New York Giants got a UDFA steal in CB Grant Haley

The New York Giants started off their 2018 NFL Draft class with one Penn State star in Saquon Barkley, and may have a UDFA steal in PSU CB Grant Haley…

The New York Giants stopped taking trade calls for the second overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft because they had decided on Penn State running back Saquon Barkley as ‘their guy’.

After the draft’s conclusion, they agreed to a contract with undrafted free agent cornerback Grant Haley, who knows Barkley well.

Haley is a fellow former Penn State Nittany Lion, and could be the gem of the Giants’ undrafted free agent crop.

At the 2018 NFL Scouting Combine, Haley checked in at just 5-foot-9, 190 pounds, but he posted some freakish numbers in the drills and workouts, including a 4.44 second 40-yard dash and 15 bench press reps at that size.

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Perhaps the best number he posted was a wild 6.51 in the three-cone drill, showing off his short-area quickness.

I’m not sure why, but the NFL Draft continues to reflect a lack of emphasis on the nickel cornerback position, where I believe the All Big Ten honorable mention performer can make an impact at the next level.

I really like Haley’s ability to react and play the slot, as well as make some plays on the ball. He didn’t rack up a ton of interceptions at Penn State, but he showed he’s capable of doing some big things with the ball in his hands, becoming the first player to score a touchdown on a blocked field goal in Penn State history (vs. Ohio State).

The Giants have some question marks at the cornerback position going into this season, and they didn’t draft anyone in 2018 to try and rectify coverage issues on the back end.

Haley can come in and with his speed, he can make an instant impact on special teams but I could also see him cracking the rotation in nickel situations quickly.

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