New York Giants should consider:
1.) Logan Ryan
Aside from Ryan’s impeccable healthy history, he’s also one of the best corners in the NFL. His contract is set to expire with the Tennessee Titans, which opens the door for the Giants to steal him away, and after his 2019 production, they should be bidding high for his services.
Ryan logged 113 combined tackles, four tackles for a loss, eight QB hits, 4.5 sacks, 18 passes defended, four interceptions, and four forced fumbles this season. The Titans view him as more than just an elite cover-corner. He can rush the passer from the outside, thanks to a unique defensive scheme. If the Giants bring him in, using him as a utility player that can produce in multiple categories seems like the right move. Factor in his pick-six against Tom Brady to slam the door closed on the Evil Empire, and Gettleman should be preparing his checkbook for the 28-year-old.
Expect him to earn somewhere in the $11-13 million range.
2.) Jeff Okudah
The Giants have the 4th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, and Jeff Okudah, cornerback for Ohio State, could fit the bill for a secondary begging for a No. 1 corner. Okudah, who’s the best corner in all of college football, racked up 34 total tackles, and nine passes defended over 13 games.
His statistical production doesn’t scream efficiency, but that can be a good thing for corners. Opposing quarterback seldom picked on the OSU star, and drafting him would make him the top corner for the Giants immediately. However, the CB positions present the biggest challenge for players making the jump to the NFL, and that’s a factor the Giants must consider. I believe they will sign a free-agent corner to fill the spot instead of drafting Okudah, but sometimes youth is too appealing.