Can he be “Turnover Tommy” in the NFL?
The New York Giants didn’t bring in many undrafted defensive players, and most of the ones they did bring in were defensive backs.
That makes sense from a practical standpoint. After all, defensive backs often have dual utility as special teams players thanks to their athleticism and willingness to be physical. They also play positions that have relatively high attrition, so having a deep depth chart can be crucial to getting through the off-season program.
Former Idaho Vandals safety Tommy McCormick is an intriguing option who could be a player to watch through the spring and summer.
What does he bring?
McCormick is thoroughly under the radar, but he has a very intriguing blend of size, athleticism, and production.
He has good size for the position at 6-foot, 211 pounds, while also running a 4.56-second 40-yard dash (unofficial) at the Idaho pro day. His 36-inch vertical and 10-foot-1 broad jump were solid as well, while his 23 reps at 225 is very impressive. He primarily played a safety role in the tape viewed, and that’s probably his best position at the NFL level.
McCormick has the range to play as a split field safety in a Cover 2 or Cover 4 shell. He has solid awareness and movement skills for coverage zones, and generally takes smart angles to the ball once he diagnoses the play. He also has the play strength and competitive toughness to play closer to the line of scrimmage as a strong safety or even as a STAR safety/linebacker.
McCormick was also renowned for his ball skills at Idaho, and was nicknamed “Turnover Tommy” for his habit of creating game-changing plays. He had four passes defensed and three interceptions (one returned for a touchdown) his final year at Idaho.
He commits hard and fast once he triggers downhill, and consistently takes smart angles to the football. McCormick is a willing hitter and appears to be a good form tackler. He makes a point of wrapping up and driving through the ball carrier when he arrives, limiting yards after contact.
Can he stick?
Each of the Giants’ undrafted defensive backs have their work cut out for them making the final roster. The Giants have built a very young secondary that could be among the most deep and talented in the NFL.
The Giants could have all of their undrafted DBs and several veterans all fighting for one roster spot — if that.
McCormick will need to establish that he’s a dependable option first and foremost — able to consistently do the dirty work in run defense and on special tames. From there, he could make some real waves if he’s able to do so as well as show off the knack for creating big plays that earned him his nickname.