by Spiro Kasabian @nyspawtsguy_spi
The New York Giants took Deandre Baker with the 30th pick in the NFL Draft to help bolster a weak secondary. A clear position of weakness, the Giants were apparently not done adding to this position group. With the 108th pick, the organization went out and drafted Julian Love out of Notre Dame.
This was a very solid draft pick by Dave Gettleman and Co. Even with the pick of Baker in the First Round, the Giants were still lacking depth in their secondary. The Giants only employed a pricey vet in Janoris Jenkins, oft-injured Supplemental Draft pick Sam Beal (who has yet to play an NFL snap), and second-year UDFA Grant Haley.
Love was projected to be picked in Day Two of the draft by almost every draftnik out there. The fact that he lasted to day three was an absolute surprise. It presented Gettleman with a value that he simply could not pass up while also filling a big need. This also allows the Giants to have flexibility with Janors Jenkins if he has another down year.
Jenkins is now made expendable with his high salary (although I would certainly keep him to start this year) and age. Julian Love’s versatility is one of his best traits, and with the ability to play both inside in the slot and outside, the Giants have options with the former Golden Domer.
Things to love about Love:
- Instinctive and Intelligent player
- Playmaker with 5 career INTs (2 returned for TD), 4 Fumble Recoveries, and 39 Passes Defensed
- 173 Career Tackles means he is a willing tackler and will play against the run
- Great body-control with the ability to drive and make plays on the ball
- Mirrors Wide Outs and was often counted on to shut-down opposing teams #1 Receiver
- Versatile; Can play inside and outside and in a plethora of different schemes
Knocks on Love:
- Speed at 4.54 was one of the main reasons he fell in the draft
- Doesn’t have ideal height at 5’11”
- More of a Finesse Player than a Physical Player
Overall, I believe the Giants got a steal in the 4th Round in Julian Love. He is the type of player you love to have on your team and has a ton of upside. His “high-floor” abilities make him an ideal pick that late in the draft. The Giants have seemingly resolved their depth issue at Cornerback with their 2019 Draft.