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In its latest 2013 NFL Mock Draft, SB Nation has connected a new name to the New York Giants. SB Nation has chosen Florida State cornerback Xavier Rhodes for the New York Giants with the 19th overall selection.
Matthew Fairburn writes:
The Giants are one of the best teams in the league at collecting value in the draft, and this is just another example of that. Xavier Rhodes could be the best cornerback in this class, depending on who you ask, and his ability to play physical, man-to-man coverage will be a welcome addition to the Giants secondary.
Rhodes is ranked 13th on the Big Blue View Big Board assembled by Jesse Bartolis. SB Nation's Dan Kadar has Rhodes ranked No. 22 on his Big Board. In a scouting report on Rhodes, Fairburn writes:
He's got all of the physical tools to be a very effective cornerback in the NFL. If he can continue to stay healthy and improve his play recognition, Rhodes could end up being the best cornerback in this class. He has true shutdown potential.
[Big Blue View Draft Hub | BBV Prospect Profiles]
One more perspective on Rhodes comes from Rob Rang of CBS Sports, who has Rhodes ranked 23rd on his Big Board. Rang writes:
With a rare combination of size (6-2, 217), physicality and athleticism, Rhodes proved to be a standout throughout his career with the Seminoles, culminating in first-team All-ACC honors in 2012. He'll need to run well in pre-draft workouts to guarantee being selected in the first round and projects best to a press-heavy scheme.
Valentine's View: I am always a fan of collecting quality cornerbacks. In the modern NFL I believe you can never have enough good cornerbacks. Also, considering the fact that the Giants were atrocious defensively in 2012 and gave up way too many big passing plays, it would be tough to argue with the addition of a cornerback to add to the young core of Prince Amukamara and Jayron Hosley.
I wonder, though, if the Giants would be better served to try and improve their defensive front seven before selecting a cornerback.
Thoughts, Giants' fans?