CBS Sports' draft analyst Dane Brugler selected Michigan State cornerback Trae Waynes for the New York Giants with the ninth overall pick in his most recent mock draft. Brugler was a guest on the latest 'Big Blue Chat' podcast with Pat Traina and myself, and he explained why he believes Waynes would be a quality pick for the Giants.
Brugler said that Waynes is clearly the best player in a talented cornerback class, and that he is just "scratching the surface of who he can be as a player." Brugler did, however, says that corner is deep in this class and you can find good ones later. He predicted as many as half-dozen corners could be first-round picks.
Here is what Brugler wrote about Waynes in making the selection:
Offensive line is the popular choice for mock drafts when it comes to the New York Giants, which makes sense. But if Michigan State cornerback Trae Waynes is still available with the No. 9 overall pick, not only might he be the best player available, but it also fills a need.
Current starting corners Prince Amukamara (missed half of last season due to injury) and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie both have durability concerns and are far from safe bets to stay healthy for all 16 games in 2015. Waynes also gives New York a long-term answer at the position with Amukamara set to hit free agency after this year.
At least one cornerback has been drafted top 10 each of the past five years and Waynes to the Giants would keep the streak alive.
Brugler left offensive lineman Brandon Scherff, defensive tackle Danny Shelton, defensive end Randy Gregory and wide receiver Devante Parker, among others, on the board in selecting Waynes.
Here are some of the other things Brugler spoke about during his 'Big Blue Chat' appearance:
- Brugler said there are several starting-caliber guards available on Day 2 of the draft, including A.J. Cann of South Carolina and 'Tre Jackson of Florida State. Brugler's favorite appeared to be Cann, who he called a "very solid second-round type" who could start right away.
- Brugler believes the Giants would have a hard time passing on Missouri defensive end Shane Ray if he is still on the board at No. 9. He said the slightly under-sized Ray has the "best first-step quickness" of any pass rusher in the 2015 draft class and "makes some sense for the Giants" at No 9. Brugler also mentioned Alvin 'Bud' Dupree of Kentucky as a defensive end who could appeal to the Giants.
- Brugler gives Alabama's Landon Collins a late-first to early-second round grade, indicating he doesn't really see value for the Giants in taking Collins at No. 9. He said Collins is an "enforcer" who would be better served playing as a box safety.
- Brugler said that "there is a wide range of opinion" on the second tier of players, in this draft. That means real unpredictability in the draft.
- Brugler said that Day is the "sweet spot" for linebackers, especially middle linebackers. Asked which Day 2 middle linebacker he would bang the table for, he chose Denzel Perryman of Miami. Brugler called him "a hammer looking for a nail." Brugler said Perryman "loves to come downhill, work off blocks, make an impact in the backfield." Brugler said he felt Perryman could start right away at the NFL level.
Pick up a copy of Brugler's 2015 NFL Draft Guide at MyFootballNews.com. That's 187 pages of draft goodness for your reading pleasure.