New York Giants' NFL Draft Plans Just Took a Drastic Turn

The New York Giants have a whole lot of needs heading into the NFL offseason, with holes at defensive tackle, cornerback, wide receiver and offensive line.

Unfortunately, the Giants currently only have two picks over the first two days of the NFL Draft this April, so they will have to choose very wisely.

Many have New York selecting Ohio State receiver Carnell Tate with the No. 5 overall pick, which makes sense considering Malik Nabers' health is in question heading into 2026, and Wan'Dale Robinson could walk via free agency.

But with the recent news that just surfaced regarding cornerback Cor'Dale Flott, the Giants may have to completely alter their strategy.

Flott, who is headed toward free agency himself, just hired a new agency in Athletes First, setting himself up for a potentially major pay day next month.

The 24-year-old is one of the top corners on the open market this year, and with New York having limited financial flexibility, it may not be able to retain him.

Big Blue's secondary was shaky with Flott in tow, so if he departs, you might as well break the emergency glass if you're the Giants.

In the event that Flott leaves, New York will have almost no choice but to select a cornerback in the first round of the draft.

The problem is that, as of right now, there are probably no corners worth selecting within the top five.

LSU's Mansoor Delane, Tennessee's Jermod McCoy and Clemson's Avieon Terrell are generally viewed as the top three cornerbacks in this year's class, but all of them come with caveats that makes taking any of them at No. 5 very risky.

In that case, the Giants should aim to do whatever they can to trade down. That way, they can add more draft capital and more comfortably select a cornerback a bit later on in the first round.

Of course, the Scouting Combine could change a lot of things. If McCoy, for example, has a terrific showing in Indianapolis after missing all of 2025 with a torn ACL, you might see his name surge into the top five. In that case, New York may pull the trigger.

A whole lot can change over the next couple of months. Heck, maybe the Giants will re-sign Flott and all of this will be rendered moot.

But if Flott does bolt the Big Apple, there is no doubt New York will have to answer by nabbing a cornerback very early in the draft this spring.

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