Yes, I know I wrote my own 'draft grade' post on the New York Giants selection of Prince Amukamara over at SB Nation New York. And, yes, I expect you to go read it.
The Amukamara pick is getting lots of love from NFL draft analysts everywhere. Mike gave you a little of that earlier this morning. Before we move on and begin discussing rounds 2 and 3, I thought I would pass along a little more of that reaction.
SB Nation's Mocking The Draft:
No one was expecting the Giants to take a cornerback this early. But a player like Amukamara probably shouldn't have been available with the 19th pick. With Amukamara, the Giants have a big cornerback who they can plug in and start immediately.
CBS Sports' Pete Prisco:
This kid was fourth on my board. How did he fall this far? The Giants get a great value pick, a guy who can cover DeSean Jackson.
Big Blue just landed a great deal, at least if Amukamara lives up to his potential. A sizable but speedy (4.49 in the 40) cornerback, he was the best defender on Bo Pelini's revitalized Black Shirts defense in Nebraska. A great stat? Opponents completed just 18 passes against him all season. New York was stout on defense last year, but it can't hurt to add a potential shutdown corner.
ESPN:
Amukamara is the most instinctive corner in this year's class. He has above-average recognition and route-anticipation skills, and is also light on his feet and changes directions quickly. He is also above-average when setting the edge in run support. ... A year ago, the Giants were forced to play a lot of three-safety packages, but this pick alleviates that problem. Amukamara joins Corey Webster, Terrell Thomas and nickel back Aaron Ross, who struggles to stay healthy, and now the Giants have three guys who can play on an island to help their exotic pass rush. This really gives the Giants a lot of versatility.
By the way, yes I know there is a Giants' blog out there throwing cold water on the pick. We are not going to reference that, though, or argue with it. I am sometimes accused of being overly positive about the Giants. No doubt I prefer to think positively, and I am happy about this selection.
What I prefer not to do is act like I know more than the experts who study players for a living, and who get paid to make these selections.