NFL training camp begins at the end of July, which means players across the league are getting their final offseason work done before the real work of trying to make the roster begins.
For some players, this season is what some might call “make or break,” meaning they need to have a productive year or they could look for employment elsewhere at the end of the 2024-25 campaign.
We will highlight these players for the Giantscontinuing today with the cornerback Cor’Dale Flott.
2023 Statistics
– 14 games (seven matches)
– 36 tackles and one forced fumble
– Five pass breakups and one interception
Why make or break?
The Giants were widely expected to re-sign Adoree’ Jacksonuse a high pick on a potential starting cornerback or sign one in free agency, but they chose not to do either of those things, suggesting Flott would have a chance to start in 2024.
Although Flott has played primarily in the slot during his first two seasons, he will be moving outside. The third-year player has made 13 starts over the past two seasons but has never been a full-time player, playing more than 75 percent of snaps just once in 2022 and once again last year.
The coaching staff is insisting that Flott is talented enough to make that move and that he is having an excellent off-season so far. If he ends up starting, the Giants will have the youngest starting cornerback duo in the NFL with the 23-year-old Deonte Banks entering his second year as the unquestioned number one on the other side.
The Giants drafted Dr. Phillips in the third round, but has already confirmed that he will compete for a place in the position. The other main candidates for a starting role abroad are the versatile Nick McCloudwhich appears ready to continue in a utility role, and Three Hawkins, who began 2023 as a rookie starter but looked overmatched and soon fell out of favor. Veteran Three Herndon was also recently added, but he is another player who could be on the list for a slot role.
What will break this?
Entering the season with Flott as Plan A at the cornerback position seems a little unwise from the Giants’ perspective because he is completely unproven and has no experience playing outfield at the pro level.
While they clearly believe in him and are pleased with his progress thus far, Flott had some negative plays during offseason workouts, with a first-round pick Malik Nabers beating him in a series of big plays.
Flott also doesn’t have ideal size for the position and it’s a gamble to assume he’ll be able to stay healthy all season if he’s playing full-time for the first time. Apparently he is trying to add weight, but will need to be careful not to compromise his speed and agility in doing so.
What will happen?
One of the reasons Flott was hired for the job last year was because he wasn’t really an ideal fit as a boundary corner within the then-defensive coordinator. Wink Martindale, which requires cornerbacks to physically cover the press. Now this Shane Bowen is DC, Flott no longer fits in the slot because Bowen relies on his slot corner to get into the box and contribute against the run. That’s not Flott’s strong point because he lacks size and is an inconsistent defender.
He should therefore be a better fit on the outside of the offense, which is where some within the Giants organization felt he should have been all along, regardless of the defensive scheme. So there is high hope that the former fourth-round pick calms down and starts realizing his potential.
From a roster construction standpoint, you want young players to step up and establish themselves as affordable starters, and the Giants are confident they won’t anoint Flott prematurely. He will need to repay the faith shown in him, because if he doesn’t, he will soon become a player that teams look to exploit and fans label as a scapegoat.
