The New York Giants continued their quest to add talent and depth to the secondary when they selected Kentucky cornerback Andru Phillips in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
After taking Minnesota safety Tyler Nubin in the second round, a pick that was met with rave reviews, general manager Joe Schoen pulled the trigger on another defensive back. This time, it was to add some quality depth opposite Deonte Banks.
Phillips is an interesting prospect. He’s an elite athlete having posted a 4.48 in the 40-yard dash to go along with an insane 42-inch vertical and 11-foot-3-inch broad jump. He’s extremely physical and competitive with the versatility to play on the boundary and in the slot.
MORE: Giants’ remaining NFL Draft picks entering Day 3
The ball production wasn’t all there, though. During his time at Kentucky, he recorded 10 passes defensed and failed to log an interception. He has some development ahead, but the Giants took a swing on a prospect with plenty of upside.
For the most part, the experts around the league agree with that notion.
Giants NFL Draft grades
Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News: C
The Giants reach quite a bit for some coverage help as Phillips is regulated more to short-area and run-supporting work inside.
Pro Football Focus: Good
The Giants drafted Deonte Banks in the first round of last year’s draft and now add more youth to that group early in the third round this year. His career-best 23 defensive stops led all SEC cornerbacks in 2023, and his 72.9 PFF coverage grade was also the best mark of his career.
Charles McDonald, Yahoo Sports: C+
Good depth here for the Giants at cornerback. It’s never a bad idea to add cornerbacks and now the Giants have two defensive backs added at this point in the draft.
Brent Sobleski, Bleacher Report: C
Deonte Banks will man one of the Giants’ cornerback spots, but the rest are up for grabs. Phillips is raw and needs a lot of technical refinement, but his fluidness and explosive traits can’t be taught.
The Athletic: A
One of the most versatile corners in the draft, Phillips can play inside or outside — and even safety, if need be. A very physical, hyper-competitive player who will find a way to get on the field immediately, Phillips boasts a 42-inch vertical and plays with terrific speed. He’s also a very mature youngster from a high-achieving family. An easy favorite among the Day 2 cornerbacks.
Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA TODAY: B
Big Blue’s remaking of its secondary is a point of emphasis on Day 2, with Phillips following second-round safety Tyler Nubin. Phillips might need to be played inside exclusively to avoid unfavorable matchups against bigger targets, but he’s not afraid to get physical with receives.
