The Giants spent much of the 2024 season mixing and matching in the secondary. There were some bright spots such as rookie nickel Dru Phillips and rookie safety Tyler Nubin, at least until an ankle injury sidelined him for the final month of his first year.
But when co-owner and team president John Mara expressed his displeasure in watching opponents “go up and down the field” against the Giants during his post-season address, much of that was a direct shot at the back end of the defense. Giants coach Brian Daboll has since fired defensive backs coach and pass game coordinator Jerome Henderson and safeties coach Mike Treier, so there’s a mandate to improve that position group, and in a big way.
Tae Banks’ regression in Year 2 has to be a significant fix going into this offseason.
So as the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, here are five cornerback prospects for team brass to consider as potential impact performers in addition to whatever upgrades the Giants can make in free agency:
Travis Hunter, Colorado
The Heisman Trophy winner was the most dynamic player in college football. Dane Brugler of The Athletic believes Hunter is by far the best cover guy in this class and commands attention for his skill set and size (6-foot-1, 185 pounds) at corner. Smart teams will put him on the boundary and sprinkle him in offensively at receiver in certain packages. If the quarterbacks are off the board, Hunter will be in the mix at No. 3.
Will Johnson, Michigan
If this were last season when Michigan rolled through college football to their national title, the 6-foot-2, 202-pound Johnson would have been a slam dunk contender for first non-QB chosen. He’s a potential lockdown corner, drawing comparisons to Broncos stud Patrick Surtain II last year if he were to reache his ceiling. A foot injury limited his availability this past season and there are questions. Pre-draft evaluation from a physical standpoint will now determine his floor as a prospect.
Benjamin Morrison, Notre Dame
![Notre Dame Fighting Irish cornerback Benjamin Morrison (20) intercepts a late second quarter pass intended for South Carolina Gamecocks wide receiver O'Mega Blake (89). The University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish took on the University of South Carolina Gamecocks in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl game in Jacksonville, Florida's TIAA Bank Field Friday, December 30, 2022. The first half ended with South Carolina holding a 24 to 17 lead. [Bob Self/Florida Times-Union]
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Syndication Florida Times Union](http://www.dailyrecord.com/gcdn/authoring/images/smg/2024/12/02/SMGW/76699583007-90-2243170.jpeg?width=660&height=535&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
There’s no arguing with Morrison’s production. In 31 games at Notre Dame, the 6-foot, 190-pound junior has recorded 84 total tackles, nine interceptions, and 18 pass breakups. He has also recorded five tackles for loss in his three seasons. But a hip injury in October ended Morrison’s season prematurely, and he missed out on Notre Dame’s entire run to the National Championship Game. If he’s healthy, Morrison should be a target early on Day 2.
Amos (6-foot-1, 190) is an incredible athlete and will likely blow the roof off the Combine if he participates. His ceiling will depend on the intricacies of having to cover the freaks in the NFL who take their game to the next level from a technical standpoint as well. The Alabama transfer is a versatile corner capable of playing in both man and zone coverage schemes, which could appeal to the Giants on Day 2.
Denzel Burke, Ohio State
Fresh off winning the national championship, Burke excels as a versatile defender who can play both press and off coverage. His physicality in run support shows up, which is appealing to the way the Giants want their defensive backs to play on the edge. He has good size (6-foot-1, 194) and length to become even more effective in the NFL.
