NFL Tickets
The New York Giants have spent a lot of money trying to improve their league-worst defense. Olivier Vernon, Damon Harrison, Janoris Jenkins and Keenan Robinson are in, while Jason Pierre-Paul and Jasper Brinkley were brought back. But the Giants still have work to do, and they are bringing in free agent cornerback Jerraud Powers for a visit on Thursday.
Powers isn’t a household name, but he is a solid veteran with 82 starts over seven seasons for the Indianapolis Colts and Arizona Cardinals. He started 13 games for the Cardinals last year. Those three missed starts are the only games he has missed over the last three years in Arizona.
While Jenkins will replace the departed Prince Amukamara, the Giants do need another corner. Jayron Hosley won’t be back and Powers is a big upgrade over Hosley at this point. Powers would line up in the slot, where he is actually one of the best in the NFL.
In 2014, Powers led the NFL in slot targets with 75. He allowed 47 catches for 548 yards and one touchdown while picking off three passes. Former defensive coordinator Todd Bowles used Powers all over the field in 2014, and Powers was once again used as an outside corner and slot corner last season.
He is better in the slot. As a mostly outside corner last year he graded just under 50 percent according to Pro Football Focus and was ranked the 79th best corner in the NFL. The Giants would use Powers as their nickel or slot corner. They already have Jenkins and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie as their starters. Powers would be an outstanding depth piece who can play multiple positions in the defensive backfield and is among the better corners doing what he would be asked to do on the Giants.
Previously, the Giants had shown interest in Patrick Robinson, so their desire to add another corner is known. Powers would be a solid addition to the Giants’ defensive backfield.
Share 
