The New York Giants may have gotten themselves another draft steal in Houston defensive back Gervarrius Owens, who they selected in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL draft.
Owens was projected to be a mid-round pick by many draft analysts, and like many others in this business, inexplicably fell through the cracks.
The Giants are getting a productive, versatile player with a positive attitude who will give his all for his new team. Owens told reporters this past weekend at the team’s rookie minicamp what they can expect from him.
“Somebody that’s willing to come in from day one, a hardhat guy and do the work every single day, making corrections, cleaning up footwork and things like that,” he said. “Just learning the defense and stuff and just getting everybody ready.”
Owens is one of three defensive backs the Giants selected in this draft. He and the other two, cornerbacks Deonte Banks and Trey Hawkins, have bonded already.
“You dream of this moment so long, then it hits you. Like the first day, me, Banks and Trey Hawkins running out to the field like, man, it’s time, we’re really here. Just trying to soak everything in, but at the same time everything is so fresh, so it’s just kind of all over the place,” he said.
“The first day was definitely a blessing. Got in, got some good work together, so kind of just getting acclimated to everything, but it’s a blessing. That’s all I can really say.”
Owens also has a connection to the Giants. One of his teammates down in Houston was Trent McGaughey, son of Giants special teams coordinator Thomas.
Owens said he met with the elder McGaughey during the weekend.
“He came over there after practice and talked to me, just letting me know everything. But yeah, his son, Trent, is one of our tight ends at Houston, definitely good people, too. But yeah, Coach came over there, spoke to me. He told me he played safety, too, at Houston, so yeah, I’m going to definitely be talking to him a lot,” Owens said.
Owens also mentioned that he would be available for all roles including special teams.
“I played a lot of kickoff and punt and then PBR, as well, and it just kind of kept on with those things. Definitely got some — able to play every special teams role, whatever they need me to do,” he said.
