For the first time since 1993, the Giants didn’t have a first-round pick in the NFL draft. But they’ve done well in the second round – Michael Strahan, Tiki Barber and Amani Toomer – and were hoping to get either a cornerback or defensive end. Yesterday they got both.
In second-round pick Corey Webster of LSU, they’re convinced they have not only another gem, but the best corner in the entire draft. And after choosing the national champ over Justin Tuck in the second round, Big Blue was stunned to see the Notre Dame defensive end fall right in their collective laps in Round 3.
The 5-11, 204-pound Webster – a former receiver – had a combined 14 picks as a sophomore and junior, All-American in both seasons. After a host of injuries as a senior caused him to fall to Big Blue with the 11th pick in the second round, he said he’s happy he stayed in school, and the Giants insist they got a steal.
Long before the Giants’ injury-riddled 6-10 season, coach Tom Coughlin has favored players who fight through injuries. After suffering through bruised ribs, a hip pointer, a right PCL sprain, a drop-foot injury, and a pulled hamstring, Webster starting in 10 of LSU’s 12 games showed his toughness, and his dazzling March 31 pro-day workout showed his health.
“When I left [his workout], I had my head down like there’s no way this guy will be there when we pick. The guy was spectacular,” said director of Player Personnel Jerry Reese. “If this kid comes out as a junior, he’s a Top 10 pick. I think he’s better than [No. 8 pick Antrel] Rolle, and he’s five inches taller than [No. 6 pick] Pac-Man [Jones]. We’re very fortunate to get the guy.”
No. 43 has been a fortunate spot, producing the likes of Corey Dillon, Julius Jones and Muhsin Muhammad, as well as Dan Dierdorf and QB Bernie Kosar, picked by Ernie Accorsi while in Cleveland.
“I stayed and it worked out for the best and now I’m with the Giants,” said Webster, represented by Jimmy Sexton. “[Coughlin] is a coach Nick Saban-type guy, because he demands excellence from you. He’s hard-nosed, gets after you, and wants the best out of his players.”
Webster suffered the PCL sprain in the opener against Oregon State, but missed just one game. That toughness – along with the fact that his size and speed will let him cover without being hindered by the rule changes – sold the Giants.
“The thing that Corey showed was the fact that he played hurt,” said Coughlin. “We had him ranked in the first round. If he fell into the second round, we’d be in a position to have a player who’d make a difference.”
With Will Allen entering the final year of his contract, Webster provides needed depth for now, and a successor in the future.
Strahan and Osi Umenyiora are the only experienced DEs; and with Strahan’s season-ending torn pectoral and Big Blue’s lack of depth, Tuck was a consideration in the second round. But Big Blue was stunned to see Notre Dame’s all-time sack leader (24½) fall to them at No. 74.
It made not having a first-round pick – the No. 12 selection that went to San Diego in the Eli Manning deal, and became Shawne Merriman – easier to take.
“Justin Tuck was part of our second-round discussion. We really helped our defense. Ends are hard to find,” said Accorsi. “I don’t feel pangs. Considering what we got, I didn’t feel that lustful of being at that position.”
DEFENSIVE PLAN
Second round (43rd overall)
COREY WEBSTER, CB, LSU
5-FOOT-11 3/4 , 204 POUNDS
* Three-time first-team All-SEC, two-time first-team All-American.
* Had seven interceptions as a sophomore, and had 25 pass deflections and seven interceptions in 2003 as a junior for the national champion Tigers.
* Twice named a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, given to the nation’s top defensive back.
* Played through a host of injuries as a senior, but missed just one game, starting 10 of LSU’s 12 contests
Third round (74th overall)
JUSTIN TUCK, DE, Notre Dame
6-foot-5, 268 pounds
* All-American Dream Team by NFL Draft report, and named team MVP, he’s a converted linebacker with 4.62 40 speed.
* Cousin of Ravens DE Adalius Thomas.
* He had a school-record 13 ½ sacks in 2003, with 73 tackles, three forced fumbles and 19 stops behind the line of scrimmage.