The New York Giants didn’t need a cornerback in this year’s NFL Draft after drafting four last year and signing James Bradberry in free agency. But sometimes in the draft, a player comes along that you can’t pass on.
UCLA cornerback Darnay Holmes appears to be one of those players.
Holmes (5″10″, 198) is considered the best nickel corner in this draft class by NFL.com analyst Bucky Brooks.
The best nickel corner in the 2020 class possesses a unique set of skills that should enable him to shine immediately in the league. Holmes’ combination of speed, agility, intelligence, competitiveness and toughness are ideal for the slot corner position, which is viewed as the 12th starting spot on defenses in today’s game. The UCLA product has the capacity to cover shifty receivers in tight quarters and also understands how to maintain his leverage, to maximize the help available to him from linebackers and safeties. Holmes’ high football IQ and his overall awareness of coverage would make him ideally suited for the slot corner role in a multi-faceted scheme that demands a lot from the nickel back. Given Holmes’ toughness, tackling and competitive spirit, the move inside could help him become a game-changer at the next level.
Pro Football Focus likes the selection of Holmes as well.
This is a really good move by the New York Giants, and it continues their fantastic draft. Darnay Holmes had a down year in 2019, seeing his PFF coverage grade drop from 80.3 in 2018 to 61.8, but he has the athleticism and tools you want at the position. Some of his high-end reps make him look like one of the top cornerbacks in the game. The only issue is that he was just so hot and cold. Holmes was 86th on the PFF Draft Board — the Giants got great value at a valuable position.
Where will Holmes play for the Giants? Likely in packages and in the slot. He played on the outside in college but his size will limit him to the slot and in the nickel.
“Holmes said his first exposure to slot CB was at the Senior Bowl and he loved it,” tweeted Giants beat reporter Dan Duggan. “That’s good because that’s likely his NFL home.”
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