Giants go back-to-back with defensive backs on Day 2
With the No. 70 pick in Round 3 of the 2024 NFL Draft the New York Giants selected Kentucky cornerback Andru Phillips.
The Giants drafted cornerback Tae Banks in Round 1 last year. They needed more at cornerback, though, as veteran starter Adoree’ Jackson remains unsigned in free agency. There is some debate about whether or not the 5-foot-10, 190-pound Phillips can play outside or will be limited to the slot.
Joe Schoen said Phillips is most likely a slot corner to start but has flex to outside. they see Cor’Dale Flott the same way with outside/inside flex
— Pat Leonard (@PLeonardNYDN) April 27, 2024
The selection of Phillips meant the Giants spent both of their Day selections on defensive backs. They chose Minnesota safety Tyler Nubin with the 47th overall pick in Round 2.
Scouting reports
Here is Phillips describing his own playing style:
“I would say I’m explosive and quick. I play the game with an edge. I also play to win every rep. I’m extremely competitive.”
New #Giants CB Andru Phillips on @TheDraftNetwork!
https://t.co/nP56syDa7s— Justin M (@JustinM_NFL) April 27, 2024
Big Blue View prospect profile:
Chris Pflum wrote:
Phillips projects as a versatile nickel defensive back at the NFL level. He might not have the ability to stay as an outside corner at the next level, but his skill set suggests significant versatility to play the slot, free safety, or as a “DB” who rotates between positions and responsibilities to disguise coverages. Teams that run a high rate of man coverage will almost certainly look elsewhere.
Dane Brugler (The Athletic):
Although his production won’t jump off the page, his coverage tape improved each of his four seasons in Lexington — and that continued with a strong week during Senior Bowl practices. With his lower-body quickness and agility, Phillips can drive from zone or stay within arm’s length downfield in man. He prefers to play a physical brand of football, which is refreshing. However, his handsy tactics needs more subtle ty, and his tackling requires better finishing control. Overall, Phillips falls short in a few categories, which leads to in-game volatility. He is battled-tested, though, with the athletic instincts and feisty toughness that will translate to any level of football. He won’t be a fit for every team but offers inside-outside versatility with immediate special-teams value, similar to Roger McCreary.
33rd Team says:
Phillips projects as a No. 3 cornerback who fits best in the slot. He really should only play on the outside if asked to play in shallow zones, because he’ll get bullied by bigger targets out there. In the slot, he has the quickness, transition ability, and closing speed to stay with today’s slot receivers. Additionally, if asked to press, he should have an easier time doing so against the smaller targets. Playing in the slot will also allow him to help out more in the run game, something he’s not afraid to do, granted he can become a better tackler. While he can man up slot receivers, he can really make a difference in zones, using his high FBI and fluidity all over the field. With limited collegiate experience he may have a tough time early on, but he has high-end traits that should allow him to develop into a strong NFL player. He could carve out a role on special teams based on his willingness to be physical in the run game, but he may have a tough time given his size and inefficient tackling ability.
The Giants massively improve their secondary with Andru Phillips
His scouting report from @gregcosell
STRENGTHS:
– Smooth corner with quick feet and fluid transition and change of direction traits. Can flip and open his hips.
– Quick, sudden feet in mirror match press… https://t.co/b3GWja0AU4 pic.twitter.com/FNel1kugwM
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) April 27, 2024
Pre-Draft Analysis
Phillips reads receivers, breaks on the ball quickly and closes in a flash in off-coverage. He’s smooth with good balance and body control, and he’s fast enough to compete when he has to turn and run with receivers. Phillips plays with an edge and great physicality for his size. He’s an aggressive run-defender, he flies up after the catch, and he’s a powerful tackler. And although he didn’t intercept a pass while he was at Kentucky, he flashes good timing breaking up passes and can locate the ball with his back turned to the line of scrimmage. — Steve Muench
Post-Draft Analysis
An ascending cornerback who excelled at the 2024 Senior Bowl, Phillips joins fellow rookie Tyler Nubin for a new-look secondary in New York one year after the team drafted Deonte Banks in the first round. Phillips has proven he can play slot cornerback or split out wide — with his snap count in college equally split between the two. He’s a proven zone coverage corner coming out of the Kentucky defense and fits the mold of new defensive coordinator Shane Bowen’s scheme. — Matt Miller
Instant grade
SB Nation’s Joseph Acosta gave the pick a B:
A solid pickup for the Giants, taking a nickel corner in Phillips. He’s a competitive corner who wants to make plays on the ball despite his size. The Giants needed a nickel, and he fits like a glove.
Giants round-by-round draft selections
Round 1 (No. 6) — Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
Round 2 (No. 47) — Tyler Nubin, S, Minnesota
Round 3 (No. 70) — Andru Phillips, CB, Kentucky
Round 4 (No. 107) —
Round 5 (No. 166) —
Round 6 (No. 183) —
More draft coverage
- Big Blue View Draft Hub page
- 2024 Big Blue View Big Board – How do the prospects stack up?
- Big Blue View rules for draft success, 2024 edition
- Big Blue View mailbag: Draft day edition
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How to watch the rest of the draft
- Saturday, April 27: Rounds 4-7 (Noon)
TV: ABC, ESPN, ESPN Deportes, NFL Network
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Odds: DraftKings Sportsbook
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