After a day of speculation as to whether the New York Giants would trade up, the Giants ultimately decided to stick and pick at 37th overall.
They selected Tennessee cornerback Colton Hood, a player who was widely expected to be drafted in the first round. Hood was so highly thought of by NFL teams that he was invited to attend the draft in the green room, which is usually an indication that they’re considered first round talents. It was a real surprise that Hood not only slipped out of the first round,
but even fell past the first four picks of the second round.
Hood has an average build for an outside corner at 5-foot-11, 193 pounds, and has adequate speed with a 4.44-second 40 yard dash. More importantly, he brings an explosive lower body, quick feet, and some impressive competitive toughness.
The Giants’ defense will likely depend on man coverage or man-match coverage principles to keep cornerbacks within a step of receivers and force tight coverage throws. Hood not only has the athleticism to execute those techniques, he brings great physicality to the field, playing cornerback like an enforcer box safety. He’s not only able to get — and stay — in receivers’ hip pockets, but he’s also a real factor in run defense on the perimeter and plays with a great Football IQ.
Hood will join linebacker Arvell Reese and guard Francis Mauigoa in what is looking a lot like a classic “Ravens” draft class, with the Giants patiently waiting while other teams maneuver around them and allow talented players to drop further than they should.
The Giants have added talented players at great value with each of their first three picks, but still have yet to add talent to their thin defensive tackle and wide receiver positions. They’ll have to wait until Day 3 to do so unless they execute a trade to get another Day 2 pick.
