5 players Giants should draft in the first round

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JANUARY 03: Head coach Joe Judge and Daniel Jones #8 of the New York Giants celebrate their teams 23-19 victory against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium on January 03, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

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MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – JANUARY 11: Patrick Surtain II #2 of the Alabama Crimson Tide warms up before the College Football Playoff National Championship football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Hard Rock Stadium on January 11, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Florida. The Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes 52-24. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /

2. New York Giants first-round draft targets – CB Patrick Surtain II

One of the big hits from Gettleman’s offseason moves a year ago was the addition of James Bradberry. The former Panthers’ cornerback became the Giants’ best defensive back, regularly shutting down opposing wide receivers as part of a strong New York defense.

Finding a starter next to Bradberry has been trickier since 2019 first-round pick DeAndre Baker was cut after a serious off-the-field incident. Julian Love, Darnay Holmes and Sam Beal all took turns getting key reps on the outside for the Giants a year ago but New York could still use a serious upgrade to the No. 2 corner spot.

The best way to do that is with Patrick Surtain II, the son of former Dolphins’ corner Patrick Surtain. A big and physical corner, Surtain has the natural athleticism to stick with most NFL receivers and should be ready to start right away.

Selecting Surtain would give New York an excellent pair of cornerbacks, making it easier for defensive coordinator Patrick Graham to generate a pass rush by sending extra men on blitzes. There is also tremendous upside with Surtain, who could eventually supplant Bradberry as the Giants’ lockdown corner.

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