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New York Giants: Six First Round Targets in the 2022 NFL Draft

By Hunter Haas

Giants General Manager Joe Schoen and Giants new head coach, Brian Daboll pose for a photograph, in East Rutherford, NJ. Monday, January 31, 2022
Giants General Manager Joe Schoen and Giants new head coach, Brian Daboll pose for a photograph, in East Rutherford, NJ. Monday, January 31, 2022 /
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Mar 5, 2022; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Cincinnati defensive back Sauce Gardner (DB14) talks to the media during the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 5, 2022; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Cincinnati defensive back Sauce Gardner (DB14) talks to the media during the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Sauce Gardner, CB, Cincinnati

Sauce Gardner is the best cover corner in the entire draft. Gardner was not given much respect coming out of high school with only a couple years at cornerback under his belt. The Cincinnati Bearcats took a chance on the wide-receiver-turned-cornerback and it paid dividends for both party’s. Gardner is the most confident player that I’ve ever evaluated, and he isn’t shy about letting other teams know it too. The edge that he brings to the position is reminiscent of some of the best to ever do it.

Gardner actually performed better at the Combine than expected, cementing his status as CB1. The New York Giants are likely moving on from veteran James Bradberry, and Adoree’ Jackson has been up-and-down during his tenure with the Giants. Because of these factors, it makes sense for the team to look for a guy to lead the group for the foreseeable future. Gardner did not allow a single touchdown in his college career, and provides an immediate replacement once Bradberry is inevitably moved.

Kyle Hamilton, Safety, Notre Dame

The prospect that receives the most groans from Giants’ fans is Kyle Hamilton. The idea of drafting a safety this early is not something that I usually subscribe to. However, Kyle Hamilton is an exception in so many ways. He reportedly ran a slower-than-expected 40-yard dash, but none of those times are verified and it was rumored to be anywhere from 4.4 to 4.7. All I know is, he plays closer to 4.4 on tape. The ability to perform at either safety spot, as well as providing support as a defender in the box is exactly the type of versatility that teams’ look for these days.

Jeremy Chinn and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah are two examples of “position-less” defenders, and Hamilton is next in line. What makes Hamilton so special is the fact that he has no real weakness to speak of. Sure, he could be a bit better when given man coverage assignments, but a smart defensive coordinator will make sure to not put him in many of those situations. He oozes talent and is an infectious player, providing a spark to the team every practice of every week. It may not be a popular pick, but adding one of the best talents at a position of need is something that is going to be difficult to pass up.

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