By Michael Stewart/@golferbad
Introduction: This is part 4 of 10 in a series of player spotlights as in the 2019 NFL draft, the Giants GM Dave Gettleman traded back into the 1st round, surrendering their 2nd, 4th and 5th round picks to the Seattle Seahawks 30th overall pick for CB D’Andre Baker out of Georgia. Baker was the 1st cornerback taken in the draft and was regarded as one of the best in the country playing in the SEC conference.
Baker’s rookie season had its ups and downs from not understanding the playbook to falling asleep during defensive meetings. Add to that being accused of not hustling during a loss to the New York Jets 34-27. Most recently, Baker is facing possible legal trouble for allegations of arm robbery last month in South Florida. With these sudden change of events, the Giants Head Coach Joe Judge could be looking for Baker’s replacement opposite of James Bradberry and currently the top three candidates are Julian Love, Sam Beal and Cory Ballentine. Before the Baker incident, Love was viewed as a possible slot corner or even a safety. However; with the drafting of Xavier McKinney and Darnay Holmes; it appears that the safety and slot positions are covered.
Final Thoughts: Athletically, Love has all the attributes as he did grade out extremely well as an outside cornerback in college with a 83.7 and a 90.9 grades in his final two seasons at Notre Dame. The addition of James Bradberry becoming the #1 cornerback should lessen the load for Love and the other candidates battling it out as Love has the full support from Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham and Defensive Backs Coach Jerome Henderson; who believe that Love can become a top corner in the NFL.