[NOTE: I asked out friends over at Conquest Chronicles, SB Nation's USC blog, for some background on Terrell Thomas, the Giants' second-round pick in the NFL Draft. Here is their report.]

Terrell Thomas was one of the premier lock-down cornerbacks in college football.

From WeAreSC.com

Overall in 2007 while starting all 13 games, he had 45 tackles, including 4.5 for losses of 29 yards (with a 15-yard sack), plus a team-best 4 interceptions that he returned 44 yards (11.0 avg.), a team-high 7 deflections, 3 forced fumbles and 1 fumble recovery. He was named to the 2007 All-Pac-10 second team (for the second consecutive year), ESPN.com All-Pac-10 first team, Rivals.com All-Pac-10 second team and Phil Steele's All-Pac-10 second team. He was an East-West Shrine Game invitee.

Known for his lock-down skills on receivers, he is also versatile enough to play free safety. His ability and penchant for making big tackles inside the box has shown he has more than lived up to the challenge of covering the opposition's main receiving target and has allowed just two touchdown catches over the last two seasons at USC.

Because of his ability to dominate vs. the run, he has also seen some action with the linebacker unit. He shows little regard for his own safety, willingly hurling himself into the pile to make the play. Can be effective in man and zone coverage but at his best playing press-man. Is physical and aggressive, using long arms and strong upper body to take receivers out of their routes at the line. He is instinctive in coverage and knows when to turn and look for the ball. He takes solid angles and is a reliable open-field tackler. In zone, he does a good job of keeping everything in front of him and reading the QB's eyes. Gives a good effort and is very productive in run support.

He's instinctive but he also tends to freelance at times and can get in trouble by being out of position. He's fast for his size but he does lack elite fluidity in his hips and will have some trouble keeping up with smaller, quicker WR's on double moves in the NFL. Struggles to find the ball over his shoulder and is much more effective when the play is in front of him.

He will be a great addition to the Giant secondary, and with me living 5 minutes away from Giants Stadium I will get the added benefit of seeing both Thomas and Steve Smith play this season.