Su'a Cravens Could Be Ideal Fit For New York Giants' Defense

There are few prospects as intriguing in the 2016 NFL Draft as USC safety/linebacker Su’a Cravens. There is no questioning his ability, but teams are wondering where he would play in the NFL. One team that could show an interest is the New York Giants who could target him in the second round.

The Giants need help at linebacker and safety. While in college, Cravens didn’t line up much deep at safety but played a sort of hybrid position that the Giants have used in the past, specifically with Deon Grant as a safety playing linebacker.

While at USC, Cravens had nine interceptions and 16 passes defensed. He would excel covering most tight ends in the NFL but might have issues with slot receivers. He combines good instincts with a love of being physical and the ability to be in the correct position. He is willing to engage ball carriers all over the field. Cravens was strong against the run with a lot of experience lining up in the box, and he’s also shown an ability to blitz off the edge where he recorded 10.5 sacks the last two years.

The Giants’ defense finished last in the NFL last year, and while they have spent a lot in free agency, they could still use some impact players. Cravens has the potential to be an impact player, especially in Steve Spagnuolo’s defense. Cravens’ size, 6-foot and 226 pounds, isn’t ideal for a linebacker, but it isn’t bad for a safety though not ideal there either. With the Giants, Cravens could be a versatile weapon who lines up at linebacker or safety or even corner at times. He ran a 4.52 40-yard dash so the speed is there, and as long as he works on keeping his hips fluid in coverage, he could potentially line up all over the field as the situation dictates.

There is a very good chance that Cravens will be there when the Giants pick in the second round. He could very well be a perfect fit for the defense and add that extra wrinkle it needs. GM Jerry Reese needs to come away from this draft with several players ready to play right away. Cravens would be able to step in from day one and get better as the year wears on, like Landon Collins last year. It should be noted that Cravens has drawn several comparisons to Collins, so that is right up the Giants’ alley.