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NFL Draft: A look at the cornerbacks

By Ed Valentine

Cornerback is obviously a need position for the Giants, and one many of you feel the team should address with its first-round selection in the upcoming draft.

With that in mind, let's continue our draft two-a-days by taking a look at the top draft prospects at corner.

Most draft experts seem to feel corner is one of the deepest positions in this year's draft -- which is definitely good news for the Giants. Depending on who you trust, you'll find 10-12 corners considered guys who could make solid contributions to NFL teams next season.

Among those, there are four corners who seem to be at or near the top of everybody's draft boards -- Leon Hall of Michigan, Darrelle Revis of Pittsburgh, Aaron Ross of Texas and Chris Houston of Arkansas.

Let's break them down.

Leon Hall -- Most experts consider him the best cover corner in the draft, or at least the one who will make the quickest impact. Hall is unlikely to be on the board when the Giants pick at No. 20.

The skinny from NFL Draft Countdown.

A playmaker with great hands and ball skills...Very smart with excellent instincts and awareness ... Terrific all-around cover guy but is not quite in the same class as guys like Deion Sanders and Champ Bailey ... Should easily be the first cornerback selected and he'll more than likely come off the board very early.

Darrelle Revis, Pittsburgh -- Some experts feel that, in the long run, the 5-foot-111/2, 204-pound Revis will be a better player than Hall. He's a guy the Giants should definitely consider if he is still available, especially since he is considered a quality punt return guy.

The skinny from NFL Draft Countdown.

Good hands and body control ... Terrific tackler ... Very instinctive...Plays with a nasty demeanor...Nice balance and agility...He's also an excellent punt returner ... He's probably not going to be a true #1 shutdown guy at the next level but he's definitely a starter ... Should be one of the first players chosen at his position and his ability to also help out on special teams will be a plus in his favor.

Aaron Ross, Texas -- Part of an elite secondary at Texas. Ross didn't play a lot until this past season, but came on strong. Also an excellent return man.

The skinny from NFL Draft Countdown.

Playmaker with a knack for being in the right place ... Gives a solid effort in run support and is a pretty powerful hitter ... An intriguing prospect who is definitely on the rise.

Chris Houston, Arkansas -- To me, this is a guy I am not sure I'd want to spend a first-round pick on. Reportedly lots of potential, but just as many questions about how good he will actually be. Also a little small at 5-foot-9, 185 pounds.

The skinny from NFL Draft Countdown.

Able to run with most wideouts in man ... Breaks up a lot of passes ... Has a lot of potential ... Has just about all of the physical tools.

Others to watch -- Eric Wright (UNLV), Marcus McCauley (Fresno State), Tanard Jackson (Syracuse), Daymeion Hughes (California) and Josh Wilson (Maryland) are all players who could be selected in the first two rounds.

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