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As we continue our Daily NFL Draft Prospect Profile series let's look at another of the intriguing defensive backs who could be available to the Giants any time from the second round to the fourth or fifth.
Iowa cornerback Amari Spievey is a player whose stock has been rising throughout the post-season pre-draft process. By the way, we have already talked about linebackers Pat Angerer and A.J. Edds of Iowa. Get the feeling that SOMEONE from the Hawkeyes might be among the Giants draftees later this month?
Reports indicate that Spievey is a player who has a lot of positive attributes -- with one big drawback for an NFL corner. He ran 4.53 in the 40 at his Pro Day, and lacks big-time speed. Spievey, though, has enough going for him that there are a couple of teams rumored to be considering him late in the first round.
That seems awfully early. Let's take a closer look, anyway.
Amari Spievey Scouting Reports
From the National Football Post.
A tall, well-built corner who showcases the ability to help in the run game and does a nice job closing on the ball and wrapping up in pursuit, Spievey isn't overly physical at the point of attack but takes good angles and consistently sticks his head into the play. He's a technically sound corner. ... The biggest knock on Spievey is his lack of a second gear when asked to turn and run downfield.
Overall, he's a tough corner who can tackle, press and find the ball in both off-man and zone coverage but will struggle when asked to turn and run with speed downfield.
From NFL Draft Scout.
Spievey's best assets are his size and aggressive play. ... He lacks elite straight-line speed. ... Best reacting to plays in front of him as a zone corner.
From DraftAce.
Excels in zone coverage. Does a nice job reading and reacting. Good ball skills. A willing tackler. ... Spievey flashes the ability to play at the next level, but probably as nothing more than a nickel cornerback. His size is only average and his athleticism isn't anything special. Due to his lack of elite speed he may actually better suited at free safety.
Why Spievey fits with the Giants
If Perry Fewell is going to institute a zone-based system (we don't know that for sure, but that is his history) Spievey's skill set might fit in nicely. Also, might offer some protection for Kenny Phillips if he has the versatility to swing over to free safety. Plus, has a reputation as a guy who can contribute on coverage teams. The Giants can use all the help they can get there.
Why the Giants should pass
There is a lot to like about Spievey, but the lack of top-end speed is a concern, especially for a corner. Spievey's draft stock has been rising, but he might come off the board fairly early for a guy who does not appear to have the speed to be a top-flight corner.
(E-mail Ed at bigblueview@gmail.com. Follow Big Blue View on Twitter.)