The New York Giants surprised some folks when they selected LSU cornerback Cor’Dale Flott with the 81st overall pick in the Round 3 of this year’s NFL draft. Many experts felt it was a bit a reach as Flott was still considered a work in progress.
The Giants didn’t think so, and neither did many who played with — and against — Flott in college. One of those players was Kentucky wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson, who the Giants selected in the second round this year.
“There were a couple times I came over to the sideline to my coach, and I said, ‘It’s like [Flott] knows what I’m running a couple times,'” Robinson told Giants.com. “That was really the only guy I felt like that against.”
Flott’s coach was none other than former Giants cornerback Corey Raymomd. Raymond played three seasons for the Giants from 1992-94 before embarking on a long coaching career.
Raymond, who has moved on from LSU to Florida, told the Giants Huddle podcast that he was “trying to find another corner like Flott” and also had this to say about the 6-foot-1, 175 pounder from Saraland, Alabama.
“Him being a smart player allowed him to do different things,” said Raymond. “He picks up defenses well. He understands a lot of different things that are happening out there. He has great instincts. He has an understanding of the game. He has all those attributes that are going to help him.”
Raymond believes the Giants could reap some immediate benefits from Flott as a rookie since he played in the SEC, where the last three National Champions came out of.
“I think he’ll be able to do it just because of coming from the conference we’re playing in,” Raymond said. “He had the heart because he went against NFL guys in practice every day, plus every week [you’re playing against maybe] not a first-rounder but it’s a draftable guy. He’s been in the fire, and that’s what’s going to help him. He’ll be able to adjust to the speed of the game. It’ll get him going faster.”
The Giants apparently would like to use Flott in the slot to start but things are fluid heading into camp.
