When the New York Giants traded back up into the first round to select Georgia cornerback DeAndre Baker in the 2019 NFL Draft, many believed they were getting a plug-and-play starter.
To some degree, they did. Baker earned the team’s starting job, but to say his NFL career got off to a rough start would be an understatement.
Baker looked over-matched and disinterested for the first half of his rookie season, there were reports that he had been called out by his teammates and some additional reports suggesting he fell asleep during team meetings.
However, as the season wore on, Baker got more comfortable and rounded into shape. His play on the field improved, he became more attentive in meetings and he shoulder responsibility for his earlier struggles.
Despite the rough and tumble nature of Baker’s first season, Georgia head coach Kirby Smart still believes the young cornerback can become one of the NFL’s best.
“I think that’s a par to growing up,” Smart told the New York Post. “I’ll say this, there’s not many rookie corners that aren’t going to struggle in that league. It’s not like they’re giving out Rookie of the Year to corners real often. Because when you’re doing your job, you don’t get a lot of credit, and when you’re not doing your job, you’re a sieve. So it’s usually going to go to a pass rusher or a linebacker who can put great statistics up there.
“When you’re on the back end you’re the last line of defense so that’s what everybody sees. Those three corners who were picked [in the first round this year], they’ll probably be the same way. They’re going to be under the limelight a lot more. I know DeAndre will get better and he’ll keep working at it.”
The Giants went out and signed veteran cornerback James Bradberry in free agency, nabbed Dravon Askew-Henry from the XFL and selected Darnay Holmes in Round 4 of the 2020 NFL Draft, but despite the influx of talent and all that remains on the roster, Baker should still start across from Bradberry this season.
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