2022 NFL Mock Draft: Malik Willis in the top 5, Cowboys get elite EDGE

By Randy Gurzi | Sep 6, 2021

Dec 26, 2020; Orlando, FL, USA; Liberty Flames quarterback Malik Willis (7) runs the ball in for a touchdown as Coastal Carolina Chanticleers safety Alex Spillum (10) defends during the second half of the Cure Bowl at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports /

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SOUTH BEND, IN – NOVEMBER 23: Kyle Hamilton #14 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish intercepts a pass against the Boston College Eagles in the second half at Notre Dame Stadium on November 23, 2019 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated Boston College 40-7. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

31. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. S. Kyle Hamilton. Notre Dame. 7. player

7. New York Giants: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame

The New York Giants do have a young, talented safety that could be a long-term starter in Xavier McKinney, their second-round pick in 2020. McKinney ended up going 36th overall after a stellar career out of Alabama but only played six games as a rookie. He suffered a broken foot early in the year but once he was back on the field, he was able to flash his potential — even scoring an interception against the Dallas Cowboys in their Week 17 win that gave them a shot at the NFC East.

McKinney should be starting across from either Jabril Peppers or Logan Ryan this season, but both could be gone in 2022. Peppers is currently playing on the fifth-year of his rookie deal whereas Ryan is nearing the end of his career.

New York already showed they’re not afraid to let a safety walk when he’s looking for a deal when they said goodbye to Landon Collins who signed with the Washington Football Team. In this scenario, they do so again as they let Peppers walk and replace him with Kyle Hamilton from Notre Dame.

The 6-foot-4, 220-pound Hamilton is the consensus top pick at safety and has a great combination of instincts and explosiveness to go along with that elite size. Pairing him with McKinney would give the Giants two studs on the back end of their secondary.

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