Instant analysis: CB Aaron Robinson probably fits best in the slot

The New York Giants have selected Aaron Robisnon from UCF with the 71st pick in the 2021 NFL draft.

That’s right. The 71st pick, as the Giants traded up with the Denver Broncos (handing over the fifth round pick they got from the Chicago Bears as the trade-a-palooza continues in New York. The Giants jumped ahead of the defense-needy Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles to add their newest cornerback.

Robinson is at his best inside, lining up at slot corner and providing solid size (5-foot-11, 186 pounds) and long speed. Robinson was disruptive at the catch point, racking up 16 passes defensed, and should allow the Giants to mix more man and zone coverage in their coverage over the middle.

The Giants were strongly rumored to be interested in a cornerback at 11th overall, so it isn’t surprising to see them add to the position at some point highly in the draft. And while Darnay Holmes wasn’t a liability in the slot, it was a position the Giants obviously felt they could stand to upgrade.

Robinson is a confident cornerback who — of course — was originally enrolled at Alabama before transferring to UCF. He has played outside as well as inside, which could give the Giants both depth and options to scheme their coverages.

As good as the Giants’ coverage was a year ago, the players’ limitations forced them to pare back some of their schemes and rely more on zone coverage than the coaching staff likely would have preferred. Once offenses figured out Grahams’ coverage rotations, they were able to scheme zone beaters into their passing offenses and the Giants struggled to get off the field.

The addition of Robinson — as well as Adoree’ Jackson — are likely made with the adding more man coverage potential in mind.

While he ran a 4.39 second 40-yard dash at his pro day, Robinson struggled to keep up with athletic receivers in and out of their breaks. Likewise, he didn’t show great ball production and was an inconsistent tackler in college. He took a step forward in his final season, but will need to prove that he can continue to tackle with good form. He could also have upside as a “nickel” defender and transition to more of a safety/slot hybrid role.