New York Giants: Under-the-radar draft scenarios
By Ryan Disdier
January 1, 2014; Pasadena, CA, USA; Michigan State Spartans cornerback Trae Waynes (15) celebrates after he intercepts a pass against the Stanford Cardinal during the second half at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Scenario 1: Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State
As a former defensive back, I’m a firm believe that you can never have too many cornerbacks.
The cornerback corps was considered one of New York’s deepest positions last year, but now the unit is rather depleted.
Prince Amukamara and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie are a formidable duo, and arguably the best cornerback tandem in the NFC East. There is certainly a lack of depth behind them, though.
New York Giants
Trumaine McBride is a good, undersized corner, but he’ll be 30 by October, and he’s coming off of a season-ending injury. Jayron Hosley has been an enormous bust after being drafted in the second round of 2012, and Mike Harris isn’t exactly an ideal plug-and-play corner either.
Enter Trae Waynes.
The 6-1 prospect out of Michigan State is considered by many – including NFL.com – to be the top corner in the draft. Waynes wowed at the combine, running a 4.31 40-yard-dash time, and getting 19 reps on the bench press. Both feats were the best by any cornerback at the combine.
Trae “I Think I’m Al Harris” Waynes has tremendous ball skills, and he won’t shy away from making tackles and contributing in the run game. He’s a very fluid runner, and he rarely got beat in college.
Waynes also possesses a unique swagger, which is something the Giants need now more than ever with the departure of Antrel Rolle. Waynes’ confidence is something that will help him make the transition to the pro level, and it’s also something Prince Amukamara lacked coming out of college.
With Amukamara’s contract expiring soon, Waynes would give the Giants a perfect backup plan and insurance if they decide to let Amukamara walk.
I think Waynes would come in and be a day-one starter. He’s too gifted and too talented not to be. If Jerry Reese truly wants to draft based on his “best player available philosophy,” then Waynes makes the most sense, as he will be the best player available when the Giants pick at nine.
Is cornerback an area in dire need of help? No, but neither was the wide receiver group last year, and we all know who the Giants picked then. My cornerback bias aside, I think Waynes would be a tremendous pick, maybe even better than a potential selection of Brandon Scherff.
Next: Another LSU Tiger