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Even though on the surface the Giants don't need a cornerback, you never know. Especially given the injury history that has run rampant among the New York secondary, a corner could be on the slate for the draft if the primary needs are filled through free agency. So let's take a look at Trae Waynes from Michigan State. Is he a fit?
Pros
- Natural ball skills
- Best man cover corner in the draft
- Fluid hips can turn and run easily
- Wins leverage battles with receiver consistently; constantly gets under ball's path
- Has good length at 6-foot-1
Cons
- Really skinny build. Only 182 pounds. Will get bullied by larger receivers.
- Run support is mediocre.
- Doesn't look like a zone corner, so scheme versatility might be an issue.
- Inconsistent technique pressing the receiver.
Does He Fit With The Giants?
I would've said no had Perry Fewell been here. Steve Spagnuolo likes man coverage much more than Fewell did, so Waynes fits like a glove. He's already polished in his technique and could play right away. He needs to get a bit stronger, so I'd say the only real deficit in his game is his run support, but given the big contract given to Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, I'd say coverage takes precedence.
Prospect Video
Big Board Rankings
Big Blue View - 18
Mocking The Draft - 26
CBS Sports - 19
Draft Tek - 11
Final Thoughts
I personally am a big fan of Waynes and have him close to top 10 status. He's a lankier version of Darqueze Dennard, who happened to be my top corner in last year's draft. I suppose I just like corners that can play man-to-man. I expect Waynes to go in the late teens to early 20s but it could honestly swing either way. It's early, but if I were a betting man, he won't be a New York Giant. Too early at No. 9 and I'd be dumbstruck if he were available at 40.