By Michael Stewart/@TheTruthNYG
The Cornerback position could be the most controversial position on the defensive side of the ball for the Giants as we enter the 2022 season. The release of James Bradberry created a void at one of the two CB spots and has moved Adoree’ Jackson from CB2 to CB1. The million dollar question thus far is “who will be at CB2”? The Giants have a number of young candidates who will be competing for that role; let’s look at each one that are currently on the roster.
- Adoree’ Jackson: Jackson’s role in 2022 will be much greater as he will be asked to cover the best WR on opposing team’s each week. Another issue for Jackson will be durability as he has missed significant playing throughout his career and the Giants are hoping that’s in the rear view mirror.
- Aaron Robinson: Robinson was drafted in the 3rd round in the 2021 draft and is currently the front runner to secure the CB2 spot by opening day. DC Wink Martindale has spoken highly of Robinson, but he still needs to display solid coverage skills once the pads are put on and pre-season games begin.
- Maurice Canady: DC Wink Martindale had Canady with him in Baltimore before Canady moved on with Jets and the Cowboys before signing as a free agent this off season with the Giants. Canady is more of a journeyman and would be considered an added depth piece rather than a serious candidate for the starting CB2 spot.
- Khalil Dorsey: Dorsey is a familiar face of DC Wink Martindale during his time in Baltimore. Dorsey is a bit undersized at 5’9/181 and will complete at the slot position and also on special teams. Odds are stacked against at this point and perhaps his best chance to remain a Giant will be on the practice squad.
- Michael Jacquet: Jacquet started his NFL career with the Philadelphia Eagles and spent most of his time in 2021 on the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad. Jacquet has good size (6’2/200) and is considered a depth piece and could have a better chance making the team through special team’s play.
- Rodarius Williams: William’s rookie season was plagued by injuries as he spent most of the 2021 on the IR. Williams has the ability to play in various defensive schemes and needs to shine in training camp to secure a roster spot by opening day. Health is the main issue for William’s and if he could stay off the injury list, he might just make the final roster.
- Zyon Gilbert: Gilbert was a UDFA signing and was a solid performer with Florida Atlantic throughout his college career. Gilbert has good ball hawking skills and is not timid when it comes to contact. Gilbert will more than likely get caught up in the numbers game and probably spent his 2022 season on the Giants practice squad.
- Darren Evans: Evans was a teammate of Cordale Flott at LSU and has good length (6’3/175) and possesses long arms. Evans would need to add a few more pounds to endure the physical aspect of the NFL. At this point, Evans is more than likely auditioning for a spot on the Giants practice squad where he can have the time to develop his skills further.
- Darnay Holmes: Holmes seems to be the forgotten cornerback by many, but I still see him in the slot and being a serious candidate to get the most snaps. Once the pads get put on and we see him in playing situations, we’ll have a better grasp of where he stands. I believe Holmes biggest competition will be from rookie Cordale Flott once training begins.
- Cordale Flott: Flott was one of two picks for the Giants in round 3 (along with Joshua Ezeudu) as I believe he will be auditioning more in the slot when training camp begins. Flott is extremely athletic and has a long lean frame; which he would need to get bigger and stronger as he develops. It wouldn’t be a shock to me at some point in training camp that Flott sees some snaps on the outside.
I would keep an eye on the waiver wire as GM Joe Schoen could have interest if a particular cornerback gets released that would not only fit the Giants budget, but also the culture that Schoen is instilling. Among all the positions for the Giants, the cornerback spot has the most question marks and if these young players fail to meet expectations, it could be a rough 2022 season for the Giants at the cornerback position.