The New York Giants Might Have 2023’s Tariq Woolen

Getting the above praise from his coaches will only boost a young players confidence to go out there and perform at the highest level possible. No player is more on an island than a cornerback in the NFL, and having that confidence to be able to cover the opposing wide receiver week in and week out will pay dividends to himself, but more importantly, the team. With their first-round pick in this year’s draft, the Giants selected cornerback Deonte Banks out of Maryland. This now leaves two rookie cornerbacks in their starting defense, prompting veteran starting cornerback Adoree Jackson to move inside to the slot corner position.

The Level of Competition Argument is Null

Tariq Woolen slid down to the 5th round in the 2022 NFL Draft for a few reasons. One of them was that he was relatively raw and new to the cornerback position and needed seasoning. The other reason was the level of competition he played at in the American Athletic Conference at UTSA. Woolen quickly proved that he belonged among the best young cornerbacks in the league. Level of competition aside, that looks like a top-five player out of the SEC that had no business dropping into the 5th round. The movements, reactions, and point of attack are on full display in those reps. Simply put, don’t target him.

Hawkins, while not new to the position, faces similar questions regarding the level of competition he played at. Old Dominion University is not known to produce elite NFL talent, so the jump to the NFL remains steep for a day three pick. Judging by his latest game, he was a blanket on every wide receiver he covered, much like Woolen showed in his debut campaign.

The Schedule Is Not Friendly

It will be baptism by fire for the small school kid trying to make a name for himself in the league. The lineup of wide receivers that Tre Hawkins III will be asked to cover in the first few weeks of the season isn’t a walk in the park by any stretch. The likes of Brandin Cooks, Rondale Moore, Deebo Samuel, Tyler Lockett, Jaylen Waddle, etc. all present different and unique challenges for the rookie sixth rounder. Hawkins III has the opportunity in front of him to be as impactful as Tariq Woolen was in his first season. Only time will tell.