Giants: 3 free agents who could alter 2021 NFL Draft plans
By Felix Davila
Cornerback Xavier Rhodes
The Giants hit a home run when they signed James Bradberry IV in free agency last season, but can lightning strike twice for Big Blue? Opposite of Bradberry on the field was a revolving door of starters, signaling the Giants’ drastic need for a complementary boundary cornerback. That is where a veteran like Xavier Rhodes could be a perfect fit.
Drafted 25th overall by the Minnesota Vikings in 2013, Rhodes put together a very solid career up north before a very poor 2019 season put a damper on his free agency prospects. The Vikings decided to let him walk with the Indianapolis Colts picking him up as a one year rental this season. In a playoff season, Rhodes helped reinvigorate his value as a contributor on defense.
Allowing just an average 35 yards per game and a solid 51.9% completion rate, Rhodes showed he can be a solid man cover corner once again, while handling zone responsibilities when called for. He is a great tackler and plays hard, things that the Giants look for on defense. But what makes the Giants a great spot for Rhodes is that he would not have to be the top corner. Bradberry showed he can handle some of the best receivers in the league, giving Rhodes the secondary option on opposing offenses. In addition, the quality safety group the Giants possess definitely appeals to a corner looking to join a stud secondary.
Contractually, Rhodes would not be one of the more expensive corners. At 31 years old, plus some underwhelming 2018 and 2019 seasons, his money demands should not reach the top of the market with guys like Mike Hilton or even Patrick Peterson. But he is a scheme fit, presents a balanced game and brings veteran experience to secondary that is young, outside of Bradberry and Logan Ryan.
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Adding a veteran like Rhodes next to Bradberry gives the Giants a strong veteran tandem with Darnay Holmes in the slot, allowing the Giants to avoid cornerback in the first round and looking on Day 2 for that position instead.