The New York Giants should already be targeting this player in the 2027 NFL Draft.
It's never too early for NFL Draft talk, and with the New York Giants' playoff chances likely being finished now that Jaxson Dart is out for the season, it's now even more appropriate to start discussing some scenarios.
The Giants definitely did a fine job plugging some holes last offseason, filling needs along the offensive line as well as the linebacking corps. Netting wide receiver Malachi Fields as a potential No. 2 to Malik Nabers was also significant.
But New York still has some clear problem areas, and one of them is at cornerback.
The Giants did select Colton Hood in the second round of the draft last April, but they need more than just Hood at the position.
New York signed Greg Newsome II to a one-year deal in free agency, and Deonte Banks is in the final year of his rookie contract. It's also worth noting that Paulson Adebo will be a cut candidate at season's end. All three players could be gone at the end of 2026.
The Giants can utilize some of their cap space to sign another corner on the free-agent market, but they should also be looking at poaching an elite one in the draft.
That's where Mississippi State's Kelley Jones comes into the picture.
We've discussed Jones here before, but with the Bulldogs suddenly establishing themselves as one of the top 25 teams in the country this season, Jones' name is now becoming more prominent.
At 6-foot-4, 205 pounds, Jones possesses unusual size for the position. And what makes him even more unique is the fact that he also has incredible athleticism and fluidity.
Many times, bigger cornerbacks have difficulty with being too upright and not being able to move their hips well enough, but Jones does not seem to have those issues.
Jones is also very physical in press coverage, which should allow him to fit seamlessly into Dennard Wilson's scheme.
The general consensus is that Leonard Moore, Ellis Robinson IV and Zabien Brown are the three top cornerbacks in the 2027 draft class, but I actually believe Jones has the highest ceiling of any of them.
It's not like Jones isn't facing strong competition, either. He's playing in the SEC, so he should be ready for the physicality and the explosiveness of receivers on the NFL level.
New York should absolutely be aiming to nab a cornerback in the first round of the draft next April, and Jones should be its top target.
