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Giants' Draft Focus: Press Coverage & Versatility

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Thursday, February 19th 2026 at 19:11 GMT by Sports Illustrated
      Locales: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Missouri, New York, Ohio, UNITED STATES

Understanding the Giants' Needs & Wink Martindale's Scheme

Before diving into the specific players, it's crucial to understand what the Giants are looking for. Martindale is known for his aggressive, pressure-based defensive schemes, often utilizing blitzes and a variety of coverages. While he doesn't strictly adhere to one style, a press-man coverage approach has often been a cornerstone of his defenses. This requires cornerbacks who are physical at the line of scrimmage, capable of disrupting receivers' routes, and possessing the speed to stay with them deep. However, the Giants have also demonstrated a willingness to utilize zone coverage, particularly when disguising their intentions to confuse opposing quarterbacks. Therefore, versatility is key.

Jeremiah's Top 5 - A Closer Look

Here's a breakdown of Jeremiah's top five Day 2 cornerback prospects and how they might fit with the Giants:

1. Khyiris Tonga, Boise State (6'1", 195 lbs): Tonga stands out as a classic 'press corner.' His size and physicality allow him to jam receivers at the line, making it difficult for them to gain separation. Jeremiah acknowledges a slight lack of elite speed, but Tonga's ability to win early battles at the line and his developing ball skills are enticing. For the Giants, he could immediately step in and compete for a starting role, especially on the outside where his size would be particularly valuable. The question will be if his speed holds up against the faster receivers in the NFL.

2. Mekhi Garnett, Kansas (5'11", 185 lbs): Garnett presents a different profile. While undersized, he excels in zone coverage, showcasing impressive instincts and a knack for reading quarterbacks. His ability to anticipate throws and quickly break on the ball could make him a valuable asset in Martindale's ever-changing defensive schemes. He'd likely be a slot corner or a rotational piece early in his career, but his high football IQ could accelerate his development.

3. Deion Burks, Kentucky (6'0", 180 lbs): Burks offers the versatility the Giants seem to be prioritizing. He's comfortable in both man and zone coverage, and Jeremiah specifically praises his willingness to tackle - a critical trait for a corner in Martindale's system. He may not be elite in any one area, but his well-rounded skill set makes him a safe and potentially impactful pick.

4. Azgaire Antoine, Iowa (5'11", 190 lbs): Antoine is a cerebral player, possessing a high football IQ and a strong understanding of route concepts. He thrives in zone coverage, consistently putting himself in position to make plays. While perhaps not a flashy athlete, his consistency and reliability could appeal to the Giants, who are looking for players they can trust in coverage.

5. Jordan Hudson, Michigan (6'1", 195 lbs): Hudson provides a blend of size, athleticism, and ball skills. He's comfortable in both man and zone, and Jeremiah highlights his ability to make contested catches - a crucial trait in today's NFL. His physicality and ability to disrupt receivers make him an intriguing prospect with a high ceiling.

Beyond the Top 5: Depth and Value

While these five players represent Jeremiah's top choices, the 2026 draft class is expected to be deep at the cornerback position. The Giants will likely explore other options on Day 2 and potentially even Day 3, looking for players who can contribute on special teams or develop into starters over time. Finding value in the later rounds is critical for any successful rebuild.

The Giants' approach to the cornerback position in the 2026 NFL Draft will be closely watched. By focusing on Day 2 prospects, they could potentially address a significant need without sacrificing valuable draft capital. The players identified by Daniel Jeremiah offer a promising starting point for their search.